Psychology is the scientific study of the brain and behaviour. Students will study the psychological and neuroscientific processes that underpin daily activities such as thinking, reasoning, memory and language, learn the consequences of brain injury and how to improve health related behaviour.
Successful completion of this pathway will lead to the award of one of the following from Swansea University:
Foundation - Two Semesters
September, November*, January - £16,700**
Foundation - Three Semesters
September, June - £21,000**
First Year - Two Semesters
September - £17,600**
September - £18,600**
*The November entry is the same price as 2 semester September entry but is 2.5 semesters in duration.
**Fees for 2024/2025 and subject to change. See Pathway and Fees Summary for more details.
You can apply via our application portal, Study Link.
Before you submit your application, please make sure that:
Please note: If you are a citizen/permanent resident of the United Kingdom and have not lived outside of the UK for at least three years, you may not be eligible to apply via The College, Swansea University. Admissions staff will review your application and get in touch to advise you.
There are both English Language and Academic Entry Requirements for Foundation and First Year study.
You can be admitted directly to First Year if your academic qualifications do not require a Foundation stage of study. For details of the requirements for students of your country, please visit our Academic Entry Requirements page.
In addition to the above, all students will be required to demonstrate a suitable level of English language ability. Information on these requirements, and on the qualifications that we accept, can be viewed on our English language requirements page.
Interactive Learning Skills and Communication
This module has been designed to help students develop their academic literacy and communication skills in preparation for undergraduate study and to understand the institutional culture, practices, rules and expectations of British higher education in an international academic context and community.
Assessment: presentations, group work, research report, referencing
Composition and Style
Aiming to assist students in improving their academic performance in terms of writing and presenting, Composition and Style dedicates time to allowing students to understand the importance of feedback and reflection in order to improve future performance. The module therefore provides students with the fundamental knowledge base and skills required at undergraduate level.
Assessment: Essays, examination
Critical Thinking
The module provides students with a fundamental knowledge base and intellectual skills associated with thinking critically. Also covered is understanding the basic requirements for building and consolidating a reasoned argument, issues of neutrality and bias and an emphasis is placed on the issue of the credibility of ideas, texts and evidence.
Assessment: In-class tests, essay
Statistics
Here an introduction to statistical concepts within the context of business, industry and government is provided to students. Numerous data sources are employed including business, sport, medicine, physical science, engineering sciences, biological science and social science. This module provides an opportunity for meaningful interpretation of statistical information and results through a variety of statistical measures
Assessment: Examinations
IT Support
Comprehensive understanding of current ICT issues is essential in the modern world. Through this module students will gain the skills to equip them in the use of common productivity and content management software programmes. This module will emphasise the use of Microsoft Windows packages including PowerPoint, Excel and Word as a platform for further study.
Assessment: Class test (unweighted)
Applied Critical Thinking
This module builds a fundamental knowledge base and establishes intellectual skills associated with thinking critically. Focus is placed on the real world application of critical thinking in identifying strong and weak arguments in the academic world and beyond.
Assessment: In-class test, essay examination
Foundations of Psychology
Foundations of Psychology provides an introduction to the discipline of psychology beginning with the historical foundations, understanding psychology as a science and the key concepts underpinning the subject. The module will cover some of the classic debates, examine some of the myths and misconceptions, and explore some of the seminal studies that were critical in the development of psychology as a science.
Assessment: In-class test, examination
In their second semester students will be required to select TWO of the following modules to study alongside their compulsory classes:
Understanding Society
Through examining the distinctive questions that subjects such as Sociology, Social Sciences and Social Policy ask about human society and some of the key concepts and tools we use in tackling those questions, this module will introduce students to the study of society. The module also provides students with a foundation in the skills we use when writing on social issues.
Assessment: In-class test, examination
Globalisation
Addressing fundamental aspects of Globalisation and the realities of today’s world, this module considers the economic, political, technological and social forces currently impacting on globalisation, providing an insight into the implications of continued globalisation on Multi-National Corporations and global trade.
Assessment: Presentation, examination
Welfare Across the Globe
Providing students with knowledge of the international character of welfare and welfare problems, this module introduces students to how global processes can impact on human well-being; how international and national organisations respond to global welfare problems and why international and comparative perspectives are valuable in the study of people’s welfare.
Assessment: In-class test, presentation, essay
Biology 1
Covering topics such as enzyme action, genetics, the cell cycle, health and disease, evolution and ecology amongst others, this module has been designed to be delivered in conjunction with the standard Stage 1 programmes in science.
Assessment: In-class test, examination
Business
Providing students with knowledge of the fundamental aspects of business and business management, this module offers extensive considerations in terms of business planning, product marketing, managing people and the legal side of business. This module also focuses on change management, essential in an age of continual technological advances.
Assessment: Presentation, examination
As this course is an Integrated First Year, students are required to study 120 credits of Swansea University Modules.
These modules can be found on Swansea University's Psychology page.
In addition, students must study the following College modules:
Research and Study Skills (ILSC) 1
This module aims to help students to develop their academic English, communication, research, and critical reasoning skills to be successful undergraduate students. A subsidiary aim of this module is to ensure that students develop transferable skills that help them to take responsibility for their personal, academic and professional development.
Assessment: Presentation, group work, written assessments
Academic Support Tutorial
The aim of the support tutorials is to provide academic support and guidance to students on a year 1 Integrated programme with The College, Swansea University. Each pathway has a distinct Academic Support Tutorial allowing students to receive tailored support in areas such as progression, discussion and debate, communication and organisation.
Assessment: None
The BSc Psychology is validated by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Providing that a minimum of a Second Class Honours Degree, Division Two is achieved, it confers eligibility for Graduate Membership of the BPS and for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). The latter is the first step to becoming a Chartered Psychologist.
All Foundation Year programmes will be taught on the Bay Campus. First and further years are taught on the Singleton Park Campus of Swansea University.
Recommended textbooks for this course are available in the University libraries, but you may choose to purchase personal copies. All software needed for the course is available on the University network for use within University computer rooms. Free wireless internet access is available across the whole of the University campus, including halls of residence. Personal costs such as purchase of stationery, photocopying costs, parking fees or travel between the campuses are not included in your tuition fees.
You will need to purchase a personal electronic calculator for statistics (approx. £10).
You may need to pay for a Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at a cost of £44 (price as at November 2017) for some Independent Research projects in Year Three or for students taking the Psychology Work Placement module.
If you have any queries about this programme, please contact us at the-college-enquiries@swansea.ac.uk or call +44 (0) 1792 602 888.
