Frequently asked questions

Why Liverpool Hope University?

We have been praised by the British Psychological Society for the support we give students, as well as the range of courses available. We also achieved a high rating from the Quality Assurance Agency for our provision of up-to-date research-led teaching. The Psychology team is enthusiastic and will provide high quality academic and pastoral support.

We offer many opportunities to become involved in extra-curricular activities within and outside of the department, such as:

• Participating in current research studies led by departmental staff.
• Staff interact with members of other universities in the UK and abroad to provide a global view of current and new directions in Psychology.
• Professional bodies are invited to give lectures and report their working experience to foster students’ learning about recent applications in Psychology.
• The Psychology Society, which is recognised by the BPS. This is student-led but supported by Dr. Nicola Jones.
• Students can become actively engaged in making a difference to the learning experience of their fellow students by becoming a representative for their current year on the Staff Student Liaison Committee.
• There are many societies run through the Students’ Union which we recommend you think about joining.
• Psychology students also have the opportunity to participate in the Service and Leadership Award scheme, which provides students with leadership training and volunteering opportunities. Global Hope, which is a charitable organisation based at Liverpool Hope, aims to deliver high quality teacher training programmes, and students on the Service and Leadership award can volunteer in schools in Africa, India, Sri Lanka and Brazil. The charity works closely with SOS Children’s Villages.

What is Psychology?

Psychology is a fascinating subject which involves the use of scientific methods to systematically investigate the processes of the mind (eg thoughts and emotions) and to analyse behaviour. The BA/BSc Combined Hons programme confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS) needed to enter postgraduate professional training (conditions are necessarily attached for unit choices for GBC).

Will I be able to specialise in Psychology?

Yes – we offer a BSc Single (Hons) in Psychology course. In addition, for those students who are registered for BA/BSc Combined (Hons) we offer the flexibility to major in Psychology from Year Two (i.e. take ¾ units in Psychology). In Year Three it is possible for all students to 100% major in Psychology (i.e. take all units in Psychology). There are many topics to choose from, including: Cognitive neuroscience, Psychology of religion, Psychology and education, Psychology of Peace and conflict, Learning, expertise and talent and Cyber Psychology (the non-compulsory for BPS units are subject to availability).

How will I be taught?

As you would expect from a University that has its roots in teacher training we are at the forefront of delivering courses using innovative teaching practices. Learning will be facilitated through lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials based in laboratories, group work and independent study time. Consistently, decisions we make regarding the implementation of learning, teaching and assessment strategies are research led from within our Department.

Our teaching and learning strategies focuses on student expectations of, and adaptation to, Higher Education. Central to our activity are: assessment, course evaluation; disability theory and the experiences of disabled students in Higher Education; reasons why some students opt to plagiarise; development, management and usage of virtual learning environments. We encourage students to become active and effective learners, developing critical thinking, transferable skills, time managing and organizational skills.

What are my employment prospects?

Students who complete the GBC (see above) route through their studies will be eligible for further training with a view to becoming a professional psychologist in areas such as: Forensic, Clinical, Occupational, Counselling, Health and Education (for Education they have to make sure they do 50% of a national curriculum subject, will need to do a PGCE and teach for two years minimum).

A psychology degree is attractive to more employers because of its unique combination of humanities and science. For those who complete GBC and those who do not there are a wide variety of occupations in for example, Human Resource Management, Probation Services, Management, Social Work, Social Research, Marketing and Education.