Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience BSc (Hons)

  Institution: The University of Nottingham

Programme Description

During your first year you will be introduced to the core areas of biological, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology. As well as theoretical principles, the modules cover the applied aspects of these subjects, for example in education, engineering and clinical settings. You will also learn statistical methods of analysis and how to plan, carry out and report on psychological or cognitive neuroscience experiments. To complement your studies you will have the flexibility to select up to two modules from other Schools.

Second year modules examine the same topics as your first year in greater depth. You will expand your understanding, deal with more advanced theoretical problems, continue training in relevant research methods, and be given greater independence in undertaking research. Practical sessions run in a series of five-week group projects and are accompanied by further statistics courses. Psychology and cognitive neuroscience students are also offered a series of extra lectures detailing contemporary neuroimaging techniques. You also have the opportunity of spending one or two semesters in your second year at our campus in the UK.

The final year allows you to choose from a variety of advanced topics. If you are studying for the cognitive neuroscience degree you will take three core neuroscience modules plus another module of your choice. You are also required to conduct an independent research study during your final year. The project lasts throughout the year and, acting under the supervision of lecturers, you will be expected to take the initiative in designing and carrying out the research yourself, and completing a full research project report.

Entry Requirements

Our Foundation course route

Our Foundation courses give you another way to study for an undergraduate degree.

Other equivalent qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis

IELTS and TOEFL test results must be less than 2 years old and all IELTS must be the academic version of the test

Foundation

The Foundation in Science is a 1+3 year programme that results in direct progression to the undergraduate degrees offered within the Faculty of Science. This rigorous programme provides students with a strong academic background that will result in enhanced language, mathematics, critical thinking and study skills.

Students on this programme also chose from a range of elective modules that provide the opportunity to sample topics related to their chosen undergraduate pathway such as chemistry, ecology, computer programming or psychology.

Modules

Modules

• Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience and Biological Psychology
• Introduction to Social Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Introduction to Developmental Psychology
• Practical Methods in Psychology
• Statistical Methods

Popular approved optional modules include:

• Introduction to Counselling
• Introduction to Applied Psychology
• Language courses
• Entrepreneurship and Business
• Linguistics

Year 2

Modules

• Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology
• Personality and Individual Differences
• Cognitive Psychology 2
• Neuroscience and Behaviour
• Social and Developmental Psychology
• Practical Methods in Psychology 2
• Practical Methods in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience
• Statistical Methods 2

Year 3

Modules

• Programming for Psychologists
• Cognitive Neuroscience Methods: Neuroimaging

Research Project

Optional Modules

• Cognitive Neuroscience of Ageing
• Active Vision
• Autism
• Evolution of Brain and Behaviour
• Psychological Assessment
• Themes and Debates in Psychology
• Self and Intergroup Processes
• Psychodynamic Psychology and Child Observations

Career Opportunities

A recent report by the Higher Education Careers Services Unit found that psychology graduates are among the most employable, and least likely to be unemployed, of any degree course. A psychology degree helps prepare graduates for many different types of work, providing an impressive range of skills that make them highly sought after.

Psychologists work in many areas in the public and private sector, from schools and hospitals to management consultancies, high-tech industries and even professional sports teams. Many of our graduates will go on to choose psychology as a career – as researchers and teachers of the subject, or as practitioners in a range of sub-disciplines of psychology, such as clinical and counselling, educational and school, engineering, sports, forensic, health, and industrial/organisational.

Source : The University of Nottingham