UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
School of Social and International Studies
Division of Psychology
Programme title: BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling (MDIS)
Awarding institution:
Teaching Institution
University of Bradford
Management Development Institution, Singapore
(MDIS)
Final and interim award(s):
BSc (Honours)
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
level 6]
Ordinary Degree
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
level 6]
Diploma of Higher Education
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
level 5]
Certificate of Higher Education
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
level 4]
Programme title:
Psychology with Counselling
Programme approved
accredited by:
The BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling
programme delivered at the University of
Bradford is accredited by the British
Psychological Society (BPS). The BPS does not
yet accredit overseas provision.
Duration:
3 years full-time
UCAS code:
C8B9
Subject benchmark
statement(s):
Psychology
Date produced:
May 2010
Last updated :
July 2014
Introduction
The scientific and empirical study of psychology is a comparatively new academic
discipline and yet it has become the most popular undergraduate programme in the
Western World. Many career options and professions utilize the skills and
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knowledge acquired in the study of psychology, and for many people this provides
invaluable practical advice and self-discovery. If you want to train as a professional
psychologist, then a programme of this nature is essential. Entry to areas such as
counselling, clinical, occupational, forensic, or educational psychology requires a
postgraduate qualification following a first degree in psychology. The psychology
with counselling provision approved by the University of Bradford and delivered at
MDIS is built upon producing graduates who are eligible for Graduate Basis for
Chartered Membership (GBC), with the British Psychological Society (BPS), and can
enable you to undertake further postgraduate training to become a Chartered
Psychologist*. However, most graduates pursue a variety of careers for which
psychology provides excellent preparation. The programme is also suitable if you
are interested in Psychology as a subject but not committed to a career as a
Psychologist. The programme spans science and the humanities, and therefore
provides key transferable skills relevant to a variety of careers. For example, should
you want to work in health care, nurseries, education, personnel management,
market research, advertising, broadcasting, nursing, the police and Armed Forces, a
psychology with counselling programme would provide a sound foundation.
The University of Bradford, in collaboration with MDIS offers the award of BSc
(Hons) in Psychology with Counselling. The core content of psychology modules
taken by all students in Year 1 and Year 2 ensures that you acquire sufficient
breadth in the key areas of study (cognitive psychology, social psychology,
developmental psychology, personality, biological psychology and conceptual and
historical issues in psychology). In years 1 and 2 you will also study substantive
content in counselling designed to provide you with an overview of current
counselling theory and practical training in attending behaviour and counselling
skills. In Year 3 you are able to gain a more in-depth and specialised understanding
of psychology and counselling reinforcing accumulated knowledge in preparation for
the final year project. The quality of the provision at MDIS is assured by the
University of Bradford where teaching excellence is a priority for the School of Social
and International Studies (SSIS), and several departments hold QAA subject review
scores at the top of the ranking scales. In addition, teaching is informed and
supported by a commitment to research.
Programme Aims
The programme is intended to enable you to :
A1 Develop an understanding of the relationships between the mind, nervous
system, and innate and learned behaviour, through scientifically valid and
verifiable means.
A2 Provide you with the ability to look at relevant issues from all perspectives
including biological conditions, life-stage development, personality factors,
cognitive development and social/societal influences.
A3 Ensure that the importance of theories and hypotheses are grounded by an
appreciation of empirical methods used to collect the data of interest and the
limitations or constraints inherent to these.
A4 Create independent and inquisitive graduates who can critically evaluate and
interpret research studies in psychology and offer plausible alternative
explanations or hypotheses.
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A5 Provide you with the ability to examine the practical and analytical implications of
counselling theory and research
A6 Develop an understanding of the major counselling perspectives and debates
concerning personal change and psychotherapeutic interventions
A7 Produce an ability to apply knowledge and practical skills in a variety of social
settings from the family home, to interpersonal relationships, in public domains
and in work/vocational activities
A8 Provide you with the confidence and skills to think laterally and apply these to
other activities and disciplines, in addition to preparing you for further advanced
study in psychology in anticipation of pursuing occupations where subject skills
are essential
A9 Develop personal transferable skills in order that you may easily move into
employment or further programmes of study that do not require psychology
subject skills, but instead require study, IT, communication, and analytic abilities
obtained while undertaking their psychology programmes .
Upon completion of your programme in Psychology with Counselling you will have
gained specialist knowledge and skills, and have the ability to use these proficiencies
outside of the disciplines of psychology and counselling. The specific outcomes you
will achieve are listed below:
Programme Learning Outcomes
You will attain an understanding and appreciation of the main domains that
constitute the essential elements of psychology that are integral components to its
study and advancement. You will also attain an understanding of some of the major
theoretical and practical approaches to counselling and treatment interventions. The
level of sophistication and expertise arrived at allows you sufficient scope to
progress to further clinical or graduate programmes in psychology. As a graduate in
psychology and counselling you should be able to achieve specific benchmarks in
subject matter knowledge, subject matter skills, obtain generic skills, and some skills
specific to counselling.
On completion of this programme you will be able to:
BSc (Honours)
LO1.
Apply multiple perspectives to psychological issues recognising that
psychology involves a range of research methods, theories, evidence
and applications, reflecting on the relationship between psychological
theories application to social problems, issues and situations.
LO2.
Identify and evaluate general patterns in behaviour, psychological
functioning and experience.
LO3.
Evaluate the contribution of social and developmental factors,
perspectives and theories in relation to understanding human
behaviour and experience in different cultures.
LO4.
Evaluate phylogenetic contributions to cognitive neuroscience.
LO5.
Identify and evaluate counselling theory and the application of skills.
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LO6.
Demonstrate a critical awareness of value issues in the construction
and application of psychological counselling and psychotherapeutic
knowledge.
LO7.
Generate and explore hypotheses and research questions.
LO8.
Undertake and analyse empirical studies involving a variety of methods
of data collection, including experiments, observation, psychometric
tests, questionnaires, interviews and field studies.
LO9.
Present and evaluate research findings, using evidence-based
reasoning to examine practical, theoretical and ethical issues in
psychology.
LO10.
Use a variety of psychological tools, including specialist software,
laboratory equipment and psychometric instruments.
LO11.
Communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
LO12.
Practice effective teamwork.
Ordinary Degree
The holders of a bachelor’s degree (ordinary) will meet the above learning outcomes,
but undertake fewer credit requirements as per the University regulations.
Diploma of Higher Education
LO1. Understand that there are multiple perspectives to psychological issues
and recognise that psychology involves a range of research methods, theories,
evidence and applications and be able to reflect on the relationship between
psychological theories application to social problems, issues and situations.
LO2. Identify and evaluate general patterns in behaviour, psychological
functioning and experience.
LO3. Evaluate the contribution of social and developmental factors, perspectives
and theories in relation to understanding human behaviour and experience in
different cultures.
LO4. Evaluate phylogenetic contributions to cognitive neuroscience.
LO5. Identify and evaluate counselling theory and the application of skills.
LO6. Demonstrate an awareness of value issues in the construction and
application of psychological counselling and psychotherapeutic knowledge.
LO7. Generate and explore hypotheses and research questions within given
class exercises.
LO8. Undertake and analyse empirical studies within given class exercises
involving a variety of methods of data collection, including experiments,
observation, psychometric tests, questionnaires, interviews and field studies.
LO9. Present and evaluate research findings, using evidence-based reasoning
to examine practical, theoretical and ethical issues in psychology.
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L10. Use a variety of psychological tools, including specialist software, laboratory
equipment and psychometric instruments.
L11. Communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
LO12. Practice effective teamwork.
Certificate of Higher Education
LO1. Understand that there are multiple perspectives to psychological issues
and recognise that psychology involves a range of research methods, theories,
evidence.
LO2. Identify general patterns in behaviour, psychological functioning and
experience.
LO3. Identify the contribution of social and developmental factors, perspectives
and theories in relation to understanding human behaviour and experience.
LO4. Identify counselling theory and the application of skills.
LO5. Understand how to generate and explore hypotheses and research
questions within given class exercises.
LO6. Understand how to undertake and analyse empirical studies within given
class exercises.
LO7. Present and understand research findings within given class exercises.
LO8. Have a basic understanding of specialist psychological software.
LO9. Communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
LO10. Practice effective teamwork.
Curriculum
Stage 1[Level 4]
You are given a foundation in a number of core subjects. Stage 1 will include
psychology modules and a core module in counselling to ensure that you are
sufficiently prepared for stage 2 studies.
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
SS-1410D
The Psychology of
Learning and Study
(MDIS)
C
20
4
1+2+3
SS-1409D
Essentials of Social
Psychology (MDIS)
C
20
4
1+2
SS-1408D
Introduction to Research
Methods in Psychology
(MDIS)
C
20
4
1
SY-4003D
Cognitive Psychology
C
20
4
2
SY-4006D
Lifespan Development and
C
20
4
2
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Personality
SY-4007L
Introduction to Counselling
Skills
C
20
4
2
Students who have achieved at least 120 credit points at Level 4 may exit the
programme and are eligible for the award of Certificate of Higher Education.
Stage 2 [Level 5]
You take modules formally required by the BPS for those programmes accredited to
confer Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). You therefore gain the
requisite knowledge and understanding of identified key areas in psychology. You
will also study an advanced core counselling module in preparation for more
specialised material at level 3, and in preparation for your final year project.
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
SY-5004D
Cognitive Psychology II
C
20
5
1
SY-5006D
Social Psychology
C
20
5
1
SS-2420D
Research Methods in
Psychology (MDIS)
C
20
5
1
SY-5002M
Personality and Individual
differences
C
10
5
2
SY-5007D
Developmental Psychology
C
20
5
2
SY-5005M
Psychobiology and
Neuroscience
C
10
5
2
SY-5008D
Issues in Counselling
C
20
5
2
Students who have achieved at least 120 credit points at Level 5 may exit the
programme and are eligible for the award of Diploma of Higher Education.
Stage 3 [Level 6]
You are able to develop a more specialised understanding of psychology and
counselling by undertaking 40 credits of psychology and counselling related
modules. A substantial feature of Year 3 is the final year project in which you
design, and undertake an original piece of empirical research with the supervision of
an academic member of staff. This final year project will be a substantive
psychological project as applied to a counselling related topic.
Module Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
SY-6007W
Research Project in
Psychology with
Counselling
C
60
6
1+2
SY-6008D
Occupational and
Business Psychology
C
20
6
1+2
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SY-6009D
Counselling in Practice
C
20
6
1+2
SY-6003D
Psychological Health and
Treatment Interventions
C
20
6
1
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval,
monitoring and review procedures.
Teaching and Assessment Strategies
The teaching and learning strategy takes into consideration the learning outcomes,
progression through the levels of study, the nature of the subject, and the need for
you to take greater responsibility for your own learning as you progress through the
programme. Teaching on the programme includes lectures, small group seminars
and practical workshops, and the core modules include practical work. The
programme structure ensures broad coverage of psychology and counselling,
modules are assessed by a variety of means including coursework and exams.
Coursework includes essays, practical assessments, case studies, personal
biographies and presentations. You will be given the opportunity to practice through
formative assessment. There will be a final year report from your independent
research project in the form of a dissertation undertaken with supervision from a
member of staff. This gives you the opportunity to increase your specialist subject
knowledge, and also to demonstrate your ability to design, execute and produce an
original piece of empirical work.
Assessment Regulations
This Programme conforms to the standard University Regulations which are
available at the following link:
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/
Admission Requirements
The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their
previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of
each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our
assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability
to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each
programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a
combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.
If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be
equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this
learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained
within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry
qualifications.
The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled
students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are
applied to all applicants. We are continually reviewing and developing our practices
and policies to make the University more inclusive, but if you are disabled we may
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need to make some adjustments to make sure that you are not disadvantaged. We
would advise you to contact the programme leader before you apply to discuss
these.
A typical offer to someone seeking entry through the UCAS scheme would be 260
tariff points (e.g. B,C,C at A Level).
o This must include a minimum of 160 points from 2 A levels (or
qualifications of an equivalent depth and volume). No specific subjects
are required.
o All candidates must demonstrate an adequate level of English and
Mathematics (this would normally be GCSE grade C or above).

or the Diploma in Psychology (Singapore)
However, applications are welcome from mature students (those over 21 years of
age on entry) and candidates with non-standard qualifications or who, lacking
academic qualifications, have significant relevant experience.
Note: If you have not studied in English, you will be required to have IELTS 6
or equivalent.
Learning Resources
The Library on the city campus provides a wide range of printed and electronic
resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on
your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with
fellow students. Subject librarians for each School provide individual guidance in
finding the information you need for your assignment.
Student PC clusters can be found the library and elsewhere on the campus. You
can also use the University's wireless network to access the internet from your own
laptop. Most of our journals are available online (both on and off campus), and you
can also access your University email account, personal information and
programme-related materials this way.
Student Support and Guidance
Programme Team
Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both by
the University and the Programme Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who
is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal
concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you
feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive
series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your
programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.
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Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the students’,
through a system of formal staff student liaison committees, so that any issues you
wish to raise are addressed rapidly.
The MDIS Students Services provide confidential counselling and welfare services
where you can get help with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student
Financial and Information Services will provide you with information about a diverse
range of issues such as financial and study information. International Students can
access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s
Services.
Employability and Career Development
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their
employability profile and capabilities through learning opportunities embedded within
the curriculum.
Furthermore, the University is committed to supporting students to develop their
commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing a career plan.
Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your
time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services.
Disability
Disabled students will find a supportive environment at MDIS where we are
committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to
everyone. The Disability Service of the University of Bradford can help by providing
support and advice to help you get the most out of your time at University. It is a
place where you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that
you may need, whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For
more information contact the Disability via email: disabilities@bradford.ac.uk
University policies and initiatives
Learning and Teaching
Our University approach to learning, teaching and assessment is encapsulated by an
integrated set of themes and principles within our Curriculum Framework. All of our
degree programmes have been designed to provide you with an inclusive and
engaging learning environment which gives you the opportunity to thrive and develop
in your area of study. Our research-informed programmes have a particular focus on
developing your employability. We also place a strong emphasis on collaborative,
real-world and enquiry-based learning, supported by appropriate learning
technologies. Our assessment is designed not just to measure your achievement,
but also to shape and guide your learning through preparing you for the increasing
level of challenge as you progress through your degree. Together, these lead to you
developing a distinctive set of graduate attributes which will prepare you for life
beyond university.
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Ecoversity
Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles
of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching,
research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not
claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading
University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including
teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our
commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this
initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a
clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development,
delivery, monitoring and review.
ESD is integrated within the programme aims enabling you to develop specific skills
while also gaining a broad understanding of how values such as equality and respect
are moblised within the discipline of psychology. In addition there are modules in
which the themes and issues of ESD are particularly explored, such as: SS-2408M,
Personality and Individual Differences where you will consider a range of theoretical
explanations for difference and diversity; examining how these both contribute to and
come into conflict with the values that underlie ESD. You will be expected to think
critically about the opportunities and possibilities for bringing about behaviour
change. As part of your research methods training on Research Methods in
Psychology you will also need to think carefully about the ethical undertaking of
research working with others to negotiate and appropriately resolve problems that
inevitably arise when undertaking research with human participants. For more details
see www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity
Further Information
The programme delivered at the University of Bradford is accredited with the British
Psychological Society (BPS) and confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for
Chartered Membership (GBC), provided the minimum standard of qualification of
second class honours is achieved. This is the first step towards becoming a
Chartered Psychologist.
It is important to note that the programme delivered at MDIS is not accredited; the
BPS does not at this time accredit overseas provision. However, students are
eligible to make an ‘individual application’ to the BPS; where the quality of their
application would be considered alongside the content of the programme studied.
The programme delivered at MDIS is the same as the one accredited at the
University of Bradford and thus covers the identified ‘core’ areas of the BPS, and, as
per requirements, these are assessed separately.
If you would like to know more about Psychology at MDIS, or how to apply, further
information is available at: http://www.mdis.edu.sg/schools/School-of-Psychology.
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact
Admissions.
The Admissions Office
School of Social and International Studies
The University of Bradford
Pemberton Building
© University of Bradford
10
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
Course enquiries
0800 0731225 (from within the UK) or
00 44 1274 236 088 (from outside the UK)
course-enquiries@bradford.ac.uk
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/ssis/psychology/courses/
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's
regulations and programme approval, enhancement and review procedures.
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