Why study psychology?
Studying applied psychology will enable you to explore the academic principles of psychology and to develop an understanding of its relevance to contemporary society.
Our undergraduate degrees in applied psychology address a range of psychological issues such as how we learn, development across the lifespan, group dynamics, the relationship between culture and the individual, and the social and political nature of psychology itself.
In applying psychology you will look at how these issues relate to the ways in which individuals make sense of themselves and others in complex modern societies. In doing so you will cover issues such as identity, attitudes, prejudice, the media, mental health and illness, community, sexuality and the body, and health. Our applied psychology degrees emphasise the development of skills necessary for understanding and evaluating psychological theory and research.
Lecturers in applied psychology are centrally involved in national and international psychological research, and are engaged in fields such as social, health and critical psychology. Our ongoing work informs our teaching, making it contemporary, innovative and dynamic.
Professional accreditation
Applied Psychology and Criminology BA(Hons) and Applied Psychology and Sociology BA(Hons) are accredited by the British Psychological Society, and confer eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), provided that the minimum standard of qualification of second class honours is achieved. GBC is the first step towards becoming a chartered psychologist, allowing graduates to begin further training and to become, for example, forensic or occupational psychologists.
Undergraduate courses in psychology
At undergraduate level applied psychology is offered alongside other subject areas to form a number of joint honours degrees:
- Applied Psychology and Criminology BA(Hons)
- Applied Psychology and Sociology BA(Hons)
- Politics and Applied Psychology BA(Hons)
Please note: 2011/12 will be the last entry year for the Politics and Applied Psychology BA(Hons) course
The full structure of each degree and a description of each module can be found on the courses page.
The joint degree combinations allow you to engage with two subject areas. Links between applied psychology and the other joint degree subject are explored during independent study, and through research projects and literature analysis and review.
Our applied psychology degrees enable students to acquire the essential research skills needed for investigating experience and behaviour. They are supported in developing the ability to conduct research independently.
Placement opportunities
There are also opportunities for international study on our exchange programme, and to undertake a community-based placement in year 2 or 3.
Masters courses in psychology
At postgraduate level we offer masters degrees in:
Community Psychology is a sub-discipline of psychology that examines community participation and social change as factors in the way that we understand and promote psychological wellbeing.
The Mental Health masters degree is aimed at practitioners, users, carers and others interested in studying issues of mental health and mental illness.
