Course Leaflet - St Mary's University College

Single or Joint Honours Degree Programme
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Psychology very scientific?
Some students are concerned about the level of scientific theory and research methods that
comprise most Psychology degrees. We offer an alternative pathway that students can transfer
to in Level 6, Psychological Studies, which has been developed with these students in mind.
This pathway is as rigorous as the Psychology pathway (it uses the same modules and is
delivered by the same lecturers), but the BPS syllabus does not have to be followed. Both
Single Honours and Combined Honours routes are available. A feature of the Single Honours
Applied Psychological Studies is that part of the independent study at Level 3 consists of a work
experience module.
Psychology
Single or Joint Honours
Degree Programme
Is the degree accredited with the British Psychological Society?
We offer two routes through the Psychology pathway that are accredited by the BPS. The
Single Honours and Major routes are currently accredited as conferring eligibility for the
Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, provided the minimum standard of qualification of
second class honours is achieved. This is a pre-requisite for the majority of BPS-accredited
vocational and postgraduate courses. Further information can be obtained from
www.bps.org.uk.
I’m interested in studying Psychology alongside another subject.
Is this possible?
We offer joint honour degrees in both Psychology and Psychological Studies. Possible
combinations can be found in the prospectus.
Other subjects available as a Joint Honours with Psychology
Education and Social Science...................XC38
English......................................................QC38
Management Studies................................NC28
Nutrition....................................................BC4V
Philosophy ................................................CV85
Sociology..................................................CL83
Sport Science...........................................CC86
Find out more
Please contact the Psychology Programme Team
Email: psych@smuc.ac.uk
www.smuc.ac.uk/undergraduate/psychology
To request a prospectus please telephone +44 (0)20 8240 2314 or visit our website
St Mary’s University College
Waldegrave Road, Strawberry Hill, Twickenham TW1 4SX
Switchboard 020 8240 4000 Fax 020 8240 4255
www.smuc.ac.uk
2013 Entry
St Mary’s
University College
Twickenham
London
School of Management
& Social Sciences

Single or Joint Honours Degree Programme
St Mary’s University College
Twickenham London
Psychology
Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of
human experience, including behaviour,
mental processes, emotions and
development.
The Psychology degree at St Mary’s provides
you with a scientific understanding of mind,
brain and behaviour. Alongside the academic
content of the programme you will gain
transferable skills, including the capacity for
self-directed, reflective learning and project
management.
The Psychology Degree at St Mary’s provides a
BPS accredited route. Graduation through the
accredited route confers eligibility for the
Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British
Psychological Society provided the minimum
qualification of second class honours is
achieved. We also provide non-accredited
routes, which may be of particular interest to
students wishing to read for a Joint Honours
Degree.
The staff is research active, and their work
covers areas such as the psychological effects
of brain damage, attentional biases associated
with anxiety, integrational relationships within
the family context, and factors and perceptions
in social inequality.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of 260 points of which 180 must
include a B and a C grade at A level.
Remaining points can be made up of A level or
AS level grades including General Studies.
Grade C or above in English and Maths or
equivalent. Alternative qualifications welcome.
Programme Structure and Content
Level 4
The focus of Level 4 is on understanding how a
contemporary psychologist (as opposed to the
psychologist portrayed in the media) thinks
about and investigates central questions of
interest. Students complete six modules during
their first year. Students complete six modules
during their first year. Alongside your knowledge
of the subject, you will also be acquiring and
practising academic skills that will underpin your
studies at Levels 5 and 6.
Level 5
You will build on the skills and knowledge you
developed during Level 4. Your second and third
year will be based around the core themes of
the BPS syllabus: Research Methods, Cognitive
Psychology, Psychobiology, Social Psychology,
Developmental Psychology and Individual
Differences. Conceptual and historical issues will
give context and background to current
understanding.
Level 6
You are now considering the perspectives and
themes that have been introduced at an
advanced level, and in considerable depth. You
are beginning to question the limits of our
knowledge and understanding, and show an
appreciation for the temporary nature of scientific
knowledge. You are advancing your
understanding of the relationship between
empirical evidence and theory; in particular, how
empirical evidence supports and constrains
theories, and how theories guide the collection
and interpretation of empirical data. Optional
modules, including workplace learning modules,
will be available. Possible examples include
Positive Psychology, Political Psychology, Human
Relationships, Health Psychology, Educational
Psychology, Eyewitness Testimony,
Consciousness and Applied Child Psychology.
Students wishing to graduate with a BPS
accredited course will complete an Empirical
Research Project in a psychology or psychologyrelated
topic. This is an opportunity to carry out
original research in an area of your choosing.
Although closely supervised by a member of staff,
this is very much the students’ own work.
Students wishing to graduate through the nonaccredited
route will complete a library-based
piece of research in an area of their own
choosing, supervised by a member of staff.
Teaching methods
Our aim is to help you develop as an independent
thinker, able to work individually and in a team,
and capable of managing your workload.
Innovative teaching methods are delivered within
traditional settings such as lectures and seminars,
or within more contemporary settings such as
virtual learning environments. You will also engage
in workshops and practical tasks that develop
your research skills.
Assessment methods
Courses are assessed through a variety of
methods including examinations, presentations,
essays, research, practical reports and case
studies.
Career opportunities
Students can undertake further study in
education, clinical research, sport, health or
occupational fields, subsequent to them being
awarded Graduate Basis for Chartered
Membership with the British Psychological
Society. The knowledge and skills acquired during
the degree are very marketable and can enhance
job prospects in almost any career option.
“Because of 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 a number of careers.”
The Council for Industry and Higher Education
“Psychology is well structured, the lecturers are
helpful and I enjoy the different teaching methods
and modules available. Lecturers have made the
effort to get to know the students, and are
committed to helping the students reach their
goals. I found the experience beneficial and
rewarding and it has made me more determined
to go into my chosen path of psychology.”
Cherelle Francis
Psychology