Psychology Subject Guide 2015

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WELCOME

www.beds.ac.uk

The University of Bedfordshire has won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2011, the most prestigious corporate award that any UK business can win.

Welcome. Prepare to have your brain tickled as we take you on a tour of the Department of Psychology at the University of Bedfordshire.

We’ll be getting inside the minds of staff and students, and quizzing them on exactly what it’s like to study here. We’ll also be analysing the facilities – so you can come up with your own theories about how fantastic they are. Plus, you’ll meet our graduates, who will give you the heads-up on getting on to the career ladder when you graduate.

So, it’s time to think about your future here at Bedfordshire… © University of Bedfordshire, 2014. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part strictly prohibited without the permission of the publishers. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the University of Bedfordshire. Information correct at date of publication, but subject to change.

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con t e n t s 3

NEWS

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MEETING OF MINDS

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CAMPUS FACILITIES

The latest news from the Department of Psychology

Students, staff and graduates on how to get ahead

Delve a little deeper into all that Bedfordshire has to offer

10 EXPANDING EXPERIENCE Read about activities to enhance employability

LISTINGS 11 COURSE

Our degree courses will help you get into the right mind-set

Students experience court environment

The University ire of Bedfordsh for st fir is ranked ent ud st e th g in improv l na io at experience (N ey rv Student Su 2014)

Crown court visits allow students to observe proceedings and gain invaluable insight into expert witness behaviour

Students on Criminal Behaviour and Forensic Psychology courses spend a day at the Crown Court in Luton to observe cases, in which the conduct of expert witnesses is of particular interest to them. This is because those who pursue a career in criminal psychology may find themselves providing their specialised psychology opinion on the facts in civil, criminal, or regulatory cases, and being cross-examined on it.

After meeting with the clerk to the Court, the students watch the day’s proceedings unfold.

At the end of the day they have an opportunity to put to a judge queries arising from their observations. The object of the exercise is to familiarise students with the environment of the

Court and to demonstrate how professionals deal with the pressure of the experience.

“It’s important for students to see and experience how theory and practice link together,” said Michelle O’Sullivan, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology. “The court visits enable students to develop their learning about the questioning and decision making processes from victims, witnesses, offenders, juries, expert witnesses and the legal professionals. These experiences bring lectures to life and allow students to see how theory and research principles apply to the real-world.”

Read more about the career-focused activities we run at Bedfordshire on page 10.

top advice on life after uni At a University of Bedfordshire psychology event, industry experts – including leading figures from the BBC and NHS – were drafted in to help shape students’ careers.

The special event for Psychology students saw a panel of experts take questions from an enthusiastic student audience in the style of the BBC’s Question Time programme. The experts from local and national organisations answered questions on everything from how the economy has affected the jobs market to what employers look for in a graduate.

The students were then invited to attend an exhibition of local organisations looking to take on students for valuable work

experience. The University of Bedfordshire Employability Adviser, Paul Harrison, said: “It is vital for students to get this kind of experience. Employers are looking for people who have experience in the area they want to go into. Volunteering with these organisations would achieve just that.”

Psychology student, Sanah Malik, said: “I found the career advice very beneficial. It demonstrated what you need to do now, as well as when you finish, to achieve your goals after graduation. The volunteering fair was helpful too. I have been looking to do something extra and this was the perfect opportunity to sign up.”

Subject Guide Psychology

Preparation for the world of work Second and third year Psychology students recently took part in an Assessment Centre Day to prepare them for the world of work.

It gave students the chance to put the skills they had learnt in an academic context to use in a simulated work setting. In an assessment centre scenario, students undertook tasks, participated in a presentation, and were interviewed about their personal and professional development by a panel of assessors. The panel included a local employer, the University’s Psychology staff and the Careers and Recruitment Service.

Senior Lecturer, Isabella McMurray, said: “Students found the detailed feedback from assessment centres to be invaluable. We will continue to provide assessment centres for students because they help enhance employability. They are a great technique for easing the transition between higher education and a job and they bring graduates to the attention of employers.”

Read more about the career-focused activities we run at the University of Bedfordshire on page 10.

Cyberstalking Research Centre

The University’s National Centre for Cyberstalking Research is the first of its kind in the UK. The Centre has been set up to address the need for analysis of this increased threat to individuals and society.

“There has been little research into this specialised area,” says expert on cyberstalkers, Dr Emma Short (above). Dr Short is a codirector of the Centre. “Setting up the Centre is an exciting move. We have also joined forces with the National Stalking Training Academy, which was recently launched with the backing of the Home Secretary. With these resources we will increase understanding of this crime and our research will help influence the training of those trying to stop it.”

Read more about the department’s real-world research on page 8. www.beds.ac.uk 3

MEETING OF MINDS

Meeting of minds Our staff and students past and present give you the lowdown on life and learning in the Department of Psychology Our Department of Psychology has an excellent reputation with all undergraduate courses accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), which confers the Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC).

Whether you study Applied Psychology, Health Psychology, Psychology and Criminal Behaviour or one of our other courses, we will equip you with the knowledge and skills to

succeed in whatever career you choose.

Our staff are committed to providing top-quality teaching and they have a wide array of research interests, meaning that you get cutting-edge insight into the latest psychology findings.

We also offer state-of-the-art facilities, ranging from a cognitive and biological psychology lab, and human interaction and

data analysis labs, to a television studio and video-editing suite for student research.

These facilities are all for the exclusive use of our Psychology students.

You’ll be impressed – but don’t just take our word for it. Let our staff, students and graduates give you their own views about the department...

Subject Guide Psychology

Name

James Barnes title

Head of Psychology Q W hy should students choose Psychology?

A O ur courses are relevant to how people behave in society. They include health and wellbeing, criminal behaviour, counselling and coaching, as well as more specific topics such as child development. We try to ensure that students engage in research by assisting staff as well as developing their own research interests.

Q D oes the department prepare students for real-world work?

A M ost certainly – by teaching research and analysis skills, communication, data-handling and computer literacy, team working and interpersonal skills, problem solving and critical reasoning. The combination of these skills with the study of human behaviour makes a University of Bedfordshire Psychology graduate attractive to an employer.

PHOTOGRAPHY: L AURIE FLETCHER

Q H ow would you describe in broad terms the Psychology curriculum?

A W e emphasise the applications of Psychology, and include a broad range of psychological theories and philosophies. We have also built employability skills into the curriculum.

Q H ow do you rate the facilities?

A T hey are excellent. In fact, the labs have recently been upgraded.

Q W hat do you enjoy about teaching?

A I get a buzz out of engaging students and seeing knowledge and skills develop that weren’t there before.

Q T hree words to describe the department?

A E nthusiastic, innovative, committed. www.beds.ac.uk 5

MEETING OF MINDS Name

Alex Skey course

BSc (Hons) Applied Psychology Q What made you choose this course?

A It includes a work placement and I wanted to get hands-on experience of working in mental health before graduating.

Q W hat’s the best thing about your course?

A The placement year I did at Luton Mind’s Mental Health Day Centre. It was so fulfilling.

I was trained as a mentor to people referred to Mind. I also love the choice and variety of the different units on the course.

Q Why would you recommend this course?

A The hands-on experience helps you to decide what field to go into and increases your confidence. I have found my niche and

I really enjoy it. Psychology is a fascinating subject and you will never get bored.

Q W hat support does the University offer while you’re on placement?

A My tutor kept in regular contact with me and help was always there if I needed it.

Q D oes this course prepare you for a job when you graduate?

A The work placement prepared me brilliantly.

Even if you don’t do a placement you are encouraged to do volunteering to familiarise yourself with work settings.

Q D o you feel confident that your degree will help you find employment?

A Yes, absolutely. Especially having done such a useful work placement, which let me gain a National Vocational Qualification in Mental Health, reflecting my practical experience.

Name

Julie Simmons GRADUATED

BSc (Hons) Psychology (2010) JOB

Research Assistant, University of Bedfordshire Department of Psychology

Q W hat was the best thing about your course?

A My course was life-changing. It provided opportunities and experiences that would not have been accessible to me otherwise. As well as the knowledge and practical skills, my course taught me to believe in myself and to have confidence in my ability.

Q D id the course prepare you for employment?

A Yes, the information and support was excellent.

I was one of a number of students chosen to Q Why did you choose to study at act as student researchers, working with Bedfordshire?

University staff to test patients with acquired A I attended an open day and was very impressed head injuries and primary school pupils with by the calibre of the staff in the Department of learning difficulties. Applying what we learnt in Psychology. They were passionate, class to a real-life situation was invaluable. approachable and knowledgeable, with expertise in many areas of the subject.

Name

Paul Cavendish title

Laboratories Manager Q W hat’s the best thing about your job?

A Working with the students. When they come to me with problems or ideas for research projects I enjoy helping them to sort it out.

There’s also a real sense of belonging to a community in this department.

Q H ow do you assist the students?

A I introduce them to the labs and IT matters. In their first and second years I offer technical support to unit coordinators, which includes setting up experiments and equipment for tutorials. The Psychology support office is always open for students needing assistance. I advise students on the best lab and equipment 6 www.beds.ac.uk

to use for their experiments and train them on the equipment so they can run their experiments largely unsupervised.

Q H ow do you rate the facilities?

A They are first-class. We have eight Psychology labs where the tutorials take place and double up as specialist labs, including research cubicles where the students can run experiments.

Q D o the courses equip students for jobs after they graduate?

A Definitely. Psychology degrees lend themselves to so many careers too. Our graduates go into social work, and work in counselling, prisons, clinical psychology, journalism, advertising and many other areas.

Q Three words to descibe the department?

A Friendly, vibrant and supportive.

Subject Guide Psychology Name

Sharon O’Neill Ryan GRADUATED

BSc (Hons) Psychology, Counselling & Therapies (2012) Q W hy did you choose Bedfordshire?

A It was highly recommended and convenient for me to get to.

Q W hat has been the most challenging task that you have accomplished in your degree?

A Carrying out a dissertation investigation in the 6th Form College where I am employed.

Q W hat did you like about the facilities?

A They are new, clean and fresh. I especially love all the study areas and learning hubs.

Q W hich University services did you use most and why?

A I used the library the most. The library technician attached to the Department of Psychology was very helpful.

Q A ny advice for people thinking of studying at the University of Bedfordshire?

A Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Sign up!

Q W hat skills do you think you have learnt as a result of your studies?

A New IT skills, group work scenarios, research and statistics.

Name

Eileen Latchford GRADUATED

BSc (Hons) Psychology & Criminology (2007, First Class Honours) JOB

Job Recruit Assessor for the Metropolitan Police

Q W hat’s the most rewarding thing about your job?

A My job is to objectively observe, record, classify and evaluate the performance of candidates participating in exercises during the assessment process. As a parent with concerns about crime and safety in the community, I feel that I’m contributing to the future efficiency of the Police by helping to match the most appropriate people to the job.

Q H ow did the course prepare you for work?

A I gave up a career working for a financial institution in the City to raise a family, so making a complete career change has been a steep learning curve for me. The skills I acquired at the University, such as problem solving, communication, organisation and team working, prepared me very well for re-entering the world of work.

Q W hat was the highlight of your degree?

A I was chosen to present the findings of my dissertation on ‘financial phobia’ at the British Psychological Society Annual Conference in York in 2007. I also visited a prison for the day as part of the criminology side of my degree.

Name

Joe Obasogie course

BSc (Hons) Psychology Q W hat’s the best thing about the course?

A My experience so far has been great. The course is teaching me exactly what I want to know. When I graduate, I would like to go into counselling and I’m learning so much about that area.

Q What are the staff and facilities like?

A The department has the most up-to-date equipment, like the electroencephalograph I’m wearing, which contains electrodes and picks up brainwaves and displays them on a computer. And the staff are well-trained, so they can show you how to use all the equipment.

QW hat three words would you use to describe the department?

A Friendly, open and social.

Q W hat advice would you give future students?

A Visit the University and talk to the staff in the department. Whatever you decide, be prepared to work hard – it will be worth it in the end.

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campus facilities

equipment to help you excel

Data analysis labs? Check. Cutting-edge computers? Check.

Experienced staff? Check. Conclusion: Bedfordshire’s facilities are top-class

The Department of Psychology has first-class laboratories and state-of-the-art computing equipment, meaning you’ll be on track to succeed in whichever course you choose. state-of-the-art LABS

You’ll have the opportunity to use our two data analysis labs, as well as our qualitative data analysis lab, all of which are equipped with the latest statistical and experimental software.

There’s also a human interaction laboratory, used for observing children and social interplay.

It is kitted out with a two-way mirror and linked to a multimedia studio, which is complete with a video-editing suite and a television studio that can be used for teaching and student research.

The cognitive and biological psychology lab has the latest physiological data acquisition equipment, as well as eye tracking, problemsolving, perception and skills-learning equipment, and psychometric tests.

We also have research cubicles, which offer an Eyelink 1000 plus eyetracker and a driving simulator, as well as an EEG lab, which has EEG recording equipment.

What’s more, you can benefit from the dedicated intranet resource laboratory, which has 17 top-of-the-range computers and research cubicles featuring specialist software to help with projects.

The main teaching labs are kept open when they’re not in use for lectures, so you’ll always be able to gain access. You can also book time slots to use specialist labs and equipment. So, you’ll have all the best

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equipment to hand to help you get the most out of your studies. supportive staff

We understand that getting to grips with all this fantastic equipment may take some time, but we’ve got lots of experienced staff who can help you. You will also have a personal tutor who will provide support throughout your course. cutting-edge research

Our staff have a wide array of research interests, from mobile phone texting behaviour and cyberstalking to eating disorders and the origins of prejudice.

In addition, staff have undertaken cuttingedge research on subjects as varied as doctor-patient communication and the construction of friendship, enemyship and marriage in the United States, UK and Ghana.

Staff have also carried out research on topics such as work-related stress, substance misuse and the structure and process of spatial memory. So you’ll benefit from teaching staff who are at the forefront of developments in their respective fields.

The Vauxhall Centre for the Study of Crime, which is part of the Institute of Applied Social Research (IASR) at the University, looks at the study of youth crime and victimisation, policing and the operation of youth justice and community safety services.

There are also informed, timetabled sessions in your first year, led by second and third year students so you can get personal and practical advice from peers who have gone through the same experience. This is known as PeerAssisted Learning (PAL).

AN EXCELLENT RESOURCE

Open 24/7, the Learning Resources Centre at the Luton campus has more than 300,000 books and 35,000 e-journals. There are also 300 networked PCs, which are available until 2am four days a week, as well as 1,000 seats plus video-viewing rooms. Students can communicate through podcasting, voice email and voice discussion boards using the Wimba suite of voice tools. We also have our new seven-storey library opening in 2015 at our Luton campus.

DISTANCE learning

Students can access lecture notes, discussion boards, blogs, podcasts and announcements anywhere, any time, by logging on to the web-based distance-learning system Bedfordshire Resources for Education Online (BREO).

BEYOND GRADUATION

We know it can be tough getting your first break in your career so, from day one and after you graduate, the Careers and Recruitment Service is here to help. You can speak to qualified advisers for careers guidance, to obtain feedback on draft CVs and application forms, and to arrange work placements and practise interviews. You can also use the online Career Management Skills (CMS) program to help identify your skills.

What’s more, the Department of Psychology has links with industry, from the police to the NHS, GlaxoSmithKline and prisons. Lecturers frequently arrange visits so you can get an insight into what working for these organisations might be like, giving you an opportunity to put into practice what you’ve learnt in the lecture room.

PHOTOGRAPHY: LAURIE FLETCHER

Subject Guide Psychology

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EXPANDING EXPERIENCE

enhancing EMPLOYability

We enhance our curriculum with events and opportunities that expand the experience of our students and improve their employability

“It has become increasingly important for students to engage in as many opportunities as possible during their undergraduate studies to maximise their employment potential,” says Senior Lecturer, Dr Pat Roberts.

To this end, the Department of Psychology offers students numerous and diverse experiences.

WORK PLACEMENTS

Our students have successfully completed placements in a wide range of organisations, including Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Luton Mind Day Centre, Audit Commission, Newbury College, Pecs University in Hungary, and Student Support Services at the University of Bedfordshire. Students on our Applied Psychology course undertake a year long work placement to gain practical experience in a related field.

Applied Psychology student, Alex Skey (see page 6), was awarded an Outstanding Achievement Certificate by the University’s Careers and Employment Service for her placement at Luton Mind Day Centre.

Student involvement in research

The Junior Research Institute for Psychology provides the opportunity for students to become

involved in different research activities throughout their degree. Students are able to work as research assistants on staff-led research, which enhances their knowledge, as well as helping develop skills such as communication. All students are expected to present their own research at the Psychology Undergraduate Research Conference. This event showcases the research of final year students as well as providing a definitive end of degree experience. In addition, each year, a number of students receive funding to present their research at an external conference, such as the British Psychological Society Annual Meeting. Involvement in these activities brings theory to life and improves students’ employability.

Neuropsychological research

Final year students of Cognitive Neuropsychology have taken part in research with adults suffering from acquired brain injury and primary school children with special needs. Students were keen to translate their theoretical knowledge into real-life settings. They also heard from a woman recovering from severe head trauma, and said afterwards that the talk had deepened their understanding of the rehabilitation process.

Masterclasses

Biological and cognitive students attend an annual masterclass given by Frederick Toates, Professor of Biological Psychology at the Open University and a specialist in obsessive compulsive disorders. He is also the author of one of the principal course textbooks.

Guest Speakers AND Seminars

“Our seminars showcase research from the University and the wider research community,” says Senior Lecturer, Dr Joanne Ingram. “Some talks aim to help students set goals for future jobs. We plan to schedule upcoming guest speakers who will discuss projects and careers relating to cognitive and social psychology as well as health and forensic psychology.” Topics have included: Becoming an Assistant Psychologist; Becoming a Clinical Psychologist; and Violence and Aggression in Healthcare. Other speakers have discussed atypical developments during childhood such as autism and giftedness.

Research-informed teaching

Our staff have research expertise in all aspects of psychology, but with a particular emphasis on the new and more dynamic aspects of this exciting and rewarding subject.

• Dr Hossein Kaviani

Works on cognitive, emotional and therapeutic aspects of depression and anxiety • Dr Christopher Hand Researches the movements of human participants’ eyes as they engage in everyday tasks such as reading. This research can be applied to the way that students process teaching materials ail Kinman • Professor G Focuses on work-related stress and work-life balance and how they relate to the wellbeing of employees. She also researches theories of health, illness and aspects of psycho-oncology • Antigonos Sochos Focuses on attachment theory, particularly in mental health and interpersonal relationships.

These research interests also inform the supervision of student placements 10 www.beds.ac.uk

Subject Guide Psychology

on course The University of Bedfordshire has a

range of degrees to help you achieve your goals

and get ahead in your career BSc (Hons) refers to three or four year Bachelor’s Honours degrees. FDs are two year Foundation degrees run at one of our partner colleges and intended for people already in relevant employment or students who are looking for classroom-based learning with an employment focus. A final year can be completed at the University in order to top-up to an Honours degree.

The courses are accredited as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society, provided the minimum standard of a Second Class Honours is achieved. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

on human interaction such as falling in love, the effect of drugs on behaviour and the reasons why we sleep.

BSc (Hons)

Psychology & Criminal Behaviour Luton campus This course covers a general introduction to psychology and criminology to develop an understanding of people’s behaviour in groups, the impact of criminal behaviour and the development of an individual through childhood, adolescence and maturity. Specific topics include conformity, response to authority, aggression, human lifespan development and human diversity.

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES BA (Hons) BSc (Hons)

Applied Psychology Luton campus This exciting vocational course is designed to give you practical experience underpinned by theory. You will spend one year on a work placement. This will enable you to develop practical psychological skills including listening and communication, support and advice, and identification of psychological disorders.

BSc (Hons)

Health Psychology Luton campus On this course you cover all the key areas of psychology in-depth, as well as issues including pain, stress management, doctorpatient communication, health promotion and substance abuse.

BSc (Hons)

Psychology Luton campus This course provides a thorough grounding in the major areas of psychology including social, developmental, cognitive and biological psychology, as well as tackling many questions

Psychology & Criminal Behaviour (stage 3 only) UCMK campus This course combines a theoretical and skills-oriented approach to the study of forensic psychology offering a number of specialist psychology options. It develops further what you have studied in the Foundation degree in terms of skills development, knowledge of psychology and aspects of crime and criminal behaviour.

BSc (Hons)

Psychology & Criminology Luton campus This course offers you the opportunity to link psychology, criminology and sociology to provide an understanding of the causes of crime and the way in which deviant behaviour is approached, dealt with and treated.

Criminology is explicitly concerned with the problem of crime, the conditions that generate it and the means by which it is controlled. It draws themes, ideas and theories from the broader disciplines of sociology, psychology, law and economics.

BSc (Hons)

Psychology, Counselling & Therapies Luton campus This course offers an exciting intellectual platform in the field of psychology on which to explore theory, research and practice in psychotherapy and counselling. Through the exploration of various applications of theory and research, you will develop a confident understanding of the classic and contemporary approaches to this area of applied psychology.

BSc (Hons)

Psychology & Education Bedford campus This course covers topics such as love, childhood, learning, stress, the impact of family, race, culture and drugs on behaviour, why we sleep, how rational we are and how others influence us.

Cert HE

Psychology Luton campus This short course is perfect for those people who are interested in studying psychology, but do not want to commit to a full degree or do not know what area to specialise in. It enables you to study key areas of psychology along with options in health, criminology or further psychology, including child development.

FOUNDATION DEGREES FD

Psychology & Criminal Behaviour (Milton Keynes College) FD

Psychology & Crime (Bedford College) Full details for all our courses are available to download at www.beds.ac.uk/ugcourses www.beds.ac.uk 11

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