Psychology BSc (Hons)

Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials and seminars. Other modes of delivery used extensively include practical classes, computer-based learning, videos and films, group discussion and team work, directed study, placements and guest speakers.

Wide variety of assessment types, including practical research reports, case studies, essays, literature reviews, presentations and examinations.

Staff research expertise includes: experimental psychology, developmental psychology, critical social psychology, health psychology and applied psychology.

This course provides the foundation for a career as a professional psychologist, e.g. clinical, counselling, educational, forensic, health or occupational; practical experience and further training will be required after you graduate to pursue these careers and you must have a psychology degree conferring GBC.

This course also provides a foundation for careers in social work, research, industry and commerce, human resource management and administration. Other employment opportunities include working with people with disabilities, counselling, marketing, speech and langage therapy and prison psychology.

A degree in Psychology is highly favoured by employers, giving you an excellent advantage in the job market. During your studies with us you will learn new skills, develop existing expertise, study a wide range of approaches and methodologies and leave with a broader range of knowledge, skills and abilities. An important part of this learning process is the ability to reflect upon your own experiences; an aspect of practice engaged in by all professional psychologists. We will help you to develop these skills through the Academic Tutoring system; you will be provided with an Understanding Skills & Professionalism booklet, which you will use both as a record of your learning and a tool for self-reflection.

According to a recent survey (HESA 2010) University of Worcester Psychology graduates enjoy good levels of employability, with 97.6% of 2009 graduates employed (73.2%) or engaged in postgraduate study (24.4%). Of those graduates who move straight into employment, just over half (53.3%) work in  health or educational settings.

Examples of employment directly entered by Psychology graduates include: Assistant psychologist, Research executive, Admin manager and therapeutic support worker.

A work based learning module provides an opportunity for you to gain academic credits from employment in a work environment, and to receive feedback from recruitment specialists, employers, human-resource managers and staff about all aspects of your professional practice to help further enhance your skills and areas for further development.

Employability is embedded right across our programme and we have dedicated taught sessions on curriculum vitae writing, increasing your employment opportunities and how to use feedback gained throughout your programme to help improve your skill set. Many of our assessment modes focus on the skills highly favoured by employers including; independent and critical thinking, literacy and numeracy, group work and clear communication.

As a research-active department you will have the opportunity to participate in real psychological research and work alongside experienced researchers in the field. The department has excellent links with both local and national organisations including the NHS, Alive! Charity, the BPS, West Mercia Police Constabulary, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and Worcestershire County Council.

Many of our students choose to complete voluntary work alongside their degree programme to help enhance opportunities for postgraduate study and employability, and as such the department has excellent links with several prisons including HMP Aylesbury, and the NHS.

Where appropriate practicing psychologists e.g. Educational, Forensic, Clinical and Occupational psychologists contribute towards the programme through guest lectures, and provide valuable insights into the varying roles psychologists play in society.