An award of the University of East Anglia and the University of Essex
The information contained within this course specification is correct as at 4th January 2011.
UCAS Course Code / UCS Course Code: CL85 BSc/PsyYS
Course Summary
Changing socio-economic circumstances have had important implications for young people, providing new opportunities, but also the experience of marginalization and exclusion. This programme aims to explore academic scholarship on youth through a combination of both psychological knowledge and studies in young people’s experiences and life contexts. Students will develop a questioning and critical approach to the understanding of individuals and young people, as well as skills in analysing theories and evidence, and applying research methods to develop knowledge.
Entry Requirements
In order to satisfy the minimum general requirements for admission candidates must:
An applicant whose first language is not English will be required to produce evidence of their competence in the English language in accordance with the Institution’s UCS admissions policy|. In considering individual applications, evidence will be sought of personal, professional and educational experiences and competencies, as appropriate, to provide indications of an ability to:
The Head of Division may deem the following to have satisfied the general and course-specific requirements for admission:
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Candidates above twenty-one years of age and above who do not satisfy the general and specific qualification requirements, but who submit satisfactory evidence of having achieved qualifications which are deemed to be equivalent. Particular attention is to be given to the ability to succeed at a level 3 qualification before entering level 4 of an undergraduate degree
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Candidates of twenty-one years of age and above who do not satisfy the general and specific qualification requirements, but who submit satisfactory evidence of the capacity and attainments requisite to enable them to pursue the course proposed in the form of a 1000 word essay
Course Aims
The aims of the Psychology and Youth Studies courses at University Campus Suffolk are:
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To develop students’ knowledge, critical understanding and skills in the areas of Psychology and Youth Studies
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To cultivate a questioning and critical approach to the understanding of human behaviour and society
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To encourage cognitive development and autonomous learning
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To develop subject specific, cognitive and key transferable skills of value in employment, further study and personal development
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To provide opportunities that facilitate widening participation by local/non-standard entrants to study Psychology and Youth Studies at degree level
Learning Outcomes
G= Generic, P= Psychology, YS= Youth Studies
Upon completion of Level 6 (BSc and BSc Hons) students will be able to demonstrate:
Knowledge and Understanding
G1 - Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of a range of theories and perspectives in the analysis of human behaviour and society
P1 - Demonstrate a good knowledge and critical understanding of a range of influences on psychological functioning, and how they are conceptualised across biological, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology and individual differences (P7.4iii)
P2 - Demonstrate knowledge of a range of research paradigms, research methods and measurement techniques, including statistical analysis. (P7.4v)
Y1 - Identify and evaluate appropriate concepts and theoretical approaches to the construction of youth and young people (Y7.1v)
Y2 - Evaluate the political and social systems that shape participation, citizenship, marginalisation and resistance (Y7.1iii)
Y3 - Analyse, with reference to aspects of critical theory, the contested ideologies and intellectual currents shaping youth and social policy (Y7.1iii)
Intellectual Skills
G2 - Show critical awareness of theoretical developments and ethical issues
G3 - Demonstrate an appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge
P3 - Adopt multiple perspectives (P7.5ii)
P4 - Detect meaningful patterns in behaviour and experience (P7.5iii)
Y4 - Demonstrate awareness of varying social constructions of youth and young adulthood across time and space (Y7.1ii)
Y5 - Critically evaluate key philosophical and political concepts such as rights, justice, freedom and ethics that shape discourses and practices related to young people (Y7.1ii)
Y6 - Differentiate and evaluate competing disciplinary traditions and schools of thought through their respective approaches to young populations and cultures, and appreciate the relevance of historical context. (Y7.1vi)
Practical Skills
G4 - Manage their own learning, and to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources
G5 - Undertake and critically evaluate a research project
P5 - Demonstrate competence in research skills through practical activities (P7.5v)
P6 - Initiate, design, conduct and report an empirically-based research project under appropriate supervision (P7.5vii)
Y7 - Demonstrate the ability to summarise and evaluate arguments using critical judgement and to develop reasoned argument synthesising appropriate information (Y7.1viii)
Y8 - Apply established theories and critical perspectives, principally from sociology and political and critical theory or other social sciences to analyse youth and youth policy in national, international and comparative contexts. (Y7.1vii)
Key Skills
G6 - Communicate relevant subject knowledge and evidence accurately and reliably with structured and coherent arguments
G7 - Show development of key transferable skills
P7 - Communicate ideas and research findings by written, oral and visual means (P7.8i)
P8 - Interpret and use numerical, statistical and other forms of data (P7.8i)
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Key Skills, relate specifically to learning outcome G7, also known as graduate key skills, transferable skills or general skills, comprise communication, information technology, problem solving, numeracy, working with others and improving own learning.
Module Framework
Psychology and Youth Studies
C= Core research related modules – 1 at Level 4, 2 at Level 5 and 2 at Level 6 within PSYC routes
M= Mandatory subject modules within a route (not a core research related module) where there is choice at levels 5 or 6
Level 4
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Social Science Research Skills (C)
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Foundations of Biological - Cognitive Psychology
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Foundations of Social - Developmental Psychology
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Key Thinkers in Criminology
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Law for Criminologists
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Sociology and the Modern World
Level 5
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Quantitative Data in Social Science (C)
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Qualitative Data in Social Science (C)
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Biological- Cognitive Psychology
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Social- Developmental Psychology
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Criminological Theory and Social Control (M)
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Criminal Justice Systems (M)
Level 6
With a choice of 1 or 2 modules from:
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Personality and Intelligence
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Cognition
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Psychology and Technology
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Contemporary Issues in Psychology
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Abnormal Psychology
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Forensic Psychology
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Contemporary Issues in Criminology (M)
1 (if only 1 psychology option chosen) from:
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Penology
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Human Rights
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Victims of Crime
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Forensic Psychology
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
The PSYC course team have a commitment to high quality teaching and learning. The course uses a range of different assessment strategies to assess and facilitate student learning and include: unseen examinations; seen, open-book or take-away examinations; essays and reports; critical reviews, book reviews, workshop reports, lab reports, analytical exercises; individual or group presentations; a dissertation; computer-based assessments and informed discussion and debate via module seminars and blogs.
Timetable
Most modules are delivered in a structured week by week format from September to June. The teaching is divided into three terms and the University year usually finishes for students by later may or early June. A full-time student is expected to take six modules each year. A part-time student will take one to four modules each year.
Lecture and seminar sessions for the modules usually run in the daytime between 9am and 6pm. Students can expect to have to attend university for two to three hours per module per week and to spend at least an equivalent amount of time per week in independent study. This study requirement will often be higher when assessments are due. Students will be provided with timetables when they join the course.
Tutorial and Study Support
There is extensive tutorial support available to students throughout the course – both academic advice and personal tutorial support. Information and advice on study skills is always available with frequent learning opportunities to develop and improve. Tutorial support will be in line with the UCS Tutorial Policy|.
Opportunities on Completion of the Course
Graduates can progress to a wide variety of positions, some to local employment; others look for specialist opportunities further afield. Many graduates opt to pursue further academic qualifications such as MA or MSc degrees in Psychology, Criminology or Research. Each year a number of graduates take PGCE courses to become teachers or lecturers in tertiary education. Recent graduates have begun careers in; Probation, Arrest Support, Legal Aid Counselling, Social Work, Careers Advice, Refugee Council, Behavioural Support, Assistant Psychologist, Health Promotion, Bank Management, Retail Management, and Prison Service.
Employers value the qualities and skills of graduates within the social science framework, and most students find suitable work within a short time of graduation.
Alternative Format
Should you require this course specification in an alternative format, please contact us on 01473 338000.
University Campus Suffolk reserves the right to amend the information in this course specification as and when required.