BSc Psychology Handbook: Programme Structure, Support, and Academic Integrity

Welcome to the School of Psychological Sciences

Introduction to the Programme

The BSc Psychology programme at Birkbeck, University of London, offers a comprehensive exploration of the human mind and behaviour. The curriculum is designed to provide students with foundational and advanced knowledge in psychological science, research methods, and practical applications. The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), ensuring high academic and ethical standards.

• Accreditation: The degree is BPS-accredited, preparing students for postgraduate training and a variety of careers in psychology.

• Programme Structure: Available as both full-time (3 years) and part-time (4 years) options, with a total of 360 credits required for graduation.

• Pathways: Students may specialise in areas such as Neuroscience, Child Development, or Psychology in Practice.

Programme Structure and Modules

Core and Optional Modules

The curriculum is structured to cover essential areas of psychology, including biological, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology, as well as research methods and practical applications. Students must complete compulsory modules and may select from a range of options to tailor their studies to their interests.

• Core Modules: Introduction to Developmental Psychology, Introduction to Neuroscience, Research Methods, Social Psychology, Cognition, Individual Differences, and more.

• Optional Modules: Topics such as Health Psychology, Neuropsychology, Cognitive Modelling, Family Studies, and Sexuality, Psychology and Sex Work.

• Research Project: All BSc students must complete an independent research project under supervision.

Students in specialised pathways must select relevant modules and focus their final year project accordingly.

Academic Support and Resources

Support Systems

Birkbeck provides a robust support network to help students succeed academically and personally. Key contacts include the Programme Director, Personal Tutors, the Admin Team, Academic Support Librarian, and Learning Support Officers. The Learning Support Team offers workshops and one-to-one support for study skills, essay writing, and exam strategies.

• Personal Tutor: Assigned to each student for academic guidance and support throughout the degree.

• Learning Support: Assistance with study skills, time management, and referrals to other student services.

• Library: Access to extensive physical and online resources, with subject-specific guidance available.

• Online Platforms: Moodle VLE for course materials, Turnitin Draft Coach for writing improvement, and LinkedIn Learning for additional skills development.

Assessment, Feedback, and Academic Integrity

Assessment Methods and Deadlines

Assessment in the BSc Psychology programme includes coursework, examinations, presentations, and group projects. Deadlines are strictly enforced, and students must adhere to submission policies. Feedback is provided for coursework to support learning and improvement.

• Assessment Types: Essays, lab reports, MCQs, presentations, and critical reviews.

• Deadlines: All coursework must be submitted via Moodle by the specified deadlines.

• Feedback: Provided within four weeks of submission, focusing on strengths and areas for improvement.

Academic Integrity and Assessment Offences

Academic integrity is fundamental to the programme. Students are expected to produce original work and properly reference all sources. Plagiarism, collusion, contract cheating, and the use of AI-generated content without permission are strictly prohibited and subject to disciplinary action.

• Plagiarism: Presenting another's work as your own, including copying, collusion, and self-plagiarism.

• Proper Referencing: Use the required citation style (e.g., APA) and acknowledge all sources.

• Support: Tutorials and resources are available to help students understand and avoid plagiarism.

Progression, Reassessment, and Awards

Progression Rules

To progress each year, students must pass all modules. Reassessment opportunities are available for failed modules, with a maximum of four attempts allowed. Compensated credits may be offered for marginal fails, but the research project must be passed to graduate.

• Reassessment: Offered in late August to mid-September for most modules.

• Compensated Credit: Available for marks between 30-39% in certain modules, up to 60 credits total.

• Exit Awards: Certificate or Diploma of Higher Education available for students who complete 120 or 240 credits, respectively.

Student Voice and Career Support

Student Feedback and Involvement

Student feedback is actively sought through module evaluations, surveys, and student-staff liaison meetings. This feedback informs programme improvements and ensures a responsive learning environment.

• Module Evaluation: End-of-module surveys to gather student opinions.

• Student Voice Meetings: Forums for discussion between students and staff.

Career and Postgraduate Opportunities

Birkbeck offers extensive career support, including a dedicated recruitment agency (Birkbeck Talent), careers workshops, and volunteering opportunities in research. Graduates are eligible for BPS Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, facilitating further professional training.

• Career Services: CV support, interview preparation, and job search assistance.

• Postgraduate Study: Reduced fees for Birkbeck graduates progressing to MSc/MA programmes in psychology-related fields.

Student Support and Wellbeing

Comprehensive Support Services

Birkbeck provides a wide range of support services, including counselling, disability and dyslexia support, childcare assistance, and mental health advisory services. International students receive guidance on visa regulations and working in the UK.

• Student Advice Service: Central point for queries about finance, enrolment, and orientation.

• Equality and Diversity: Commitment to an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

Policies and Regulations

Key Policies

Students are expected to be familiar with all college regulations, including those on fees, mitigating circumstances, marking and moderation, and complaints procedures. These policies ensure clarity and fairness in all aspects of academic life.

• Common Awards Scheme: Governs programme structure, assessment, and progression.

• Mitigating Circumstances: Procedures for requesting extensions or consideration due to unforeseen events.

• Complaints and Appeals: Clear processes for resolving academic or administrative issues.