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Teaching Excellence Framework 2023 - Gold Award

BSc (Hons) Psychology

Are you interested in what influences society, people and their behaviours? Have you wondered how our environment shapes action and who we become? Psychology is the scientific study of the mind, behaviour and relationships, and studying psychology at Marjon will enable you to immerse yourself in research and learning, to understand how psychology can be used in the world to influence our society, to solve issues and to investigate human behaviour and thinking.

Two psychology students examine models of the brains

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Entry requirements

Three A-levels at grades BBC or above

Or BTEC triple grades DMM or above

Or Access Pass with 23-45 Level 3 credits at Merit/Distinction, including 6 Level 3 credits at Distinction.

Or T level M

And GCSE English Language at grade 4 or grade C or above

Applicants with other qualifications and/or experience will be considered on an individual basis.

We will accept 2 AS levels in lieu of one A level but must be accompanied by 2 A Levels or BTECs. (General Studies is excluded).

UCAS points 112

UCAS code R1D4

UCAS institution code P63

Duration Three years full time or six years part time

Course Summary

In this British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited course you can immerse yourself in the study of people and their actions, emotions and thinking.

Our BSc (Hons) Psychology addresses the main areas of psychology; developmental, cognitive, biological, social, individual differences and research methods.  In addition to these core areas, this wide-ranging psychology course allows you to study the areas which interest you, such as education, criminology, mental wellbeing, leadership, sports and exercise and more. 

Throughout the course you’ll explore how these areas impact individuals, learning about the influence and development of social identity, chronic illness,  place attachment, cognitive development, attention and more! 

You'll also have plenty of opportunities to put this theory into practice, understanding how the theories apply to working with people, during your year 2 short placement (DBS check may be required) and working with other students.

Plymouth Marjon University offers a full campus experience, with accommodation, a sports centre, a bar and theatre onsite, as well as an active Students' Union, exceptional student support, and the beaches and moors of Devon and Cornwall within reach. Students on our Psychology programme benefit from high quality academic support within small class sizes, whilst enjoying a wider student experience. 

You'll be required to attend University three days per week. The days are fixed to be the same three days throughout the year which allows you to balance study with your other life commitments. You will be expected to undertake independent study outside of your timetabled sessions.

Why this course at Marjon?

Dedicated psychology research spaces on campus

Small groups for teaching and learning

High student satisfaction

Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)

Learn research through doing - practical approach to understanding theoretical principles of research

Immerse yourself in the study of people and their actions, emotions and thinking

Course Snapshot

“ In the first year we mostly covered the basics of psychology; learning about key theories and research methods. During the second year we got to specialise more in the areas we were interested in and we went out on placement. We looked at thinking, learning, memory and language but had more freedom in choosing essay titles. In our final year we chose some of our modules and looked more closely at neuroscience and adolescent mental health alongside our dissertation research.”
Ella - Third year, BSc (Hons) Psychology

Please note: optional modules are marked with an *

1st Year

Introductions to research, key topics, core perspective in psychology and some study skills on the side.
Your time to be a psychology researcher. Participate in projects, run your own experiments, collect data and report.
The module answers questions such as how do people work in groups? What influences our group roles and behaviour? Is the Zimbardo study (of the roles people play in prisons) still relevant today?
How do we think? How do we learn? How do we improve? This module looks at thinking and learning.
Investigate factors which impact on wellbeing including ill-health and stress and loss. You'll consider how illness & disability are displayed in the media and you'll design an information leaflet to support people with a mental health condition.
An introduction to research methods. We'll focus on the big questions: What is research? What is positivism? How do I research? What about research ethics?

2nd Year

A module to think about and do some quantitative research.
A module where we look at people in context, through a developmental lens from birth to end of life, and everything in between.
Leadership, social influences, group dynamics, styles, personality and identity all in one module!
A module to think about and do some qualitative research.
The human mind is amazing, this module looks at aspects of cognition from attention and perception through to problem solving and decision making.
Your placement module: your time to take some placement experience and reflect on the psychological theories and practice at play.

3rd Year

You choose the topic and complete a critical lit review on an area of your choosing.
In this module we look at cross-cultural developmental research, think critically about modern questions in developmental psychology and consider the nature and lived experiences of atypical development.
We discuss the nature of mental health and wellness during childhood and adolescence.
A time to think about how we can use psychological theory to challenge social injustice, build resilient communities and empower the people within them.
Your time to shine! With support from the tutoring team, you'll design and write up your own piece of research and share it with your course mates at a final conference.
Ever wondered about the biological causes of behaviour? or the cognitive underpinnings of problems relating to schizophrenia, brain injury or dementia? In this module you will understand the neuroscience and neuropsychology behind behaviours and acquired disorders.
Time to put your social psychology knowledge to the test! You'll look at your own management and leadership styles and those of others. You'll work in a team and explore the social psychology of organisations.
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Current students say...

Tim

“The curriculum at Marjon has allowed me to explore areas I am interested in, whilst also highlighting new topics for me. I immediately felt comfortable in the diverse community and felt able to contribute to discussions. The support from the academic team has been amazing and has helped me get through some difficult moments. Having more face time with lecturers is a huge part of this and I would absolutely recommend Marjon to anyone looking to study psychology!"

Nat

“By studying Psychology, I have been able to explore the topics I was curious about, and find new areas I wanted to question too. The small classes mean that the lecturers can have a person-centred approach. A key experience I have found valuable is the placement programme. I initially liked the idea of taking a year out for a placement, but that was no longer possible when I became a mum. The way Marjon’s placement fits alongside other modules worked much better for me.”

Charley

"I have loved the person-centred approach that classes use here at Marjon. This approach has shown me that I have agency; it has allowed me to both find and use my voice here. I have also found the placement module highly valuable. It helped me to explore the career I wanted to pursue, and I have also grown a lot in confidence and skills. It has been so valuable that I am continuing to volunteer at my placement and will do so in my final year as well."

Ever wanted the answer to one of these questions? Choose this course!

Can video games be used as a tool to build trust in relationships between children and professionals?

What are the lived experiences of students with ADHD whilst studying at University?

Does exercise improve mental health and wellbeing?

Is there a relationship between self esteem, life satisfaction and Adverse Childhood Experiences?

Does the monologue delivered by America Ferrera in the Barbie movie reflect the lived experiences of women in contemporary society?

Are individuals raised with cultural beliefs more susceptible to having paranormal experiences?

Ask a student

See where our graduates are now

Katie Ledger

"University taught me to have confidence in my own ability. It allowed me to become a critical thinker which is extremely beneficial and I feel confident to challenge events that I disagree with. Learning about psychological theories has broadened my understanding of the potential causes of behaviour and enables me to appreciate how we are all different which has made me an understanding support worker. I love it when I have made a positive difference to someone."

Support Worker, Priory Group Adult Care.

What might you become?

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) this will place you in a position to become a graduate member of the BPS (GBC) which is the initial required standard to becoming a psychologist. All psychologists must be registered with the HCPC after completing further training.

Your psychology degree will give you the transferrable skills that employers want, whether you are looking at private or public sector careers. You could continue to postgraduate study and/or a career as a psychologist or working in research or academia.

A Marjon psychology student has a pair of glasses with a camera attached adjusted by a lecturer

Accreditation

BPS accredited

British Psychological Society (BPS)

BPS accreditation ensures an engaging experience and means that upon graduation, students will be eligible for Graduate Basis Chartered Membership of the BPS which is required of applicants to the postgraduate training programmes that lead to becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

How will you be taught?

Teaching combines interactive lectures with seminars and workshops, all supported by online materials and tutorials. There are opportunities to look at case studies to apply your learning, and you will learn how to research by doing research.

How will you be assessed?

Our assessments are throughout the year and include essays, research lab reports, presentations and producing social media content, posters and other materials. Across the degree there are two timed assessments.  The assessments are designed to offer you the ability to demonstrate your knowledge and provide you with skills for your career.

Hazel Bending

Dr Hazel Bending

Course leader

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Hazel is a chartered member of The British Psychological Society (BPS). Her research centres on student wellbeing, professional identity and development, and students' relationship with the teaching and learning environment.

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80%of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.

Data for Psychology (Full time) at Plymouth Marjon University, over two years

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