Applied Psychology BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses

Two Applied Psychology students roleplaying as therapist and patient

Psychology is the study of the mind and human behaviour. Applied psychology places particular emphasis on its application in real-life and clinical contexts.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2023-24 2024-25 2025-26

Location

CU London (Dagenham, London)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

C813

Start date

April 2024
June 2024

How to apply

Open days

Download a prospectus

Course overview

Foundation year

The foundation year course offers an introduction to your chosen subject and helps you develop the necessary skills for degree-level study. In addition, you will also explore key skills such as research methods, scientific fundamentals and promotion techniques.

Degree

The degree course aims to provide you with a solid grounding for building a career in psychology-related disciplines.

Vocational modules allow you to understand how the key theories of psychology are applied in the professional context, and the course explores the use of psychology in areas such as health, education, sport, forensic, clinical and the law. This allows you to learn about psychology in practice from different perspectives. The opportunities to gain real-world exposure will also be developed across the course through engagement with a variety of psychologists from different fields.

Why you should study this course

This course aims to provide you with an understanding of the disciplines found within psychology and an awareness of how these are used when working with clients.
Core areas of psychology are incorporated at the appropriate levels, as stipulated by the British Psychological Society (BPS), so that you learn about the historical and philosophical contexts as well as the developmental, social, biological, cognitive and research methodologies in this field.
Opportunity to undertake an optional placement or study abroad year².

How can we help?

What you'll study

The first year of the degree introduces you to the fundamentals of psychology and its professional application, covering important theoretical and historical issues within the subject as well as notions of the self and identity and vital research techniques. Students who successfully complete year one are eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Applied Psychology.

Modules

Principles of Psychology - 30 credits

This module will introduce you to the significant conceptual and historical issues in psychology, taken from a range of theoretical and applied perspectives. We’ll explore the historical emergence of psychology in the 19th century and its development as an independent discipline, giving you an overview of the key concepts. Philosophical and social influences on the nature and practice of psychology are emphasised, in addition to introducing the current issues and debates in contemporary psychology.

Compulsory

Developing Self in Society - 30 credits

This module aims to develop your understanding of both theory and research in developmental psychology and social psychology. We introduce key theories on human development as you examine how psychological processes and challenges change over the life span. The latter section introduces social psychology, the study of the psychological processes that operate when we interact with others and how we behave in groups. This aspect of the module will introduce you to the social and cultural influences on self and identity.

Compulsory

Psychology in Context - 30 credits

This module will provide you with an introductory understanding of the various fields within psychology such as counselling, clinical, educational, forensic, occupational, sport, and health psychology. We introduce you to the role of psychologists in the wider community and organisational context, laying the foundation for further study as the course progresses.

Compulsory

Introducing Research in Psychology - 30 credits

Quantitative and qualitative methods of research are vital to progress in psychology. You will be introduced to the fundamental principles of research design and procedures in data collection (e.g. interview, questionnaire, observation). You'll also learn the basic techniques used in data analysis and laboratory report writing as well as the possible ethical dilemmas that psychology researchers could face.

Compulsory

In the second year, we introduce the notion of personalities and how effective it is to assess the individual. You will explore the brain, hormones and addiction, and engage with psychologists to learn how effective it is to apply theoretical psychology to real-world examples. Year two also builds on research methods taught in year one so that you are prepared for your research project in the final year. Students who successfully complete year two are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Applied Psychology.

Modules

Individual Differences and Personality - 30 credits

In the field of psychology, the concept of individual differences is viewed as a cornerstone in modern psychology. It examines how people are similar, yet different in their thinking, feeling and behaviour. This module will cover the key concepts in individual and group differences, exploring the different theories and debates within personality and intelligence and the psychological measurement used in establishing individual difference, as well as the strengths and limitations of such psychometric measures.

Compulsory

Brain and Behaviour - 30 credits

This module introduces the impact of biological processes on health and ill-health. You will study brain structure and function and the possible effects of brain chemicals and drugs on human behaviour alongside the biological bases of human and non-human animal behaviour, behavioural genetics, hormones and behaviour, neuroscience, typical and atypical neuropsychology. Addiction and the role the brain, nervous system and epigenetics play in this issue is also considered.

Compulsory

Real World Applications in Psychology - 30 credits

You will examine the constraints of applying theory and laboratory principles to the real world and explore the use and application of psychological practice for individuals as well as groups and organisations, from a local, national and international perspective. Considerations will be made to the ethical, conceptual, cultural and historical aspects of psychology and the strengths and limitations of using psychological theory to answer real world questions. As a key part of the module, you will engage with psychologists in order to inform your assignment on your chosen area of applied psychology, and explore career paths while continuing to develop your skills and interests.

Compulsory

Research Methods - 30 credits

This module focuses on advancing the methodological and statistical techniques taught in year one so that you are prepared for your research project in the final year, as well as developing aptitude with statistical analysis software packages. Expanding your knowledge and skills in the analysis and utilisation of quantitative and qualitative data is the primary focus, but ethical issues in psychology and integration across multiple perspectives are all thoroughly considered.

Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur before your final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee³ of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

UK Work Placement – 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

In the final year of the degree, you will broaden your knowledge of group behaviour to include the workplace and sporting world. Using the lens of the Forensic Psychologist, you will design and carry out a small-scale experimental research study, and through the lens of the Educational Psychologist you will explore the processes involved in perception, learning and thinking. Therapy such as CBT and general mental health is also explored before entering the final section of the degree which comprises an extensive research project. Students who successfully complete year three are awarded a BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology.

Modules

Applied Social and Developmental Psychology - 30 credits

This module develops an understanding of both theory and research in social and developmental psychology as used by Occupational Psychologists and Sport Psychologists, considering both social influences and developmental factors in these two areas. It will extend and improve knowledge of social and developmental theories by applying them to new situations such as the workplace and the sporting world, from understanding why bullying behaviour and aggression take place to analysing what creates a winning mentality and lifespan perspectives on such concepts.

You will evaluate the role of group dynamics, social cohesion and lifespan theories of development in providing explanations for behaviour, while also prompting further questions to be asked.You will also be expected to critically reflect on your own behaviour in group situations and apply this understanding to the relevant vocational contexts in order to synthesise your theoretical and experiential learning.

Compulsory

Cognition and Performance - 30 credits

This module will explore cognitive psychology including attention, perception, learning, memory, thinking, problem solving, decision making, metacognition, language, consciousness and cognitive neuropsychology. It will examine information processing in both human and computing contexts, and also provide skills to evaluate task performance in a psychological context.

You will design and carry out a small-scale experimental research study on memory retention using eyewitness evidence as a starting point. There will be a vocational focus on both Forensic Psychology and Educational Psychology in order to apply knowledge and understanding. Visual and memory processes will be considered from the perspective of Forensic Psychology, evaluating the reliability of eyewitness testimony. Thinking, reasoning and language use will be explored through the lens of an Educational Psychologist, as these processes are particularly relevant to the classroom.

Compulsory

Talking Therapies - 30 credits

Mental health practitioner training programmes provide the knowledge and professional skills for people to work with people with common mental health problems. This module introduces the mental health practitioner role, including the principles of CBT and the behaviour change models that provide the framework which support an integrated approach to the choice and delivery of the interventions they provide. Common mental health problems that are treated by such practitioners will be explored and the main areas of concern relevant to the assessments undertaken.

Compulsory

Research Project - 30 credits

Research in Applied Psychology seeks to solve practical problems. This type of research plays an important role in solving everyday issues that often have an impact on life, health, work and overall well-being. This module will give you the opportunity to undertake a sustained, in-depth research exploration and demonstrate the ability to use research and enquiry skills to collect, analyse and interpret relevant literature and data. You will aim to formulate novel research questions, and test these questions through the application of contemporary psychological methodologies and appropriate data-analytic procedures in order to find solutions to everyday problems.

Compulsory

The foundation year offers an introduction to your chosen subject and supports you to develop the skills required for degree-level study.

Modules

Academic Skills for Health and Social Care - 30 credits

The module is aimed at creating a culture of careful learning and self-reflection, where you’ll be encouraged to recognise your strengths and weaknesses and take ownership of your development. You’ll be introduced to a range of skills that will aid you throughout the programme and further study, such as time management, cultural awareness, resource management and interpersonal skills.

This module is designed so you can gain highly regarded employment skills such as digital proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint etc.), team management, communication, planning skills and more, alongside lectures on ethics, health and safety and technical skills, so that you receive thorough, full-circle training.

Compulsory

Working in the Health and Social Care Sector - 30 credits

This module begins with exploration of health and social care services, roles and responsibilities of people working in this sector. You will understand the key influences that affect the provision and delivery of these services in UK contemporary society.

This module also explores the role of multi-agency/disciplinary working, using real-life situations to highlight the strengths and limitations of partnership working. A key part of working in health and social care is being able to assess the holistic needs of a service user and plan for their care using the care planning cycle. Concepts such as personalisation, empowerment, the Care Value Base, effective communication, equality and diversity, legislation, safeguarding and ethics will also be covered.

Compulsory

Life Processes for Healthcare - 30 credits

This module is designed to provide you with knowledge of the life processes in the body. In this exciting module, you will have the opportunity to undertake practical activities which require you to take measurements of the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system and body temperature using non-invasive techniques.

You will even investigate normal responses to routine variations in body functioning. Knowledge and understanding of the needs of service users, types of illness and disease is developed by exploring some of the more common disorders, their causes, symptoms and effects. Factors influencing changes in patterns of health and disease in a community are investigated and how the prevention of ill health can reduce the occurrence of disease. Approaches and models used to achieve positive health in individuals are explored.

Compulsory

Social Care Perspectives - 30 credits

A sociological module, this topic focuses on developing your critical awareness of the impact social factors has on the life chances of individuals and groups in society. You will complete analysis of demographic changes, patterns of behaviour and lifestyle highlights of social groups. The inequalities in life chances of social groups has been a major focus of governmental, national and local initiatives following the release of the Black Report in 1980. You will begin to understand how social care compliments and supports the wider healthcare agenda. You’ll study the concepts of relative and absolute poverty and the impact of this within society. There will also be an opportunity to investigate domestic violence and deprivation.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Your initial foundation year is focused on applied learning geared to high-intensity teaching and study throughout the course. The delivery of course content is a blend of lectures, tutorials and online mediums.

Teaching contact hours

You can expect up to 20 hours of learning activities per week, made up of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, online classes and independent learning. Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 30 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

During your foundation year, the learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

Assessment methods vary and include, practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which take place at the end of each six-week block.

Course breakdown:

Coursework
Phased tests

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

This course is available as a full-time three-year or optional four-year sandwich course, where you undertake a work placement or study year in a related field².

Our teaching methods are varied, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. Additional support is available via email and our online learning platform, which is currently Aula.

Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end of year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model.

Teaching contact hours

You can expect up to 20 hours of learning activities per week, made up of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, online classes and independent learning.

Assessment

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

Assessment methods vary and include: practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which take place at the end of each six-week block.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

40 UCAS tariff points. All Foundation courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C including Maths and English, and at least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you don’t fulfil the entry criteria your application may be considered on an individual basis, taking into account any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed. Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Are you eligible for the CU Support Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

CU Support Scheme

Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Foundation year

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£7,950	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

Degree

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£7,950 per year	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³ and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see the University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

Tuition fees³ cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

If you choose to do a work placement², you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee³ of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees³:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

You’ll be based in the spacious Civic Centre building, which provides an outstanding learning environment.

You will have access to our Library and Learning Services, fully equipped seminar rooms and impressive IT suites.

Careers and opportunities

Studying psychology opens up a wealth of opportunity in a diverse and exciting range of fields that can lead to vast employment potential. The British Psychological Society state that there are currently over 750,000 people that work in a psychology-related role in the UK.

Through the analysis of psychology in real-life situations, you will develop key employability skills valued by employers. These include teamwork, independent working, presentation skills, role play, reflection and an ability to articulate complex ideas effectively. In this way, graduates are prepared for a future career in psychology as well as in other areas that require the many and varied skills that this course promotes.

On successful completion of your degree, you should be able to:

Critically evaluate the discipline of psychology, with the ability to systematically review and synthesize psychological knowledge, recognise the diversity of psychological functioning and the global, historical and cultural context of human experience.
Structure and confidently articulate ideas and information to a range of different audiences, using professional standards and enterprise skills appropriate to the socio-cultural and global contexts and purpose of the communication.
Critically evaluate psychological research paradigms, a range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, and analyse data, culminating in the successful execution of a research project complying with established ethical standards.
Demonstrate a critical understanding of the applications of psychology and approach problem-solving in innovative and creative ways to explain and develop solutions to a range of real-world problems and global contexts.
Show a deep understanding and high level of competency in a range of transferable skills, including analysis and interpretation of statistical and other forms of data, digital literacy skills, communicating effectively through scientific argument and the effective sourcing and utilization of ideas and evidence from a wide range of psychological and other scientific sources.
Critically reflect on and be self-aware of the achievement of personal and group objectives whilst developing introspection and autonomy in the application of learning.

Where our graduates work

Upon graduation, there are a range of career possibilities. You could continue on to postgraduate study in order to become a chartered psychologist. Other options include becoming a researcher in psychology or careers in an alternate field e.g. occupations within social and welfare settings, law and business, HR and marketing, or childcare, education and health professions. Depending which type of psychology you choose to research in your final year project, you can gain real insights into fields including law, health, business, education, counselling, sport and leisure and more.

How to apply

BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS. Otherwise, you will need to apply to CU directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

(+44) 0203 873 0700

CULondon@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
CUCLU041I

International students should apply directly to CU directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International pages or Coventry University Group's International hub.

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

(+44) 0203 873 0700

cul@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2023/24 contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.