course guide msci psychology (forensic) institute of sport ...€¦ · msci psychology (forensic)...

Institute of Sport and Human SciencesMSci Psychology (Forensic)Course Guide

2017-18September

About this guide

This is your course guide. It provides the basic but fundamental information about your course of study. Thisguide is yours for the duration of the course, we don’t re-issue it annually and if any information containedwithin were to change then we will write to you to explain so.

In particular, if any important aspects relating to your modules were to change then we will inform you inaccordance with the Code of Practice for the Management of Changes to Modules and Courses. The teachingand support teams which you will get to know over time will refer to this guide – it will be useful to you andwe advise you to make good use of it throughout your studies.

The Course Guide should be read in conjunction with the more general sources of information which relate toall students at the University. The Student Handbook is a very detailed reference point for all issues relating toyour studies which aren’t specific to just your particular course. You might also want to refer to the StudentCharter; the University’s Policies and Regulations and the University Assessment Handbook documents whichwill provide you with all of the information that we think you will need for your period of study here.

If you need additional information, or you simply want to discuss elements of any of these documents or otheraspects of your course, find that there is something you need to know, please contact your Faculty StudentServices:

Faculty Student Services

We can help with the administration and organisation of your time at University – from enrolment andmodule registration, tuition fee enquiries, attendance support, course management and lifecycle queries,extenuating circumstances, leave of absence, transfers and changes, assignment submission, SAMsappointments, assessment and result queries, right through to Graduation.

You can also come and talk to us for impartial advice and support if things are starting to go wrong and you’renot sure who else to talk to. The main thing to remember is that you are not alone. We see large numbers ofstudents over the course of a year on a variety of issues, so please don’t be afraid to approach us.

We are here to ensure that your transition into Higher Education is as smooth as possible. Normal officeopening hours are Monday-Friday 08:45-17:00.

You can contact us through the e:vision help desk, by phone or in person or by e-mail:

Faculty of EducationHealth and Wellbeing(City Campus)

The Millennium City Building MC125

(01902) 518800 [email protected]

Faculty of EducationHealth and Wellbeing(Walsall Campus)

The Jerome K Jerome Building WA005

(01902) 518800 [email protected]

Faculty of EducationHealth and Wellbeing(Burton Campus)

Burton Centre (01902) 518800 [email protected]

Help and Advice is alsoavailable from StudentSupport & Wellbeing…

Contact us at the Alan TuringBuilding MI 001 for all enquiries andreferrals… Services operate at allcampuses by appointment.

(01902) 321074(01902) 321070

[email protected]@wlv.ac.uk

Welcome from the Course Leader

On behalf of the teaching and support teams from MSci Psychology (Forensic) course, I would like to extend toyou a very warm welcome to the University of Wolverhampton, and in particular your campus.

My name is Niall Galbraith and I am the course leader for your MSci Psychology (Forensic) course andalongside your personal tutor, will be your main point of contact over the duration of your studies. My contactdetails are below – please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need any support or guidance.

The successes which you will achieve whilst at the University are based upon a partnership between theexpertise and support from the staff here and the effort you put into learning. We welcome students who areeager to think for themselves, to take control of their own learning and who are ready to get involved indeveloping the skills required in a highly competitive job market. Make the most of the wide range ofopportunities available to you.

Studying at University can be difficult, and for many of you the transition into University life will bechallenging. However we will support you throughout your course, particularly whilst you develop into anindependent learner over the course of your first year with us.

We believe it is important that you are encouraged to make your own contribution to the effective operationand development of your chosen course. We hope that you might consider acting as a Course Representativeduring some of your time with us to help the University continue to improve your experience.

I would like to wish you every success with your studies. We look forward to working with you and hope thatyou enjoy your time with us.

Niall Galbraith

Course Management and Staff Involvement

RoleRole NameName SpecialismSpecialism eMaileMail Tel. Ext.Tel. Ext. RoomRoom

Head of Department Dr Richard Darby [email protected] 1338 MC305

Course Leader Dr Niall Galbraith [email protected] 1362 MC323

Educational Aims of the Course

This Integrated Masters course is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the applicationsof psychology and how these interact with our day-to-day lives. By choosing this route students will not berestricting their future career opportunities either within or outside of psychology. This course, if necessarycriteria are met, will bestow upon the student eligibility for Graduate Basis for Membership with the BritishPsychological Society. The structure is based very much on learning ethos within which behaviour is used asa framework for applying specific theories and using a problem based learning approach. These will includeboth day-to-day behaviours, as well as those in more specific situations relating to both Occupational andInvestigative Foresnsic Psychology.

Students will also examine various philosophical approaches to psychology and through this will be able tounderstand the complexities of human nature. This appreciation is underpinned through the use of variousresearch approaches and methodologies utilised in Psychology. Students will receive support and advice frompersonal tutors who are expert in the specialist pathway followed, which will enable students to make thebest choices with regards to both their studies as well as further career development. This is a truly integratedcourse and there are many opportunities for students to apply knowledge and skills mastered on one moduleto other aspects of their learning experience. Indeed, within the personal tutorial system and the high level ofsmall group work, students will receive support in recognising how skills developed in an academicframework are transferable to employability. By the end of this course students will be excellently placed tofollow their chosen path, whether this is into either a professional career or further studies.

What makes this programme distinctive?

This course is more than a collection of modules, it is fully integrated. For example, at level 4 (entry level) youwill study 6 modules. One module, Bad Science will investigate the rationale and background to the scientificstudy of behaviour and how psychology has adapted these schemas. There is an opportunity in this module toexamine in detail aspects of experimental design and ethical considerations when conducting research. Theseprinciples are applied then in the Basic and Intermediate Research Skills modules and in doing this the studyof all three modules informs and supports one another. This is one example and it is an approach which iscontinued throughout the course.

Furthermore, we have specifically designed this course with your career in mind. You will be encouragedthroughout your studies to engage with the modules and to identify how the learning outcomes transfer intoemployability skills. Indeed, at level 6 there is a core module ‘Psychology and Employment’ where studentswill investigate the psychology of identifying their skills and how these relate to the selection criteria for aparticular job. Students will also study the psychology of CVs as well as interview techniques and otherselection tolls such as psychometric testing. In such a competitive work environment we see it as essential toprepare student for their next stage in their career development, whether this be into further studies or aprofessional career. The inclusion of a core module which specifically focus’ on this demonstrates ourcommitment to a students development in this area.

Furthermore, as part of the level 7 research methods module, all students will receive the necessary trainingto be qualified psychometrics users and be accredited as such but the British Psychological Society.

Our philosophy regarding the understanding of psychology is heavily based in research and the empiricalevidence that this produces. Being able to consider a particular behaviour and then be able to applypsychological theory to the explanation of this behaviour is an approach which is applied throughout thecourse. A consequence of this approach means that you will develop the necessary skills to be able toquestion the reliability of theories, put together a convincing evidence based argument, and critically evaluatethe arguments of others

Course Structure

September (Full-Time)September (Full-Time)

Part time students study alongside full time students. However, they do not study more than 80 credits in eachacademic calendar year.

ModuleModule TitleTitle CreditsCredits PeriodPeriod TypeType Module LeaderModule Leader

4PS001 Bad Science 20 SEM1 Core Danny Hinton

4PS002 Historical and Contextual Themes in TheoreticalPsychology

20 SEM1 Core Satvinder Purewal

4PS003 Research Methods In Psychology - Basic 20 SEM1 Core Tom Mercer

4PS004 Themes and Practice in Psychology 20 SEM2 Core David Ormerod

4PS006 Introduction to Historical and Conceptual Issuesin Applied Psychology

20 SEM2 Core Caroline Wesson

4PS005 Research Methods in Psychology - Intermediate 20 SEM2 Core Satvinder Purewal

5PS001 Cognitive Psychology 20 SEM1 Core Tom Mercer

5PS002 The Development of Personality and IndividualDifferences

20 SEM1 Core Nicola Derrer-Rendall

5PS005 Research Methods in Psychology - Advanced 20 SEM1 Core Claire Jones

5PS003 Theoretical and Applied Social Psychology 20 SEM2 Core Caroline Wesson

5PS004 Developing Research Skills in Psychology 20 SEM2 Core Nicola Derrer-Rendall

5PS006 Psychobiology 20 SEM2 Core Niall Galbraith6PS019 Psychology and Employment 20 SEM1 Core Debbie Stevens-Gill

6PS014 Psychology Research Project 40 YEAR Core Neil Morris

Group 09 | Min Value: 20 | Max Value: 20Group 09 | Min Value: 20 | Max Value: 20

6PS006 Forensic and Criminal Psychology 20 SEM1 CoreOption

Caroline Wesson

6PS010 Applications of Counselling Psychology 20 SEM1 CoreOption

Nora Apter


6PS012 Cyberpsychology 20 SEM1 CoreOption

Christopher Fullwood

6PS015 Applications of Health Psychology 20 SEM1 CoreOption

Niall Galbraith

6PS017 Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities 20 SEM1 CoreOption

Darren Chadwick


6PS003 Clinical Psychology 20 SEM2 CoreOption

David Boyda

6PS005 Lifespan Development and Learning 20 SEM2 CoreOption

Josephine Chen-Wilson

6PS009 Cognition and Individual Differences 20 SEM2 CoreOption

Tom Mercer

7PS014 Psychology of Criminal Behaviour 20 SEM1 Core Caroline Wesson

7PS016 Victimology & Witness Psychology 20 SEM1 Core Darren Chadwick

7PS015 Investigative Psychology 20 SEM2 Core Chelsea Slater

7PS017 Cybercrime 20 SEM2 Core Alison Attrill

7PS003 Conducting and Interpreting Research 40 YEAR Core Alison Attrill

Course Learning Outcomes

Learning OutcomeLearning Outcome Contributing ModulesContributing Modules

CertHE Course Learning Outcome 1 CertHE Course Learning Outcome 1 (CHECLO1)(CHECLO1)

Demonstrate knowledge of the underlyingconcepts and principles associated with yourarea(s) of study, and an ability to evaluate andinterpret these within the context of that area of

4PS001 Bad Science4PS002 Historical and Contextual Themes in Theoretical Psychology4PS003 Research Methods In Psychology - Basic4PS004 Themes and Practice in Psychology4PS005 Research Methods in Psychology - Intermediate4PS006 Introduction to Historical and Conceptual Issues in Applied

study Psychology


Demonstrate an ability to present, evaluate andinterpret qualitative and quantitative data, inorder to develop lines of argument and makesound judgements in accordance with basictheories and concepts of your subject(s) of study.

4PS001 Bad Science4PS002 Historical and Contextual Themes in Theoretical Psychology4PS003 Research Methods In Psychology - Basic4PS004 Themes and Practice in Psychology4PS005 Research Methods in Psychology - Intermediate4PS006 Introduction to Historical and Conceptual Issues in AppliedPsychology


Evaluate the appropriateness of differentapproaches to solving problems related to yourarea(s) of study and/or work



Communicate the results of your study/workaccurately and reliably, and with structured andcoherent arguments



Demonstrate the qualities and transferable skillsnecessary for employment requiring the exerciseof some personal responsibility


DipHE Course Learning Outcome 1 DipHE Course Learning Outcome 1 (DHECLO1)(DHECLO1)

Demonstrate knowledge and criticalunderstanding of the well-established principlesof your area(s) of study, and of the way in whichthose principles have developed with anunderstanding of the limits of your knowledge,and how this influences analyses andinterpretations based on that knowledge.

5PS001 Cognitive Psychology5PS002 The Development of Personality and Individual Differences5PS003 Theoretical and Applied Social Psychology5PS004 Developing Research Skills in Psychology5PS005 Research Methods in Psychology - Advanced5PS006 Psychobiology


Demonstrate the ability to apply underlyingconcepts and principles outside the context inwhich they were first studied, including, whereappropriate, the application of those principles inan employment context



Demonstrate knowledge of the main methods ofenquiry in the subject(s) relevant to the namedaward, and ability to evaluate critically theappropriateness of different approaches tosolving problems in the field of study



Use a range of established techniques to initiateand undertake critical analysis of information,and to propose solutions to problems arising fromthat analysis


DipHE Course Learning Outcome 5 DipHE Course Learning Outcome 5 (DHECLO5)(DHECLO5) 5PS001 Cognitive Psychology5PS002 The Development of Personality and Individual Differences

Effectively communicate information, argumentsand analysis in a variety of forms to specialist andnon-specialist audiences, and deploy keytechniques of the discipline effectively

5PS003 Theoretical and Applied Social Psychology5PS004 Developing Research Skills in Psychology5PS005 Research Methods in Psychology - Advanced5PS006 Psychobiology


Demonstrate the qualities and transferable skillsnecessary for employment, requiring the exerciseof personal responsibility and decision-makingand undertake further training, developingexisting skills and acquire new competences thatwill enable them to assume significantresponsibility within organisations.


Ordinary Course Learning Outcome 1Ordinary Course Learning Outcome 1(ORDCLO1)(ORDCLO1)

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of keyaspects of your field of study, includingacquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge,at least some of which is at, or informed by, theforefront of defined aspects of a discipline withan appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity andlimits of knowledge

6PS003 Clinical Psychology6PS005 Lifespan Development and Learning6PS006 Forensic and Criminal Psychology6PS009 Cognition and Individual Differences6PS010 Applications of Counselling Psychology6PS012 Cyberpsychology6PS014 Psychology Research Project6PS015 Applications of Health Psychology6PS017 Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities6PS019 Psychology and Employment


Demonstrate an ability to deploy accuratelyestablished techniques of analysis and enquirywithin a discipline and apply the methods andtechniques that they have learned to review,consolidate, extend and apply your knowledgeand understanding, and to initiate and carry outprojects.



Demonstrate conceptual understanding thatenables the student: 1. to devise and sustainarguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideasand techniques, some of which are at theforefront of a discipline 2. to describe andcomment upon particular aspects of currentresearch, or equivalent advanced scholarship, inthe discipline



Demonstrate the ability to manage your ownlearning, and to make use of scholarly reviewsand primary sources (for example, refereedresearch articles and/or original materialsappropriate to the discipline) and communicateinformation, ideas, problems and solutions to bothspecialist and non-specialist audiences.



Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions,abstract concepts and data (that may beincomplete), to make judgements, and to frameappropriate questions to achieve a solution - oridentify a range of solutions - to a problem

6PS003 Clinical Psychology6PS005 Lifespan Development and Learning6PS006 Forensic and Criminal Psychology6PS009 Cognition and Individual Differences6PS010 Applications of Counselling Psychology6PS012 Cyberpsychology6PS014 Psychology Research Project6PS015 Applications of Health Psychology

6PS017 Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities6PS019 Psychology and Employment


Demonstrate the qualities and transferable skillsnecessary for employment requiring: 1. theexercise of initiative and personal responsibility2. decision-making in complex and unpredictablesituations 3. the learning ability needed toundertake appropriate further training of aprofessional or equivalent nature.


Honours Course Learning Outcome 1Honours Course Learning Outcome 1(DEGCLO1)(DEGCLO1)

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of keyaspects of your field of study, includingacquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge,at least some of which is at, or informed by, theforefront of defined aspects of a discipline withan appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity andlimits of knowledge

6PS003 Clinical Psychology6PS005 Lifespan Development and Learning6PS006 Forensic and Criminal Psychology6PS009 Cognition and Individual Differences6PS012 Cyberpsychology6PS014 Psychology Research Project6PS015 Applications of Health Psychology6PS017 Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities6PS019 Psychology and Employment


Demonstrate an ability to deploy accuratelyestablished techniques of analysis and enquirywithin a discipline and apply the methods andtechniques that they have learned to review,consolidate, extend and apply your knowledgeand understanding, and to initiate and carry outprojects.

6PS005 Lifespan Development and Learning6PS006 Forensic and Criminal Psychology6PS009 Cognition and Individual Differences6PS012 Cyberpsychology6PS014 Psychology Research Project6PS015 Applications of Health Psychology6PS017 Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities6PS019 Psychology and Employment


Demonstrate conceptual understanding thatenables the student: 1. áá to devise and sustainarguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideasand techniques, some of which are at theforefront of a discipline 2. to describe andcomment upon particular aspects of currentresearch, or equivalent advanced scholarship, inthe discipline.

6PS005 Lifespan Development and Learning6PS006 Forensic and Criminal Psychology6PS009 Cognition and Individual Differences6PS012 Cyberpsychology6PS014 Psychology Research Project6PS015 Applications of Health Psychology6PS019 Psychology and Employment


Demonstrate the ability to manage your ownlearning, and to make use of scholarly reviewsand primary sources (for example, refereedresearch articles and/or original materialsappropriate to the discipline) and communicateinformation, ideas, problems and solutions to bothspecialist and non-specialist audiences.



Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions,abstract concepts and data (that may beincomplete), to make judgements, and to frameappropriate questions to achieve a solution - oridentify a range of solutions - to a problem



Demonstrate the qualities and transferable skillsnecessary for employment requiring: 1. theexercise of initiative and personal responsibility2. decision-making in complex and unpredictablecontexts. 3. the learning ability needed toundertake appropriate further training of aprofessional or equivalent nature.

6PS003 Clinical Psychology6PS005 Lifespan Development and Learning6PS006 Forensic and Criminal Psychology6PS009 Cognition and Individual Differences6PS012 Cyberpsychology6PS014 Psychology Research Project6PS015 Applications of Health Psychology6PS017 Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities6PS019 Psychology and Employment

Integrated Masters Course LearningIntegrated Masters Course LearningOutcome 1 Outcome 1 (IMACLO1)(IMACLO1)

Demonstrate a knowledge and criticalunderstanding of a wide range of psychologicalperspectives which facilitate the application oftheory to the explanation of behaviours.

7PS003 Conducting and Interpreting Research7PS014 Psychology of Criminal Behaviour7PS015 Investigative Psychology7PS016 Victimology & Witness Psychology7PS017 Cybercrime


Identify specific behavioural questions and toposition these into an appropriate researchframework.



Apply relevant technologies to both theinvestigation of psychological perspectives andthe communication of their findings

7PS003 Conducting and Interpreting Research7PS014 Psychology of Criminal Behaviour7PS015 Investigative Psychology7PS016 Victimology & Witness Psychology


To communicate ideas and findings using adiverse set of platforms, both technological andotherwise.



Apply critical skills to both scientific claims aswell as those experienced in a broader context.



Appreciate the complexity of the individual andto critically understand why differences betweenindividuals occur and how these affect aspects ofboth community and society.

7PS014 Psychology of Criminal Behaviour7PS017 Cybercrime

PSRB

PS021Q01UV (Full-time)

Professional Accreditation Body:British Psychological Society (BPS)

Accrediting Body:British Psychological Society (BPS)

Accreditation Statement:

Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BritishPsychological Society (BPS).

Additional Notes:"Graduates who complete an accredited undergraduate degree or postgraduate conversion programme havingpassed the empirical psychology project and gained a minimum of a 2:2 overall (or its equivalent) are eligibleto apply for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society. GBC isset as a pre-requisite for entry to accredited postgraduate programmes by the majority of training providers.In order to practise as a psychologist offering services to the public, graduates will need to complete furthertraining that is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council."

ApprovedApproved StartStart Expected EndExpected End RenewalRenewal

04/Nov/2014 04/Nov/2014 31/Dec/2021 31/Dec/2021

PS021Q31UV (Part-Time)

Professional Accreditation Body:British Psychological Society (BPS)

Accrediting Body:British Psychological Society (BPS)

Accreditation Statement:Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BritishPsychological Society (BPS).

Additional Notes:"Graduates who complete an accredited undergraduate degree or postgraduate conversion programme havingpassed the empirical psychology project and gained a minimum of a 2:2 overall (or its equivalent) are eligibleto apply for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society. GBC isset as a pre-requisite for entry to accredited postgraduate programmes by the majority of training providers.In order to practise as a psychologist offering services to the public, graduates will need to complete furthertraining that is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council."

ApprovedApproved StartStart Expected EndExpected End RenewalRenewal

04/Nov/2014 04/Nov/2014 31/Dec/2021 31/Dec/2021

Employability in the Curriculum

A number of our graduates go on to train as Clinical and Counselling Psychologists, to work in the NHS astrainee cognitive behavioural therapists, or to work in other helping professions such as social work. However, by choosing this Integrated Masters in Psychology course, students will not be restricting theirfuture career opportunities either within or outside of psychology. Each year, our graduates go on to applythe knowledge they have gained with us to a wide range of jobs in the private, public and non-profit sectors. Due to the wide applicability of the psychological knowledge they will gain and the respect conferred by aBPS-accredited degree many students enter professional work within the business sector, retail management,teaching and the public sector.

The MSci award will provide students with advanced training in their chosen branch of psychology. MScigraduates will thus leave university with maters-level skills, setting them apart from those graduating withbachelor degrees in psychology. This will give them an advantage in the job market and a will be a launch-padfor continuing professional training in psychology or related fields.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Learning activities are focused on problem based learning, whereby students will be presented with anexample of a behaviour or cluster of behaviours to which they will then be expected to apply theoreticalexplanations. To meet this challenge, students will be presented with theoretical information in lecturesessions and then will use further lectures as well as seminars, workshops, group tutorials and alltechnological literacy’s mentioned in section 11, and to apply these to explaining human and animal behaviour.

At Level 4, students will look at theoretical applications to psychology and consider how psychology as adiscipline has evolved in response to how our understanding of psychological complexities have developedover time. At Level 5, students will investigate more focused disciplines within psychology and will beexpected to adopt a more critical approach to research underpinning psychological theory so that they areenabled to question behavioural explanations. These skills will be enhanced by the increased use of onlineforum discussions and the application of advanced research skills which will provide students, through theuse of small group research supervision, with the ability to frame their critiques into testable hypotheses. Atlevel 6, students will apply, and continue to develop, the questioning nature of problem based learning andwill be able to apply these to modules which cover areas of contemporary psychology. At this level studentswill also be able to engage in the study of areas of applied psychology specific to their interests. At level 7,students will be required to demonstrate a more critical approach to the applied areas of occupational andinvestigative forensic psychology. The areas they will cover will be core areas of the disciplines and willprovide students with a deeper understanding of the knowledge and expertise required in these areas ofprofessional psychological practice.

The Development of Graduate Attributes

1. acquire, generate, interrogate and apply knowledge from a wide range of sources,2. develop research skills to enable analysis , synthesis, understanding and evaluation of data and

information.3. demonstrate self-discipline and organizational skills by meeting deadlines, and taking responsibility for

your own development and learning4. present ideas clearly in an informed and persuasive manner to a variety of audiences.5. be innovative, creative and enterprising work collaboratively, whilst acknowledging, respecting and

engaging with the views of others in a constructive and empathetic manner6. draw on professional advice and feedback to reflect on and improve your own learning and professional

practice;7. prepare for the world of work through engagement with real life situations, briefs and problems8. engage with new ideas and ways of working as an active member of the communities in which you study,

live and work.

Learning and Teaching Methods

This data indicates the proportion of time in each year of study that students can expect to engage in thefollowing activities (expressed as a percentage for each level).

LevelLevel TeachingTeaching IndependentIndependent PlacementPlacement

4 25 76 0

5 22 78 0

6 17 83 0

7 25 75 0

Assessment Methods

This data indicates the proportion of summative assessment in each year of study that will derive from the

following: (expressed as a percentage for each level).

LevelLevel Written ExamsWritten Exams Practical ExamsPractical Exams CourseworkCoursework

4 25 17 58

5 35 17 48

6 15 7 78

7 25 5 70

Reference Points

QAA subject benchmarks for psychology(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/honours/psychology.asp) and BPS

Quality Assurance Policies and Practice for First Qualifications in Psychology 2009(http://www.bps.org.uk/document-download-area/document-download$.cfm?file_uuid=44F1F8ED-9635-D739-2034-CB2B9A3D6C32&ext=pdf)

Academic Regulations Exemptions

14/28.1

Exemption to permit Module 7PS003 Conducting and Interpreting Research to run as a 40 credit year-longmodule.

APPROVED AFRSC 16/04/2013

Support with your studies

University Learning Centres are the key source of academic information for students providing access to:

Physical library resources (books, journal, DVDs etc.)Study areas to allow students to study in the environment that suits them best: Social areas, quiet andsilent areas.A wide range of online information sources, including eBooks, e-journals and subject databasesAcademic skills support via the Skills for Learning programmeStudents on campus can attend workshops or ask for one-to-one help on a range of skills such asacademic writing and referencing.Dedicated Subject Pages to enable you to explore key online information sources that are recommendedfor their studies.Physical access to local libraries both in UK and overseas via SCONUL and WorldCat agreements

We also strongly advise you to download to “MyWLV” student app. MyWLV is a single point of personalisedaccess to the variety of systems the University offers. This includes pulling through relevant information (e.g.deadlines, timetables) and linking to underlying systems.

Course Specific Support

The advantage of designing the Specialist routes in psychology is to enable students to receive learningsupport targeted to their needs. There is generic modular support which will be delivered by the moduleteams in the form on one to one meetings as well as more generic advice and feedback which will be derived

from the cohorts assessment feedback as it is perceived that while students only receive the feedback of theirown work it is of value to be able to take stock of the feedback other have received. By designing thePsychology routes as integrated routes it will be clear to students that learning support received in onemodule is applicable to other aspects of their studies.

At all levels, students have access to learning support from our dedicated demonstrator team who areconversant in all aspect of the course and can advise students how best to achieve their goals. There is alsoconsiderable support to be sought from the Learning Centre with regards to ongoing study skills as well asaccessing research relevant to their studies. During Level 4 studies, students will be exposed to the basicapproaches to study skills. These will include online literature searches, guides relating to academic writing,critical reading and referencing skills. These will be supported by academic staff within lectures, small groupdiscussions and personal tutorial sessions. The modules will specifically develop study skills in psychology,with the Bad Science module focusing on research skills and the Themes and Perspectives module developingmore diverse academic skills such as critical reading and information sourcing. These skills will be applied inthe remaining modules at the appropriate point in the academic calendar. Support, such as seminars, willmake it explicit that the skills under development on modules at Level 4 are relevant to their studies ingeneral by discussing assessments and learning outcomes from other modules (both at their present level ofstudy as well as at higher levels) as part of their reflective process. In doing so we are applying a holisticapproach to learning support.

Throughout the interaction the student has with their Personal Tutor is central to the development of theirlearning support. It is during Tutor sessions that the contents of the ePDP will be considered and any threadsacross modules regarding feedback can be identified. This will enable the tutor to recommend bespokelearning enhancement advice. This process will be continuous throughout the course.

Contact Hours

In higher education, the term ‘contact hours’ is used very broadly, to refer to the amount of time that youspend learning in contact with teaching or associated staff, when studying for a particular course.

This time provides you with the support in developing your subject knowledge and skills, and opportunitiesto develop and reflect on your own, independent learning. Contact time can take a wide variety of formsdepending on your subject, as well as where and how you are studying. Some of the most common examplesare:

lecturesseminarstutorialsproject supervisionsdemonstrationspractical classes and workshopssupervised time in a studio/workshopfieldworkexternal visitswork-based learning (including placements)scheduled virtual interaction with tutor such as on line, skype, telephone

In UK higher education, you as the student take primary responsibility for your own learning. In this context,contact time with teaching and associated staff is there to help shape and guide your studies. It may be usedto introduce new ideas and equip you with certain knowledge or skills, demonstrate practical skills for you topractise independently, offer guidance on project work, or to provide personalised feedback.

Alongside contact time, private or independent study is therefore very significant. This is the time that youspend learning without direct supervision from, or contact with, a member of staff. It might includebackground reading, preparation for seminars or tutorials, follow-up work, wider practice, the completion ofassignments, revision, and so on.

Course Specific Health and Safety Issues

No specific health and safety issues recorded.

Course Fact File

Hierarchy of Awards:Hierarchy of Awards: Master in Science with Honours Psychology (Forensic) Bachelor of Science with Honours Psychology Bachelor of Science Psychology Diploma of Higher Education Psychology Certificate of Higher Education Psychology University Statement of Credit University Statement of Credit

Course Codes:Course Codes: PS021Q01UV Full-time 4 YearsPS021Q31UV Part-Time 8 Years

Awarding Body / Institution:Awarding Body / Institution: University of Wolverhampton

School / Institute:School / Institute: Institute of Sport and Human Sciences

Category of Partnership:Category of Partnership: Not delivered in partnership

Location of Delivery:Location of Delivery: University of Wolverhampton

Teaching Institution:Teaching Institution: University of Wolverhampton

Published: 04-Sep-2017 by Stef Nosek

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