Psychology (with Foundation Year)
UCAS code: C80X
COURSE OVERVIEW
- Benefit from dedicated laboratories and computer rooms where you can learn a variety of psychological research methods
- Study in a supportive environment with your own personal tutor, plus one-to-one supervision for your extended project
- Excellent links with relevant organisations in the local area where you can undertake volunteering in your final year
- Set yourself up to flourish in your degree and beyond with our Foundation Year
- Opportunity to study abroad in the United States for one semester
Are you intrigued by human behaviour? Fascinated to know how we acquire language or why we forget things? These are big questions – a psychology degree at Winchester helps you to find big answers to them as you embark on an absorbing journey exploring the human mind.
Our hugely rewarding and highly useful BSc degree course, accredited by the British Psychological Society, lets you analyse what makes humans think, act and believe the way we do through essential methods of research and data analysis.
A Foundation Year is the perfect way to boost your academic skills, build your confidence and develop your wider subject knowledge so you can succeed at Winchester. This course offers an extra year of study at the start (Year 0) which leads onto a full degree programme (Years 1, 2 and 3).
A Foundation Year is ideal if you are returning to education after a break; haven’t quite achieved the entry qualifications required; are wanting more support during the transition to studying at university; or are unsure about which subject you wish to pursue.
In Year 0, you will study a set of modules from across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences which are designed to develop your academic and practical skills. This broader focus in your first year introduces you to studying at university level and provides you with a better understanding of Psychology and related subjects.
You will experience a variety of teaching methods including lectures, discussion-based seminars and independent study. You will also receive support to boost your academic skills to prepare you for the rest of your time at Winchester. Find out more and hear from our Foundation Year students at winchester.ac.uk/foundation
In Years 1-3 you have the opportunity to examine all aspects of human experience and behaviour, employing different perspectives within psychology, such as biological, cognitive, social, developmental, and individual differences. The programme has a strong focus on research methods and, in the final year under expert supervision, you complete an independent final project. This allows you to engage with the latest research findings and psychological theories and gives you a chance to make a significant contribution to the vibrant research culture at Winchester.
As well as the ‘intellectually stimulating’ teaching, students have commented on recent evaluations that they value the friendly, approachable and enthusiastic staff, the variety of different assessment types and the strong focus on employability.
Careers
Graduates pursue careers in health and social care, education, marketing, public relations, management, human resources, and the public sector. Roles such as psychological wellbeing practitioner and asistant psychologist are open to graduates and are an excellent way to gain experience before taking the next step towards a career as a psychologist. Those wishing to pursue professional careers in psychology - such as clinical, educational, or occupational psychology - need to undertake further study and training to gain professional recognition as a Chartered Psychologist. Graduates will be eligible to apply for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) status, which is an entry requirement for many accredited postgraduate training courses in psychology. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. Professional careers in psychology can be pursued in the following fields; clinical, educational, occupational, sports and exercise, health, counselling, neuropsychology, forensic psychology and academic teaching and research.
Due to the wide range of skills, and the rigour with which they are taught, training in psychology is widely accepted as providing an excellent preparation for many careers. In addition to subject knowledge, graduates also develop skills in communication; numeracy; analysis; teamwork; critical thinking; computing; independent learning; and many others, all of which are highly valued by employers.
The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021, HESA.
Pre-approved for a Masters
If you study a Bachelor Honours degree with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.
ABOUT THIS COURSE
Suitable for applicants from:
UK, EU, World
Students may take an optional Volunteering module in Year 3.
Our BSc (Hons) Psychology (with Foundation Year) course provides an opportunity for you to study abroad in the United States of America (USA) and Europe via Erasmus.
For more information see our Study Abroad section.
Learning and teaching
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc., you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Independent learning
Over the duration of yourcourse, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.
Year 0 (Level 3): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 204 hours
Independent learning: 996 hours
Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 252 hours
Independent learning: 948 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 276 hours
Independent learning: 924 hours
Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 156 hours
Independent learning: 1020 hours
Placement: 24 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
The Department of Psychology places great emphasis on the quality of teaching, and discussions of learning and teaching are regular features of departmental meetings. We highly value the views of our students and encourage them to contribute to our discussions via their student representatives.
The Department is situated on different floors of the same building, with the hub being the Psychology Social Learning Space, which provides students with an alternative study area where students and staff gather for informal chats over tea or coffee. Nearby is the Psychology Departmental Office, academic staff offices and some of the many research rooms and laboratories. The close location of all our facilities contributes to a lively yet supportive academic atmosphere allowing students and staff to get to know one another.
The Department houses several laboratories which support cutting edged research in social, developmental, cognitive and biological psychology, and has attracted significant investment in recent years to support both our teaching programmes and our research. All academic staff play an active role in research and by the third year, students are able to undertake their own research project and make contributions to the vibrant research culture.
Key features of the student experience are:
- Department research seminars (approximately on a fortnightly basis during term time)
- The opportunity to undertake the University of Winchester's Research Apprenticeship Programme which enables students to work with academics on a genuine research project, so that they engage first-hand in cutting-edge scholarly activity and build vital transferable skills for their future.
- A range of academic and social activities organised by the student-led Psychology Society
- Community based experience on the popular volunteering module
- Exchange opportunities with other Psychology departments in Europe.
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical exams.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
Year 0 (Level 3)*:
62% coursework
25% written exams
13% practical exams
Year 1 (Level 4)*:
60% coursework
39% written exams
1% practical exams
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
72% coursework
26% written exams
2% practical exams
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
96% coursework
0% written exams
4% practical exams
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.
Feedback
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
Further information
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures
Entry requirements
2023 Entry: 48 UCAS tariff points
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
- A-Levels: EEE from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations
- BTEC/CTEC: PPP from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 1 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
In addition to the above, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:
- GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT.
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.
Course Enquiries and Applications
Telephone: +44 (0) 1962 827234
Send us a message
International Students
International students seeking additional information about this programme can send an email to International@winchester.ac.uk or call
+44 (0)1962 827023
Visit us
Explore our campus and find out more about studying at Winchester by coming to one of our Open Days.
Year 1 (Level 3)
Modules Credits
Succeeding at University | 15 | |
Succeeding at University introduces you to learning in higher education and provides you with a framework for reflection and understanding of your own personal learning identity as well as tools for continuing educational success. |
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Humanity’s Big Question | 15 | |
Exploring Psychological Approaches | 15 | |
Making Sense of Society | 15 | |
Making Sense of the World: The Tools for Argument and Analysis | 15 | |
This module is designed to enable you to develop the key critical thinking skills necessary for university study and beyond. Through a combination of lectures and small group seminars the class will discuss many of the key issues that underpin discussion of all academic disciplines. The lectures will introduce key themes and issues that enable students to make sense of the world in a critical fashion while the seminars will allow students to discuss these issues and engage with key readings each week. You are encouraged to apply these abstract concepts to your specific degree path. |
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Introducing Psychological Research | 15 | |
Research Methods in Psychology | 15 | |
Optional Modules | ||
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Optional Credits
Succeeding at University | 15 | |
Succeeding at University introduces you to learning in higher education and provides you with a framework for reflection and understanding of your own personal learning identity as well as tools for continuing educational success. |
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Humanity’s Big Question | 15 | |
Exploring Psychological Approaches | 15 | |
Making Sense of Society | 15 | |
Making Sense of the World: The Tools for Argument and Analysis | 15 | |
This module is designed to enable you to develop the key critical thinking skills necessary for university study and beyond. Through a combination of lectures and small group seminars the class will discuss many of the key issues that underpin discussion of all academic disciplines. The lectures will introduce key themes and issues that enable students to make sense of the world in a critical fashion while the seminars will allow students to discuss these issues and engage with key readings each week. You are encouraged to apply these abstract concepts to your specific degree path. |
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Introducing Psychological Research | 15 | |
Research Methods in Psychology | 15 | |
Optional Modules | ||
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Year 2 (Level 4)
Modules Credits
Introduction to Psychological Research Methods | 45 | |
In this module, you are introduced to the principles of research design, and to basic techniques of qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Key conceptual and historical issues relating to the philosophy of science are addressed, and ethical issues are covered. Students will carry out practical investigations in small groups to develop key skills in research design, data collection, analysis, and report writing. In these practical sessions, you will be required to collect, interpret and communicate quantitative and quantitative data across a variety of methods. Students are also encouraged to see how data analysis relates to research design, and hence to understand and value the insights that can be gained by a competent knowledge of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. The practical investigations are selected to illustrate particular aspects of design or analysis, with a progression towards more complex designs and more emphasis on theoretical issues. |
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Introduction to Psychopathology and Clinical Disorders | 15 | |
This module introduces students to theories and perspectives that underpin individual differences, clinical disorders and psychopathology. You will be introduced to the history of psychological disorders, from the origins of the asylum to the present-day diagnostic system of the DSM. The module will explore some of the theories and perspectives to psychopathology, such as the biopsychosocial model and the psychoanalytical perspective, as well as theories that explore the journey from unusual behaviour and individual differences, through to clinical disorders and approaches to treatment. |
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Introduction to Psychology | 30 | |
This module introduces students to the main sub-disciplines of psychology: biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, individual differences, and social psychology, as outlined in the British Psychological Society’s required curriculum. You will look at core topics within each of these sub-discipline areas, gaining an understanding of how psychology (and its sub-disciplines) developed over time and an understanding of key conceptual and historical issues that are relevant to the discipline as a whole. Seminars will further develop this understanding by fostering discussion and debate on key concepts and studies, helping you to better understand the relationship between theory and research. |
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Applied Skills for Learning and Development | 15 | |
This module aims to help students to develop and improve the key academic skills expected from psychology students during their studies, and to understand the transferability of these into the workplace, using the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Benchmark for Psychology as a foundation. You will have the opportunity to develop reflective skills, cognitive flexibility, communication skills and resilience. In addition, you will be provided with a greater awareness of your strengths, values and areas for personal development that will help inform a more holistic and self-based understanding of potential future career paths. You will engage with psychological literature related to identity, learning and careers, and will be helped to reflect on this literature in relation to your own personal development and career aspirations. |
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Psychology in Contemporary Society | 15 | |
This module will introduce you to the way psychology can be both used and misused in contemporary society. Sessions will be delivered through lectures and discussion in small groups. The content covers a range of current issues that draw upon psychological theory and research. The occasional misinterpretation of research findings by groups including the media, business and even law enforcement will be discussed. By the end of the module you should understand the importance of scientific research and communication to the public. Students will study one topic in further depth (e.g. by conducting independent research) and write an overview of the topic in the style of an article intended for a science publication aimed at the lay public. You will be assessed on your critical analysis of empirical evidence, your ability to present scientific research and complex ideas in an engaging yet accessible style, and your ability to write concisely. |
Year 3 (Level 5)
Modules Credits
Quantitative Methods in Psychology | 15 | |
This module introduces you to quantitative approaches to psychological research methods. It will comprise weekly statistics lectures and workshops, in which you will go through a number of set work questions using a statistical software package (SPSS). The module will emphasise the acquisition of practical research skills (in relation to key methods of data collection, management, and analysis), critical skills (e.g. through evaluating research papers and methods), and a broad awareness of issues concerning ethics in quantitative methods in psychology and conceptual and historical development of research methods (e.g., philosophy of science). |
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Brain and Behaviour | 15 | |
This module provides you with an insight into the biological basis of human and non-human behaviour, including comparative and evolutionary psychology, typical and atypical neuropsychology, neuroscience, behavioural genetics, and the effect of hormones on behaviour. You will learn how our conceptual models of biological psychology have developed through history as new methods of investigation were developed. You will also gain critical understanding and practical experience of research methods used by biological psychologists. |
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Personality and Individual Differences | 15 | |
This module aims to extend your understanding of the spectrum of individual differences and draws on content from a range of areas of psychology. This module covers key issues of contemporary significance using core areas of individual difference psychology such as personality, motivation, emotion & well-being. Topics are focused on in-depth within the module by examining different theoretical approaches to these concepts which allows you to understand how conceptual and historical issues inform our understanding and application of individual differences. The application of individual difference theory and research will be considered within the module in a number of contexts, for example clinical, educational or organisational contexts. |
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Developmental Psychology | 15 | |
This module aims to introduce students to both developmental theory and developmental methods. Developmental psychology covers a considerable number of historical and conceptual issues and current theories, as well as applied issues. The focus is on the child's/adolescent from a wide perspective, including among others social, cognitive, biological and cultural perspectives. Typical and atypical development across the lifespan (childhood, adolescence) will be considered in areas such as attachment, social relations, cognition, language, moral and cultural development. Students will also gain critical understanding and practical experience of the observation research methods applied to an aspect of child development. |
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Applied Skills for Research and Practice | 15 | |
This module aims to help you to evolve your career goals and aspired professional identities, to encourage active career exploration, and to develop tangible career tools (e.g. employability audit, Personal Action Plan). You will also be prepared for conducting independent psychological research, through developing a proposal for an appropriate empirical research project that you can pursue at Level 6. You will gain an awareness of the Psychology related career pathways available to you upon graduation, and will be encouraged to reflect on how your final year project subject area can align to your career aims. |
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Qualitative Methods in Psychology | 15 | |
The aim of this module is to introduce students to qualitative research methods in psychology, building on knowledge and experience gained at Level 4. The module will cover the historical development of qualitative methods, key conceptual debates (e.g. the philosophy of science), theoretical approaches to qualitative research, qualitative research designs and procedures, qualitative data collection methods (e.g. interviews and focus groups, qualitative surveys, vignettes and story completion tasks) and qualitative analytic methods (e.g. thematic analysis, interpretative phenomenological analysis and discourse analysis). Students will be given a chance to collect and analyse qualitative data, and write these up in a report. The module will emphasise the acquisition of practical research skills (in relation to key methods of data collection and analysis) as well as the development of critical analytic skills and a broad awareness of ethical issues relating to qualitative research methods in psychology. |
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Social Psychology | 15 | |
This module aims to build on the coverage of social psychology at Level 4 by exploring some of the key approaches and topics in Social Psychology in greater depth. Students will be introduced to key conceptual and historical issues and debates in social psychology, as well as some of the traditional areas of the discipline such as social identity, the self, social cognition and prejudice. The module will examine both ‘classic’ studies and theories, as well as contemporary treatments of these topics. The module will also cover critical approaches to social psychology and traditions emerging from these, such as social constructionism and discursive psychology. |
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Cognition and Behaviour | 15 | |
This module provides you with a broad overview of fundamental topics in Cognitive Psychology, such as sensation and perception, attention, language, learning, memory, thinking, problem solving, decision making, metacognition, consciousness and cognitive neuropsychology. Conceptual and historical issues relevant to cognitive psychology are also covered. You will gain critical understanding and practical experience of research methods used by cognitive psychologists. |
Year 4 (Level 6)
Modules Credits
Final Year Project and Future Directions | 30 | |
The project takes the form of an original independent empirical investigation in a psychological topic area. You are required to select your topic/research question and produce a research proposal before the end of Semester 2 of Level 5. Supervisors are allocated according to research topic. Data collection may only commence once ethical approval has been granted by the ethics committee. The indicative length of the project is 5,000 words for quantitative and 7,000 for qualitative projects. Additionally, this module will facilitate future employability through one-to-one tutorials between students and their FYP supervisor; providing individualised support concerning post graduate aims and specific job searches. |
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Optional modules | ||
Advanced Issues in Developmental Psychology 15 Credits |
Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing, for full-time students entering the programme in Year 1. Optional modules are listed where applicable. Please note the University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. For further information please refer to the terms and conditions at www.winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions.
The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed above.
Progression from one level of the programme to the next is subject to meeting the University’s academic regulations.
2023 Course Tuition Fees
UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International | |
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Year 1 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
Year 2 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
Year 3 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
Year 4 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
Total | £37,000 | £58,800 |
Optional Sandwich Year* | £1,385 | £1,440 |
Total with Sandwich Year | £38,385 | £60,240 |
If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2023, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a four-year degree would be £37,000 for UK students.
Remember, you don't have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year. If finance is a worry for you, we are here to help. Take a look at the range of support we have on offer. This is a great investment you are making in your future, so make sure you know what is on offer to support you.
UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £122.50 and a 15 credit module is £1,837.
* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year. To find out whether this course offers a sandwich year, please contact the programme leader for further information.
Additional costs
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:
Mandatory
Disclosure and Barring Service
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check may be required if you undertake a placement, volunteering, research or other course related activity where you will have contact with children or vulnerable adults. The requirement for a DBS check will be confirmed by staff as part of the process to approve your placement, research or other activity. The indicative cost is £40.
Optional
Core texts
Core texts are available from the University Library. However some students prefer to purchase their own copies. Some core texts can be bought second-hand or as an ebook which can often reduce this cost. Indicative cost is £400 for whole course.
Printing and binding
The University is pleased to offer our students a printing allowance of £5 each academic year. This will print around 125 A4 (black and white) pages. If students wish to print more, printer credit can be topped up by the student. The University and Student Union are champions of sustainability and we ask all our students to consider the environmental impact before printing.
Key course details
- UCAS code
- C80X
- Duration
- 4 years full-time
- Typical offer
- 48 points
- Location
- On campus, Winchester