Psychology with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

Accredited by The British Psychological Society

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Study Psychology with a Foundation Year at Swansea University

Key Course Details

4 Year Full Time With a Foundation

UCAS Code: C80F
Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): CCC
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2024	£ 9,000

4 Year Full Time With a Foundation

UCAS Code: C80F
Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: CCC - More Information
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2024	£ 18,600

Accredited by The British Psychological Society

Course Overview

Studying a BSc in Psychology with a Foundation Year will give you expert scientific training in the relationship between the mind, brain, and behaviour.

The foundation year of this four-year course will introduce you to the key concepts and knowledge you need to progress to the BSc in Psychology. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, students will progress onto Year 1 of the BSc.

The foundation year (level 3) will be delivered by The College, Swansea University (TCSU). Years 2-4 (levels 4-6) will be delivered by the School of Psychology.

You will study the psychological and neuro-scientific processes that underpin activities such as thinking, reasoning, memory and language, learn about the effects of brain injury, and explore ways to improve health-related behaviour.

You will develop excellent research, written, and critical analysis skills, as well as a high degree of numeracy and ICT ability.

Our approach to teaching, which includes lectures, personal tutorials, academic seminars, workshops, and practical research classes, encourages effective team-working and high-quality oral communication skills.

WHY PSYCHOLOGY AT SWANSEA UNIVERSITY?

Our School of Psychology has an outstanding reputation both in the UK and internationally. In the most recent research assessment, we were proud to maintain our research culture with a strong record of translating science into real-world consequences, with 100% of our impact rated as internationally excellent (REF2021).

The course is validated by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and, providing you achieve at least a 2:2 in your degree, you will be eligible for Graduate Membership of the BPS and the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), the first step to becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

YOUR PSYCHOLOGY EXPERIENCE

Our flexible degree structure with an extensive range of final year optional modules gives you the scope to tailor your studies to your particular interests, career goals, or ambitions for postgraduate study.

PSYCHOLOGY CAREERS

As this BPS accredited degree is the first step towards pursuing a professional career in Psychology, many of our graduates have gone on to further study or work in specialist psychology fields.

The typical starting salary for an NHS trainee clinical psychologist is £35,392. As your career progresses you could earn between £50,056 and £96,376 or higher. Salaries in private practice vary.

The experience and skills you will gain on this course will also equip you well for careers in other areas of health and social care, as well as sectors as varied as management, research, and marketing.

Modules

Your first 3 years will cover key principles of biological, social, and developmental psychology, together with statistics, research, and experimental methods.

In your final year, you can choose from an extensive range of options alongside compulsory core modules.

Year 0 (Level 3)

Entry Level 3 / Foundation Year

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
		15	MN-0005
Academic Writing	September-January	15	MN-0004
Interactive Learning Skills and Communication	September-January	15	MN-0006
Statistics	September-January	15	MN-0501
Principles of ICT	September-January	0	MN-N012
Applied Critical Thinking	January-June	15	MN-0505
Foundations of Psychology	January-June	15	PSY000

Optional Modules

Foundation year optionals

Choose Exactly 30 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Choose Exactly 30 credits from the following Modules:

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Business Management	September-January	15	MN-0002
Globalisation	January-June	15	MN-0504
Understanding Society	The College - Spring Term (Jan - April)	15	PPS000
Welfare across the globe	The College - Spring Term (Jan - April)	15	PPS001
Biology 1	The College - Spring Term (Jan - April)	15	PPS002

Year 1 (Level 4)

FHEQ 4 Undergraduate / HECert

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Cognition I: Basic Processes	September-January	20	PSY111
Individual and Abnormal Psychology	September-January	20	PSY114
Academic Success: Skills for learning, skills for life	September-June	0	SHG149
Social and Developmental Psychology	January-June	20	PSY112
Biological Psychology	January-June	20	PSY113

Optional Modules

Core Modules with Welsh Language Option

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Students must select one of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Academic Skills and Foundational Concepts in Statistics and Research Methods	September-January	20	PSY100
Sgiliau Academaidd a Chysyniadau Sylfaenol mewn Ystadegau a Dulliau Ymchwil	September-January	20	PSY100W

AND

Compulsory Modules with Welsh Language Option

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Students must select one of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Professional Development and Applications of Statistics and Research Methods	January-June	20	PSY101
Datblygiad Proffesiynol a Chymhwyso Ystadegau a Dulliau Ymchwil	January-June	20	PSY101W

Year 2 (Level 5)

FHEQ 5 Undergraduate / HEDip

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Brain and Behaviour	September-January	20	PSY213
From Individuals to Society	September-January	20	PSY214
Cognition II: Higher Level Processes	January-June	20	PSY211
Development Across the Lifespan	January-June	20	PSY212

Optional Modules

Compulsory Modules with Welsh Language Option

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Students must select one of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Research and Experimental Methods I	September-January	20	PSY237
Dulliau Ymchwil ac Arbrofol I	September-January	20	PSY237W

AND

Compulsory Modules with Welsh Language Option

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Students must select one of the following modules.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Research and Experimental Methods II	January-June	20	PSY238
Dulliau Ymchwil ac Arbrofol II	January-June	20	PSY238W

Year 3 (Level 6)

FHEQ 6 Undergraduate / Honours

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Final Year Independent Research Project	September-June	40	PSY319

Optional Modules

Year 3 Optional Psychology Modules - Group A

Choose Maximum Of 10 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Students may select up to 10 credits from the following optional modules (but may choose not to select any modules from this group)

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Positive Psychology	September-January	10	PSY317
Understanding and Managing Criminal Behaviour	September-January	10	PSY359
Dimensions of Personality and Sexual Disorder	January-June	10	PSY352	.

AND

Year 3 Optional Psychology Modules - Group B

Choose Maximum Of 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Students may select up to 20 credits from the following optional modules (but may choose not to select any modules from Group B) PLEASE NOTE: Students are required to select between 70 and 80 credits from optional modules from Groups B and C (i.e. a total of 80 credits of optional modules must be selected from Groups A and B and C)

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Systematic Reviews in Psychology	September-January	20	PSY327

AND

Year 3 Optional Psychology Modules - Group C (Block 1)

Choose Minimum Of 10 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : In order to reach the required 80 credits of optional modules it may be necessary to select MORE than 1 module from some blocks in Group C. Students must select a minimum of one optional module from each block 1/2/3/4. Choose a minimum of 10 credits from the following modules in block 1:

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Psychology of Aesthetics	September-January	10	PSY322
Health and Human Development from Pregnancy to Infancy	September-January	10	PSY326
Evolution and Human Behaviour	September-January	10	PSY347
Behaviour Change: Health, Organisations and Advertising	September-January	10	PSY354

AND

Year 3 Optional Psychology Modules - Group C (Block 2)

Choose Minimum Of 10 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Students must select a minimum of one optional module from each block 1/2/3/4. Choose a minimum of 10 credits from the following modules in block 2:

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Evolutionary Perspectives on Romantic and Sexual Relationships	September-January	10	PSY318
The Infant Brain	September-January	10	PSY349
Psychology of Sport and Exercise	September-January	10	PSY358
The Ageing Brain	September-January	10	PSY362

AND

Year 3 Optional Psychology Modules - Group C (Block 3)

Choose Minimum Of 10 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Students must select a minimum of one optional module from each block 1/2/3/4. Choose a minimum of 10 credits from the following modules in block 3:

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Face Perception and Social Cognitive Neuroscience	January-June	10	PSY306
Cognitive Forensic Neuroscience	January-June	10	PSY328
Contemporary Issues in Eating Behaviour Research	January-June	10	PSY345
Work Psychology	January-June	10	PSY360

AND

Year 3 Optional Psychology Modules - Group C (Block 4)

Choose Minimum Of 10 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Students must select a minimum of one optional module from each block 1/2/3/4. Choose a minimum of 10 credits from the following modules in block 4:

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Cyberpsychology	January-June	10	PSY323
Cognitive Neuropsychology	January-June	10	PSY343
Nutrition and Behaviour	January-June	10	PSY351
Sleep and Dreaming	January-June	10	PSY357

Entry Requirements

Applicants will normally be required to demonstrate A levels at CCC or 96 UCAS points (or equivalent) although students applying for the programme through clearing may be accepted with CCD or 88 UCAS points.

Once students have been accepted onto this programme, they will automatically continue to level 4 of the programme, subject to successful completion of level 3 (the foundation year). The pass mark for level 3 is 40%.

Students who don’t wish to continue may apply to transfer to another undergraduate programme in Swansea University or to exit with a foundation certificate.

How You're Taught

You will have around 10 hours of scheduled lectures and practical classes each week with additional module related seminars and personal tutorials scheduled throughout each semester.

Independent and self-directed study is an integral part of each module to support your learning and development, you will also learn through lectures, personal tutorials, academic seminars, workshops and practical research classes.

During your third year, you will work collaboratively with psychology staff on an independent research project. Some of our students even go on to publish their independent research projects in academic peer-reviewed journals and present their findings at national and international research conferences.

We are proud to provide an outstanding educational experience, using the most effective learning and teaching approaches, carefully tailored to suit the specific needs of your course. Apart from a small number of online-only courses, most of our courses consist of in-person, on-campus teaching, enabling full engagement with your lecturers and fellow students.

Practical skills sessions, lab work seminars, and workshops predominantly take place in person, allowing for group working and demonstrations. We also operate virtual labs and Simulated Learning Environments which will facilitate greater access to training opportunities in the future. However, our approach also includes the use of some online learning to support and enhance traditional face-to-face teaching.

Online learning may take place ‘live’ using software such as Zoom, allowing you to interact with the lecturer and other students and to ask questions. Lecture recordings also allow for more flexibility to revisit material, to revise for assessments and to enhance learning outside of the classroom.

This course may offer some modules taught through the medium of Welsh or bilingually for students who consider themselves to be fluent Welsh speakers. For more details on the provision available see the Welsh Provision expander below.

Welsh Provision

Some provision

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study some elements of this course through the medium of Welsh but there is not yet enough provision to reach 40 credits in each year.

Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We can offer you:

Access to generous Welsh-language study scholarships or bursaries.
Access to modules taught wholly or partly in Welsh.
Access to the Arwain mobile app for the latest information about Welsh-medium courses and modules available to download free on the App Store and Google Play.
An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
The option to receive your personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
The option to write and submit your coursework or exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be marked in Welsh.
A Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor.
One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
Opportunity to be a member of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

To learn more about the above and all the opportunities available to you through the medium of Welsh, visit Academi Hywel Teifi's undergraduate pages.

Professional Body Accreditation

Accredited by The British Psychological Society (BPS).

Meet Your Lecturers

There are around 40 teaching staff in the Department of Psychology. Visit our School of Psychology Staff page to learn more about our academic team.

Tuition Fees

Start Date	UK	International
September 2023	£ 9,000	£ 17,700
September 2024	£ 9,000	£ 18,600

Fees for full time Undergraduate UK students may be increased in subsequent years of study by an inflationary amount determined by Welsh Government.

Fees for full time Undergraduate EU/International students will increase by 3% for each subsequent year of study.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

Travel to and from campus
Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
Purchase of books or texts
Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Careers and Employability

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
Advice and guidance on postgraduate study and funding
Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal tutor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

Academic writing
Maths and statistics
Critical thinking
Time management
Digital skills
Presentation skills
Note taking
Revision, memory and exam techniques
English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

Study Abroad and Global Opportunities

To learn more about study abroad, visit our Go Global webpages. Enrolment on a programme with a semester/year abroad does not guarantee you a semester/year abroad placement. Spaces are limited and subject to a competitive selection process. In the event you do not secure a semester/year abroad placement, you will be transferred to the standard variant of your degree scheme without a semester or year abroad.

International summer programmes are open to students from all colleges. Programmes typically range from 2 to 6 weeks, across destinations such as China, Zambia, South Korea, Japan, Canada and across Europe. For more information about programmes and eligibility visit our Summer Abroad webpages.

How to Apply

Apply now – UK, EU and international students.

For further guidance please visit our how to apply pages.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

Application Deadlines

We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.