Psychological and Behavioural Science

Durham University

Explore the full picture – from the internal mental processes to the behavioural outcomes. Harness insights gained from psychological science. The BSc Psychological and Behavioural Science degree combines a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited education in psychology with a specialisation in cutting-edge behavioural science. Behavioural science is a relatively new discipline that focuses on the application of psychological principles to challenges faced by organisations in the public, private and third sector. While psychology puts an emphasis on the mental processes that underlie behaviour, behavioural science emphasises behavioural outcomes, and the design and evaluation of interventions to encourage behaviour change. You will be taught state-of-the-art research methods, along with classic and innovative theory and research in psychology, following the BPS guidelines. You will learn to apply this knowledge to provide transformative insights for business, management and public policy. You can also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four. The emphasis in Year 1 is to provide you with fundamental knowledge and skills. In Year 2, your knowledge and skills are further developed and fostered moreover, all the subject areas essential for accreditation by the BPS and providing eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) are covered. In the third year, you will carry out your own dissertation project. You will also select from a variety of specialist topic modules which are primarily provided by lecturers eminent in their field. You will have the unique opportunity to engage with and discuss the most recent theoretical and empirical issues.Course structureYear 1 modulesCore modules:Introduction to Psychology 1: Cognitive and Biological Psychology introduces a broad foundation of knowledge of the core areas of cognitive psychology and biological psychology.Introduction to Psychology 2: Developmental and Social Psychology allows you to acquire a broad foundation of knowledge in core areas of psychology including developmental psychology, social psychology and individual differences.Introduction to Psychological Research introduces key research methods and statistical techniques used in psychology.Academic Skill Development for Psychology introduces students to the fundamental skills required for studying Psychology at degree level in a tutorial-based manner. The skills covered will include aspects of written and oral communication in line with psychological literacy skills, e.g. summarizing articles, critical evaluation, presentations.Optional modules:In recent years, optional modules have included: Careers in Psychology. Year 2 modulesCore modules:Cognitive and Biological Psychology develops an understanding of theoretical, methodological and empirical approaches in cognitive and biological psychology, with particular emphasis on memory, decision making, learning, and perceptionSocial and Developmental Psychology provides a broad knowledge and understanding of research and theory in some of the key areas of developmental psychology and examines the contribution that social psychology has made to an understanding of the relations between people and social structures involving people.Differential and Clinical Psychology develops knowledge and understanding of theory and research in differential psychology, the study of psychological differences and similarities between people and understanding of theory and research in atypical and clinical psychology.Contemporary and Conceptual Issues in Psychology develops skills in researching and communicating a range of contemporary and conceptual issues in psychology. It provides an opportunity to discuss psychological research in a tutorial context.