Cynlluniau Astudio
Psychology and Criminology
1 : Awarding Institution / Body
Aberystwyth University
2a : Teaching Institution / University
Aberystwyth University
2b : Work-based learning (where appropriate)
Information provided by Department of Psychology
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3a : Programme accredited by
Aberystwyth University
3b : Programme approved by
Aberystwyth University
4 : Final Award
Bachelor of Science
5 : Programme title
Psychology and Criminology
6 : UCAS code
CM89
7 : QAA Subject Benchmark
Information provided by Department of Psychology
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Psychology for the Psychology contribution of the degree with the additional contribution from other subject benchmarks.
8 : Date of publication
Information provided by Department of Psychology
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September 2023
9 : Educational aims of the programme
Information provided by Department of Psychology
- Psychology Joint Honours provides graduates with foundations of psychological theory and application together with appropriate academic and employability skills. Students are encouraged to move from being supported learners to becoming autonomous learners as they progress through Levels 4, 5, and 6. Level 4 is designed to provide a solid foundation in psychology, and also how these foundations are underpinned with research. Level 5 continues to encourage inter-relatedness of psychology that is underpinned by research, but is designed to encourage a more independent approach to learning in more specific modules. On completion of Level 5 students will be equipped with a sufficiently broad stock of information and practical experience of techniques, to make an informed decision about a topic for the Research Project at Level 6. Level 6 builds on the core modules at level 5 as students complete their engagement with specific core modules. In terms of assessment, it is expected that as students move from supported to autonomous learners that this will be evidenced in their assessment where their work will be based on tutor-led material at Level 4, while at Level 6, students will be required to produce and analyze material independently, drawing not only on final year content but that of the entire programme. Students completing this degree will have:
• A thorough knowledge of psychology, where psychology is defined in broad terms as the scientific study of mind, brain, behaviour and experience, and the complex interactions between these.
• A knowledge and critical understanding of the key academic constituencies which compromise Psychology within the areas of biological, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology together with the psychology of individual differences.
• An ability to think, speak and write professionally; to question, to be critical, to be analytical, and to be creative in ways appropriate to the subject.
• An ability to apply a range of psychological methodologies appropriately and to understand their limitations.
• Skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods and research design
• An understanding of the rigorous and precise nature of scientific method and a thorough grasp of experimental design and statistical analysis.
• An ability to undertake original research using investigative skills appropriate to the laboratory and applied settings, using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
• An awareness of relevant ethical considerations.
• An ability to apply their understanding of psychological theory and research in a variety of applied areas.
10 : Intended learning outcomes
Information provided by Department of Psychology
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The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills and other attributes in the discipline of Psychology. The structure and delivery of the degree scheme recognize the need to achieve an appropriate balance between the acquisition of the subject specific knowledge, and the development of generic skills. Integrating these two components of the scheme is a central feature of the degree scheme. The programme outcomes are referenced to the QAA benchmark statements for Psychology and the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and relate to the typical student.
10.1 : Knowledge and understanding
Information provided by Department of Psychology
- By the end of the joint honours degree, students will be expected to have acquired and demonstrated:
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A1 A comprehensive knowledge of the core domains within psychology and their applications.
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A2 an understanding of the relationship between psychology and cognate disciplines e.g. biology, sociology, psychiatry.
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A3 a comprehensive appreciation of the assimilation within psychology of themes, theories, methods, and findings from other discipline a
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A4 a comprehensive appreciation of the integration which can occur within the subject.
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A5 a comprehensive knowledge of a range of research methods and measurement.
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Techniques.
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A6 an in-depth knowledge of selected specialists areas of psychology at Level 6.
Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is through a combination of lectures (A1-A6), group seminars (A1-A4, A6), coursework (A1-A6) and laboratory work (A1-A6), as well as through supervision (A1-A6). Throughout, the learner is encouraged to undertake independent study both to supplement and consolidate what is being taught/learnt and to broaden their individual knowledge and understanding of the subject. Knowledge and understanding are assessed through a combination of seen and unseen examinations (A1- A6) and in-course assessments (A1-A6), in the form of practical laboratory reports (A1-A6), essay assignments (A1-A4,A6), group presentations (A2,A3,A5,A6), portfolios (A3), in-class tests (A1, A2, A3, A5), project report (A2, A4,A5), oral presentations (A1-A6) and research participation (A2), and eLearning assessments that include Wikis and Blogs (A1-A6). Importantly, the whole degree encourages, promotes, and facilitates active learning where students are able to learn through less formal means, such as the Psychology Society and public lectures. Students are also supported through academic progress meetings with their personal and / or subject tutors.
10.2 : Skills and other attributes
Information provided by Department of Psychology
- • B1 the ability to integrate simple and challenging ideas and empirical findings and assess the relevance of theoretical knowledge in applied contexts;
• B2 the ability to extrapolate and comprehend the application of knowledge within the areas of psychology;
• B4 the ability to display critical thinking skills;
• B5 the ability to process information in a manner displaying advanced cognitive skills;
• B6 the ability to define and appreciate complex problems and offer solutions;
• B7 Integrate and critically evaluate information and data from a variety of sources to construct cogent arguments;
• B8 Attend to the distinction between primary and secondary sources of information;
• B9 Reflect on experience of learning and adjust intellectual perspective.
Teaching and Learning and Assessment
Student development of intellectual skills from B1-B8 are promoted through lectures, group seminars, coursework, and laboratory work, as well as through supervision at Level 6. Throughout, the learner is encouraged to undertake independent study both to supplement and consolidate what is being taught / learnt and to broaden their individual knowledge and understanding of the subject. The application of these skills in the context of specific areas of psychological enquiry is demonstrated through lectures and seminars for core and optional modules at Levels 1, 2 and 3. Reflection and self-assessment (B9) are integral to the learning of intellectual skills and will be developed through feedback on summative and formative assessments and through the online PDP facility. Intellectual skills (B1-B8) are assessed through a combination of seen and unseen examinations and in-course assessments, in the form of practical laboratory reports, essay assignments, portfolios, in-class tests, project report, group and oral presentations, and research participation, as well as eLearning assessments; The use of reflection tools through the PDP are used to develop the students critical awareness and identify their performance. Personal tutors provide feedback regarding academic performance of students.
10.2.1 Practical Skills
On completion of the Programme students should be able to:
• C1 - Interact ethically and professionally with research participants;
• C2 - Generate and explore complex hypotheses and research questions;
• C3 - Initiate, design and conduct complex empirical-based studies involving a variety of methods of data collection;
• C4 - Analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data;
• C5 - Effectively employ specialist computer packages (at Level 5 and 6) to analyse and use complex numerical, statistical and other data using quantitative methods;
• C6 - Effectively employ thorough advanced qualitative approaches and methods to analyse complex text, media and human experiences;
• C7 - Search specialist databases to be able to conduct and write literature reviews;
• C8 - Evaluate, present and communicate effectively complex findings by a variety of means, such as a research report
Teaching and Learning and Assessment
Practical skills are developed through a series of lectures, seminars, workshops and practical laboratory classes at levels 4 and 5 and further developed through a supervised independent research project at level 6. C7 is also acquired through essay writing at all levels, but developed to an advanced standard at level 6 in the systematic review module where C2-C8 are also developed in the module. At level 4, students engage in C5 using formula and calculations by hand before moving to specialist computer packages at Level 5 and 6. Throughout, the learner is encouraged to consolidate practical skills (C1 - C8) through practice with appropriate research methods and projects. Practical skills are assessed through practical and project reports (C1-C8), statistics tests and examinations (C4-C5), poster presentations (C1-C6; C8), portfolios (C1-C2; C8), and Wikis (C4, C8), group presentations (C2, C7, C8). At level 6 the Dissertation project may, depending on the topic, assess any or all of outcomes C1 to C8.
10.3 : Transferable/Key skills
Information provided by Department of Psychology
- On completion of the degree scheme, students should be able to demonstrate a high standard of work ethic to take with them into employability, while also demonstrating a number of general transferable skills acquired through studying at degree level, and include:
• D1- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• D2- Work effectively within a group;
• D3- Work and learn independently;
• D4- Manage time, resources, and work to deadlines efficiently;
• D5- Effectively use information and communication technology to produce and present ideas and documents;
• D6- Show respect for the views and ideas of others;
• D7- Identify career opportunities;
• D8-Decision making; Identify problems and provide solutions;
• D9- Recognise the need to continually update knowledge and skill.
Teaching and Learning and Assessment
The programme aims to promote, develop and nurture students’ awareness of and competence in these key transferable skills, many of which students will already possess to a greater or lesser degree of competence. All of these skills are integral to teaching and learning activities across the programme and are embedded in the degree scheme. Others (D7-D9) are developed through specific modules and learning activities, such as Level 5 work placement module and personal development plan (PDP). Group work (D2) through data collection, research findings, and project coordination is a strong feature of the course that compliments the independent skills developed in most modules, and is a particular feature at level 4 and 5. Throughout, the learner is encouraged to develop transferable skills by maintaining a record of evidence and completing a personal development plan (PDP) initiated in Level 4. Transferable skills are assessed through unseen examinations, in-class tests (D1, D3); laboratory reports, essays including placement essay, project report (D1, D3,D5,D8), poster presentations, mini- projects and laboratory group work (D1-D6,D8), portfolios (D6 and D7). In addition, a number of the above skills are explicitly assessed at various points during the programme through a range of methods, including the Dissertation project (D1, D3-D5, D8), oral presentations (D1-D2), group debates and discussions (D2,D6).
11 : Program Structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards
BSC Psychology and Criminology [CM89]
Blwyddyn Academaidd: 2024/2025Cynllun Anrhydedd Cyfun - ar gael ers 2014/2015
Hyd (astudio Llawn Amser): 3 blwyddyn Semester 1
CT21020
Yr Heddlu, Plismona a'r Gymdeithas
CT22500
Lleoliad Gwaith Cyfiawnder Troseddol
CT26120
Troseddau & Chyfiawnder Ieuenctid
LC20320
Community Justice
LC21020
Police, Policing and Society
LC22500
Criminal Justice Placement
LC25220
Human Rights
LC26120
Youth Crime and Justice
LC26420
Family and Child Law
LC27720
Climate Change and Environmental Law
LC28120
Psychological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour
LC28220
Drugs and Crime
Semester 2
CT20220
Trosedd yn y Gymru Gyfoes
CT20320
Dioddefoleg
CT20520
Cyfraith Troseddol
CT22520
Lleoliad Gwaith Cyfiawnder Troseddol
LC20520
Criminal Law
LC20820
Victimology
LC22520
Criminal Justice Placement
LC24220
Contemporary Issues in Criminology
LC26720
Medicine Ethics and the Law
LC29220
Psychopathology
Semester 1
CT31020
Yr Heddlu, Plismona a'r Gymdeithas
CT36120
Trosedd & Chyfiawnder Ieuenctid
CT36600
Sgiliau Cyflogadwyedd ar gyfer Gweithwyr Proffesiynol
CT37120
Troseddeg Feirniadol a Radical
LC30320
Community Justice
LC31020
Police, Policing and Society
LC32500
Criminal Justice Placement
LC35220
Human Rights
LC36120
Youth Crime and Justice
LC36600
Employability Skills for Professionals
LC37120
Critical and Radical Criminology
LC37720
Climate Change and Environmental Law
LC38120
Psychological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour
LC38220
Drugs and Crime
Semester 2
CT30220
Trosedd yn y Gymru Gyfoes
CT30320
Dioddefoleg
CT30520
Cyfraith Troseddol
CT36620
Sgiliau Cyflogadwyedd ar gyfer Gweithwyr Proffesiynol
LC30520
Criminal Law
LC30820
Victimology
LC32520
Criminal Justice Placement
LC34220
Contemporary Issues in Criminology
LC36620
Employability Skills for Professionals
LC36720
Medicine Ethics and the Law
LC39220
Psychopathology
12 : Support for students and their learning
Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor. Personal Tutors have an
important role within the overall framework for supporting students and
their personal development at the University. The role is crucial in
helping students to identify where they might find support, how and where
to seek advice and how to approach support to maximise their student
experience. Further support for students and their learning is provided by
Information Services and Student Support and Careers Services.
13 : Entry Requirements
Details of entry requirements for the scheme can be found at http://courses.aber.ac.uk
14 : Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
All taught study schemes are subject to annual monitoring and periodic
review, which provide the University with assurance that schemes are
meeting their aims, and also identify areas of good practice and
disseminate this information in order to enhance the provision.
15 : Regulation of Assessment
Academic Regulations are published as Appendix 2 of the Academic Quality
Handbook: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/aqro/handbook/app-2/.
15.1 : External Examiners
External Examiners fulfill an essential part of the University’s Quality
Assurance. Annual reports by External Examiners are considered by
Faculties and Academic Board at university level.
16 : Indicators of quality and standards
The Department Quality Audit questionnaire serves as a checklist about the
current requirements of the University’s Academic Quality Handbook. The
periodic Department Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the
effectiveness of quality assurance processes and for the University to
assure itself that management of quality and standards which are the
responsibility of the University as a whole are being delivered
successfully.