Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. Psychologists are interested in how people think, act and interact. Psychology applies sound scientific methodology to understand why people act the way that they do. This knowledge and understanding can then be used to address real-world issues.

During this degree you will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of fascinating areas from how we think and how we see other people, to how people develop, how relationships are formed, and how we can help people in distress.

Psychology is useful because no matter what you intend to do in life it will involve trying to understand and help other people. Studying Psychology at Birmingham Newman University provides you with a solid grounding in all core areas of psychology, but you’ll also gain specialist knowledge of how psychology is applied to the real world.

GBC

This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), thus students gaining at least a Lower Second Class Honours Degree are eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS, which means you will have taken your first step towards becoming a professional psychologist.

• A BPS accredited course that focuses on applying the subject to the real world
• Engage in practical skills using psychological equipment and resources
• Complete innovative assessments that challenge you to be creative

During the first year of study (level 4) you will learn about psychology as an academic and applied discipline. You will explore what is meant by ‘science’ and in particular, what is meant by evidence, and learn about the principles of research design. In this year you will also be introduced to the core domains of psychology e.g., Research Methods, Social, Individual Difference, Cognitive, Biological and Developmental Psychology, where you will explore how the core domains help us to understand mind and behaviour in everyday settings.

In the second year of study (level 5), you will gain a deeper understanding of the core domains of psychology, applying the theoretical knowledge to understand real world scenarios. Practical’s, workshops and seminars will enable students to have a first-hand experience of engaging with psychological equipment/resources to investigate and understand the applications of psychology to issues within modern life. In this year also, methods of scientific research are explored in further depth in two modules that examine quantitative (statistical) methods and qualitative methods of scientific enquiry. During this year of study you will have the opportunity to also study a unique module that focuses specifically on Applying Psychology to the Real World.

In the final year (level 6) you will have the opportunity to undertake an empirical dissertation in psychology that spans across the academic year. In many ways this module is the culmination of both the applied and theoretical strands of the discipline that run through the degree programme. You will be guided through all stages of the research process but are expected to generate your own research ideas that relate to the human experience.  In doing so, your critical thinking in psychology is both broadened and deepened and this will prepare you for employment or further study. During this year you will also further your understanding of conceptual and historical issues within psychology such as, an opportunity to develop your understanding further of integration across multiple perspectives. The final year also allows students to choose from optional modules.

One – 20 credit module equates to 36 hours of scheduled contact time and 164 hours of independent learning. Each year you will study 120 credits.

The psychology degree programme uses a wide variety of assessments, designed to help you develop a range of skills that will be invaluable in the modern professional workplace. Assessment methods vary from research reports, interventions proposals, portfolios, presentations, and posters, critiques, case studies. There are no examinations on this programme.

Students gaining at least a Lower Second Class Honours Degree are eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS, which means you will have taken your first step towards becoming a professional psychologist. Thus, following postgraduate training, students can enter the various psychological professions with psychology such as, clinical, occupational, educational, counselling, forensic, health and sport psychology. Students can also pursue an academic career and may progress into a PhD. Due to the wide range of generic skills, and the rigour with which they are taught, training in psychology is an excellent foundation that supports entry into a broad range of careers. In addition to subject skills and knowledge, you will also develop skills in communication, numeracy, teamwork, critical thinking, computing, independent learning, and many others, all of which are highly valued by employers.  Therefore, psychology graduates can also progress into a variety of careers, such as teaching (schools, colleges, and universities), industry or commerce (market research, HR, consultancy research analysist), to name a few.

Birmingham Newman University is located in Britain’s second city – Birmingham. With one of the youngest city populations in Europe, it is a vibrant and dynamic place to study.

Studying at Newman University, you have the advantage of being near to the city, but living in, or commuting to peaceful and comfortable surroundings on campus.

Dining out

Birmingham has lots of wonderful places to dine out with a range of different cuisines. Places where you can dine out include; Brindley Place, Mailbox and Hagley Road (just 10 minutes’ from Newman).

Entertainment

Whether you like to go to; the theatre, gigs or clubs, or enjoy: sports, shopping visiting art galleries or exhibitions – Birmingham will not disappoint and you will be spoilt for choice!

Location

Getting around Birmingham is easy via train, bus or by car. Birmingham has excellent transport links to the rest of Britain, making it easy for those weekend getaways!

Why not explore the city for yourself by visiting one of our Open Days?

Want to find out more about Birmingham? Then take a look at some Birmingham City Secrets.