Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour. It ranges from understanding child development, through to how the brain works, why some people seem to be more outgoing than others, how people interact in groups, and why people are motivated to work.

At Newman there are single and joint honours courses available. Single honours includes all the major areas of the discipline: social, development, individual differences, cognitive and physiological. The joint honours degree focuses on social, developmental and individual differences. In addition, students will learn research methods and statistics. There is a work placement in the second year, and students carry out a dissertation in the final year.

Psychology at Newman is taught in relatively small class sizes, giving you greater contact with tutors and enabling an interactive teaching environment not possible in a large lecture theatre.

• View our psychology courses here

This programme has been designed to build upon the framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (QAA January 2001) and to meet the QAA Benchmarks for Psychology (draft, 2001).

Method Of Assessment
A wide variety of teaching methods are used. These include lectures, seminars, laboratory work, computer sessions, internet activities and outside visits. Students also do a work placement, and there are opportunities for voluntary work in relevant areas to help students enhance their CVs in preparation for applying to post-graduate courses.

Assessment strategies are diverse, including essays, practical reports, presentations, web site designs and portfolios.

Entry requirements
Normally two good A levels or equivalent.

Selection process
Applicants are offered places in order of application. Interviews are occasionally organised for students with non-traditional entry qualifications.

Career opportunities
General careers in many areas, including teaching, social work, personnel and IT. A Psychology degree can lead to careers in clinical, forensic, and occupational health, counselling, education, and research.

Please Note: Joint Honours programs are not intended for people wishing to go on to a career in psychology and are not accredited for such purposes.