Programme Specifications

Psychology and Marketing


1 : Awarding Institution / Body
Aberystwyth University

2a : Teaching Institution / University
Aberystwyth University

2b : Work-based learning (where appropriate)


Information provided by Department of Psychology:


Information provided by Aberystwyth Business School:

N/A



3a : Programme accredited by
Aberystwyth University

3b : Programme approved by
Aberystwyth University

4 : Final Award
Bachelor of Science

5 : Programme title
Psychology and Marketing

6 : UCAS code
NC58

7 : QAA Subject Benchmark


Information provided by Department of Psychology:

Psychology for the Psychology contribution of the degree with the additional contribution from other subject benchmarks.


Information provided by Aberystwyth Business School:

QAA Subject Benchmark Statement: Business and Management



8 : Date of publication


Information provided by Department of Psychology:

September 2023


Information provided by Aberystwyth Business School:

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.

Information provided by Aberystwyth Business School:

  • To provide an analytical, integrated, multi-disciplinary study of marketing and of its contemporary and potential role within business organizations, in the external business environment and in society, with particular emphasis on the role of digital media in marketing communications.

  • Develop subject knowledge and understanding relating to: markets; customers; contemporary marketing best-practice; marketing processes in relation to other functional business processes; application of marketing for strategic and operational purposes at corporate, trans­ corporate and sub-corporate levels.

  • To develop cognitive skills of critical thinking, analysis and synthesis, building the capacity to identify, formulate and solve marketing-based business problems, using appropriate conceptual models, empirical evidence, and quantitative and qualitative skills.

  • To enhance communication skills, orally and in writing, using a range of media, including communications and information technology.

  • To develop interpersonal skills of listening, responding negotiating, presenting and persuading, so as to be able to lead or work effectively within self­managing teams, and to identify and flexibly adapt roles within such teams.



10 : Intended learning outcomes


Information provided by Department of Psychology:

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.


Information provided by Aberystwyth Business School:

The knowledge, understanding and skills below correspond to the relevant (i.e. Marketing related) parts of the benchmarking statement for Business and Management (the QAA has not issued a separate benchmarking statement for the functional area of Marketing). The skills identified in the benchmarking statement include general transferable skills which, while highly appropriate to a graduate career in Marketing, are not restricted to this.



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:

  • A1 A comprehensive knowledge of the core domains within psychology and their applications.

  • A2 an understanding of the relationship between psychology and cognate disciplines e.g. biology, sociology, psychiatry.

  • A3 a comprehensive appreciation of the assimilation within psychology of themes, theories, methods, and findings from other discipline a

  • A4 a comprehensive appreciation of the integration which can occur within the subject.

  • A5 a comprehensive knowledge of a range of research methods and measurement.

  • Techniques.

  • A6 an in-depth knowledge of selected specialists areas of psychology at Level 6.

Teaching and Learning methods and assessment
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.

Information provided by Aberystwyth Business School:

  • A1 Markets - the development and operation of markets for resources, goods and services

  • A2 Customers - customer expectations, service and orientation

  • A3 Information systems - the development, management and exploitation of information systems and their impact upon organisations

  • A4 Communication and information technology- the comprehension and use of relevant communication and information technologies for application in Marketing based business

  • A5 Market-based business policy and strategy - the development of appropriate policies

  • A6 Pervasive issues - sustainability, globalisation, corporate social responsibility, diversity, business innovation, creativity, enterprise development. knowledge management and risk management.

Learning and Teaching

Formal teaching in lectures. Seminars facilitate listening and dialogue with other students, regularly in a context of engagement with marketing problems or cases that stimulate critical thinking, synthesis and creativity. Guided learning is provided in module outlines which specify detailed and appropriate information sources and reading for the separate topics in the module syllabus. Several modules use small group learning in contexts such as Marketing Management, Marketing Communications, Branding, Consumer Behaviour (including a 'live' case) and projects. Research skills are developed mainly in coursework, but also through formalized pedagogical module interventions.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Unseen examinations are used for part of the assessment for more than 50% of the modules. Modules show varied coursework assessment processes that include: individual essays, reports, critiques, case analysis, website development, branding campaigns, video creation, and presentations; group reports and oral presentations; participation and contribution to seminar discussion.



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.

Information provided by Aberystwyth Business School:

Graduates should be able to demonstrate a range of cognitive and intellectual skills together with techniques specific to marketing-based business and management.

Graduates should also be able to demonstrate relevant personal and interpersonal skills appropriate the demands and requirements of contemporary professional business practice. ·

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

  • B1 Cognitive skills of critical thinking, analysis and synthesis. This includes the capability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, to detect false logic or reasoning, to identify implicit values, to define terms adequately and to generalise appropriately.

  • B2 Effective problem solving and decision making using appropriate quantitative and qualitative skills including identifying, formulating and solving Marketing-based business problems. The ability to create, evaluate and assess a range of options together with the capacity to apply ideas and knowledge to a range of situations.

  • B3 Numeracy and quantitative skills including data analysis, interpretation and extrapolation. The use of models of Marketing-based business problems and phenomena.

  • B4 Click here to enter text.

  • B5 Click here to enter text.

Learning and Teaching

Formal teaching in lectures. Seminars facilitate listening and dialogue with other students, regularly in a context of engagement with marketing problems or cases that stimulate critical thinking, synthesis and creativity. Guided learning is provided in module outlines which specify detailed and appropriate information sources and reading for the separate topics in the module syllabus. Several modules use small group learning in contexts such as Marketing Management, Marketing Communications, Branding, Consumer Behaviour (including a 'live' case) and projects. Research skills are developed mainly in coursework, but also through formalized pedagogical module interventions.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Unseen examinations are used for part of the assessment for more than 50% of the modules. Modules show varied coursework assessment processes that include: individual essays, reports, critiques, case analysis, website development, branding campaigns, video creation, and presentations; group reports and oral presentations; participation and contribution to seminar discussion.

10.2.2 Professional practical skills / Discipline Specific Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

  • C1 Interpersonal skills of effective listening, negotiating. persuasion and presentation.

  • C2 Effective performance, within a team environment, including leadership, team building, influencing and project management skills.

  • C3 Ability to conduct research into Marketing issues. Either individually or as part of a team for projects/dissertations/presentations. This requires familiarity with and an evaluative approach to a range of Marketing data, sources of information and appropriate methodologies, and for such to inform the overall learning process.

  • C4 People management skills.

  • C5 Innovation, Creativity and Enterprise.

  • C6 Networking and Interpersonal skills.

Learning and Teaching

Formal teaching in lectures. Seminars facilitate listening and dialogue with other students, regularly in a context of engagement with marketing problems or cases that stimulate critical thinking, synthesis and creativity. Guided learning is provided in module outlines which specify detailed and appropriate information sources and reading for the separate topics in the module syllabus. Several modules use small group learning in contexts such as Marketing Management, Marketing Communications, Branding, Consumer Behaviour (including a 'live' case) and projects. Research skills are developed mainly in coursework, but also through formalized pedagogical module interventions.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Unseen examinations are used for part of the assessment for more than 50% of the modules. Modules show varied coursework assessment processes that include: individual essays, reports, critiques, case analysis, website development, branding campaigns, video creation, and presentations; group reports and oral presentations; participation and contribution to seminar discussion.



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).

Information provided by Aberystwyth Business School:

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

  • D1 Problem solving skills

  • D2 Research skills

  • D3 Communication skills

  • D4 Improving own learning and performance

  • D5 Team work skills

  • D6 Information technology skills

  • D7 Quantitative skills

  • D8 Personal development and career planning

Learning and Teaching

Formal teaching in lectures. Seminars facilitate listening and dialogue with other students, regularly in a context of engagement with marketing problems or cases that stimulate critical thinking, synthesis and creativity. Guided learning is provided in module outlines which specify detailed and appropriate information sources and reading for the separate topics in the module syllabus. Several modules use small group learning in contexts such as Marketing Management, Marketing Communications, Branding, Consumer Behaviour (including a 'live' case) and projects. Research skills are developed mainly in coursework, but also through formalized pedagogical module interventions.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Unseen examinations are used for part of the assessment for more than 50% of the modules. Modules show varied coursework assessment processes that include: individual essays, reports, critiques, case analysis, website development, branding campaigns, video creation, and presentations; group reports and oral presentations; participation and contribution to seminar discussion.



11 : Program Structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards



BSC Psychology and Marketing [NC58]

Academic Year: 2024/2025Joint Honours scheme - available from 2020/2021

Duration (studying Full-Time): 3 years

Part 1 Rules

Year 1 Core (60 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
PS11300

Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology

PS11420

Introduction to core topics in Social and Individual Behaviour

Semester 2
PS11220

Brain, Behaviour and Cognition

PS11320

Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology

Year 1 Core (40 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
AB15120

Fundamentals of Management and Business

Semester 2
AB17120

Marketing Principles and Contemporary Practice

Year 1 Options

Choose one of these modules

Semester 1
AB11120

Fundamentals of Accounting and Finance

AB13120

Understanding the Economy

CB11120

Hanfodion Cyfrifeg a Chyllid

Semester 2
AB15220

Data Analytics

Part 2 Rules

Year 2 Core (40 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
AB27120

Marketing Management

Semester 2
AB27220

Consumer and Buyer Behaviour

Year 2 Core (60 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
PS21310

Quantitative Research Methods

PS21820

Cognitive Psychology

Semester 2
PS20220

Social Psychology

PS20310

Qualitative Research Methods

Year 2 Options

(20 credits) Choose one of these modules

Semester 1
AB27420

Applied Brand Management

Semester 2
AB27520

Marketing: Business Relationships and Customer Experience

Final Year Core (60 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
PS32120

Behavioural Neuroscience

PS34100

Psychology Research Project for Joint Honours

Semester 2
PS34120

Psychology Research Project for Joint Honours

PS34320

Developmental Psychology

Final Year Core (40 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
AB37220

Digital Marketing

Semester 2
AB37120

Marketing and Digital Marketing Communication

Final Year Options

(20 credits) Choose one of these modules.

Semester 1
AB35120

Strategic Leadership

CB35120

Arweinyddiaeth Strategol

Semester 2
AB39220

Tourism Marketing


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.