Apply through UCAS
- UCAS course code
- C800
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
BSc Psychology
Academic psychology is a broad discipline that explores every aspect of behaviour, from the 'hidden' biology to everyday social phenomena.
Duration: 3 years (4 years with Study Abroad/Placement Year)
Year of entry: 2025
UCAS course code: C800 / Institution code: M20
- Key features:
Study abroad
Industrial experience
Scholarships available
Accredited course
- Typical A-level offer: AAA including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: AAB including specific subjects
- Refugee/care-experienced offer: ABB including specific subjects
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 36 points overall with 6,6,6 at HL, including specific requirements
Course unit details:
Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology
| Unit code | PSYC21151 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 10 |
| Unit level | Level 5 |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
The course unit focuses on the historical development of psychology as a science and the way in which earlier philosophical ideas were transformed within the context of psychology, leading to the different approaches to psychology that can be discerned throughout its history. It will also deal with the philosophy of science and consider how science develops over time, the extent to which one can define a scientific method, and the extent to which psychology exemplifies the characteristics of scientific method. Finally, it will deal with the development of philosophical ideas about the mind that later fed into psychology.
Aims
The unit aims to:
- Provide a comprehensive introduction to the history of psychology.
- Illustrate the way in which different approaches to psychology rest on different philosophical presuppositions.
- Provide an introduction to the philosophy of science and show how it relates to psychology.
Teaching and learning methods
| Online Q&A | 8 hrs |
| Lecture | 22 hrs |
| Independent Study | 70 hrs |
Knowledge and understanding
- Relate different methods of investigation to general theories of scientific method
- Describe the historical and conceptual development of psychology
- Express the philosophical presuppositions that underlie different approaches to psychology
- Distinguish the various schools of thought in the philosophy of science and the different ways in which they think about scientific method
- Describe theories in their broad theoretical and historical frameworks
Intellectual skills
- Appraise different approaches in psychology in relation to fundamental ideas about the nature of mind and science
- Evaluate complex ideas and theories in relation to evidence and argument
Demonstrate their skills in:
- Synthesising information
- Summarising theories and evidence
- Critical thinking
- Presenting concise and persuasive arguments
Practical skills
- Use the library and electronic sources to support academic reading
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- Discuss empirical finding and historical, theoretical and philosophical underpinnings with others
Assessment methods
Assessment task | Length | How and when feedback is provided | Weighting within unit (if relevant) |
Essay | 3 pages | Students will receive a grade and written feedback, 20 working days after the final submission deadline | 100% |
Feedback methods
Feedback will be provided via grades on Blackboard and individual/cohort level feedback
Recommended reading
Brysbaert, M. & Rastle, K.. (2021). Historical and Conceptual Issues in Psychology. Pearson. ISBN: 9781292130255
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 22 |
| Work based learning | 8 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 70 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Johan Hulleman | Unit coordinator |