Psychological and Behavioural Science C807

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Typical offers

Typical offers
A Level	AAA
BTEC	DDD
International Baccalaureate	37

Course details

The BSc Psychological and Behavioural Science degree combines a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited education in psychology with a specialisation in cutting-edge behavioural science. Behavioural science is a relatively new discipline that focuses on the application of psychological principles to challenges faced by organisations in the public, private and third sector.

While psychology puts an emphasis on the mental processes that underlie behaviour, behavioural science emphasises behavioural outcomes, and the design and evaluation of interventions to encourage behaviour change.

You will be taught state-of-the-art research methods, along with classic and innovative theory and research in psychology, following the BPS guidelines. You will learn to apply this knowledge to provide transformative insights for business, management and public policy. You can also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four.

The emphasis in Year 1 is to provide you with fundamental knowledge and skills.

In Year 2, your knowledge and skills are further developed and fostered; moreover, all the subject areas essential for accreditation by the BPS and providing eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) are covered.

In the third year, you will carry out your own dissertation project. You will also select from a variety of specialist topic modules which are primarily provided by lecturers eminent in their field. You will have the unique opportunity to engage with and discuss the most recent theoretical and empirical issues.

Course structure

Year 1

Core modules:

Introduction to Psychology 1: Cognitive and Biological Psychology introduces a broad foundation of knowledge of the core areas of cognitive psychology and biological psychology.

Introduction to Psychology 2: Developmental and Social Psychology allows you to acquire a broad foundation of knowledge in core areas of psychology including developmental psychology, social psychology and individual differences.

Introduction to Psychological Research introduces key research methods and statistical techniques used in psychology.

Academic Skill Development for Psychology introduces students to the fundamental skills required for studying Psychology at degree level in a tutorial-based manner. The skills covered will include aspects of written and oral communication in line with psychological literacy skills, e.g. summarizing articles, critical evaluation, presentations.

In recent years, optional modules have included:

Careers in Psychology.

Year 2

Core modules:

Cognitive and Biological Psychology develops an understanding of theoretical, methodological and empirical approaches in cognitive and biological psychology, with particular emphasis on memory, decision making, learning, and perception

Social and Developmental Psychology provides a broad knowledge and understanding of research and theory in some of the key areas of developmental psychology and examines the contribution that social psychology has made to an understanding of the relations between people and social structures involving people.

Differential and Clinical Psychology develops knowledge and understanding of theory and research in differential psychology, the study of psychological differences and similarities between people and understanding of theory and research in atypical and clinical psychology.

Contemporary and Conceptual Issues in Psychology develops skills in researching and communicating a range of contemporary and conceptual issues in psychology. It provides an opportunity to discuss psychological research in a tutorial context.

Advanced Research Methods and Statistics provides experience of the practical application of a wide range of methods in psychological research and develops presentation skills necessary for communicating research aims and findings. You will also be equipped with the knowledge and understanding of the more advanced statistical methods used in psychological research, together with the practical ability to apply such methods to a variety of data sets.

Year 3 (Year 4 if undertaking a placement year or year abroad)

In your final year, you will design and carry out your own Dissertation on an area of behavioural science chosen in consultation with an academic advisor. The range of possible topics is extensive, and research can take place in settings such as schools or private sector organisations, as well as in research laboratories in the Department of Psychology.

In recent years, optional modules have included:

Business and Economic Psychology
Behaviour Change
Professional Skills Development
Evaluating Evidence.
Learning and Animal Cognition
Social Perception
Clinical Neuropsychology
Psychology in the Workplace.

Additional pathways

Students on the Psychology and Behaviour BSc can apply to be transferred onto either the ‘with Year Abroad’ or ‘with Placement’ pathway during the second year. Places on these pathways are in high demand and if you are chosen your studies will extend from three years to four.

Placement

You may be able to take a work placement. Find out more.

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Learning

Your teaching will be delivered predominantly by leading research academics via lectures, small group tutorials, workshops and practical classes, as well through self-directed learning, such as research, reading and writing. You will get additional individual feedback and support opportunities from staff and student peers.

Most of the Psychology course is delivered through face-to-face teaching. Having face-to-face interaction is key to tutorials and many practical classes and can be important in lectures as it allows students to meet and talk with others. Some teaching also works best using a hybrid approach consisting of both face-to-face and online asynchronous (taking place at different times) components. As such, some modules are delivered using a hybrid approach consisting of asynchronous online lectures and face-to-face tutorials or practical classes.

Generally, lectures highlight the main areas within a topic, covering historical and current empirical findings together with their associated theoretical interpretations. Small group tutorials guide your learning of lecture-based material and that obtained through independent study by promoting discussions and critical appraisal, developing your ability to organise and present information. Workshops and practical sessions enable you to gain first-hand experience of key research skills in Psychological and Behavioural Science, and to learn and apply associated statistical and IT packages.

Assessment

Assessment typically includes examinations, essays, reports and presentations.

The degree will allow you to gain a deep and comprehensive understanding of psychology, but you will also develop additional insights into the application of psychology in behavioural science.

In your final year, you will submit a dissertation that details your own original work. This is a great way to explore a topic that you are passionate about, and to showcase the many skills that you have gained during your degree.

Department information

Psychology

How do we develop empathy? How does culture affect our behaviour? Where does prejudice come from? Learn from leading researchers in their fields as you explore some of the most challenging questions in psychology today.

Psychology is concerned with understanding the mind and human behaviour. You will investigate the processes that underpin the thoughts, feelings and motivations behind our actions. Learning from academics with real enthusiasm for their subject, you will explore topics such as social behaviour, childhood development and cognitive neuroscience.

Our psychology degrees offer a genuinely research-led education. While learning the core principles of psychology, you will have the opportunity to work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will have access to cutting-edge technologies, including the Department’s clinical and experimental facilities which include motion capture, eye tracking and biophysical recording laboratories.

Our innovative approach to learning takes us beyond the traditional student-lecturer dynamic. Through a combination of practical teaching sessions, an optional placement module, and even an employability retreat we actively prepare you for working life. The third year includes a research project, and you can gain additional lab-based experience with our popular Research Assistant Scheme. You can also apply for a placement year or year abroad.

Students who graduate with a 2.1 or higher are accredited by the BPS as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership – the first step towards a career as a psychologist.

To find out more see our department pages.

Rankings

World Top 100 in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2023

For a current list of staff, please see the Psychology Department pages

Facilities

Guided by experts in the field, you will have access to a range of world-leading clinical and experimental facilities. This hands-on experience brings theory to life and helps you gain a deeper understanding of the mind and behaviour. Facilities in the Department of Psychology include body scanners with integrated eye tracking, molecular psychology suites, VR suites with motion capture and mock environments for ecologically valid research.

You will be ideally located in a dedicated psychology learning space, adjacent to many university departments and services, and within walking distance of Durham’s historic centre.