Bachelors Degree Accelerator Foundation - Psychology

Course content

Mandatory courses

There are two mandatory courses. International students will take 'Academic English and Study Skills' and UK students will take 'Academic skills'.

Academic English and Study Skills

This course will build on your English language skills acquired through your school years and get you to the level needed for your time at university. We focus on academic reading, writing, speaking, listening and research - all crucial for academic success. We will help you to get to the stage where you can construct academic texts using the style and vocabulary appropriate to your discipline. You will be able to incorporate source material into your writing, in line with standard academic conventions. We will help you to work effectively in groups and present and participate in talks and seminars.

Academic skills

This course introduces students to the study skills, practices and expectations of university study and so prepares them to better participate in a tertiary learning environment. Throughout the course, there will be an emphasis on the utility and transferability of these academic skills and competencies not only for foundation and degree studies, but also for employability and lifelong learning.

Psychology

This course will cover the scientific knowledge of the human mind and behaviour. We will help you learn about human development, individual differences, cognition, social psychology, psychobiology and behavioural psychology. You will also learn about memory, cognition and language, mental health, psychological disorders and treatment. The course will provide you with scientific study of the human mind and behaviour by introducing some of the core topics and concepts, methods and theories of psychology. The research methods section of the course will help you acquire scientific methods to analyse human thinking, feeling and behaviour through descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. You will also be provided with basic skills for critically evaluating research.

Optional courses

There are two optional courses.

Choose one from Economics or Mathematics

Economics

This course will enhance your knowledge and understanding of the economic environment. We will help you understand the application of economic concepts and theories. You'll learn to analyse and evaluate current economic issues for individual people, business organisations and society as a whole. You will be able to explain current global issues and suggest possible solutions. Upon completion of this course, you will have developed the skills of analysing and applying economic knowledge in discussing current economic events from different perspectives.

Mathematics

This course will build your mathematical knowledge and understanding, in a way that recognises problem solving as an essential skill. There will be a focus on developing and building your skills in the areas of algebra, geometry and statistics. Upon completion of the course, you will have the extended thinking and decision making skills to solve problems and integrate mathematical knowledge and apply these to solving problems that are drawn from practical and relevant real-life situations.

Choose one from Business Studies or Physics:

Business Studies

This course will provide you with advanced knowledge of business management. You will understand the importance of business in contemporary society. We will support you to develop your critical thinking through case study assessment of a real organisation. You will study the role of management, human resource management, training and development, leadership, strategy and business issues such as globalisation, business ethics and technological influences. We will support you to hone your problem-solving skills and have a full understanding of business and enterprise in today's society.

Physics

This course will give you a deeper insight into physics principles and applications, reinforcing your knowledge and understanding of the underpinning concepts of physics. You will develop skills in making critical comment. You will deepen your understanding of the processes behind scientific advances, in a continually changing and advancing landscape. You will enhance your awareness that physics involves interaction between theory and practice. On completion of this course, you will be scientifically literate and will recognise the impact physics makes on individual people, the environment and society. You will appreciate current areas of scientific debate and be able to add your own contribution to the discussion.

Progression degrees

When you complete this course you can go on to study:

• Psychology and Economics, BSc (Hons)
• Psychology and Marketing, BSc (Hons)
• Psychology, BSc (Hons)
• Psychology with Management, BSc (Hons)

How to apply

For entry requirements and guidance on how to apply, visit the core Bachelor Degree Accelerator Foundation Programme.