C800 BSc (Hons) Psychology (3 yrs)
The aim of our degree is to develop highly competent psychologists, with a selection of transferable skills.
Programme Overview
In the first year, we lay the foundations for understanding the basic principles of psychological theory, of the research methods and analysis that will be used, and introduce students to practical psychology experiments. We also require undergraduates to select two non-psychology options and encourage them to widen their perspectives with subjects they may not have tried previously, for example philosophy or oceanography.
Students will be cover material from each of the six key research areas of psychology: Clinical Psychology; Cognitive Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Health Psychology; Learning and Behaviour Analysis; and Social and Personality Psychology. Both research methods and practical tuition will be extended in preparation for the final year project.
The wide selection of optional modules offered in the final year allows students to specialise in whichever area of psychology they particularly enjoyed during the second year. These seminar courses are based upon individual reading and open discussion of up to date research.
All students must also choose a topic for a literature review and a research paper, which they complete under the supervision of a member of the School of Psychology. The research paper will be the culmination of three years research training and will constitute a valuable piece of psychological research, the best example of which will be presented a cash prize by the School.
To Apply
For more information about the course, contact Mrs Tina Birring, Admissions Secretary at the School of Psychology. Tel: +44 (0)23 8059 2619.
You should make your application through UCAS.
Accreditation
The BSc Psychology at the University of Southampton is recognised by the British Psychological Society, providing Graduate Basis for Registration.
Key facts
The first degree programme in the UK to receive unconditional accreditation from the British Psychological Society (2005)
Graduates are eligible for membership and registration with the British Psychological Society
Listed in the Guardian University Guide top twelve for 2011
The School of Psychology is one of the foremost research-led psychology centres in the UK, ranked eighth in the UK in the 2008 RAE
- This information is based on historical data and may have been aggregated. It is also subject to the University's disclaimer notice
Hannah Brown, Third year BSc Psychology student“I enjoyed the total learning experience provided within the School of Psychology. The engaging lecturers, the beautiful surroundings and excellent facilities all combined to make my time here very enjoyable.”
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Meet our students
Chloë Timms
“Moving to Southampton was a big step - the first time I have ever lived independently with the help of a carer. But I met some amazing friends and had wonderful flatmates in halls. Also my room at university gave me total independence, electric doors everywhere and the freedom to wander around campus and use accessible buses.”
Entry requirements
Typical entry requirements
GCSEs:
We look for a broad range of GCSE (or equivalent) subjects, including Mathematics at a minimum of Grade C.
A Levels:
Our current entry requirements are:
- AAB, or ABB with grade A in the Extended Project Qualification.
A mix of science and arts or social science subjects can be a good preparation. There are no compulsory subjects at A Level.
IB:
34 points, 17 at higher level
Other qualifications, including those from other countries
These are considered individually.
Selection process:
Intake: 150
Average applicants per place: 10
We aim to recruit motivated students with an excellent academic track record or relevant work experience who are capable of sustaining high levels of academic performance. The selection process includes:
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
- interview.
The School operates an equal opportunities policy. All applications are considered irrespective of age, sex, ethnic origin or disability.
Visit our International Office website or the NARIC website for further information on qualifications.
Modules
Typical course content
Our core themes are introduced in Year 1 and extended in Year 2. Opportunities for more advanced and independent study come in Year 3 with a choice of specialist seminar units, project and research paper topics. In addition to this, our Curriculum Innovation Programme offers our students the chance to take optional modules outside their core disciplines. This allows you to personalise your education, to develop new skills and knowledge for your future.
Year 1
In Year 1, you take 8 modules. They are defined as either core, compulsory, or option. You must take both core and compulsory modules. However you can choose option modules from an available list. In addition, you must pass (that is, get at least 40% in) each individual core module to progress to Year 2. In contrast, you need only get a qualifying mark (at least 25%) in any individual compulsory or any individual option module to progress to Year 2. Occasionally timetable clashes or other factors may preclude you taking a particular option from another school.
Note that the marks you obtain in Year 1 do not count towards your degree.
Semester One
Compulsory:
- PSYC1004
- Science of Psychology
- PSYC1005
- Thinking Psychologically
- PSYC1010
- Research Methods & Data Analysis 1
Optional:
Semester Two
Compulsory:
- PSYC1009
- Psychology of Social and Individual Wellbeing
- PSYC1011
- Research Methods & Data Analysis 2
- PSYC1012
- Empirical Studies
Optional:
- PSYC1014
- Psychology of Attractiveness
Year 2
In Year 2, you take eight modules. All these modules are defined as core and compulsory. This means that you must take all of them individually, and you must pass (that is, get at least 40% in) all of them individually in order to progress to Year 3. In each semester, three of the modules will be lecture-based, and one will be practical.
Note that the marks you obtain in Year 2 count one-third towards your degree (with Year 3 marks accounting for the remaining two-thirds).
Semester One
Compulsory:
- PSYC2003
- Social Psychology
- PSYC2005
- Individual Differences: Personality and Intelligence
- PSYC2019
- Research Methods & Data Analysis 3
- PSYC2021
- Language and Memory
Semester Two
Compulsory:
- PSYC2006
- Behavioural Neuroscience
- PSYC2007
- Developmental Psychology
- PSYC2018
- Perception
- PSYC2020
- Empirical Studies 2
Year 3
The wide selection of optional modules offered in the final year allows students to specialise in whichever area of psychology they particularly enjoyed during the second year. These seminar courses are based upon individual reading and open discussion of up to date research.
All students must also choose a topic for a literature review and a research paper, which they complete under the supervision of a member of the School of Psychology. The research paper will be the culmination of three years research training and will constitute a valuable piece of psychological research, the best example of which will be presented a cash prize by the School.
Semester One
Compulsory:
Optional:
- PSYC3002
- Current Issues in Clinical Psychology
- PSYC3014
- Self and Identity
- PSYC3015
- Social and psychological approaches to understanding sexual health
- PSYC3017
- Lifespan and Change: Adulthood and Ageing
- PSYC3043
- Making Sense of Ambiguous Scenes
- PSYC3044
- Eye Movements and Visual Cognition
- PSYC3045
- Perspectives of Human-Animal Interactions
Semester Two
Compulsory:
Optional:
- PSYC3007
- Animal Behaviour
- PSYC3010
- Attachment and Personal Relationships
- PSYC3012
- Attention
- PSYC3024
- Self-Conscious Emotions: guilt, shame, embarrassment, pride and nostalgia.
- PSYC3048
- Human Learning
- PSYC3052
- Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme
- PSYC3053
- Developmental Psychopathology
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide).
Learning and assessment
Your acquisition of core and specialist knowledge and understanding is through traditional lectures, seminars, tutorials, and interactive workshops together with regular coursework in the form of essays, presentations and practicals involving the study and analysis of original and second-hand data sets. In-depth knowledge is acquired through individual supervision, one-to-one tutorials, laboratory practice, and small group seminars as part of the preparation of the dissertation and project in the final year.
Throughout the programme you are encouraged to undertake independent reading both to consolidate what is being taught and broaden the knowledge and understanding of particular topics. This includes academic text books, journals and other selected sources.
Career Opportunities
The development of career skills is embedded throughout every stage of the course and is present at every moment of study. Some modules offer specific teaching in reasoning and communications skills.
A degree in psychology will provide you with a variety of career options. These include clinical, educational, forensic, health and occupational psychologies, human resources, advertising and further postgraduate study.
Hannah Brown is a graduate of Psychology. “I enjoyed the total learning experience provided within the School of Psychology,” she said. “The engaging lecturers, the beautiful surroundings and excellent facilities all combined to make my time here very enjoyable.”
Find out more about career opportunities after a Psychology degree