Psychology with a Foundation Year (BSC)

During your foundation year the teaching will be interactive and varied, combining academic skill development with engaging subject-based learning in the social sciences. You’ll explore ideas through discussion, group work, practical activities and independent study, with opportunities to build confidence in communication, critical thinking, creativity and evidence-based analysis – all designed to help you transition confidently through university study.

Our Psychology degree offers a blend of core and optional modules, allowing you to tailor your education to your interests and career goals. You'll gain essential knowledge while also exploring subjects that excite you, making your learning experience more relevant and engaging. This flexibility empowers you to shape your academic journey and prepares you for the challenges ahead.

You will learn through a dynamic mix of lectures, engaging seminars, and interactive group discussions. You can apply your knowledge and skills in diverse ways, including writing essays, crafting critical reviews, and developing policy reports. You'll complete oral presentations and poster projects as well as hands-on research practicals. There is also an independent research project, making your learning experience both varied and immersive.

In year one and two, you’ll get hands-on support to build a solid foundation in the core areas of psychology recognised by the BPS. You’ll also develop essential skills in critical thinking, analysis, and research methods. Your personal tutor and academic leads will be there to help you reach the level you need before moving on to year three.

Once you reach your final year, you can choose from a variety of specialist optional modules, plus you’ll dive into an individual research project. You’ll meet regularly with a project supervisor who will help guide you through the process, from methodologies to practical work.

How will I be assessed?

The assessments in the foundation year will support you in the transition from prior learning through to university level study, featuring examples of the types of assessment you will complete throughout your academic career, such as written coursework, group assignments, class tests, exams, and other forms of assessment.

Following the foundation year, the programme features a range of assessment methods to keep things interesting. You’ll tackle everything from multiple-choice and traditional written exams to essay writing, critical reviews, and computing assignments. You’ll also develop policy documents, give oral presentations, create posters, and write up experimental reports. You will also get stuck into an independent research project.

We mix summative and formative assessments in our approach. Summative assessments count toward your final grades and module outcomes, while formative assessments help you check your understanding and get feedback without any pressure. This way, you can refine your skills and strategies, setting you up for success in your summative assessments.

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.

On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Critically analyse key psychological theories, concepts, and their historical development, drawing on both core British Psychology Society themes and research-led enquiries.
• Critically evaluate psychological theories and concepts, using empirical evidence to support analysis and argument.
• Apply knowledge of key research paradigms, including quantitative and qualitative approaches, ethical issues, digital tools, and appropriate statistical techniques, to psychological inquiries.
• Critically analyse the relevance and limitations of psychological research in real-world contexts and across cultures and communities.

Intellectual Skills:

• Critically apply a range of research techniques, quantitative and qualitative methods and measurement techniques to research questions, using digital/electronic tools and appropriate statistical methods.
• Effectively utilise scientific research skills designing ethically sound experiments and critically assessing research questions using qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Critically evaluate how psychological factors influences behaviour in research and real-world contexts.

Professional Practical Skills:

• Recognise and apply ethical principles in psychological research and professional practice.
• Effectively collect, store, and use data in psychological research and practice.
• Communicate complex psychological ideas clearly, using verbal, written, and digital formats, while considering diversity and ethical implications.

Transferable/Key Skills:

• Independently gather information and utilise a range of digital tools competently, including reference databases, AI systems, blogs, spreadsheets, and word processing, to communicate information clearly and appropriately.
• Contribute to teamwork with the necessary skills for collaboration, showing sensitivity to cultural, interpersonal and contextual factors.
• Complete self-directed study and projects, using appropriate project management skills, to achieve objectives.
• Reflect on personal strengths and weaknesses for ongoing development.