Name of Programme
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Applied Computing
Final Award
BSc (Hons)
Location
Buckingham
Awarding Institution/Body
University Of Buckingham
Teaching Institution
University Of Buckingham
School of Study
School of Psychology
Programme Code(s)
UBSF9MPSAP / Full Time / 2 Years and 1 Term
UBSF2MPSAP / Full Time / 2 Years
Professional Body Accreditation
British Psychological Society
Relevant Subject Benchmark Statement (SBS)
QAA SBS: Psychology (2019)
QAA SBS: Computing (2022)
Admission Criteria
A-level: ABB-BBC (or equivalent)
GCSE: Maths B/5
IELTS 6.5
Applicable Cohort(s)
Autumn 2023
FHEQ Level
6
UCAS Code
C8G5
Summary of Programme
The psychology programme at 17³Ô¹ÏÍøhas been designed to integrate the unique 17³Ô¹ÏÍøtutorial teaching model into the teaching of psychological science. The programme is based upon three core elements. First, covering the core theoretical content required for British Psychological Society accreditation meaning that the degree has both national and international recognition. Second, strong research methods and analysis skills embedded within the programme so that 17³Ô¹ÏÍøgraduates have begun to develop a range of highly employable skills. Third, optional modules in all areas of practitioner psychology recognized by the BPS and HCPC as well as other areas of applied psychology so that graduates can make full informed choices about their postgraduate pathway
Educational Aims of the Programme
• Provide students with comprehensive understanding of psychological science within both core theoretical domains outlined in the QAA subject benchmark statement for Psychology, the seven areas of practitioner psychology (as recognised by the BPS and HCPC) and areas of interest and research within the psychology department and some areas of applied computing.
• Present students with evidence from a range of theoretical perspectives and foster critical evaluation of the theories and research carried out within these areas.
• Introduce students to a range of areas of applied psychology (mostly as optional modules) to demonstrate the ways in which psychological theory is applied in real word contexts.
• Develop students’ appreciation of the scientific method as a means of the development of knowledge and demonstrate its role in theory development.
• Develop students’ research skills by introducing them to a variety of research methods in both a theoretical and practical way throughout the programme culminating in students being able to demonstrate their research skills at the end of the programme by carrying out an independent research project.
• Develop students abilities to critically evaluate research findings by introducing them to a range of primary source research material and assisting them in the interpretation of this material
• Study a range of computer systems and their applications.
• Develop an understanding of the principles of computing theory
Programme Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

1) Psychological theories and concepts from the core knowledge domains within psychology: biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, individual differences, social psychology and CHiP.
2) The relationship between psychological theory and practice in select domains of applied psychology
3) Research methods ;their place in psychological science
4) Fundamentals of computing, multimedia systems, databases and networks
5) The applications of various domains of computing.

Teaching/Learning Strategy

1) Core theories have dedicated mandatory courses so that students are exposed all of the core domains of psychological theory. Students’ contributions to weekly tutorials on every psychology module of their degree see them engage in in-depth discussion and clarify their knowledge and understanding relating to key psychological theories, research and application.
2) The latter part of the programme consists of a selection of applied psychology courses that build upon knowledge gained from the core domains
3) Specific core and applied modules are based upon this knowledge domain and assessments reflect this
4) Lectures on the fundamentals of computing
5) Tutorials and practical sessions on the practical applications of computing

Assessment Strategy

1) Examinations which typically comprise 50% of a module total are the main means of assessing knowledge. Coursework essays are also used to address key topics within particular domains. Tutorial Contributions that typically comprise 10% of a module total on psychology modules.
2) Examinations and coursework assignments for applied modules
3) Specific core and applied modules are based upon this knowledge domain and assessments reflect this
4) Examinations in the computing stream can comprise up to 75%.
5) Coursework will comprise at least 25% of the course total but the proportion varies between courses.
Programme Outcomes

Cognitive Skills

1) Integrate concepts from a range of theoretical domains.
2) Develop a psychological understanding of general patterns of both typical and atypical behaviour.
3) Use evidence based reasoning to examine theoretical, methodological, and ethical issues in psychological science.
4) Use scientific reasoning to research design and implementation problems
5) Develop and understanding of contextual, interpersonal and cultural factors that influence human psychology
6) Identify and evaluate a range of solutions (technical and non-technical) to a given problem
7) Apply appropriate methods and techniques to the solution of problems
8) Development of cognitive skills such as using critical thinking and evidence based reasoning

Teaching/Learning Strategy

1) Lectures
2) Tutorial readings will often address this point specifically
3) Research exercises and some tutorial readings
4) Research projects and the project module
5) Data collection and group cooperation.
6) Computing lectures
7) Computing tutorials and seminars
8) Tutorial Contribution for psychology modules

Assessment Strategy

1) Examinations and coursework assignments deal with the integration of concepts more and more as the programme progresses.
2) Examinations and coursework from many modules
3) Research report assignments and the final year project module
4) Research project assessments and the Final year project report
5) Various assessments require that this is addressed
6) Computing systems examination (up to 75% of the course total)
7) Computing coursework component (at least 25% of course)
8) Tutorial contribution
Programme Outcomes

Practical/Transferable Skills

1) Ability to devise and test hypotheses
2) Design and implement a research programme
3) Analyses both quantitative and qualitative data
4) Present research findings
5) Communicate psychological theory and research findings clearly and effectively
6) Find and comprehend primary source material
7) Use a variety of research and psychological tools including SPSS, psychometric instruments and various other research tools
8) Independently carry out a significant research project
9) Use data effectively by plying both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques
10) Develop computer literacy
11) Develop literature search skills
12) Develop team working skills
13) Effective communication of computing systems information at a technical level
14) Effective use of a range computing technology applications

Teaching/Learning Strategy

1) Research methods and statistics modules in both years of the programme as well as embedded research reports and the final year project
2) Project module
3) Many modules have research coursework components
4) All modules are focused upon the presentation of module specific research findings.
5) Using both presentations and written submission students are taught communication techniques. In addition the tutorials are based upon communication of ideas about research.
6) Dedicated seminars and classes instruct students how to search for primary source material.
7) Dedicated modules that have integrated SPSS practical sessions. Other modules include the use of psychological tools where appropriate
8) Final year research project module
9) Many modules have research coursework components
10) All coursework must be submitted in electronic format and specialist software is employed
11) Seminars and classes provided on the use of online databases such as PsycINFO.
12) Tutorials provide weekly team working experience. Students are required to work in groups on some research and data collection exercises. Research methods and statistics courses in both years of the programme
13) Analysis of relevant computing theory
14) Courses have integrated computing technology

Assessment Strategy

1) Research reports
2) Final year Project report and presentation
3) Both written and computer based assessments to assess data analysis skills
4) Some modules have presentation components and the research project has a “conference style” presentation assessment
5) All assessments involve clear communication of research findings. Tutorial contributions require clear oral communication.
6) Greater emphasis in the inclusion of primary source material as students progress through the programme.
7) Computer based SPSS assessments are core components of two modules and are integrated into may other modules
8) Project report and presentation
9) Research report modules work
10) All submitted coursework assignments and SPSS examinations
11) By part 2 of the programme all students are expected to be searching for and using primary source material
12) Students are always assessed individually but may carry out some support tasks collectively. Part of their individual assessment may be with regards to their team contributions. Furthermore, tutorial contribution marks provide an ongoing assessment across all modules on the Programme.
13) Computing courses include examinations on theoretical issues
14) Examined on the communication of computing theory
15) Coursework requires the effective use of computing technology applications
External Reference Points
• Framework for Higher Education Qualifications ();
• Relevant Subject Benchmark Statement(s) ();
• British Psychological Society Standards for the accreditation of undergraduate, conversion and integrated Masters programmes in psychology
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental or programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by the University of 17³Ô¹ÏÍøand may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Date of Production
April 2018
Date approved by School Learning and Teaching Committee
Latest Revision: May 2023
Date approved by School Board of Study
Latest Revision: May 2023
Date approved by University Learning and Teaching Committee
Latest Revision: May 2023
Date of Annual Review
In line with the University annual monitoring review process.

 

PROGRAMME STRUCTURES

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Applied Computing

UBSF2MPSAP / Full Time / January Entry
Term 1
Winter
Psychological Processes [L4/15U] (SUFPROC)
Research Methods and Statistics [L4/30U] (SUFRMAS)
Introduction to Computer Systems [L4/15U] (SUFITCS)
Term 2
Spring
Biopsychosocial Aspects of Human Behaviour [L4/15U] (SUFBIOP)
Research Methods and Statistics [L4/30U] (SUFRMAS)
(Continued)
Introduction to Operating Systems [L4/15U] (SUFITOS)
Preliminary 1 Examination
Term 3
Summer
Biological Psychology [L5/15U] (SUFBIPS)
Individual Differences [L5/15U] (SUFIDVD)
Principles of Database Systems [L5/15U] (SUFPRDS)
Term 4
Autumn
Quantitative Methods & Analysis in Psychology [L5/15U] (SUFQMAP)
Social Psychology [L5/15U] (SUFSPSY)
Software Engineering [L5/15U] (SUFSEN5)
Part 1 Examination
Term 5
Winter
Cognitive Psychology [L5/15U] (SUFCOPS)
Qualitative Methods & Analysis in Psychology [L5/15U] (SUFQLAP)
Problem Solving and Programming 1 [L4/15U] (SUFPSP1)
Term 6
Spring
Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology [L5/15U] (SUFCHIP)
Developmental Psychology [L5/15U] (SUFDPSY)
Software Quality Assurance [L6/15U] (SUFSSQA)
Part 2 Stage 1 Examination
Term 7
Summer
Research Project [L6/30U] (SUFPRJP)
One of:
Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy [L6/15U]
Cognitive Neuroscience & Neuropsychology [L6/15U]
Sports & Exercise Psychology [L6/15U] (PSMJXXXX47)
Software Project Management [L6/15U] (SUFSWPM)
Term 8
Autumn
Research Project [L6/30U] (SUFPRJP)
(Continued)
One of:
Animal Behaviour [L6/15U]
Clinical Psychology [L6/15U]
Educational Psychology [L6/15U] (PSMJXXXX48)
Cloud Computing [L6/15U] (SUFCLDC)
Part 2 Stage 2 Examination

 

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Applied Computing

UBSF9MPSAP / Full Time / September Entry
Term 1
Autumn
Psychological Processes [L4/15U] (SUFPROC)
Biopsychosocial Aspects of Human Behaviour [L4/15U] (SUFBIOP)
Preliminary 1 Examination
Term 2
Winter
Research Methods and Statistics [L4/30U] (SUFRMAS)
Introduction to Computer Systems [L4/15U] (SUFITCS)
Term 3
Spring
Research Methods and Statistics [L4/30U] (SUFRMAS)
(Continued)
Introduction to Operating Systems [L4/15U] (SUFITOS)
Preliminary 2 Examination
Term 4
Summer
Biological Psychology [L5/15U] (SUFBIPS)
Individual Differences [L5/15U] (SUFIDVD)
Principles of Database Systems [L5/15U] (SUFPRDS)
Term 5
Autumn
Quantitative Methods & Analysis in Psychology [L5/15U] (SUFQMAP)
Social Psychology [L5/15U] (SUFSPSY)
Software Engineering [L5/15U] (SUFSEN5)
Part 1 Examination
Term 6
Winter
Cognitive Psychology [L5/15U] (SUFCOPS)
Qualitative Methods & Analysis in Psychology [L5/15U] (SUFQLAP)
Problem Solving and Programming 1 [L4/15U] (SUFPSP1)
Term 7
Spring
Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology [L5/15U] (SUFCHIP)
Developmental Psychology [L5/15U] (SUFDPSY)
Software Quality Assurance [L6/15U] (SUFSSQA)
Part 2 Stage 1 Examination
Term 8
Summer
Research Project [L6/30U] (SUFPRJP)
One of:
Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy [L6/15U]
Cognitive Neuroscience & Neuropsychology [L6/15U]
Sports & Exercise Psychology [L6/15U] (PSMJXXXX47)
Software Project Management [L6/15U] (SUFSWPM)
Term 9
Autumn
Research Project [L6/30U] (SUFPRJP)
(Continued)
One of:
Animal Behaviour [L6/15U]
Clinical Psychology [L6/15U]
Educational Psychology [L6/15U] (PSMJXXXX48)
Cloud Computing [L6/15U] (SUFCLDC)