Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Bachelor of Science with Honours Psychology, Level 6, 2023/24 - Course Handbook
Welcome to the Course
A big welcome to our new students and a big welcome back to returning students - we hope you have had a fantastic summer and are excited about the academic year ahead. This handbook provides you with information that will help you succeed on your course. You should find it helpful when you first start, when you are preparing for assessment, and at any time that you need help or advice in connection with your studies here. In addition to this course handbook, you will also receive a module handbook for each module you study on your course.
We are really excited about welcoming you to campus and working with you to achieve your learning goals. We are also looking forward to developing the more social aspects of our professional relationships with you. We hope that this model of working together supports your learning and engagement with your studies, and increases your sense of belonging in our learning community.
We are also excited about:
- Using the newly refurbished teaching, learning and research spaces on PD and CL4 for formal and informal teaching and learning activities. We hope that you enjoy using these spaces and will help us use them to develop a thriving student community where we feel supported and "at home".
- Minor modifications to some modules (based on student feedback), so your academic modules remain fresh and re-vamped.
- Several new members of staff joining the team. We hope you will give them a warm welcome to our community.
- And continuing to develop our role in our new(ish) School; the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. We are excited that the staff and students from Humanities will be joining us in their new office spaces the Portland Building! We hope you enjoy the chances this may bring to meet students outside of the Psychology group.
Overall, we hope these changes will make your experience as a student even better!
The course team is looking forward to working with you this year and we hope that your time studying with us at Leeds Beckett University is both enjoyable and successful. On behalf of our University and the whole course team, I would like to wish you well in your studies.
Dr Helen J Fawkner
Course Director, BSc (Hons) Psychology
Whether you are joining us for the first time, or returning to your course, we welcome you at the start of what we are sure will be a stimulating, challenging and rewarding year of study with us.
Our aim is to provide all our students with a research- informed, innovative and relevant curriculum that informs understandings of the world we live in. Our courses are highly valued by employers, and our approach to student learning and support places you at the heart of everything we do. In addition to offering a diverse range of teaching approaches and a variety of different methods of assessment, we attach the greatest importance to providing you with constructive feedback on your work so you can develop your future learning.
Our learning environment is student-centred, and we value your opinions. We want to know about the things you enjoy and think we do well, and also to hear about ways in which you believe we can improve your experience with us. You can share your views with us through course representatives, evaluation of modules, or constructive comments to staff. Whichever route you choose, we are always interested in what you have to say.
Staff across the School of Humanities and Social Sciences will provide you with all the support we can to help you succeed on your chosen course, and we look forward to working with you as you achieve your academic ambitions. I hope you have an enjoyable and rewarding year.
Professor Andrew Cooper, Dean of School
Leeds Beckett Students' Union (LBSU) is led by students for students! Their mission is to make your uni life better! Your Student Officer Team is elected by you to lead the Students' Union into the academic year. They represent all Leeds Beckett students and campaign for the changes you want to see in the university and beyond. They do this by representing your interests, giving you the chance to socialise and meet new people, hosting CV-boosting opportunities, and providing advice and support when you need it most. Shape your own experience by submitting your thoughts through your Course Rep, or if you'd like to influence the Students' Union's policy stance on particular issues or share ideas for improving the student experience across the University, submit your ideas on the Have Your Say platform, which is designed to make change happen! Below you'll find information on a few of their services but if you've any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
Silas Ozoya, your Academic Experience Officer, also wanted to say a few words to introduce himself: "Hey There! I'm Silas, your Academic Experience Officer. It's my job to ensure your academic experience at Leeds Beckett is the best it can be! We're a friendly and open-minded bunch at LBSU, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us! I'm looking forward to meeting you very soon!"
Contact LBSU at:
Email: lbsu-welcome@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Phone: 0113 812 8400
Website: www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk
- Following the lifting of all pandemic restrictions and advice from the Department for Education, we currently anticipate that no social distancing measures will be in place on campus during the 2023/24 academic year, enabling a normal on-campus experience. Our aim is to ensure that our students experience Leeds Beckett University, our courses, campuses, facilities and services to the fullest extent possible, while maintaining an environment where students and staff feel safe.
- In all cases, the health and safety of students and staff is our priority and we will continue to follow guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, the Department for Education and all other recognised government agencies (such as the Office for Students) in full and keep matters under close review at all times. The advice and restrictions may change before and/or during the academic year, either nationally or in response to local conditions and rates of infection and include the need for social distancing measures and other restrictions. Our flexible delivery model allows us to revert to a blended and/or remote delivery model if this becomes necessary. In a worst case scenario it is possible our campuses may need to close.
- In the event that delivery is restricted as a consequence of pandemic restrictions, we will keep you informed of planned changes as they arise, to ensure you are provided with accurate information.
Key Contacts & Keeping in Touch
The name and contact details of your Academic Advisor will be provided to you in Induction Week. The lists are posted on the course site in My Beckett. As well as any meetings with your Academic Advisor in Induction Week, you will usually be contacted by them to arrange a meeting soon after you begin your studies and at certain points throughout the year. This schedule and topics for discussion can be found in the PDP handbook on the course site in My Beckett. As well as these meetings, you are always free to sign up to speak with your tutor during their office hours, using the on-line booking system. Further, you can contact your Academic Advisor via email or phone ahead of (or following) in-person meetings.
Charlotte Nicholson
HSS-Admin-SocialSciences@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
0113 8126140
Sana Munir
HSS-Admin-SocialSciences@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
0113 8124148
The Course Administration Team can be found in room 315, on the third floor of the Portland Building at City Campus.
The School of Humanities and Social Sciences Admin Office Opening Times and Dates Calendar can be found in the appendices section at the end of this handbook.
Course Representatives are student volunteers who represent your views at course level, in formal and informal meetings with academic and support staff and at School Forums. Details about being a Course Representative are available at Course representatives | student information | Leeds Beckett University
The Students' Union oversees Course Representatives and more information is available at Course Reps (leedsbeckettsu.co.uk)
Your Academic Librarian team can be contacted on HSSLibrary@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
To find out the key resources for your subject and to book an appointment with the Library's Academic Support Team, see your Subject Guides: https://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/schools/humanities_and_social_sciences
Course Level Leaders
Level 4: Dr Suzie Wang - x.wang@leedsbeckett.ac.uk and Dr Maxine Woolhouse - m.woolhouse@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Level 5: Dr Therese Fozard - t.e.shepherd@leedsbeckett.ac.uk and Dr Jessica Drakett - j.drakett.leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Level 6: Dr Sarah Asquith - s.l.asquith@leedsbeckett.ac.uk and Dr Kate Milnes - k.milnes@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
The contact details of other key services, such as Student Advice, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, the Library, Student Money, Careers, Students' Union Advice Service and Students' Union Student Voice Team can be found on the Students web page.
Academic and administrative staff at our University use your student email address to contact you. It is important that you check this account regularly. You can forward emails from your student email address to a preferred personal email address. However, quarantine and spam filters needed by our University mean that emails sent from external email addresses may be delayed, blocked or deleted. It is therefore important that your student email address is the only email address that you use to contact University staff. Information on how to access your student email address can be found on the Library Student IT Support page (http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/office365/outlook)
Please make sure that you inform your Course Administration team whenever you change your address and contact details. It is important that you also update your records yourself. You can do this via the My Account/Update my Data tab on MyBeckett. This will ensure we can always contact you in an emergency, and that you receive any important University communications that we may need to send you.
We will inform you of class activities and course notifications, including any cancellations. This information (should the situation arise) will be communicated to you via email, and also text-message via My Beckett (when possible).
For each module, the Module Handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you.
MS Teams is part of the Office 365 suite used by staff and students for communication and collaboration:
- Access via MyBeckett on University devices as well as on personal mobiles via a free downloadable app.
- Participate in online meetings and video conferencing in groups or one-to-one.
- Work on shared content, ideas, projects and online learning.
- Utilise breakout rooms to create more dynamic sessions
Further information is available on the Library's MS Teams FAQ web page.
Your course team will advise how MS Teams/Skype for Business will be used on your course and make guidance available as required.
Timetable Information
The University’s standard term dates are available on our Academic Calendars web page.
Taught sessions, both mandatory and optional, will be scheduled and included in your online timetable. Depending on your course, this may also include scheduled online teaching and learning sessions where student engagement is required at a specified time or tutor pre-recorded lectures.
Normally, timetables will be made available to continuing students on 31st July and during induction week for new students via:
- The Student Portal (MyBeckett)
- The Leeds Beckett app
You should discuss any difficulties relating to your engagement with timetabled sessions with your Course Administrator.
Course Overview
The aims of the programme are to allow a student to develop:
- A sound, critical, scientific understanding of historical and contemporary issues and theoretical approaches to studying the mind, brain, behaviour and experience, and of the complex interactions between these.
- Your ability to critically evaluate and synthesise psychological concepts, theory and research findings from multiple theoretical, ethical, cultural and global perspectives.
- Your understanding of the applications of psychological knowledge and interventions and your creativity in real-world problem solving.
- Your research skills in employing a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods, statistical analysis and measurement techniques, culminating in the ability to conduct research independently.
- Your professional and transferable skills, including the Leeds Beckett graduate attributes of digital literacy, enterprise and global outlook, as preparation for a range of career opportunities and/or for further postgraduate study and training.
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Systematically review, synthesize and critically evaluate a body of psychological knowledge, including new and specialised knowledge, recognising the diversity of psychological functioning and the global and socio-cultural context of human experience.
2. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of a range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, and competence in working independently to design, conduct and report an empirical research project complying with established ethical standards.
3. Show competency in the analysis and interpretation of statistical and other forms of data, including employment of digital literacy skills in accessing, processing and evaluating information, ideas and evidence from a wide range of psychological and other scientific sources.
4. Demonstrate a sound and critical understanding of the applications of psychology and approach problem-solving in systematic, innovative and creative ways to explain and devise solutions to a range of real-world problems.
5. Structure and effectively communicate ideas and information to a range of different audiences, using professional standards and enterprise skills appropriate to the socio-cultural and global contexts and purpose of the communication.
6. Demonstrate effective, respectful and culturally sensitive team working skills and ability to reflect critically and constructively on the achievement of personal and group objectives and potential for enhancing performance.
1. Systematically review, synthesize and critically evaluate a body of psychological knowledge, including new and specialised knowledge, recognising the diversity of psychological functioning and the global and socio-cultural context of human experience.
2. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of a range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, and competence in working independently to design, conduct and report an empirical research project complying with established ethical standards.
3. Show competency in the analysis and interpretation of statistical and other forms of data, including employment of digital literacy skills in accessing, processing and evaluating information, ideas and evidence from a wide range of psychological and other scientific sources.
4. Demonstrate a sound and critical understanding of the applications of psychology and approach problem-solving in systematic, innovative and creative ways to explain and devise solutions to a range of real-world problems.
5. Structure and effectively communicate ideas and information to a range of different audiences, using professional standards and enterprise skills appropriate to the socio-cultural and global contexts and purpose of the communication.
6. Demonstrate effective, respectful and culturally sensitive team working skills and ability to reflect critically and constructively on the achievement of personal and group objectives and potential for enhancing performance.
Assessment & Feedback
The assessment balance and overall workload associated with this course are calculated from core modules and typical option module choices undertaken by students on the course. They have been reviewed and confirmed as representative by the Course Director.
A standard module equates to 200 notional learning hours, which may be comprised of teaching, learning and assessment, any embedded placement activities and independent study. Modules may have more than one component of assessment.
Assessment
Level 4 is assessed by examinations predominately, with some coursework.
Level 5 is assessed by examinations predominately, with some coursework, with some practical assessments (dependent on elective choice).
Level 6 is assessed by a broadly even mix of coursework and examinations.
Please note the exam/assessment periods in the academic calendar and make sure that you are available during those periods. Further details of your schedule of examinations can be found on your timetable once the examination schedule is released. Coursework submission deadlines can normally be found on MyBeckett, on course noticeboards or in individual Module Handbooks/other module guides.
Disabled students requiring adjustments to assessments/examinations should contact Disability Advice as soon as possible. We can only guarantee that adjustments can be put in place if students have contacted us by the following deadlines:
Semester 1 - 10th November 2023
Semester 2 - 8th March 2024
Contact us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.
It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course. Should you experience extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting on time please make yourself aware of the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances process. Without any form of extenuating circumstances, standard penalties apply for late submission of assessed work. Full details of the penalties for late submission of course work are available in section 3 of the Academic Regulations. Please check the penalties that apply to this course as some Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body requirements may mean that different penalties apply.
If you have been recommended 'flexibility around deadlines' as a reasonable adjustment in a Reasonable Adjustment Plan, your Course Administrator will be able to advise you of the process.
You are required to submit your written work via Turnitin; further information on Turnitin is available here: https://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/mybeckett/turnitin
Turnitin is assignment software that allows you to check how much your work overlaps in content with other resources. Using this tool as you write, allows you to be certain that the work you submit represents your own understanding of the topics you are writing about. For a small number of modules you may also be asked to submit a paper copy of written coursework or a presentation or artefact. If you are required to submit any additional material then you will receive written instructions from your Module Leader.
For group assessments (where more than one student is responsible for the submission) the whole group has editorial rights over the submission. Thus, the whole group is considered responsible for the work that has been submitted. If a portion of that submitted work is suspected to be plagiarised, all group members will be held accountable.
Module tutors place Turnitin links in MyBeckett modules to help you with your academic work. When you submit your work through Turnitin it will 'match' your work with a massive global database of books, e-books, journals, websites and other students' work. You can see if parts of your work 'match' work in the database and you can see if you have attributed this to the source. Turnitin can only help you if you submit drafts of your work a reasonable length of time before the submission deadline. Please be aware that Turnitin guarantees to 'match' your work and return the result to you within 48 hours. Sometimes it may be quicker than this, but there is no guarantee. The second time you submit a draft of this work Turnitin guarantees that it will 'match' and return your work within 24 hours. Again it may be quicker, but do not rely on this. If you submit a third draft of the work through Turnitin it will again only guarantee a 'match' and return within 24 hours. Therefore, if you want to use Turnitin to help you check your work you must start to submit drafts for matching at least four days before the deadline. Turnitin cannot detect plagiarism, it can only 'match' text. If you are not sure how to interpret the 'originality report' which Turnitin makes available to you please ask your module tutor.
Submission of assignments
The assignments that you submit will need to be referenced according to the APA guidelines. A copy of the most recent (7th edition) of the APA Referencing Guide is available at the library. Assignments will also need to be prepared in accordance with the guidance on required length.
Word limits
Assignments that exceed the required length will be penalised in accordance with the extent of the deviation from the word limit. The main body of your essay or report (including citations and quotes in the text but excluding your reference list) should not exceed the stated word limit.
Part of the skill of academic writing is to write concisely as well as with clarity, and this reflects the world of employment where reports, articles and other publications will have to be produced within strict guidelines. In assessment terms, writing more content will often give a student an unfair advantage over those who adhere to the word limit. As a result, assessments of excessive length will be penalised as follows:
- Up to 10% over the word limit (e.g., 300 words over a 3000 word limit) will be penalised at 5% of the total marks available (i.e., you will lose 5 marks out 100).
- A further 5% will be deducted from the total mark available for each additional 10% over the word limit (e.g., up to 600 words over a 3000 word limit, you would lose 10 marks in total etc.).
Assessed work will normally be returned with appropriate feedback within four weeks of your submission. Each Module Handbook will provide you with specific guidelines on how and when you will receive feedback on your assessments.
All work is subject to a rigorous marking and moderation process to ensure that the marks are fair (i.e. in keeping with the assessment criteria), and consistent across multiple marker. For work submitted via turn-it-in, you will receive written or verbal feedback on your work online, within your turn-it-in submission.
As well as this summative feedback, there are lots of opportunities for formative feedback that you can use to improve your learning for future assessments. This can include comments from your tutor on in-class activities, discussions in tutorials, seminars and lab classes, project supervision meetings, feedback from formative quizzes or practice exams.
Within Psychology at Leeds Beckett University we aim to be transparent and informative with the feedback we offer students on assessed work. For each piece of marked work that is globally graded, the work will be assigned a grade that is "anchored" at a clear point, ending in either a 2, a 5 or an 8. These anchors each depict a clear grade that is typical of a low, mid or high standard within each classification. For other assessments, your grade may be an accumulation of smaller components. In these instances, your grade will be the sum (or average) of these components.
Results from module assessments and decisions on progression to the next level of study (e.g., from Level 4 to Level 5 of an undergraduate degree) or awards (if you are in the final level) are available on the Results Online system: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/exams-assessments-and-awards/results-online/.
Results will appear in Results Online within five working days of the date of the Progression and Award Board meeting (the meeting where your end of level outcome will be decided) or the Module Board meeting (the meeting where modular outcomes are decided).
If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, please contact your Course Administrator.
The University recognises that, from time to time, students may encounter issues which may prevent them from being able to submit or take assessment. Where this is the case, students may be able to submit their 'extenuating circumstances' for consideration. Please see the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances web page for further information.
If you have not passed a module at the first attempt you will be eligible for re-assessment. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process (e.g., whether it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is). You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. You are advised to contact your Course Director, Course Administrator or Academic Advisor for any necessary clarification.
Details about our Appeals process can be found on the appeals web page.
Academic integrity means intellectual honesty and is part of good academic practice. Further information can be found on our academic integrity web page.
Teaching & Learning
The learning and teaching methods on our course are designed to align the learning, teaching and assessment strategy with the learning outcomes specified for each module and the course. Each year you will receive a course handbook, which details the course structure at that level and what is expected of you (it also provides other information about the University, course team, regulations and policies etc.).
In addition, you will receive a module handbook for each module, providing details about the module, how the module will be delivered in terms of types of teaching sessions and the main topic for each session, how it will be assessed, a reading list and other material relevant to the module. In order to deliver core knowledge, facilitate understanding of theories and concepts and develop practical and applied skills, we employ a range of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, group work, practical/laboratory classes, presentations, problem-based projects/briefs and tutorials. We also make use of on-line activities including formative quizzes and online discussion boards.
Each teaching session is contextualized in terms of its intended purpose, its expected outcomes and its role as part of the wider programme of study. Sessions are designed to promote participation, provide a formative assessment dimension and encourage further study. The overall learning experience is therefore designed to offer a diverse and stimulating range of learning and teaching activities.
(Correct for students progressing through the programme within standard timescales. Students who are required to undertake repeat study may be taught alternate modules which meet the overall course learning outcomes. Details of module delivery will be provided in your timetable).
Level 6 Core Modules (2023/24 for full-time students and 2023/24 and 2024/25 for standard part-time students)
Critical and Philosophical Issues in Psychology
Final Year Project (this is a double module)
Level 6 Option Modules (delivery years as per Level 6 core modules above)
The following option modules are indicative of a typical year. There may be some variance in the availability of option modules. Students take two electives:
Biopsychology of Stress and Health
Clinical and Counselling Psychology
Cultural Psychology
Educational Psychology
Forensic Psychology
Health Psychology
Institutional Racism
Overall Workload | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
Teaching, Learning and Assessment | 267 hours | 240 hours | 183.5 hours |
Independent Study | 933 hours | 890 hours | 1016.5 hours |
Placement | - | 70 hours | - |
(NB: this will be as per the applicant-facing Course Specification for Level 4 students)
Details of School academic staff can be found on the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Website.
Attendance & Absence
The University expects you to attend and contribute fully to all mandatory sessions on your timetable as set out in your student contract. Engagement in your lectures, seminars and practicals is an important part of your learning - contributing both to the University community and the learning experience of your fellow students on the course. This includes engagement in scheduled virtual learning and activities and meetings in online environments related to your studies.
We monitor your engagement at the University as regular attendance and academic achievement are closely linked. Moreover, by monitoring your engagement and attendance we can identify students who may need our guidance or support at an early stage to help them progress in their studies. This is part of our commitment to ensuring an excellent education and experience and supporting your success at Leeds Beckett.
The University does understand that from time to time there is good reason why you cannot attend a class, and in this instance you must contact your School office to let them know. This may then be recorded as an 'authorised absence'.
Please note that any attendance reports can be shared with you and your Course team. You might be asked to contact your School office so that appropriate academic or pastoral support can be offered, should your attendance record give cause for concern.
Our most important aim is to support your studies, but we are also required to report attendance to various external bodies such as the Student Loan Company and the Home Office. There are measures in place for students who seek to falsely register either their own or fellow students' attendance.
Our Academic Engagement Policy is available under 'Student Contract' on the Student Regulations web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific attendance requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
You must notify your Course Administrator if you are absent (for example for an interview, emergency unforeseen circumstances, or for compassionate leave). If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
If you are unable to study due to Covid-19 (coronavirus) symptoms, please see the guidance available on our Covid-19 web page.
If you are unable to study because of another illness for more than 14 consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note.
You can send a digital copy of your Fit Note to your Course Administrator, and then send the original by post.
If you are absent through illness on the day of an examination or assignment deadline and you intend to apply for mitigation, you must also provide us with details as possible. Your submission for mitigation may be made online and the circumstances surrounding it may be self-certified unless your period of absence is prolonged. Generally, all absences of 2 weeks or more will require the submission of verifiable documentary evidence.
For more information on 'fit to sit' and mitigation please visit our Mitigation web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
Any Leeds Beckett student who suspects they may have, or have been diagnosed as having a serious infectious disease such as coronavirus, Mumps, TB, measles, meningitis or chicken pox should not attend campus. For notifiable diseases, students should notify their Course Director or Course Administrator as soon as possible giving information regarding which groups of students (and/or colleagues and clients on placements) you have been in contact with and when. For some diseases, such as TB and meningitis, your doctor and our Student Wellbeing Team have a responsibility to notify the West Yorkshire Public Health Protection Team who may also wish to speak to you (or your family) to determine if others require screening or medication. You should follow advice given by the hospital or your GP about when it is safe to return to University. Further information is available on the Student Wellbeing web page.
For guidance on what to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19 (coronavirus), please visit our Covid-19 web page.
If you are thinking about changing course or withdrawing from your course, further information can be found on our Student web pages.
International Students
Please be aware that our University fully complies with United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) policy at all times. There are legal reporting requirements for all students in the UK on a Student visa, and full attendance is mandatory for all students who have a Student visa. Failure to meet UKVI attendance and engagement requirements could lead to your academic sponsorship being withdrawn and your visa being revoked.Students who hold a Student visa need to be aware of their responsibilities whilst in the UK, please see www.ukcisa.org.uk or our Student Immigration Advice and Compliance web page for full information.
For up-to-date information about visas, immigration issues and other matters relating to international students, please visit the International Students' web pages on the Students website or email the Student Immigration Advice and Compliance Team on siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
You should have been enrolled on the International Student's Academic Introduction module in MyBeckett when you began your studies - if you missed this you can self-enrol and explore the content which introduces you to making the academic transition to a UK university. Please refer to Library page supporting international students
Professional Accreditation or Recognition Associated with the Course
For students who pass their Final Project (Level 6) and obtain a degree classification of a 2:2 or above, completion of this course confers eligibility for Graduate Membership of the BPS and Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).
GBC allows you to engage in further postgraduate training to become a Chartered Psychologist (e.g., Educational Psychology, Clinical and Counselling, Sport, Health, Forensic, Occupational etc.). Students can, and are encouraged to, subscribe to the BPS or take out Student Membership of the BPS (Student membership - The British Psychological Society (bps.org.uk)).
Sandwich Placement Information
Leeds Beckett is dedicated to improving the employability of our students and one of the ways in which we do this is to support our students to gain valuable work experience through work based placements. Our placement teams have developed strong links with companies, many of whom repeatedly recruit our students into excellent placement roles. Our teams are dedicated to supporting students through every stage of the placement process. For further information, contact our placement teams via our Placement Information web page.
One year.
Students are responsible for obtaining their own placement, with assistance from the University. The locations will vary, dependant on the opportunity.
'In Year' Work Placement Information
The OERP is scheduled for two-weeks in Semester 2 of Level 5, as part of the Individual Differences and Work Behaviour module. To allow students to fully immerse themselves in their work experience, all other formal teaching is suspended for this two-week period.
Skills, Employability & Graduate Opportunities
In completing this course, you will gain both subject specific skills (e.g., research skills, data analysis skills) as well as generic transferable skills (e.g., team-working, research, critical thinking and evaluation, presentation, independent learning). The BSc (Hons) Psychology Course aims to develop:
1. A sound, critical, scientific understanding of historical and contemporary issues and theoretical approaches to studying the mind, brain, behaviour and experience, and of the complex interactions between these.
2. Your ability to critically evaluate and synthesise psychological concepts, theory and research findings from multiple theoretical, ethical, cultural and global perspectives.
3. Your understanding of the applications of psychological knowledge and interventions and your creativity in real-world problem solving.
4. Your research skills in employing a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods, statistical analysis and measurement techniques, culminating in the ability to conduct research independently.
5. Your professional and transferable skills, including the Leeds Beckett graduate attributes of digital literacy, enterprise and global outlook, as preparation for a range of career opportunities and/or for further postgraduate study and training.
You will have opportunities to gain recognition during your time at Leeds Beckett University for the extra activities you do in addition to your studies, including volunteering, student societies, playing in our University sports teams and being a Course Representative.
By joining a society with Leeds Beckett Students' Union, you can make new friends, have fun, try something new and enhance your CV - societies provide a great opportunity to learn new skills and improve your existing ones. It can be difficult to get to know new people at university but don't worry, everyone is in the same boat! Our Leeds Beckett Students' Union believe that joining a student-led society is the best way to meet new people and make lifelong friends. There are so many societies out there - from course-based to hobby-based to religious to political and campaigning. Whether you're just starting out at Leeds Beckett or working on your last year of study, it is never too late to find the right society for you - or start one yourself!
Course-based societies are a great way to meet people on your course, expand your networks and celebrate your achievements together such as end of year Society Balls. If you have a great idea for a society, we can help you get it up and running. There are resources and support available for all societies - including funding to help make your society goals a reality. For more information on starting your own society, visit: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/societies/create.
The specific graduate attributes that are developed and/ or assessed in each module of the BSc (Hons) Psychology program can be found in your module handbooks, but this is a brief outline of how these attributes are developed our provision.
Digital Literacy is developed in every module you undertake. In some modules you will develop Psychology-specific digital literacy skills (e.g., the use of BIOPAC, SPSS, and other specialist software). In other modules, you will develop more transferable and generic digital literacy skills (e.g., effective use of PowerPoint for presentations, word processing skills, effective use of email and other electronic communication means). In all modules, you will use appropriate E-tools to locate, evaluate, utilise, and cite information sources that facilitate your learning and allow you to demonstrate this learning via your assessments.
Enterprise skills enhance your learning experience and employability. Developing enterprise skills allows you to generate novel and creative solutions to hypothetical and real-world problems, both during your academic study and future career. These skills include: initiative, motivation, and self-confidence, networking, team work and leadership skills, investigatory, creativity and strategic thinking skills, presentation skills. You will develop these skills across many modules. For example, research methods modules allow you to work in small groups to generate hypotheses, design and conduct small-scale research studies. This encourages your creativity, team working, organisation and planning skills, and problem-solving skills.The world in which we live and work is increasingly culturally diverse. Changes in technology mean that we are increasingly interconnected with people across the globe. To work successfully in a globalised economy, an ability to live and work effectively with people from different cultures, in your own country or abroad is essential. The Psychology group are committed to helping you develop a global outlook. We strive in all modules to encourage you to access and evaluate information from a variety of sources and perspectives. We encourage you to consider not just the individual, but the social world more widely, considering political, historical and culturally embedded understandings, so you develop a global perspective on social practices.
Work related activities are embedded into the course in a number of ways:
-Challenging and authentic tasks involving work-related activities are incorporated in both core and option modules throughout the three levels of the course. These include the design of interventions to address clearly defined real-world problems, the use of case studies in assessment tasks and emphasis throughout the course on how psychological knowledge can be applied in the everyday world.
-Work-related learning activities for each level are planned through the duration of your studies. Further, there are specific times set aside for these activities outside of formal schedule teaching. You are strongly encouraged to engage in these sessions and maintain a record of these work-related activities, as part of your own Personal and Professional Development Planning as you progress through the course.
-A work experience opportunity (minimum of two weeks) is embedded into the Individual Differences and Work Behaviour core module (Semester 2, Level 5). The purpose of this work-based learning experience is to help students develop an understanding of how theories of individual differences apply to real world work settings. Reflections on this work-related experience will form part of the summative assessment for this module. During these two weeks, there are no formal scheduled teaching sessions.
There are many graduate opportunities for students with a Psychology degree. Some career-paths are directly linked to this course of study and others are not.
For students who wish to become practicing Psychologists, this degree course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and is the first step towards this career goal. If you pass your Final Year project and obtain a degree classification of a 2:2 or above, completion of this course confers eligibility for Graduate Membership of the BPS and Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). GBC allows you to engage in further postgraduate training to become a Chartered Psychologist (e.g., Educational Psychology, Clinical and Counselling, Sport, Health, Forensic, Occupational etc.). You can find more information about post-graduate training at: Postgraduate study and qualifications - The British Psychological Society (bps.org.uk)
Students who do not wish to work as practising psychologists, may choose to move into related roles and careers (e.g., Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners, Assistant Psychologists). You can find more information on some of these options via the BPS website Find your career in psychology - The British Psychological Society (bps.org.uk). Further, many students choose to undertake teacher training, join the probationary service, or join graduate intern schemes in local government or the private sector. Whatever your chosen career path, the specific and generic skills you gain can stand you well in the employment market.
Learning Support
If you have a question or a problem relating to your course, your Course Administrator is there to help you. Course Administrators work closely with academic staff and can make referrals to teaching staff or to specialist professional services as appropriate. They can give you a confirmation of attendance letter, and a transcript. You may also like to contact your Course Rep or the Students' Union Advice team for additional support with course-related questions.
Your Academic Advisor will be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your course. Your Course Director will make sure that you are given the contact details of your Academic Advisor at the beginning of each year, usually in your course induction. Further details on the role of your Academic Advisor are available on the Academic Advisor web page.
If you need support, but you're not sure where to go, your Student Advice Team are here to help. The team are an essential part of your Student Support Network and are dedicated to ensuring you can access the advice and support you need, when you need it most.
Student Advice can also help in the practical elements of university. The team will produce your first campus card and assist you in replacing your campus card if needed throughout your time at Leeds Beckett. They can provide Confirmation of Enrolment and Bank Letters for our current students and full or partial transcripts for our graduates and fully enrolled students.
If you need help with more complex queries or concerns, our trained Student Life Advisers offer 1-1 appointments, providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk about your circumstances and identify support that you can access both within and outside of the university.
To contact the team, or to arrange an appointment, visit The Student Advice webpage for full details.
The Student Voice & Insight team at LBSU works alongside the elected Academic Experience Officer to effectively represent students' academic interests.
We provide support, training and ongoing development to over 1,000 Course Representatives, Postgraduate Research Reps, Student Community Leaders and Global Majority Student Ambassadors who represent you whilst you study at Leeds Beckett; and facilitate the collection of student feedback on your academic experience.
Unsure who your Course Rep is? Maybe you're interested in becoming a Course Rep or have feedback about your academic experience? Get in touch at:
- Email: studentvoice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
- Telephone: 0113 812 8400
- Website: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/your-voice
You can find information and resources online through the Support and Opportunities tabs in MyBeckett. In the Support tab, you can find details of a range of services that provide academic and personal support. These include Student Advice, Library Services, the Students' Union, Student Money, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, Student Immigration Advice and Compliance and Accommodation. There is also an A-Z of Support Services, and access to online appointments/registration.
In the Opportunities tab, you can explore the options you have for jobs, work placements, volunteering, and a wide range of other opportunities. For example, you can find out here how to get help with your CV, prepare for an interview, get a part-time job or a voluntary role, take part in an international project, or join societies closer to home.
If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difference, we believe this should never be a barrier to studying at our University.
Please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can ensure everything is in place before your course starts.
What should I do next?
- We will ask you to provide evidence of your disability, usually from a health professional or educational psychologist. Don't worry if you haven't got any, we can support you with this.
- Usually, we will arrange an appointment with your Disability Adviser to discuss any adjustments you might need and support you in applying for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).
- We will work with you to ensure any adjustments you need are available so you can fully participate on your course.
Please watch this short video about how the Disability Advice Team can work with you.
Disabled students can also access the Disability Resource Areas in each library and the support provided by the Library Learning Support Officer. More information is available on the Library website.
What is Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?
DSA is government funding to help with the cost of any additional support you might need while studying, such as: one-to-one support, specialist equipment (including useful software) and travel. For more information visit our website.
Contact Us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
The Library
The Library offers 24/7 support for your studies. You can access thousands of resources via MyBeckett or the Library website which also provides full details of all our services.
Library Academic Support
The Library Academic Support Team can help you develop your academic skills such as critical thinking, academic writing and analysing data, and research skills such as how to find, use and evaluate information for your studies. The team liaises with your lecturers to provide the information resources you need for your subject and to arrange academic skills sessions to support you in your studies.
The team maintains a number of websites and modules to support your learning:
- In your Subject guide, you'll find a variety of information resources which have been selected as a good starting point for research in that area. These are available on the Skills and Subject Support web page or via My Beckett.
- On the Skills for Learning website, you'll find online resources covering topics such as essay writing, research and time management, English Language and academic English plus information to help you reference and avoid plagiarism, alongside details of workshops that are designed to help you succeed in your assessments. The Skills for Learning website can be found on the Library website or via My Beckett.
- LBU Study Smart is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to the key skills and services you'll need to study successfully at Leeds Beckett. There are also additional modules you can take as you move through your course to help you transition between study levels. The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
- The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
Library and Student IT Advice Service
The Library and Student IT Advice Service team can answer your queries on borrowing, finding information, passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA) ,Office 365, online meetings, saving your work, MyBeckett and more:
- online (including 24/7 chat) via the Contact Us web page
- by phone - 0113 812 1000 (24/7 IT support)
- face-to-face in either of our Libraries, check Library opening times for details of when staff are available
They also have a wide range of short tutorials available on the Library's YouTube channel.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi on the University campus is provided by eduroam, a secure wireless network, which also allows you Wi-Fi access if you visit other universities. To connect:
- Select eduroam from available Wi-Fi
- Your login details are:
Username followed by @leedsbeckett: e.g. c1234567@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Password: your normal university password
*Android Users: Select under Phase 2 Authentication - MS-CHAPv2
Help is available on the Library's Wi-Fi web page.
Microsoft Office 365
You are provided with free access to Office 365 and the latest version of Office can be downloaded from the IT tab in MyBeckett or from office.com. All students who are registered for a qualification at Leeds Beckett University are eligible and you can use the subscription for the duration of your course. For instructions and more information, please see the Office 365 support page.
OneDrive
OneDrive Leeds Beckett is your individual file storage with 1TB of storage space. With OneDrive you can access and share your files across your devices. This is accessible on University PCs and off-campus through Office 365 portal. See the Saving your Work pages on the Library website for more information.
Leeds Beckett RemoteApp
The Leeds Beckett RemoteApp gives you access to a range of specialist software for your course on your personal devices. See the RemoteApp page on the Library website for more information.
Media Equipment - free loans
You can borrow high-end Media Equipment for free. Browse, reserve and collect equipment ranging from GoPros to Remote Presenters from the ground floor of the Shelia Silver and Headingley Libraries. Further information is available on the Media Equipment web page.
University life can have its ups and downs, and occasionally you may find yourself in need of advice. That's where we come in. Here at the SU we have a free advice service that is here just for you, the students at Leeds Beckett University.
The Advice Service at LBSU is a confidential, non-judgmental service run by professional advisers.
The service is independent from the University, so if you are having any problems with your course you can talk confidentially with us - although we do work with the University to find the best solutions, we would only contact them with your permission. We can advise on a range of topics including all aspects of the University Regulations and Procedures, housing issues and finance issues. We can guide you through any processes or procedures.
We're here to help you with any questions or problems you might have while you are studying at Leeds Beckett.
Get more information at www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice.
Resources
MyBeckett, the portal and virtual learning environment provides:
- access to your modules and timetables;
- your reading lists and email account;
- your personal storage area on our University IT servers;
- information on where to look for academic or personal support (Support tab);
- information on opportunities such as jobs, careers, part-time work, placements and volunteering (Opportunities tab)
- access to Library and student IT advice
Further information and support for using MyBeckett can be found on the MyBeckett Support Pages.
Physical Resources
There is dedicated laboratory space and equipment to enable you to undertake a range of practical work. This includes laboratory facilities for teaching practical skills to small and large groups as well as supporting individual empirical work. The full-time dedicated psychology technician, Ms Julie Heaton (Principal Learning Officer, j.heaton@leedsbeckett.ac.uk Tel: 0113 812 3998) manages the Psychology Resource Centre and supports the research methods teaching and student projects on our psychology undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Her office is located on CL4 in the Psychology Research Hub.
Library Resources
The Library purchases a range of quality electronic and print resources to support the curriculum, numbering over almost 400,000 items. The Library also works with other libraries to enable access for Leeds Beckett students and staff. An Interlibrary Loan service is available to staff, research students, taught masters students and undergraduates working on dissertations to facilitate access to information resources not held by The Library.
The Library opens 24/7 every day of the year providing over 2100 study places of which approximately 800 offer access to computing or multi-media facilities with the latest operating software. Wireless networking is also available throughout The Library and wireless enabled laptops are available for loan. Library Online provides access to information and resources available through The Library, including subject pages and Discover, a single search access point for users to the whole range of information sources available through the University Library services and beyond.
Library homepage: http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/home
The number of psychology books held by Leeds Beckett Libraries is estimated at 11,000, of which approximately 2,500 have been published in the last 5 years. Some key texts are available as e-books which can be accessed both on and off campus. Copies of the American Psychological Association (APA) seventh edition in brief guide and full publication manual formats, which students must use when referencing and citing materials in all submitted written work, are available in the reference section of the library.
Online Resources
The Psychology course and all of your modules maintain pages on My Beckett, the Leeds Beckett Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). On the course page, you will find regularly posted information about your course and cohort. Module pages will have copies of the module handbooks, information about assessment (and re-assessment), and access to materials from lectures, practical, labs, and/or seminars. Some module pages will also contain links to further reading, online quizzes, and discussion boards. You can also use My Beckett to access your individual, cohort and course timetables.
A wide range of psychology journals are available online. the Library Homepage http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/home provides pathways to relevant information sources in the University's subject areas and offers gateways to the growing number of electronic journals. The Library has licences for searching over 30,000 electronic journals in full text and this service is developing rapidly. Staff and students can also access a collection of e-books and many other web-based electronic information services, alongside online subject guides and tutorials.
Psychology journals can be accessed online through Ebsco, Ingenta, Informaworld, Sage and Wiley-Blackwell. In addition, annual subscription to Psychinfo, PsychArticles and Science Direct provide full text facility, back copies of major psychology journals and comprehensive coverage of psychology databases. All databases and information search facilities are available to students both on and off campus.
Employability, Jobs & Careers Resources
The Student and Graduate Futures team provide resources to support student employability principally through on-line resources via My Beckett and the on-line Futures Workbooks. For further information see https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/careers-and-opportunities/ . They can assist you in making career choices, researching careers, volunteering, applying for work experience and jobs, psychometric tests, assessment centres and interviews.
Student Voice
We are committed to working in partnership with you and the Students' Union to provide you with an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for all our students and our staff. An important element of your time studying with us is your engagement in developing your learning. Your engagement and attendance on your course enables you to further your learning and supports your achievement, course completion and aspirations for the future. There is an expectation that students will attend, engage in their learning and submit on time for assessment. We provide support for you to maximise your time studying with us and to develop your learning, skills and abilities to support you in your chosen career path.
We seek active participation by all our students in the continuous enhancement of our courses and through our monitoring, annual review and enhancement processes. These are formal processes used by our University for assuring the academic standards and quality of your course and its continuous improvement. These processes utilise your feedback, External Examiners' reports, feedback from staff and others, data relating to student outcomes on the course and student surveys to reflect on areas of good practice and areas for further enhancement. We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey. We utilise the outcomes of these surveys to benchmark our courses nationally and to inform annual course enhancements.
Informal feedback is also welcome at any time either via your Academic Advisor or module tutor or via your Course Representative. Our partnership with you enables us together to make the most of your learning experience with us and to enhance the quality and reputation of your course. You can find out what actions have been taken in response to your feedback through your Course Representative, the Students' Union, your tutors or through the Library.
Course Representatives (Reps) at undergraduate and postgraduate taught levels are student volunteers who represent you in formal and informal meetings with the University, and follow up on actions that have occurred because of student feedback. You can become a Course Rep, volunteering to represent the views of your peers in order to improve students' academic experience.
In the first few weeks of your time at Leeds Beckett, your Course Director will facilitate an opportunity to appoint Course Reps on your course.
LBSU provides support, training and ongoing development for Course Reps and supports their engagement in enhancement activities throughout the academic year.
Being a Course Rep provides you with an opportunity to enhance your own learning and the development of relevant professional and employability skills alongside your studies. As a Course Rep you would play an important role in:
- Acting as a point of contact and advocate for students on your course and in supporting their active engagement.
- Gathering feedback from students on your course to inform enhancements to the quality of your course and the student experience.
- Facilitating good communication between students and staff on the course.
- Working with the Course Director, members of the course team and the Students' Union to enhance your course.
- Facilitating and engaging in meetings about your course; and
- Being an ambassador for your course.
Further information about being a Course Representative is available at:
We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and the Graduate Outcomes Survey.
We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students. We welcome comments and compliments from students, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your course can be raised with your Course Representative or directly with your Course Director or Academic Advisor.
If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available on the Students web pages.
General Information
Bachelor of Science Psychology - Level 6
Diploma of Higher Education Psychology - Level 5
Certificate of Higher Education Psychology - Level 4
Leeds Beckett University
Part-time delivery is usually at half the intensity of the full-time equivalent course, although there may be flexibility to increase your pace of study to shorten the overall course duration. Some modules may be delivered in a different sequence to that defined within this information set, but the modules offered within each level are consistent.
Course fees and additional course costs are confirmed in your offer letter. Course fees are presented to you annually through the online enrolment process. Please visit our Course and Tuition Fees Payment web pages for further information. Ongoing queries relating to additional course costs may be discussed with your Course Administrator.
Alternatively, you can contact any of the following teams:
For Student Finance related fee queries: studentfunding@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Other fee related queries: fees@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Payments: incomes@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Policies, Standards & Regulations
Key University regulations and policies can be accessed on the following web pages:
- Academic Regulations (including assessment regulations) are available on our Academic Regulations web page
- The Student Contract is available on our Student Regulations web page
- The Student Charter is available on our Academic Regulations web page (Section 20)
Other Student regulations and University policies, including Safety, Health and Wellbeing policies, are available on our Student Regulations web page
You should also familiarise yourself with Support Report Respect where students and colleagues who are victims of any form of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct, can access support, advice and guidance.
For advice on University regulations and policies, students should contact the Students' Union Advice Service.
In addition to the usual policies, standards and regulations, students will be required to pass the following modules at 40%: Research Methods 1 (Level 4), Research Methods 2 (Level 5), Research Methods 3 (Level 5) and Final Year Project (Level 6).
In addition, decisions for Category A mitigation cases for the Final Year Project must be in line with the British Psychological Society (BPS) requirements and this module cannot be condoned or compensated.
The External Examiner assures that you are assessed fairly in relation to other students on the same course and also that the standard of your own award is comparable to similar courses taken by students in other higher education institutions within the UK. The External Examiner(s) provide an annual report for your course. External Examiner reports are available on our External Examiner Reports web page, which is accessible via the Course Information link on the Students home page.
The details of the External Examiners for this course are as follows:
Dr Cath Sullivan
Senior Lecturer
School of Psychology and Computer Science
University of Central Lancashire
Dr James Smith Spark (until 31 October 2023. A new External Examiner will be in post following this date).
Associate Professor of Psychology
Division of Psychology
London South Bank University
Appendices
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