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Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year

BSc (Hons) Psychology

1. Programme Details

Programme name	BSc (Hons) Psychology	Programme code	UFS3PSYPSY01
Study mode(s)	Full Time	Academic year	2023/4
Campus(es)	Streatham (Exeter)	NQF Level of the Final Award	6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

Psychologists are interested in why we do things, how we do them and how we relate to others as well as to the world at large. As a result, Psychology plays an important role in drawing together techniques, theories, findings and professional practice from several areas of expertise to address complex and socially and economically important questions about behaviour. Psychologists study people at all stages in their lives from birth to old-age, assessing how people perceive the physical and social world around them, how they think and use ideas, how they vary in intelligence and personality and how they are influenced by particular environments such as work, school and family. Psychology is the systematic and scientific study of behaviour and experience. As such it has a wide range of applications, such as in industry and commerce, in education and in health and social services.

Based in the Washington-Singer Laboratories on Exeter’s Streatham campus, The Department of Psychology is an expanding centre for academic teaching and research, committed to providing its staff and students with a friendly and stimulating intellectual environment. We are one of the UK's top Psychology departments, providing high-quality undergraduate programmes for intelligent and highly-motivated people, whatever their background. Our teaching staff are recognised internationally for their academic excellence and world-leading research investigating mood disorders, human cognition, animal behaviour, and social, environmental and organisational psychology.

Our BSc Honours Psychology degree has been designed to be stimulating, flexible and relevant to the needs of a career in psychology, with a strong reputation for intellectual rigour, academic excellence and practical value. The degree provides a solid grounding in all major areas of psychology and our teaching is inspired and informed by our internationally-rated research. Our graduates are widely recognised as being thoroughly prepared for employment or for entry into postgraduate research and professional training courses, and the programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society for Graduate Membership and Graduate Basis for Registration.

We encourage you to engage with our postgraduate students and you will also benefit from the establishment of the Mood Disorders Centre, funded by the Wellcome Foundation, a variety of neuropsychological testing laboratories, including TMS, EEG and eye-tracking, and a diverse range of multi-disciplinary research collaborations with research centres based in other areas of the University, such as the College of Medicine and Health, the Business School and the Law School.

A Psychology degree from the University of Exeter could be your first step towards becoming a professional psychologist, e.g., a clinical, educational, or occupational psychologist (although entry into all these professions also requires postgraduate training). It will also give you valuable academic, personal and professional skills that can be used in a variety of sectors such as education, business, health and the media. Our programme is designed to provide a fantastic platform for many future career paths.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

We aim to promote the values described by McGovern et al (2010), providing an intellectual environment that allows you to develop into, ‘critical scientific thinkers and ethical and socially responsible participants in their communities’ (p.10).

Specifically, the aims of the undergraduate Psychology programme are:

• To provide an education of high quality in a stimulating and supportive environment that is enriched by research and/or current practice in the discipline;
• To provide training in scientific skills of problem analysis, research design, evaluation of empirical evidence and dissemination;
• To provide a range of academic and key skills that will prepare you confidently for employment, future study, or training for professional practice;

Additional aims specific to this programme are:

• To provide a thorough grounding in a range of skills, including statistical analysis and research design and methodology, necessary to satisfy the criteria for accreditation as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Registration under the scheme administered by the British Psychological Society
• To promote specialist capabilities in specific areas of psychology congruent with the research focus of the College.

In doing so, we aim to encourage you to develop into individuals who, on graduation, will:

• Have a well-defined vocabulary and basic knowledge of the critical subject matter of Psychology
• Value the intellectual challenges required to use scientific thinking and the disciplined analysis of information to evaluate alternative courses of action
• Take a creative and amiable sceptic approach to problem solving
• Apply psychological principles to personal, social and organisational issues in work, relationships and the broader community
• Act ethically
• Be competent in using and evaluating information technology
• Communicate effectively in different modes and with many different audiences
• Recognise, understand and foster respect for diversity
• Be insightful and reflective about your own and other’s behaviour and mental processes

4. Programme Structure

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

www.exeter.ac.uk/psychology/currentstudents/modules/ug/

You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.

You may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme in Stage 1 as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.

You are also permitted to take the five-credit module PSY3910 Professional Development Experience. Registration on this module is subject to a competitive application process. If taken, this module will not count towards progression or award calculation.

Stage 1

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90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules

^a Additionally the written Statistics examination component of PSY1205 must also be passed at 40%.

Compulsory Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
PSY1202	Introduction to Biological Psychology	15	No
PSY1203	Introduction to Social Psychology	15	No
PSY1204	Introduction to Clinical Psychology	15	No
PSY1205	Introduction to Statistics [See note a above]	15	Yes
PSY1206	Introduction to Research Methods	15	No
PSY1207	Cognition, Emotion and Development	15	No

Optional Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
PSY S1 BSc-MSci-BA Psy-App Psy opt 2021/2
PSY1105	Introduction to Behaviour and Evolution	15	No
PSY1126	Classic Studies in Psychology	15	No
PSY1208	Workplace Learning	15	No

Stage 2

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90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules (in stage 2 you must take one practical module per term. You are required to take either one social or one cognitive practical. You cannot take two cognitive practicals, two animal behaviour practicals or more than one social practical.)

Compulsory Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
PSY2203	Social Psychology II	15	No
PSY2205	Personality and Individual Differences	15	No
PSY2206	Methods and Statistics in Psychology II	15	Yes
PSY2303	Cognition and Emotion	15	No
PSY2304	Biological Basis of Behaviour	15	No
PSY2306	Development Psychology and Psychopathology	15	No

Optional Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
PSY S2 BSc-MSci Psy-App Psy opt 2021/2
PSY2209	Cognition Practical I	15	No
PSY2210	Social Practical I	15	No
PSY2212	Cognition Practical II	15	No
PSY2213	Social Practical II	15	No
PSY2214	Observations and Experiments in Animal Behaviour	15	No
PSY2216	Qualitative Methods and Interview Skills	15	No
PSY2217	Wild Behaviour	15	No
PSY2218	Social Practical III	15	No

Stage 3

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75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules

^b You must choose three 15-credit seminar modules in the series starting PSY3410. Seminars are arranged into three groups: Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3. The groupings may vary slightly from one year to the next and so prospective students should contact Psychology before making any firm decisions. You must take one seminar from each group and the three seminars cannot all be taken in the same term.

Compulsory Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
PSY3401	Psychology Research Project	45	Yes
PSY3402	Methods and Statistics in Psychology III	15	Yes
PSY3403	Contemporary Issues in Psychology	15	No

Optional Modules

Code	Module	Credits	Non-condonable?
PSY SF BSc-BA Psy S3 MSci Psy App - Group 1 2021/2 [See note b above]
PSY3411	Psychology and Law	15	No
PSY3412	The Psychology of Gender	15	No
PSY3416	Work and Organisational Psychology	15	No
PSY3432	The Moral Mind	15	No
PSY3443	The Social Psychology of Ageing and Ageism	15	No
PSY3424	Applied Social Psychology: Health, Environment and Society	15	No
PSY3439	Social Exclusion and Inclusion in Childhood and Adolescence	15	No
PSY3447	Solitude and Social Withdrawal across the Lifespan	15	No
PSY3452	Social and Affective Neuroscience	15	No
PSY3458	The Psychology of Inequality, Conflict and Social Change	15	No
LAW3169	Equality and Diversity at Work	15	No
PSY3464	The Psychology of Human-Animal Intergroup Relations	15	No
PSY3463	Violence against Women and Girls: Causes, Consequences and Interventions	15	No
PSY SF BSc-BA Psy S3 MSci App Psy - Group 2 2021/2 [See note b above]
PSY3417	The Associative Mind	15	No
PSY3418	Processes of Human Memory	15	No
PSY3419	Studying Cognition and Emotion with Brain Imaging	15	No
PSY3420	Brain Plasticity and Language Learning across the Lifespan	15	No
PSY3427	Compulsive Behaviour	15	No
PSY3431	Comparative Approaches in the Study of Brain and Behaviour	15	No
PSY3437	The Psychology of Addiction	15	No
PSY3444	Foundations of Human Behaviour	15	No
PSY3445	Mechanisms of Face Recognition	15	No
PSY3436	Neuropsychology of Ageing and Dementia	15	No
PSY3449	The Evolution of Social Behaviour	15	No
PSY3450	Philosophy of Mind	15	No
PSY3461	Neuroscience of Cognition and Behaviour	15	No
PSY SF BSc-BA Psy S3 MSci App Psy - Group 3 2021/2 [See note b above]
PSY3411	Psychology and Law	15	No
PSY3425	Cognitive Behavioural Approaches to Mood Disorders	15	No
PSY3426	Parental Psychiatric Disorders and Children's Development	15	No
PSY3446	Prevention Science in Developmental Psychopathology	15	No
PSY3448	Sleep and Psychology	15	No
PSY3451	Clinical Neuroscience: Brains, Drugs and Psychiatry	15	No
PSY3454	Lifecourse Influences on Behaviour and Cognition	15	No
PSY3455	Environmental Psychology	15	No
PSY3456	Cognitive Biases in Emotion and Psychopathology	15	No
PSY3457	The Psychology of Play	15	No
PSY3460	Health Neuroscience	15	No
PSY3462	Women's Reproductive Mental Health	15	No
NEU3003	Psychology Applied to Health	15	No

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6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:	Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
	...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):	...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:
1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge about a range of core subject areas as defined by the British Psychological Society, with in-depth specialisation at the forefront of the subject in certain areas 2. Apply a range of methodological skills, including a variety of statistical and research techniques, to carry out empirical research both individually and collectively 3. Apply skills of scientific writing in psychology, through a range of methods, at a level appropriate to an honours degree	ILO 1 is developed in Stages 1 and 2 of the programme through lectures and tutorials. In-depth specialisation is developed in Stage 3 via seminars and the dissertation (research project). ILOs 2 and 3 are developed throughout the programme, via practical classes, lectures, and the Stage 3 dissertation (research project). Independent study also forms a major part of the programme’s teaching and learning methods.	ILOs 1 and 3 are assessed by a combination of written examinations, and continuous assessment essays.

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:	Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
	...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):	...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:
4. Apply skills of scientific writing and presenting results. 5. Review and critically evaluate empirical evidence using a range of defined techniques 6. Illustrate an awareness of the wider ethical issues relating to the subject and its application. 7. Review and critically evaluate published work as well as your own work. 8. Plan, execute and present an independent and original project.	ILOS 4, 5, 6 and 8 are developed through Research Methods, Key Skills, and Statistics lectures, tutorials and practicals at Stage 1; through research practical modules at Stage 2, and through the research project at Stage 3. ILOs 4, 7 and 8 are also developed throughout the programme in lectures, seminars, and continuous assessment. Independent study and practice also forms a major part of our teaching and learning methods.	ILOs 4 and 7 are assessed by a combination of written examinations, and continuous assessment essays. ILOs 5, 6 and 8 are assessed via written examinations, practical reports, and the final project report

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:	Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
	...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):	...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:
9. Think independently, critically and creatively 10. Identify and solve complex problems confidently and flexibly 11. Use electronic information retrieval and management tools effectively; access information from a variety of sources 12. Interact effectively within a group 13. Manage yourself effectively including autonomy, time management, self-teaching, self-reflection, seeking and using feedback, personal responsibility, self-criticism	ILOs 9, 10 and 11 are developed through the process of acquiring subject knowledge and core academic skills (see A and B above). ILO 12 is developed through group discussions in academic tutorials, through working in groups in practicals, through pair work and an apprenticeship teaching model on the final research project. ILO 13 is developed through you progressing through a teaching programme that is gradually more self-managed, and the personal tutorial and Personal Development Planning system. Independent study and practice also forms a major part of our teaching and learning methods.	ILOs 9, 10 and 11 are assessed primarily through continuous assessment essays, practical reports, and the final project report. ILOs 12 and 13 are indirectly assessed – in the sense that where modules require development of these skills, it would be very difficult to achieve a good mark in the assessments without having developed such skills.

7. Programme Regulations

Programme-specific Progression Rules

To progress to Stage 2 of this programme you must pass the non-condonable module PSY1205 Introduction to Statistics. If you do not pass PSY1205 you will be transferred to the 3-year BA Psychological Studies programme. If you subsequently take and pass PSY2206 as an optional module on the BA in Psychological Studies programme, you would have the opportunity to transfer back onto the BSc Psychology programme.

To progress to Stage 3 of this programme you must pass the non-condonable module PSY2206 Methods and Statistics in Psychology II. If you do not pass PSY2206 you will be transferred to the 3-year BA Psychological Studies programme.

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

You will be allocated a personal tutor who will remain with them throughout the first and second year of the programme, where possible. Personal tutors are able to provide guidance and feedback on assessment performance, guidance in generic academic skills, and pastoral support. They are also able to refer students to more specialist support services, both within the College and elsewhere across the University. In the final year of the programme each student will be allocated a Research project supervisor, who will also act as personal tutor, providing academic, tutorial, and pastoral support.

You will have access to the computer cluster in the Washington-Singer Laboratories (when not in use for teaching or assessment purposes) along with the pay-per-print laser printer installed there. The University IT Services provide a range of central services, including open and training clusters of PCs available on a 24/7 basis. Network access is available from all rooms in the hall of residence on site.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(British Psychological Society (BPS). BPS accreditation confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, provided that the student passes their research project and achieves at least a Lower Second Class Honours degree, or its equivalent (i.e. an overall pass mark of at least 50% for conversion programmes). This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.