Applied Psychology with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
Foundation year
Two Applied Psychology students roleplaying as therapist and patient.

The Applied Psychology with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) course aims to provide you with a solid grounding for building a career in psychology related disciplines.

Year of entry

Location

CU London (Dagenham, London)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

Course code

UCAS Code: C813

Start date

July 2023

How to apply
Open days
Download a prospectus
Contact us

Course overview

Psychology is the study of the mind and human behaviour. Applied psychology places particular emphasis on its application in real-life and clinical contexts. The Applied Psychology with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) course aims to provide you with a solid grounding for building a career in psychology related disciplines.

The strength of the course lies in preparing students, who are unable to follow the more traditional route onto a degree course in Applied Psychology.

  • Students who successfully complete their foundation year will then progress onto the Applied Psychology with BSc (Hons).
  • Vocational modules on the Applied Psychology BSc (Hons) element of the degree, allow you to understand how the key theories of psychology are applied in the professional context, and the course explores the use of psychology in areas such as health, education, sport, forensic, clinical and the law. This allows you to learn about psychology in practice from different perspectives. The opportunities to gain real world exposure will also be developed across the course through engagement with a variety of psychologists from different fields.

Why CU London

We offer a style of education which is flexible and designed to fit around your life, allowing you to benefit from a modern, forward-thinking higher education institution, reinforced by the quality and reputation of Coventry University. Wherever possible, we aim to provide career-focused courses, coupled with placement opportunities2 to help prepare you for the world of work. We are dedicated to making higher education accessible and enjoyable to everyone, so we keep our fees low and made it a policy to cover one module at a time, so you have the opportunity to study topics in-depth and give assignments your full attention before moving onto the next.

Accreditation and Professional Recognition

The Applied Psychology BSc (Hons) degree part of this course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies for the 2022/2023 intake1:

The British Psychological Society

The British Psychological Society

This degree programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society, meaning it meets the high quality standards required for education and training. Completion of this programme offers graduates a clear route to Society membership and the full range of benefits for professional development: services, publications, conferences, as well as networking and training opportunities.

How can we help?

How can we help?

Chat with an advisor now or leave a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

What you'll study

Applied psychology is the study of the mind and human behaviour with a particular emphasis on its application in real-life and clinical contexts. The foundation year aims to provide the skills and knowledge relevant for progression onto a degree in health, social work or social care in the statutory, voluntary or private sectors. It sets a foundation for your journey to employment, creating great opportunities in health promotion and health development sectors through addressing health inequalities and tackling the damaging effects of smoking, alcohol, drugs and poor nutrition, in line with contemporary government initiatives.

The degree part of your Applied Biosciences BSc (Hons) aims to provide you with an understanding of the disciplines found within psychology and an awareness of how these are used when working with clients. The core areas of psychology are incorporated at the appropriate levels, as stipulated by the British Psychological Society (BPS), so that you learn about the historical and philosophical contexts as well as the developmental, social, biological, cognitive and research methodologies in this field.

Focusing on health and social care, your foundation year is a common first year for other courses which could mean you will work alongside students doing similar courses to you which would widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You may also have the potential opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

This course shares a common foundation year with Health and Social Care with Foundation Year BA (Hons), Primary Education and Teaching Studies with Foundation Year BA (Hons) and Public Health and Community Studies with Foundation Year BA (Hons).

Modules

  • The module is aimed at creating a culture of careful learning and self-reflection, where you’ll be encouraged to recognise the strengths and weaknesses and take ownership of your development. You’ll be introduced to a range of skills that will aid you throughout the programme and further study, such as time management, cultural awareness, resource management and interpersonal skills.

    This module is designed so you can gain highly-regarded employment skills such as digital proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint etc.), team management, communication, planning skills and more, alongside lectures on ethics, health and safety and technical skills, so that you receive thorough, full-circle training.

    Compulsory

  • This introduction begins with exploration of health and social care services, roles and responsibilities of people working in this sector. You will understand the key influences that affect the provision and delivery of these services in UK contemporary society.

    This module also explores the role of multi-agency/disciplinary working, using real life situations to highlight the strengths and limitations of partnership working. A key part of working in health and social care is being able to assess the holistic needs of a service user and plan for their care using the care planning cycle. Concepts such as personalisation, empowerment, the Care Value Base, effective communication, equality and diversity, legislation, safeguarding and ethics will also be covered.

    Compulsory

  • This module provides you with knowledge of the life processes in the body. In this exciting module, you- will have the opportunity to undertake practical activities which require you to take measurements of the cardio-vascular system, the respiratory system and body temperature using non-invasive techniques.

    You will even investigate normal responses to routine variations in body functioning. Knowledge and understanding of the needs of service users, types of illness and disease is developed by exploring some of the more common disorders, their causes, symptoms and effects. Factors influencing changes in patterns of health and disease in a community are investigated and how the prevention of ill-health can reduce the occurrence of disease. Approaches and models used to achieve positive health in individuals are explored.

    Compulsory

  • A sociological module, this topic focuses on developing your critical awareness of the impact social factors has on the life chances of individuals and groups in society. You will complete analysis of demographic changes, patterns of behaviour and lifestyle highlights of social groups. The inequalities in life chances of social groups has been a major focus of governmental, national and local initiatives following the release of the Black Report in 1980. You will begin to understand how social care compliments and supports the wider healthcare agenda. You’ll study the concepts of relative and absolute poverty and the impact of this within society. There will also be an opportunity to investigate domestic violence and depravation.

    Compulsory

The second year introduces you to the fundamentals of psychology and its professional application, covering important theoretical and historical issues within the subject as well as notions of the self and identity and vital research techniques.

Students who successfully complete year two are eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Applied Psychology.

Modules

  • This module will introduce you to the significant conceptual and historical issues in psychology, taken from a range of theoretical and applied perspectives. We’ll explore the historical emergence of psychology in the 19th century and its development as an independent discipline, giving you an overview of the key concepts. Philosophical and social influences on the nature and practice of psychology are emphasised, in addition to introducing the current issues and debates in contemporary psychology.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to develop your understanding of both theory and research in developmental psychology and social psychology. We introduce key theories on human development as you examine how psychological processes and challenges change over the life span. The latter section introduces social psychology, the study of the psychological processes that operate when we interact with others and how we behave in groups. This aspect of the module will introduce you to the social and cultural influences on self and identity.

    Compulsory

  • Quantitative and qualitative methods of research are vital to progress in psychology.  You will be introduced to the fundamental principles of research design and procedures in data collection (e.g. interview, questionnaire, observation). You'll also learn the basic techniques used in data analysis and laboratory report writing as well as the possible ethical dilemmas that psychology researchers could face.

    Compulsory

  • This module will provide you with an introductory understanding of the various fields within psychology such as counselling, clinical, educational, forensic, occupational, sport, and health psychology. We introduce you to the role of psychologists in the wider community and organisational context, laying the foundation for further study as the course progresses.

    Compulsory

In the third year we introduce the notion of personalities and how effective it is to assess the individual. You will explore the brain, hormones, addiction, and engage with psychologists to learn how effective it is to apply theoretical psychology to real world examples. Year three also builds on research methods taught in year one so that you are prepared for your research project in the final year.

Students who successfully complete this year are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Applied Psychology.

Modules

  • In the field of psychology, the concept of individual differences is viewed as a cornerstone in modern psychology. It examines how people are similar, yet different in their thinking, feeling and behaviour. This module will cover the key concepts in individual and group differences, exploring the different theories and debates within personality and intelligence and the psychological measurement used in establishing individual difference, as well as the strengths and limitations of such psychometric measures.

    Compulsory

  • This module introduces the impact of biological processes on health and ill-health. You will study brain structure and function and the possible effects of brain chemicals and drugs on human behaviour alongside the biological bases of human and non-human animal behaviour, behavioural genetics, hormones and behaviour, neuroscience, typical and atypical neuropsychology. Addiction and the role the brain, nervous system and epigenetics play in this issue is also considered.

    Compulsory

  • You will examine the constraints of applying theory and laboratory principles to the real world and explore the use and application of psychological practice for individuals as well as groups and organisations, from a local, national and international perspective. Considerations will be made to the ethical, conceptual, cultural and historical aspects of psychology and the strengths and limitations of using psychological theory to answer real world questions. As a key part of the module, you will engage with psychologists in order to inform your assignment on your chosen area of applied psychology, and explore career paths while continuing to develop your skills and interests.

    Compulsory

  • This module focuses on advancing the methodological and statistical techniques taught in year one so that you are prepared for your research project in the final year, as well as developing aptitude with statistical analysis software packages. Expanding your knowledge and skills in the analysis and utilisation of quantitative and qualitative data is the primary focus, but ethical issues in psychology and integration across multiple perspectives are all thoroughly considered.

    Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur before your final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Modules

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

In the final year of the Applied Psychology BSc (Hons) degree, you will broaden your knowledge of group behaviour to include the workplace and sporting [need to check if sporting is correct] world. Using the lens of the Forensic Psychologist, you will design and carry out a small-scale experimental research study, and through the lens of the Educational Psychologist you will explore the processes involved in perception, learning and thinking. Therapy such as CBT and general mental health is also explored before entering the final section of the degree which comprises an extensive research project. Students who successfully complete this year are awarded a BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology.

Modules

  • This module develops an understanding of both theory and research in social and developmental psychology as used by Occupational Psychologists and Sport Psychologists, considering both social influences and developmental factors in these two areas. It will extend and improve knowledge of social and developmental theories by applying them to new situations such as the workplace and the sporting world, from understanding why bullying behaviour and aggression take place to analysing what creates a winning mentality and lifespan perspectives on such concepts.

    You will evaluate the role of group dynamics, social cohesion and lifespan theories of development in providing explanations for behaviour, while also prompting further questions to be asked. You will also be expected to critically reflect on your own behaviour in group situations and apply this understanding to the relevant vocational contexts in order to synthesise your theoretical and experiential learning.

    Compulsory

  • This module will explore cognitive psychology including attention, perception, learning, memory, thinking, problem solving, decision making, metacognition, language, consciousness and cognitive neuropsychology. It will examine information processing in both human and computing contexts, and also provide skills to evaluate task performance in a psychological context.

    You will design and carry out a small-scale experimental research study on memory retention using eyewitness evidence as a starting point. There will be a vocational focus on both Forensic Psychology and Educational Psychology in order to apply knowledge and understanding. Visual and memory processes will be considered from the perspective of Forensic Psychology, evaluating the reliability of eyewitness testimony. Thinking, reasoning and language use will be explored through the lens of an Educational Psychologist, as these processes are particularly relevant to the classroom.

    Compulsory

  • This module will introduce you to the work of the Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP), including the principles of CBT and the behaviour change models that provide the framework which support an integrated approach to the choice and delivery of the interventions that PWPs provide. We will also explore common mental health problems that are treated by the low-intensity wellbeing practitioner and learn to identify the main areas of concern relevant to the assessment undertaken. In doing so, you will be prepared for the opportunity to continue on to PWP training programmes.

    Compulsory

  • Research in Applied Psychology seeks to solve practical problems. This type of research plays an important role in solving everyday issues that often have an impact on life, health, work and overall well-being. This module will enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth research exploration and demonstrate the ability to use research and enquiry skills to collect, analyse and interpret relevant literature and data. You will be able to formulate novel research questions, and test these questions through the application of contemporary psychological methodologies and appropriate data-analytic procedures in order to find solutions to everyday problems.

    Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Your initial foundation year is focused on applied learning geared to high intensity teaching and study throughout the course. The delivery of course content is a blend of lectures, tutorials and online mediums.

After your foundation year, you will have the option to do either another three years full-time or another four-year sandwich course where you undertake a work placement or study year in a related field2.

Our teaching methods for the degree courses are varied depending on which course/modules you take, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of our students, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. We also operate an open-door policy, with additional availability via email and our current online learning platform, Aula.

Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end of year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model.

Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 20 contact hours per week each year (excluding placement year). Additionally, you will be expected to undertake up to 30 hours of self-directed study, depending on the demands of individual modules.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, CU may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), CU Coventry may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2022/2023 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

Assessment

During your foundation year, the learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

Assessment methods vary and include, practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which take place at the end of each six-week block. This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the degree selected or the module.

Course breakdown:

  • Coursework (all years)
  • Phased tests (foundation year)

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2022 entry.

40 UCAS tariff points. All Foundation courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C including Maths and English, and at least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you don’t fulfil the entry criteria your application may be considered on an individual basis, taking into account any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed. Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Chat with us

Are you eligible for the CU Support Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

CU Support Scheme

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Chat with us

Fees and funding

2022/23 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK 2022/23 fees - £6,800 per year
2023/24 fees - TBC  		 Not available
International 2022/23 fees - £15,300 per year
2023/24 fees - TBC  		 Not available

We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see the University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

You’ll be based in the spacious Civic Centre building, which provides an outstanding learning environment.

You will have access to our Library & Learning Services, which hosts multiple study areas and loanable laptops, fully-equipped seminar rooms and impressive IT suites. Our laboratories are home to industry-standard equipment, so that you learn using the same equipment as many industry professionals4.

Careers and opportunities

Studying psychology opens up a wealth of opportunity in a diverse and exciting range of fields that leads to vast employment potential. In 2018, the British Psychological Society stated there were over 750,000 people that worked in a psychology related role in the UK.

Through the analysis of psychology in real-life situations, you will develop key employability skills valued by employers. These include teamwork, independent working, presentation skills, role play, reflection and an ability to articulate complex ideas effectively. In this way, graduates are prepared for a future career in psychology as well as in other areas that require the many and varied skills that this course promotes.

On successful completion of the Applied Psychology with Foundation Year BSc (Hons), you will be able to:

  • Critically evaluate the discipline of psychology, with the ability to systematically review and synthesise psychological knowledge, recognise the diversity of psychological functioning and the global, historical and cultural context of human experience.
  • Structure and confidently articulate ideas and information to a range of different audiences, using professional standards and enterprise skills appropriate to the socio-cultural and global contexts and purpose of the communication.
  • Critically evaluate psychological research paradigms, a range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, and analyse data, culminating in the successful execution of a research project complying with established ethical standards.
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the applications of psychology and approach problem-solving in innovative and creative ways to explain and develop solutions to a range of real-world problems and global contexts.
  • Show a deep understanding and high level of competency in a range of transferable skills, including analysis and interpretation of statistical and other forms of data, digital literacy skills, communicating effectively through scientific argument and the effective sourcing and utilisation of ideas and evidence from a wide range of psychological and other scientific sources.
  • Critically reflect on and be self-aware of the achievement of personal and group objectives whilst developing introspection and autonomy in the application of learning.

Where our graduates work

On graduating, you will be well prepared for postgraduate study in the next step to becoming a chartered psychologist, as well as a researcher in psychology or for a career in an alternate field e.g. occupations within social and welfare settings, law and business, HR and marketing; or childcare, education and health professions. Depending which type of psychology you choose to research in your final year project, you should gain real insights into fields including law, health, business, education, counselling, sport and leisure and more.

The IAPT module also prepares you for further study to become Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners, for those who might develop an interest in counselling.

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

    1Accreditations

    Some of our degree courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Facilities are subject to availability. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2022/23 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that CU Group will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

You may also like

CU London (Dagenham, London) Two Health & Social Care students sat down with a tablet

Health & Social Care
CU London (Dagenham, London) Two Public Health students using an exercise bike for testing

Public Health & Community Studies

Your next steps

Student life
Accommodation
Fees and funding

Discover Uni stats