Programme Specifications

AU's Year in Employment option

Psychology

Sociology

September 2023

The Aims of the BSc Psychology and Sociology degree scheme are:

• To develop a broad and deep understanding of Psychology and Sociology; the content, methods and philosophies of both disciplines and the significant synergies between them;

• To provide a structured programme of delivery that is academically rigorous and meets current and future benchmarking requirements;

• To encourage selected specialist knowledge and understanding through research-led Level 3 optional modules in those areas where Psychology, DGES, and other relevant departments at AU, have expertise;

• To produce graduates with a wide range of analytical, critical and technical abilities within Psychology and Sociology; abilities that are consonant with BPS accreditation;

• To develop powers of critical, analytic thinking and logical argument;

• To develop competence in a range of subject-specific and transferable skills including literacy, numeracy, computer literacy, problem setting and problem solving, research skills, report writing, and fieldwork skills;

• To encourage independent study and thought, enquiring minds, and a commitment to personal scholarship of the highest standard.

On completion of the BSc Psychology and Sociology degree programme students should:

• be able to critically evaluate ideas, concepts and approaches across the disciplines of Psychology and Sociology and, in particular, in relation to the significant synergies that exist between the two disciplines;

• be able to carry out independent research, applying a range of skills in relation to data collection, analysis and presentation;

• have developed a range of skills and be able to apply them to a variety of Psychological and Sociological issues;

• be able to recognize that their learning experience has been positively reinforced by exposure to research;

• be able to evaluate their own performance in a range of learning contexts and under different modes of assessment;

• be able to work independently, in a team and with a social awareness of the contribution made by scholarship and applied research in their discipline to psychological issues and social policy;

• have the necessary skills and awareness to seek employment in a variety of professional careers or to begin postgraduate research and study.

• A1 A comprehensive knowledge of the core domains within psychology and sociology, and their applications

• A2 an understanding of the relationship between psychology and sociology, and cognate disciplines e.g. biology, psychiatry, criminology, human geography.

• A3 a comprehensive appreciation of the assimilation within psychology and sociology of themes, theories, methods, and findings from other discipline areas

• A4 a comprehensive appreciation of the integration of ideas, theories, concepts and methods which can occur within both subjects, and between them

• A5 a comprehensive knowledge of a range of research methods and measurement relevant to Psychology and Sociology

Learning and Teaching

Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is through a combination of lectures (A1-A6), group seminars (A1-A4, A6), coursework (A1-A6) and laboratory work (A1-A6), as well as through supervision (A1-A6). Throughout, the learner is encouraged to undertake independent study both to supplement and consolidate what is being taught/learnt and to broaden their individual knowledge and understanding of the subjects of Psychology and Sociology, as well as the relationship between them.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Knowledge and understanding are assessed through a combination of seen and unseen examinations (A1- A6) and in-course assessments (A1-A6), in the form of practical laboratory reports (A1-A6), essay assignments (A1-A4,A6), group presentations (A2,A3,A5,A6), portfolios (A3), in-class tests (A1, A2, A3, A5), project report (A2, A4,A5), oral presentations (A1-A6) and research participation (A2), and eLearning assessments that include Wikis and Blogs (A1-A6). Importantly, the whole degree encourages, promotes, and facilitates active learning where students are able to learn through less formal means, such as the Psychology Society, the Geographical Society and public lectures. Students are also supported through academic progress meetings with their personal and/or subject tutors.

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

B1 the ability to integrate simple and challenging ideas and empirical findings and assess the relevance of theoretical knowledge in applied contexts

B2 the ability to extrapolate and comprehend the application of knowledge within the areas of psychology and sociology

B3 the ability to display critical thinking skills

B4 the ability to process information in a manner displaying advanced cognitive skills

B5 the ability to define and appreciate complex problems and offer solutions

B6 Integrate and critically evaluate information and data from a variety of sources to construct cogent arguments

B7 Attend to the distinction between primary and secondary sources of information

B8 Reflect on experience of learning and adjust intellectual perspective

Learning and Teaching

Student development of intellectual skills from B1-B8 are promoted through lectures, group seminars, coursework, and laboratory work, as well as through supervision at year 3. Throughout, the learner is encouraged to undertake independent study both to supplement and consolidate what is being taught / learnt and to broaden their individual knowledge and understanding of the subject. The application of these skills in the context of specific areas of psychological and socioloical enquiry is demonstrated through lectures and seminars for core and optional modules at Levels 1, 2 and 3. Reflection and self-assessment (B9) are integral to the learning of intellectual skills and will be developed through feedback on summative and formative assessments and through the online PDP facility.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Intellectual skills (B1-B8) are assessed through a combination of seen and unseen examinations and in-course assessments, in the form of practical laboratory reports, essay assignments, portfolios, in-class tests, project report, group and oral presentations, and research participation, as well as eLearning assessments. The use of reflection tools through the PDP are used to develop the students critical awareness and identify their performance. Personal tutors provide feedback regarding academic performance of students.

10.2.2 Professional practical skills / Discipline Specific Skills

By the end of the programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

C1 Interact ethically and professionally with research participants

C2 Generate and explore complex hypotheses and research questions

C3 Initiate, design and conduct empirical-based studies involving a variety of methods of data collection

C4 Analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data relevant to psychology and sociology

C5 Effectively employ specialist computer packages (at years 2 and 3) to analyse and use complex numerical, statistical and other data using quantitative methods

C6 Effectively employ thorough advanced qualitative approaches and methods to analyse complex text, media and human experiences

C7 Search specialist databases to be able to conduct and write literature reviews

C8 Evaluate, present and communicate effectively complex findings by a variety of means, such as a research report

Learning and Teaching

Practical skills are developed through a series of lectures, seminars, workshops and practical laboratory classes at years 1 and 2 and further developed through a supervised independent research project at year 3. C7 is also acquired through essay writing at all levels. At year 1, students engage in C5 using formula and calculations by hand before moving to specialist computer packages at years 2 and 3. Throughout, the learner is encouraged to consolidate practical skills (C1-C8) through practice with appropriate research methods and projects.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Practical skills are assessed through practical and project reports (C1-C8), statistics tests and examinations (C4-C5), poster presentations (C1-C6; C8), portfolios (C1-C2; C8), and Wikis (C4, C8), group and individual presentations (C2, C7, C8). At year 3 the independent project may, depending on the topic, assess any or all of outcomes C1 to C8

By the end of the programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

D1 Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

D2 Work effectively within a group

D3 Work and learn independently

D4 Manage time, resources, and work to deadlines efficiently

D5 Effectively use information and communication technology to produce and present ideas and documents

D6 Show respect for the views and ideas of others

D7 Identify career opportunities

D8 Decision making; Identify problems and provide solutions

D9 Recognise the need to continually update knowledge and skills

Learning and Teaching

The programme aims to promote, develop and nurture students’ awareness of and competence in these key transferable skills, many of which students will already possess to a greater or lesser degree of competence. All of these skills are integral to teaching and learning activities across the programme and are embedded in the degree scheme. Others (D7-D9) are developed through specific modules and learning activities, e.g. group work (D2) is developed through data collection and analysis exercises, and compliments the independent skills developed in most modules. Throughout, the learner is encouraged to develop transferable skills by maintaining a record of evidence and completing a personal development plan (PDP) initiated in year 1.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Transferable skills are assessed through unseen examinations, in-class tests (D1, D3); laboratory reports, essays including placement essay, project report (D1, D3-D5,D8), poster presentations, mini- projects and laboratory group work (D1-D6,D8), portfolios (D6 and D7). In addition, a number of the above skills are explicitly assessed at various points during the programme through a range of methods, including the Dissertation project (D1, D3-D5, D8), oral presentations (D1-D2), group debates and discussions (D2,D6), placement portfolio (D7, D9)