BSc Psychology

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a dynamic BSc (Hons) Psychology program that provides a comprehensive and scientific understanding of human behaviour, thought, and emotion. This highly popular degree is fully accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), which is a crucial step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist in the UK. The program aims to ignite students' curiosity about the human psyche, enabling them to explore the relationship between the brain and behaviour and to understand how psychological principles can be applied in various real-world contexts. With a focus on developing versatile skills in research, analysis, and interpersonal communication, the course prepares graduates for a wide range of careers within psychology and related disciplines.

Curriculum: The BSc Psychology curriculum at CCCU is designed to cover all the core areas of psychology as required by the BPS for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). Students delve into fascinating topics such as biological psychology (Brain, Mind and Behaviour), cognitive psychology, developmental psychology (Social and Developing Self), social psychology, individual differences, and conceptual and historical issues in psychology. A strong emphasis is placed on research methods and statistics, equipping students with the skills to design, conduct, and analyze psychological research. Learning is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, and practical sessions, supported by extensive independent study. Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated psychology laboratories and research equipment in the Verena Holmes building, where they gain hands-on experience with data collection and analysis. In their final year, students undertake an independent research project, allowing them to specialize in an area of interest.

Research Focus: The BSc Psychology program at Canterbury Christ Church University is taught by a research-active team of experienced academics, many of whom hold doctoral qualifications and are recognized experts in their specialist fields. Their ongoing research directly informs the curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to cutting-edge theories and contemporary issues in psychology. Key research areas within the Psychology department include learning and development, society and environment, creativity and cognition, and health and wellbeing. The Salomons Institute for Applied Psychology, part of CCCU, also contributes to the research profile, with work in areas such as adult mental health, child and adolescent development, disability, mental health and sport, neuropsychology, and the psychology of arts and health. This vibrant research environment encourages students to engage in critical inquiry and develop a research-informed approach to understanding human behaviour.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a significant aspect of the BSc Psychology program at CCCU, crucial for enhancing student employability. The university maintains strong connections with local community practitioners and organizations, providing students with valuable real-world experience even before graduation. Students have the option to undertake a professional placement year between their second and third years, offering an excellent opportunity to gain industry experience, apply their learning in a specialist area, and enhance their CV. Past placements have included diverse organizations, showcasing the wide applicability of psychological skills. The curriculum also focuses on developing transferable skills such as teamwork, effective communication, presentation, and organizational abilities, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the job market and can make a positive impact in various professional settings.

Global Perspective: The BSc Psychology program at Canterbury Christ Church University inherently incorporates a global perspective by examining universal principles of human behaviour, cognition, and emotion that transcend cultural boundaries. The curriculum explores psychological theories and research findings from a global context, encouraging students to consider cross-cultural variations in human experience and the applicability of psychological principles in diverse societies. The university's commitment to a diverse and inclusive learning environment, attracting students from various backgrounds, further enriches discussions and broadens students' understanding of global issues related to psychology, mental health, and societal well-being. This prepares graduates to apply their psychological knowledge in an increasingly interconnected world, addressing global challenges and contributing to a deeper understanding of human behaviour on an international scale.