BSc (Hons) Psychology (Clinical Psychology)

This course integrates core areas of psychological knowledge, giving you a deep understanding of the subject. Taught with an applied focus, it will also help you apply your learning in the real world to make a difference to people's lives. Topics include:

• recovery from brain damage
• psychopathologies (such as depression, eating disorders and schizophrenia)
• the cognitive basis of addictive behaviours
• treating addictive behaviours

Year 1

• Psychological research methods 1
  This module will provide you with an introduction to the study of psychology as a science. You'll study some of the key conceptual, methodological, and statistical issues that psychologists face when studying human behaviour. As well as issues surrounding experimental design and ethical principles in psychological research, the module also gives an introduction to the ways in which descriptive and inferential statistics can be used to analyse and make sense of experimental data. Assessment methods: 60% coursework, 40% exam.
• Introducing psychological approaches
  This module will introduce you to the study of psychology, first by discussing its conceptual underpinnings and historical development, then topics related to living in the world as biological, learning and feeling beings. The first part of the module will focus on the philosophical foundations of psychology, its status as a science and current identity, while the second part will deal with evolutionary theory and the relationship of the brain to behaviour. The third part will consider learning, and the fourth will analyse emotions from biological, psychological and social perspectives. The module will provides you with the knowledge-base necessary for advanced study at Level 5, and also the development of skills relating to factual learning, i.e., accessing, organising, assimilating and revising information. This module will help you develop skills relating to MCQ assessments. Assessment method: 10% coursework, 90% exam. 
• Introducing real world psychology
  This module will provides you with the opportunity to explore how theories, approaches and evidence from psychology have been applied to the real world. The module will first introduce you to the notion of applied psychology as a discipline, what is required for entry into the professions recognised by the British Psychological Society, and also those employment opportunities that are appropriate for those who do not wish to pursue a career as an applied psychologist. You'll then be presented with several topics that have been important for understanding how people behave in the ways they do in the real world. Such topic areas will include the application of biological, learning, and emotional aspects of behaviour. In addition, the topic areas presented and explored in this module will inform you about a diverse range of psychology-related employment opportunities. Study in each of these areas will provide a framework for advanced study at Level 5. In addition to knowledge, the module will provide you with the opportunity to develop skills relating to accessing, assimilating and communicating information; moreover, you'll be introduced to a variety of assessment techniques that will be encountered on the course, and develop and be aware of the type of skills that are likely to enhance employability. Finally, the module will provide a focus for placements as a valuable way of gaining experience, and therefore enhancing employability. You'll be introduced to the (voluntary) Departmental Placement scheme; students who already undertake relevant paid or voluntary work and students who undertake less relevant work will be encouraged to reflect on the skills and experiences provide by such opportunities. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Psychological research methods 2
  The module builds and expands upon the descriptive and simple inferential statistical methods introduced in Psychological Research Methods 1. Lectures and seminars will consider more advanced principles of research design, qualitative data analysis, and statistical analysis using SPSS. Assessment methods: 60% coursework, 40% exam.
• Exploring real world psychology
  This module will provide you with the opportunity to explore how theories, approaches and evidence from psychology have been applied to the real world. You'll be presented with a number of topics that have been important for understanding how people behave in the ways they do in the real world. Such topic areas will include the developmental, cognitive (thinking), social, and individual differences aspects of behaviour. In addition, the topic areas presented and explored in this module will inform you about a diverse range of psychology-related employment opportunities. Study in each of these areas will provide you with a framework for advanced study at Level 5. In addition to knowledge, the module will provide you with the opportunity to develop skills relating to accessing, assimilating and communicating information, and it will introduce you to a variety of assessment techniques that you'll encounter on the course. The module will allow you to develop and be aware of the type of skills that are likely to enhance employability, and it will provide a focus for placements as a valuable way of gaining experience, and therefore enhancing employability. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Exploring psychological approaches
  This module introduces topics related to living in the world as a developing, thinking, social and individual being. Topics will include memory, perception, attention, cognitive development, interpersonal behaviour, group behaviour, intelligence, personality and aspects of atypical behaviour. Study in each of these areas will provide you with a framework for advanced study at Level 5. In addition to knowledge, the module will provide you with the opportunity to develop skills relating to accessing, assimilating and communicating information, and it will introduce you to a variety of assessment techniques that you'll encounter on the course. Assessment methods: 60% coursework, 40% exam.

Year 2

• Psychological research methods 3
  This module will begin with an introduction to conceptual and historical issues in research methods before moving on to the design and analysis of single factor experiments, simple and complex factorial designs and single case methods, both investigative and interventional. Lectures will provide the conceptual framework required for an understanding of research methodology and their supporting statistical tests. These will be supported by seminars that will help you learn design analysis, data analysis using SPSS and the interpretation of the results of experiments taken from the psychology literature. The module will also provide you with the opportunity to design, execute, analyse and report the results of two pieces of practical work. Assessment methods: 60% coursework, 40% exam.
• The psychology of learning and memory
  This module will provide you with the opportunity to explore a number of the major concepts, theories and methods encountered in understanding how and why we behave in the ways we do when in the presence of other humans. The focus of this module is to understand what psychologists have contributed to the understanding of our social behaviours according to the real, imagined or implied presence of other individuals. The module will focus on those approaches that have been used to examine a) whether we are social beings and why, b) what the ‘social’ brain looks like, c) how social behaviours develop across the lifespan, d) which mechanisms have been used to explain how we interact with the implied, real or imagined presence of others, e) how culture affects our social interactions, and f) how group membership affects our social behaviours. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam.
• The psychology of feelings
  This module will provide you with the opportunity to explore the interdependence between feelings and human behaviour. The module is organised into three distinct themes, relationships, mood and sensations. Two introductory sessions will be used to recap and consolidate material at Level 4 and provide a knowledge base upon which the rest of the module will build. Then, within each theme a range of topics will be explored, drawing on theory and research from biological, developmental, evolutionary, cross-cultural, cognitive and atypical psychology. Individual differences will be a key perspective in this module. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Psychological research methods 4
  The first component of this module will develop your knowledge of thematic analysis, and will allow you to carry out and report a study using this method. You'll also be introduced to multivariate research designs, and will conduct and report a piece of research using multiple regression. You'll then be allocated to specialist research methods streams. This component will give you an opportunity to gain a more in-depth understanding of a specific complex research methodology and its practical application. Finally, in consultation with your final year empirical project supervisor, you'll be required to produce a proposal which may form the basis of their empirical project. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• The psychology of behaviour with others
  This module will provide you with the opportunity to explore a number of the major concepts, theories and methods encountered in understanding how and why we behave in the ways we do when in the presence of other humans. The focus of this module is to understand what psychologists have contributed to the understanding of our social behaviours according to the real, imagined or implied presence of other individuals. The module will focus on those approaches that have been used to examine a) whether we are social beings and why, b) what the ‘social’ brain looks like, c) how social behaviours develop across the lifespan, d) which mechanisms have been used to explain how we interact with the implied, real or imagined presence of others, e) how culture affects our social interactions, and f) how group membership affects our social behaviours. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam.
• The psychology of thinking and communication
  This module will provide you with the opportunity to explore a number of the major concepts, theories and methods encountered in understanding how we communicate with others, solve problems and make decisions. This module will help you understand the development of human communication, both cognitive and social. You'll learn what different psychologists think intelligence is, how it develops, and how it can be measured. The module will explore the internal and external influences on the development of reasoning and decision-making. The module will also explore whether innate mechanisms underlie these capacities or whether they develop over time. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam.

Year 3

• Empirical project
  The module will require you to design and implement a substantial piece of independent psychological research and to produce an extensive report on the project. You'll be supervised by a permanent member of academic staff. Assessment method: 100% coursework.

And either:

• Neuropsychology
  This module begins with an introduction to the history of neuropsychology and its methods designed to lay foundations for the following content. Of particular importance is the relationship between normal and impaired functioning and the goal of deriving theories which explain both. The content areas examine different types of neuropsychological impairment, from traumatic brain injury, as found in Amnesic Syndrome, through the effects of strokes found in Unilateral Neglect to the pervasive effects of degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease. An important part of the module is an appraisal of the likelihood of recovery and efficacy of rehabilitation. The aim of the summative assessments is to examine both broad knowledge of the topic areas and the ability to critically examine issues in a selected topic area. Regular self assessed formative assessments will enable students to monitor their progress. Assessment methods: 40% coursework, 60% exam.

Or:

• Psychopharmacology
  This module focuses on the scientific study of how drugs affect brain function and how such research furthers our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying behaviour. Topics covered in this module include recreational and abusive use of drugs, cognitive enhancing drugs, the cannabinoid system and the therapeutic potential of cannabis, and in-depth coverage of the drugs used to treat schizophrenia, anxiety and mood disorders. In the last three lectures, we'll look at the use of animals in drug development in clinical psychopharmacology and discuss future avenues of research to develop more acceptable medications for mental health problems. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam.

Plus four options from:

• Professional placement in psychology
  This module will provide you with the opportunity to complete a work placement within an organisation whose work is relevant to the discipline of psychology. You'll be expected to complete a minimum of 24 hours in an approved placement, and will complete a written portfolio related to this experience. The assessment for this module will help you develop your reflective thinking skills, as well as your understanding of the utility of psychological research and theory in real world settings. Assessment method: 100% coursework. 
• Psychology of mental health
  Mental health is a highly contested area, with major disagreements amongst psychiatrists, psychologists and service users over the conceptualisation and treatment of mental health problems. This module will examine the theoretical differences between these perspectives by examining the social, cultural, biological and psychological evidence for the causes and maintenance of mental health problems. These factors will be looked at in general, and also in relation to specific forms of distress, such as depression, eating disorders and anxiety. The value and efficacy of diagnostic versus formulation approaches for the treatment of mental health problems will also be explored. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam.
• Health psychology
  Morbidity and mortality have been shown to be influenced significantly by various socio-demographic factors like age, social class and education. Which factors create the link between these inputs and health-related outputs is less clear. This module will explore theoretically-based psychological processes and mechanisms (e.g. cognitive dispositions and beliefs, social support, etc.) that have been shown to relate social inputs with health outcomes. In early sessions you'll explore social inequalities in health. During later sessions a number of models used by health psychologists to study related decision making and behaviour will be explored. Throughout all sessions you'll be exposed to applied implications and evidence derived from basic theoretical principles. Assessment methods: 60% coursework, 40% exam.
• Development of brain and behaviour in infancy
  This module focuses on infancy, a period of rapid development, and examines the emergence of perceptual, cognitive, and early social skills during the first year of life. Emerging behaviours will also be related to brain development to facilitate a more thorough investigation of what happens during development. Traditional and more recent methods used to assess both brain and behaviour in infants will also be considered. This module will offer you the opportunity to consider a dominant theoretical debate in developmental psychology, that of the relative contributions of nature and nurture to development. The first part of the module will focus on typical development, while the second part will look at instances where development is atypical, such as in the case of developmental disorders (e.g. autism and Down syndrome) or the case of extreme environments (e.g. visual and environmental deprivation). Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Psychology of inter -and intra- group processes
  This module will outline key issues in the study of intergroup and intra-group psychology and will explore social identity approaches. The module will then consider how groups interact with one another (inter-group processes) and also how group members function within the group (intra-group processes). The module combines theory with real social applications. Seminars will provide an opportunity to explore issues and research in more depth, and apply theory to real life situations. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam.
• Psychology of addictive behaviours
  This module will introduce you to theories of addictive behaviour. You'll address conceptual issues surrounding the utility of theories, and you'll discuss the empirical evidence for or against each theory. You'll have the opportunity to consider recent theories that attempt to synthesise extant models into a comprehensive account of addiction. You'll also have the opportunity to apply and critically evaluate several theories in regards to their ability to explain alcoholism, both during seminars and in your coursework assignment. Finally, you'll examine various treatment and preventative approaches, and the evidence for and against each. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
• Art, awareness and the brain
  This module focuses on the subjective state of awareness as a phenomenal state, looking at both its biological underpinnings in the nervous system and its cultural manifestation in art. While each level is important in its own right for the study of psychology, so too is their interconnectedness, as each sheds light on the other, allowing a fuller and more integrated approach and deeper grasp of awareness that is ordinarily available. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam.
• Applied psychometrics
  This module will begin by explaining test construction and validation in detail. The module will then go on to consider a wide variety of psychometric tests available and their appropriateness for use in occupational, clinical and research psychology. Ethical and legal issues surrounding psychometric test use will also be covered. You'll gain practical experience of psychometric test use. Assessment method: 100% exam.
• Counselling psychology and psychotherapy
  This module is designed primarily for students intending to go on to counselling psychology and psychotherapy postgraduate courses following their degree. Each week will include theoretical and practical components where you'll able to try out various approaches in role-plays and triad work. The theoretical component of the module will introduce you to key theoretical approaches in counselling psychology and psychotherapy, focusing on humanist/existential and cognitive behavioural, as well as covering various types of therapy, such as one-to-one, group therapy, brief therapy and relationship work. There will be a critical emphasis throughout considering issues of power, ethics, difference, and research on therapeutic effectiveness and processes. Assessment method: 100% coursework.

*Optional course modules are subject to change and your choice of modules may depend on the semester and their specialism.

Part-time students have the option of completing in four and a half years or six years.
For the four-and-a half-year version you'll complete four modules a year for four years, then the Project in Semester 1 of Year 5. For the six-year version you'll complete three modules a year for five and a half years, then the Project in Year 6.

As well as enhancing your understanding of human behaviour and thought processes, this course will help you become a more persuasive communicator - a desirable skill for employers.

During the final year of the Psychology (with Clinical Psychology) course, you can specialise in key areas of mental health, including recovery from brain damage, psychopathologies such as depression, eating disorders and schizophrenia, as well as the cognitive basis and treatment of addictive behaviours.

Your career

With an accredited degree and an appropriate postgraduate qualification you could go on to be a chartered psychologist in health, clinical, forensic, child and educational or occupational psychology. You’re also equipped for a career in counselling, teaching, the probation and courts services, market research, HR or business – there’s no such thing as a traditional career path for psychology graduates.

If you do go on to become a chartered psychologist, your everyday duties would vary depending on the speciality. An occupational psychologist works to maximise employee performance and increase job satisfaction; a clinical psychologist makes positive changes in clients’ lives.

Chartered psychologists in the NHS can earn £25,500-£34,000 a year, rising to £40k+ with experience.

Employability Service

We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment for the second year in a row - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, 2019.

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

• An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

Assessment

We use a range of assessment methods, and train you in these methods as you advance through your studies. The methods used are:

• Essays
• Practical reports
• Unseen exams
• Multiple choice questions
• Scenario-based reports
• Case studies
• Posters
• Executive reports
• Portfolios
• Group work folders

Research

Our impressive research record (over 90% of our publications were rated at the 'international' level in RAE 2008) means that teaching is informed by current, cutting-edge research, and because we have a focus on applied research, you can apply your learning to real world settings.

Support

We aim to support you throughout your studies in many ways. We provide one-to-one support via our academic tutoring system. Your academic tutor will help you understand coursework feedback, offer guidance as you plan your career, and advise you on work experience to ensure you get the most out of the course. Teaching is also supported through seminars, online learning environments and specialist advice sessions for topics such as statistics and research methods. In addition to the facilities provided by the university, the psychology laboratory has dedicated computing and experimental equipment.

Academic tutoring

As an Applied Sciences student, you will be allocated a named academic tutor during your first three weeks at LSBU. The role of your academic tutor is to be your primary contact for academic and professional development support.

Your academic tutor will support you to get the most of your time at LSBU, providing advice and signposting to other sources of support in the University.

Your academic tutor should be the first person at the university that you speak to if you are having any difficulties that are affecting your work. These could be academic, financial, health-related or another type of problem.

You will have appointments with your academic tutor a minimum of once per semester for 30 minutes throughout your course.  This is often supplemented with additional meetings arranged via email as and when students need support. In addition to this Learning Support hours for all teaching staff will be advertised and available for you to book additional time for support related to a specific teaching session.

• A Level BBB or;
• BTEC National Diploma DMM or;
• Access to Science with 24 Distinctions and 21 Merits or;
• Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 120 UCAS points
• Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths and English or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above).
• We welcome qualifications from around the world. English language qualifications for international students: IELTS score of 6.0 or Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Grade C.

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 143 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 102 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.