Psychology (Professional Placement Year)

Understand the mind and human behaviour from a range of perspectives and methodologies on our applied Psychology degree.

• Accredited by the British Psychological Society, this course enables graduates who meet the requirements to register with the BPS.

• Apply scientific thought to the issues facing society and the world, and learn to communicate your findings effectively.

• Psychology is highly valued by employers and equips you as a graduate for a range of challenges, careers and industries.

Psychology is one of the most popular degrees in higher education. Whether the focus is neural mechanisms or complex human relationships, Psychology is an interconnected "hub science" that allows you as a student to contribute to society's key questions and challenges.

Providing you with a variety of skills including communication, computing, numeracy, teamwork, independent learning and critical thinking, a Psychology degree is highly valued by employers. Our course equips graduates for a range of careers and fields including education, health, civil service, private industry and commerce, as well as postgraduate study.

Psychology at Bath Spa is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS); our range of study options (single honours and combined) enable you to better tailor your studies to your future aspirations. You’ll be able to select optional modules and engage in interdisciplinary learning.

More about the Professional Placement Year
A Professional Placement Year (PPY), traditionally known as a sandwich year, is where you undertake a period of work with an external organisation for between 9-13 months. The placement occurs between your second and final years of undergraduate study. You can engage in multiple placements to make up the total time and are required to source the placement(s) yourself, with support from the Careers team.

In year one, you'll begin by exploring the main areas of psychological science, the ways in which you can use psychology in your life, and controversial issues around race and gender. In addition, you’ll be introduced to the research and data analysis skills that you'll need to become a scientist in your own right.

In your second year, you'll take on further depth and challenges as you advance your understanding of research design and analysis. You'll take a closer look at biological, cognitive, developmental and social psychology. Choose from optional modules based around the specialities of course staff.

Your third year is a Professional Placement Year.

In your final year, you'll embark upon your dissertation, working one-to-one with a member of staff on an original psychology research project. You'll also learn about creative enterprise with psychological science, completing a consultancy project of your own. In addition, you'll continue to enjoy the same opportunities to study specialist topics as in year two.

Assessment varies and includes essays, debates, research reports, group presentations and examinations.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• British Psychological Society