Queen Margaret University College

Course Details

BSc (Hons) Psychology

Course Description

Originally evolving out of philosophy and biology, contemporary psychology attempts to understand, explain and predict behaviour using objective scientific methods. Psychologists are interested in diverse questions such as ‘Why are emotional memories better remembered’, ‘How does prejudice arise’ and ‘How do our abilities to perceive and act in the world develop?’ Combining the study of both the individual and society, you will be well prepared for a wide range of careers. You will find this course particularly suitable if you have an enquiring, questioning mind and you want to understand more about human nature, interactions and experiences. In Years One and Two you will study a range of modules which will provide you with a thorough grounding in the key concepts, theories and schools of thought in both psychology and sociology. Through a combination of lectures, seminars and practical workshops you will develop a sound understanding of the historical development and contemporary applications of psychological and sociological knowledge, as well as understanding the philosophical debates that underpin psycho-social interpretations of the world around us. In addition, considerable emphasis is placed on enhancing a wide range of transferable skills, paying particular attention to improving your interpersonal and presentation skills, effective reading and writing, analytical thinking and critical reflection, as well as a sustained focus on the development of your research skills. Years Three and Four are designed to enable you to develop in-depth understanding of a broad range of substantive debates within the disciplines of psychology and sociology. For example, you will have the opportunity to specialise in abnormal psychology, the psychology of religion and spirituality, language and communication, the sociology of gender and sexuality, sociologies of liberation and social policy and politics. Working closely with a member of academic staff, you will conduct your own independent research project in Year Four, in which you will be encouraged to bring together your knowledge of academic theories and concepts, as well as refining your research skills. Your ability to understand the relationship between complex academic theory and practical research will certainly enhance your employability on completion of this course. Understanding research methods and statistical analysis is a requisite of any psychology degree and is taught at all levels. This is introduced gradually and opportunities are afforded for practical project work and workshops from an early stage.

Course Duration

NumberDuration
3year

Career outcomes

This degree can lead to a great variety of employment opportunities because graduates have a wide range of transferable skills. Former students have found employment in social work, nursing, sales, the National Health Service, and voluntary organisations. Successful completion of this degree at Honours confers Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) which enables access to professional training as a Chartered Psychologist (for example in clinical, educational, organisational or forensic psychology). On completion, students may also elect to pursue further education for example by undertaking an MSc or PhD in psychology. Anna Trejnowska BSc Hons Psychology I left Poland to study Psychology and English at the University of Wolverhampton. However, psychology was my main interest and I wanted to move to Edinburgh, so I applied to QMU , and due to my previous course, I was able to enter into Year Two. I really enjoyed the course , especially the last two years; it was intellectually challenging with interesting lectures and tutorials. I enjoyed the opportunity to study with other students and share ideas. The relationship between students and staff was great and staff were always available to meet with students to discuss any concerns. At the end of Year Three, I was chosen to help my lecturers carry out research on paranormal beliefs. I conducted and transcribed interviews. It was really exciting to be able to see how the academic work gets done 'from the kitchen'. Initially my career aspiration was to become a clinical psychologist so I looked for a relevant part-time job to get some experience. I used the university's JobShop and found a job as a nursing assistant in the Royal Edinburgh Psychiatric Hospital and worked there for the last two years of my degree. It was great being able to apply my knowledge in a work-setting. However, because of the research project I did, I decided that I wanted to pursue an academic career in psychology, rather then go down the clinical route. After graduating, I went back to QMU working as a research assistant in psychology and got lots of experience: I worked on three different projects. I am now included within the authors of the reports that came out of the work too; and I also did some teaching, which I enjoyed very much. I am now studying towards a Masters in Occupational Psychology back at Wolverhampton University.




BSc (Hons) Psychology Queen Margaret University College