BSc (Hons) Psychology with International Foundation Year

Why study this subject?

Whether you’re simply fascinated by the human mind and why we behave in the way that we do, or you have your sights set on becoming a Clinical Psychologist, studying Psychology is a great choice.

Not only will you build a deep understanding of yourself and others that will help you in everyday life, you’ll also learn valuable skills that will attract any future employer. You’ll develop your analytical mind, nurture your own curiosity and understand human motivation making you a great leader and team player.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

Our teaching department is home to an incredible community of Psychology and Social Science students who can collaborate with you on projects, providing a rich supply of volunteers when you run your own experiments.

We pride ourselves on teaching practical skills wherever and whenever we can, meaning you'll always leave us feeling confident and prepared for your future. This hands-on approach will give you a sense of what it’s really like to work in the world of psychology, in whatever career you choose.

Our BSc (Hons) Psychology programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and is a recognised qualification by employers throughout the country. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) and from there you can even take steps towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

What facilities can I use?

You’ll take part in laboratory and computing workshops where you’ll have the practical use of software used by social scientists in the presentation of research data.

You’ll also have the opportunity to use our state-of-the-art observation laboratory to engage in the measurement of psycho-physiological responses using Biopac©. You’ll be able to measure the activity of the cardiovascular system, brain, autonomic nervous system and more. You’ll also have access to Tobii eye tracking equipment and HTC Vive, a virtual reality software, meaning you can push the boundaries and get creative with your research ideas.

Our library is packed with all the information you need for your assessments – you’ll have access to hundreds of specialist books, articles and online journals. Not to mention there’s plenty of room to knuckle down for some quiet study time.

We’ll also sign you up to our Virtual Learning Environment which means you’ll have access to lots of online resources wherever you are!

What will I study?

You’ll study the applications of psychology in a wide range of areas, including specific social problems in relation to crime, the workplace and mental health. Exploring theories posed by Freud and Jung through to developing your own original research, you’ll learn for yourself what really makes the mind tick.

Across your three years at BNU, you’ll study fascinating subject areas like developmental psychology, cognitive processes, biological psychology, positive psychology, health, business and organisational psychology, critical social psychology and conceptual and historical issues within psychology.

You’ll also get to grips with how to run your own experiments through our research skills and methods modules.

In your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to deep dive into a specialist area you’re really passionate about by completing an empirical dissertation. With the support and guidance of your personal tutor along with the facilities available to you here at BNU, the possibilities for this project are endless.

How will I be taught and assessed?

This course is offered as a four-year programme, including an initial Foundation Year. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate degree.

Through the course assessments you’ll gain key skills such as how to work in a team, give engaging presentations, write concise reports and analyse data effectively. In the final year of your studies, you’ll also choose from a range of applied and theoretical modules to really narrow your focus to the areas you feel especially passionate about.

You’ll be introduced to the core areas of psychology within the British Psychological Society Curriculum before moving on to explore more complex issues and theories throughout your time on the course.

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, classroom-based activities and workshops, independent learning methods and practical sessions. You’ll always be encouraged to think critically about the ideas you engage with on this course and you’ll be given the opportunity to explore and discuss those ideas with your tutors and fellow students.

Whilst studying with us, you’ll also be given the opportunity to hear from external speakers who can provide you with a deeper understanding of the subject from the perspective of their ‘real-life’ experience.

You’ll be assessed through a number of methods including poster presentations, essays and assignments, examinations, oral presentations, laboratory/research reports and an empirical dissertation in your final year.

Placements Plus

BNU is a Placements Plus university. So, whatever degree you do, you can be sure there’ll be plenty of industry-relevant opportunities on offer, to help you get into your chosen field.

We’ll also prepare you for work beforehand, with special skills for work training, further boosting your CV, and building skills employers will value. In recognition of the value we place on these skills we have incorporated this experience into your study time.

Placements Plus is all about helping you get some valuable experience under your belt while you’re a student, to increase your choices later, and help you get the graduate-level job you want.