About Applied Psychology, BSc - at University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Course Overview

Psychology is a fascinating discipline to study. Human beings, for the most part, are intrigued by other human beings; their thoughts and their behaviour. Our daily lives involve countless questions - Why? How? What? When? While anecdotal snippets, folklore and proverbs appear to throw some light upon why people do what they do, psychology seeks to use the rigours of science to explain human behaviour.

Psychologists and psychological research have a huge impact on all aspects of public life, particularly in areas such as education, health, the economy, industry and social justice. This course of study will provide a rich and diverse programme that will include the rigour of science and its application in informing practice at all levels in society.

During your three years you will explore psychological issues from multiple perspectives, recognising that psychology involves a range of research methods, theories, evidence and applications. You will explore patterns in behaviour, both normal and abnormal, psychological functioning and experience, through investigating the role of brain function in all human behaviour and experience.

There will be opportunities to carry out empirical studies involving a variety of methods of data collection, including experiments, observation, psychometric tests, questionnaires, interviews and field studies using current experimental software packages.

Due to the wide range of generic skills, and the rigour with which they are taught, training in psychology is widely accepted as providing an excellent preparation for many careers. In addition to subject skills and knowledge, graduates also develop skills in communication, numeracy, teamwork, critical thinking, computing, independent learning and many others, all of which are highly valued by employers.

Key Features

It has long been regarded that psychology is all around us and that it can be applied to our everyday lives. However, for single honours psychology students the task of applying psychology and transferring what they learn during their studies is a difficult one. Therefore, the overarching aims of this applied programme are to incorporate modules that promote a scientific understanding of the complex interactions between mind, brain, behaviour and experience, with particular emphasis on practical application.

The applied element that underpins each core topic is designed to place psychological theory and research within the context of real world issues. For example, neuroscience and health psychology may be considered in the context of rehabilitation and prevention campaigns; memory in the context of its implications for consumer behaviour and education, and evolutionary psychology in the context of explanations for relationship dissolution.

The applied modules unique to this course were written following discussions with current and past students. Students highlighted topics they enjoyed and those they believed would help them attain employment following completion of the course. For example, an area that has received increased attention in recent years is criminology and forensic psychology. With its numerous portrayals in the media, books, and television, students are drawn to this branch of psychology.

In relation to enhancing employment opportunities, the inclusion of modules such as mental health and well-being in children may help to prepare those students interested in pursuing a career with children while sport, exercise and health psychology may help those interested in sports coaching and health promotion, and media psychology may help students with a key interest in HR and media technologies.

Currently in Wales, there are few institutions delivering Applied Psychology degree programmes; those that do, have a long tradition of delivering programmes that are heavily research-based and attract, in the main, high potential candidates. Anecdotal evidence indicates that applicants interested in reading for a degree in psychology are looking for programmes that will increase the likelihood of successful graduate employment without further postgraduate study.

In developing a single honours programme that specifically explores the application of psychology, with the main goal of gaining graduate careers, Trinity Saint David is likely to attract those applicants. The nature of the content will provide employment and/or further training opportunities in a wide range of fields, for example, teaching, industry, social services, the media, information technology, computing and marketing and government agencies.

Trinity Saint David is able to offer a unique and affable experience for its students due to its friendly community environment. Small cohorts encourage interactive lectures, seminars and off-site educational excursions which provide an intimate and innovative student-centred learning experience. Smaller group sizes also ensure individual needs are met and any issues that may arise are dealt with early before they become problems that can affect the student's academic progression or well-being.

Modules

Students will study the core areas of psychology which include:

• Biological - the physiological and neurological aspects of behaviour and experience;
• Social - how our own sense of identity and our social experiences underpin the ways in which we make sense of the world and interact with others;
• Cognitive - insight into the theories and models that attempt to explain the processes involved in making sense of our environment (eg memory, perception and attention) and deciding what action is necessary;
• Individual differences - an examination of issues surrounding concepts of personality and intelligence;
• Research Methods - Students also learn how to how to apply a range of research methods to a variety of research questions. This is an essential component of Psychology as a scientific discipline.

Applied modules include:

• Mental Health and Well-being in Children and Young People - an examination of mental health and well-being issues such as ADHD, Autism, depression, anxiety and self-harm, and their impact upon children's well-being;
• Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology - an exploration of a range of theories derived from psychology in relation to successful and non-successful sporting performance and the role of psychology in relation to exercise and sports injury rehabilitation adherence;
• Youth Offending - an examination of the theoretical understanding of why young people offend and an evaluation of intervention strategies that attempt to reduce re-offending;
• Media and Consumer Psychology - insights into contemporary consumer practices including the consumer decision-making process and how it can be influenced by the media;
• Criminology and Forensic Psychology - To enable students to develop a psychological understanding of criminality, criminal investigations and the complexity of the impact of crime.

Typical Year One Modules include:

• Academic Study Skills and Psychological Perspectives
• Social and Developmental Psychology
• Introduction to Biological and Cognitive Psychology
• Research Methods: An Introduction
• Mental Health and Well-being in Children and Young People
• Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology

Typical Year Two Modules include:

• Research Methods: Intermediate
• Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology
• Media and Consumer Psychology
• Individual Differences, Personality and Intelligence
• Educational Psychology: Applying Psychology in the Classroom
• Youth Offending
• Challenges during Adolescence

Typical Year Three Modules include:

• Psychopathology
• Fostering Sustainable Behaviour
• Psychology in the Workplace
• Criminology and Forensic Psychology
• The Application of Neuroscience and Health Psychology
• Psychology: Personal Research Project
• Dissertation

Professional Accreditations

Students wishing to practice as Psychologists can gain Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society either by pursuing a post-graduate conversion certificate or enrol on an MSc postgraduate programme that incorporates BPS accreditation. This course is not accredited by the British Psychological Society.

Course Tutor(s)

• Dr Charlotte Greenway
• Karen Eaton-Thomas
• Dr Stuart Jones
• Dr Judith Marshall
• Dr Kate Williams

Assessment

The programme will offer a range of different assessment methods to provide students with the opportunity to extend their practical and academic skills and encourage independent learning.

These will include traditional assessments such as academic essays and exams in addition to more innovative assessment methods such as academic posters, online assessments, group presentations, report writing, discussions, short answer or multiple choice questions and campaign/promotional leaflets.

Career Opportunities

An Applied Psychology degree opens doors to many careers, including the following:

• Teaching*
• Social work
• Human resources*
• Health care/NHS
• Politics and Civil Service
• Media and advertising
• Policy officer
• Care industry professional
• Play leader
• Work with adults with learning difficulties
• Police Service
• Probation Service
• Education Officers
• Postgraduate study/research
• Social Work*
• Psychologist*

*with additional qualification

Further Information

The School of Psychology offers an exciting mix of expertise in experimental psychology, applied health psychology, therapeutic counselling practice and psychotherapeutic approaches. This diverse mix of skills and experience inform both the teaching and research areas across all programmes within the School and creates an exciting and dynamic learning environment where students can flourish and develop strong academic, research and transferable skills.

Related Courses

• BA Counselling Studies and Psychology
• BA Education Studies and Psychology
• BSc Psychology
• BSc Mental Health

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Entry requirements for this course

Contact University of Wales Trinity Saint David to find course entry requirements.

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