MSc Human Resource Management (Top Up)
The MSc Human Resource Management (Top-Up) program at the University of Gloucestershire...
BSc Hons Psychology
Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The University of Gloucestershire offers a comprehensive BSc (Hons) Psychology program designed to provide a strong foundation in the scientific study of human behavior. This British Psychological Society (BPS)-accredited degree allows students to explore the intricate workings of the human mind, examining the factors that influence thoughts, actions, and interactions. The program emphasizes a practical, real-world approach to learning, preparing students for a diverse range of career paths. With options for a placement year or study abroad, the degree provides valuable opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in professional settings or gain an international perspective on the field. The University of Gloucestershire focuses on providing a supportive learning environment, and their Psychology programs have received high satisfaction ratings for teaching.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BSc (Hons) Psychology program at the University of Gloucestershire is structured to provide a broad initial understanding of core psychological areas, with increasing specialization as the course progresses. In the initial year, students typically explore fundamental conceptual frameworks within psychology, learn methods of psychological investigation, and consider the relevance of psychology to everyday life. As students move into their second and third years, they can choose from a range of specialist optional modules, allowing them to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career aspirations. While specific module titles may vary, common areas of study include cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology across the lifespan, biological psychology, and individual differences. The program places a significant emphasis on developing robust research skills, with students learning to design and conduct psychological research using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The final year often culminates in an independent research project or dissertation, allowing students to delve deeply into a chosen topic within psychology and demonstrate their research proficiency.
Research Focus: Research is an integral part of the psychology program at the University of Gloucestershire. The teaching approach is often described as research-led, meaning that academic staff actively integrate their own research and the latest scientific findings into their teaching. This ensures that the curriculum is current and reflects contemporary advancements in the field. Students are trained in research methodologies throughout the program, gaining an understanding of how to critically evaluate and contribute to psychological knowledge. Faculty research interests are diverse and may include areas such as mental health and wellbeing, the psychology of forensic settings, cognitive neuroscience, gender and sexuality, and the application of psychological principles to real-world issues. The final-year dissertation provides a key opportunity for students to engage in original research under the supervision of experienced academics.
Industry Engagement: The University of Gloucestershire's BSc (Hons) Psychology program is designed with a strong focus on employability and preparing students for the professional world. The curriculum often incorporates real-world case studies and examples to illustrate how psychological theory is applied in various settings. A significant advantage is the option to undertake a work placement, providing students with valuable hands-on experience in relevant industries. Past students have gained experience in a variety of settings, including mental health services, education, marketing, and human resources. The university also emphasizes its "UoG Connections Promise," highlighting the numerous opportunities for students to build professional networks through over 4,000 placements, guest speakers, and networking events. These industry links and opportunities for practical experience help to enhance the career prospects of graduates.
Global Perspective: The University of Gloucestershire is committed to providing a global perspective within its programs, and the BSc (Hons) Psychology is no exception. The university welcomes a diverse international student body from a wide range of countries, enriching the learning experience through different cultural perspectives. The curriculum may incorporate a global outlook by examining psychological phenomena within diverse cultural and societal contexts. Furthermore, the option to undertake a study abroad year provides a direct opportunity for students to experience a different academic and cultural environment, broadening their understanding of psychology in an international context and developing valuable intercultural skills. This global perspective is crucial for graduates who may go on to work with diverse populations or in international settings.
Location
Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 16600
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 64.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Gloucestershire offers a range of scholarships designed to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are aimed at making education more accessible and affordable, allowing students to focus on their studies and enjoy their time in the UK without financial stress. The university provides several merit-based, need-based, and country-specific scholarships to help ease the cost of tuition fees for international students.
International Scholarships: The University of Gloucestershire offers International Scholarships for students coming from various countries across the globe. These scholarships typically range from £1,000 to £3,000 per year, based on academic achievement and the chosen course of study. The scholarship is automatically awarded to eligible students upon acceptance of their offer to study at the university. These awards are designed to make studying in the UK more affordable and are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Excellence Scholarships: For international students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, the University of Gloucestershire offers Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved exceptional academic results in their previous studies. The Excellence Scholarship can be worth up to £3,000 and is designed to recognize and support high-achieving students who show great potential in their chosen field of study.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, the University of Gloucestershire offers country-specific scholarships to students from certain regions. These scholarships are tailored to students from specific countries, helping to promote international diversity at the university. The scholarships vary in amount, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
A BSc (Hons) in Psychology opens doors to a wide range of career paths, both within and outside the field of psychology. The skills developed during the degree, such as critical thinking, research and data analysis, communication (both written and verbal), problem-solving, and the ability to work independently and in teams, are highly valued by employers across various sectors.
Assistant Psychologist: Working under the supervision of a chartered psychologist, assistant psychologists support in the delivery of psychological services. This can be in various settings such as the NHS, private clinics, or charities, and often serves as a valuable stepping stone towards becoming a fully qualified psychologist.
Research Assistant: Psychology graduates with strong research skills can work as research assistants in academic institutions, research organizations, or within businesses. They are involved in collecting, analyzing, and reporting research data on a range of psychological topics.
Support Worker/Key Worker: In the health and social care sectors, psychology graduates are well-suited for roles as support workers or key workers. They provide practical and emotional support to individuals with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, or other social care needs, helping them to live independently and improve their wellbeing.
Human Resources Officer: The understanding of human behavior gained in a psychology degree is highly valuable in Human Resources. Graduates can work in recruitment, training and development, employee relations, or organizational development, applying psychological principles to improve workplace dynamics and productivity.
Marketing and Advertising: The principles of persuasion, consumer behavior, and social influence learned in psychology are directly applicable to marketing and advertising. Graduates can work in roles such as market research, advertising executive, or brand management, understanding and influencing consumer choices.
Teaching (Further Study Required): While a psychology degree provides a strong academic foundation, a postgraduate teaching qualification (such as a PGCE) is necessary to teach in schools. Psychology graduates can go on to teach psychology or related subjects at various levels.
Forensic Psychology (Further Study Required): For those interested in the legal and criminal justice systems, a BSc (Hons) Psychology can be the first step towards a career in forensic psychology. This typically requires an accredited Master's degree and further supervised practice to work in areas such as offender profiling, witness testimony, or rehabilitation.
Counselling (Further Study Required): A psychology degree provides a solid theoretical background for a career in counselling. To become a practicing counsellor, a relevant Master's degree in counselling psychology or a related field, along with clinical placements and supervision, is generally required.
Health Psychology (Further Study Required): Health psychologists focus on the psychological factors that influence health and illness. This career path typically requires a BPS-accredited Master's in Health Psychology and subsequent supervised practice to work on promoting healthy behaviors, understanding the psychological impact of illness, and improving healthcare delivery.
Data Analyst: The strong analytical and data handling skills developed in a psychology degree are highly sought after in various fields. Graduates can work as data analysts, interpreting complex datasets to inform decision-making in areas such as business, finance, or social policy.
