Psychology (BSc) (Full-time evening study) - 2013/2014 entry
Interested in a career in psychology or just interested in human behaviour? This degree introduces you to the various ways that psychologists investigate human behaviour, from brain scanning to the study of rioting crowds. Taught by leading academics, the degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society and is the first step to a career as a professional psychologist, working, for instance, as a clinical, educational, organisational, forensic or sports psychologist. If you don't wish to become a professional psychologist, you will still gain a range of transferable skills that have been shown to increase employability.
This course is also available for part-time study.
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Professional bodies that recognise this course
- The British Psychological Society.
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Course structure
Year 1
- Developmental Psychology
- General Foundations of Psychology
- Introduction to Research Methods
- Psychobiology
- Psychobiology II.
Year 2
- Individual Differences
- Language
- Perception, Attention and Performance
- Research Methods
- Social Psychology.
Year 3
- Advanced Research Methods
- Critical Analysis
- History and Philosophy of Psychology
- Memory and Cognition
- specialised option modules, for example: Health Psychology; Brain and Cognitive Development; Family Studies; and Genetics and Psychology.
- Final-Year Project, which allows you to pursue your particular academic interests while being supervised by specialists in your chosen field.
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Study resources
We offer study skills courses and one-to-one advice from our departmental learning co-ordinators. You will also be allocated a personal tutor.
Students have access to the Birkbeck Library, e-library and comprehensive online resources. As a Birkbeck student you will also be entitled to use many other libraries through a number of access agreements including the SCONUL Access Scheme, which allows you to borrow from the libraries of over 170 UK higher education institutions.
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Further study opportunities
We offer a range of Master's degrees in psychology, as well as doctorates.
Applicants who have been out of education for a while, or do not meet our entry requirements for the full-time course may also wish to consider our part-time BSc Psychology.
If you already have a BA/BSc honours degree in a discipline other than psychology with a minimum 2:2, you might want to consider taking our part-time MSc Psychology instead.
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Careers information
Some graduates go on to train as psychologists and others to pursue a wide range of careers in fields such as education, human resources and management.
Find out more about careers in psychology.
- To speak to an independent careers advisor, booking onto one of our Future Focus — Careers Workshops
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Further details
Learning objectives
On successful completion of this course, you should be able to demonstrate:
- knowledge of the influences on, and factors involved in, human behaviour in all the core areas of psychology
- detailed knowledge of several specialisms through option choice, for example: cognitive and affective neuroscience; health psychology; genetics and psychology; family studies; brain and cognitive development
- the ability to interpret, evaluate and communicate psychological theories and principles
- competence in research design and data analysis, and awareness of different research methodologies in Psychology.
- the ability to use primary sources, such as journal articles, and critically evaluate them.
Frequently asked questions:
- How is the BSc Psychology accredited? A Birkbeck Psychology degree is an internal BSc (Hons) of the University of London: the same degree as full-time students at the other London colleges receive.
- What are the classes likeBirkbeck offers the great advantage of personal, face-to-face university teaching. Classes vary from 100+ in some lectures, to 50+ in laboratory classes, to about 15 in seminar and discussion groups. You will have a tutor for personal consultation, and teachers are regularly available to give formal and informal advice.
- Does the programme consist of just lectures? Most modules are primarily lecture-based. Exceptions include General Foundations (Module PSYC030S4), during which there are weekly small group meetings in term one. In these meetings the class is split into groups of about 15 to discuss current lecture material. Study skills exercises (e.g. how to write an essay, how to get the most out of a journal article) may also be conducted during these classes. The research methods modules (PSYC032H4, PSYC063S5, PSYC011H6) include laboratory sessions in which you learn experimental techniques and how to use statistical software packages. Some final-year option modules may include discussions in small groups.
- How much work will I need to do outside classes? You will need to allow time for writing essays and reports in connection with seminar and laboratory courses. You will also be expected to have time for reading books and papers recommended in your lecture courses. As a rule of thumb, we advise you to expect, as a minimum, to put in one hour of home study for every hour of lecture. So if you have nine hours of lectures a week, you should plan to set aside at least nine hours for study and preparation.
- Are applicants interviewed? If an applicant shows promise but has not convinced us of their suitability for the course, they may be called to an interview. Applicants are urged to complete the application form carefully and to provide us with detailed information concerning their educational qualifications and/or courses they are studying in order to meet the entry requirements. This is particularly important with regards to the level of mathematics attained and if English is not your first language, your IELTS qualification. (see Prerequisites and Entry Requirements). If you do not meet the standard entry requirements but your current work involves a high level of numeracy and literacy, information in this regard will be helpful. A clear well written statement in support of your application demonstrating a thoughtful and considered approach to studying psychology at degree level, is essential. Applications that are carelessly presented with scant attention to the detail required will be automatically rejected. The BSc in Psychology is extremely popular and we usually receive more applications than we have places.
Preliminary reading - course texts
General Foundations of Psychology
Gleitman, H, Fridlund, A.J. and Reisberg, D. (2010) Psychology, (eighth edition). W.W.Norton.
Alternative General Foundations of Psychology Texts
- Gross, Richard D (2010) Psychology: the science of mind and behaviour. London: Hodder & Stoughton.
- Hayes, Nicky. (2008) Foundations of Psychology. London: Thomson Learning.
Psychobiology and Psychobiology II
- Green, S. (1994) Principles of Bio-Psychology.
Introduction to Research Methods
- Harris, P. (2008) Designing and Reporting Experiments in Psychology, Open Guides to Psychology.
Developmental Psychology
Students are advised to prepare for this module by familiarising themselves with the key approaches in psychology; the following are suggested texts:
- Hayes, N. (2008) Foundations of Psychology. London: Thomson Learning.
- Stuart-Hamilton, I. (1999) Key Ideas in Psychology. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
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Apply now
- How to apply
Applications are made through UCAS – see their website for deadlines.
- Online application
Apply via UCAS – see their website for details. - Our Application Workshop will give you an overview of what Birkbeck looks for in an undergraduate degree application and includes practical writing exercises to help you write a more effective personal statement
- How to apply
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Key information set
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Welcome to Birkbeck, London's evening university: Number 1 in London for teaching and student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2012).
Birkbeck specialises in part-time, evening study. The Key Information Set has been developed for full-time, daytime courses. We are providing some additional information about our evening courses to help you make an informed choice.
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