BSc (Hons)/BA (Hons) in Psychology
University of Stirling
Key Information
Campus location
Stirling, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
36 - 48 months
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
Request info
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* For up to date fee information, please see website
Introduction
Overview
Why do we behave the way we do, and what drives our behaviour? If you’re interested in the mind, and in human (as well as animal) behaviour, then Psychology is for you.
Our award-winning Psychology course sits at the cutting edge of inter-disciplinary scientific research. We focus on important societal problems such as detection of criminals and improvement of health outcomes. After introducing Psychology to you as a biological and social science, we’ll cover topics as diverse as brain functioning, child development, and social behaviour. The Psychology Single Honours, and the majority of the Psychology Combined Honours degree courses, are accredited with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Top reasons to study with us
#1 We’re ranked 2nd in Scotland for student satisfaction in Psychology (National Student Survey 2022)
#2 100% of our research impact and environment, and 87% of our overall research in Psychology is classed as world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
#3 This course is fully accredited by the British Psychological Society
Curriculum
Course details
We focus on important societal problems, such as detection of criminals and improvement of health outcomes, so our degree is relevant to real-life issues. We cover topics as diverse as brain functioning, development and social behaviour, ensuring you develop a deep knowledge and understanding of mind and behaviour.
Semesters 1-2 will include an introduction to Psychology as the scientific study of mind and behaviour.
In Semesters 3 and 4, the taught modules are designed to emphasise the links between different parts of the subject. A module on The Social Mind explores the psychology of human and non-human communication; a module on the Brain and Behaviour – Clinical Perspectives explores abnormal psychology from the perspectives of Neuroscience and Clinical Psychology. Also included in Semesters 3 and 4 is an introduction to Psychological Research Methods. In Semesters 5-8, you’ll take advanced modules in all of the core areas.
Your final year will focus on an individual research project and you’ll be doing cutting-edge research, supervised by an academic mentor. You can choose from a wide variety of topics that interest you and build your employability skills for the job market. There’re also opportunities for placements with prospective employers, and for engaging in student-led teaching.
Psychology at Stirling is internationally renowned for our high-quality research and this feeds into our teaching. Our modules will teach you how research furthers our understanding of mind and behaviour.
Teaching
Our research-led teaching is at the core of your learning as our staff conduct world-leading research.
Our teaching makes use of both our campus-based teaching facilities and online learning environment. Everything you learn will reflect the latest thinking and developments in Psychology. Our teaching is delivered using lectures, workshops, small discussion groups and practical sessions such as laboratory work or field work.
Learning in high-end specialist labs
You'll get hands-on experience in designing and conducting a number of experiments, individually or in groups researching:
- human electrophysiology (EEG/ERPs)
- health research (including GSR and heart rate monitoring)
- face research (including eye-tracking)
- vision research (including stereoscopic displays)
You'll also be working in high-end specialist labs that involve:
- brain imaging
- action research
- visual attention
- health psychology
- evolutionary psychology
- animal research
Pre-school Kindergarten
You will have the opportunity to study aspects of child development through our Pre-School Kindergarten that provides a safe and fun environment for children aged nine months and two years to five years old. You'll gain in-depth experience for designing and running simple experiments with children attending our Kindergarten and parent and toddler group.
Placement opportunities
In Semester 8 you'll have the opportunity to apply for a Psychology placement. Successful applicants undertake a 50-hour placement with a host organisation. You'll be assigned a mentor in the organisation who'll agree a schedule for completion of the placement and discuss the precise roles, responsibilities and expectations fo both the student and mentor during the placement. Support is provided by a series of workshops and through review meetings and feedback from the placement coordinator or module coordinator.
Our Careers and Employability Service is ranked 1st in Scotland and Top 5 in the UK (UK International Student Barometer (ISB) Benchmark and Global ISB Benchmark 2018). They will not only help you to secure placements but also offer all the support and advice you need to plan your career, develop your employability or think about further study.
Fieldwork
Some students have the opportunity to undertake fieldwork as part of their final year project options. For example, students studying animal behaviour may visit the Blair Drummond Safari Park or Edinburgh Zoo (travel costs may be incurred).
Assessment
Modules on the course are assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations. Assessment types include essays, individual practical reports, group practical reports, oral presentations, poster presentations and popular science articles.
Work placement opportunities
In Semester 8 you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a Psychology placement. Successful applicants undertake a 50-hour placement with a host organisation. You’ll be assigned a mentor in the organisation who’ll agree on the schedule for completion of the placement and discuss the precise roles, responsibilities and expectations of both the student and mentor during the placement. Support is provided by a series of workshops and through review meetings and feedback from the placement coordinator or module coordinator.