Courses and structure

Throughout the degree you will receive a thorough training in the design and evaluation of research, statistical analysis, and the use of specialist psychology-relevant software. Teaching is by lectures, tutorials and practical laboratory sessions.

First year courses

All the courses in this year are compulsory.

PS51005A The Psychology of the Person (15 credits)
Concepts, theories and methods from developmental psychology, personality and social psychology. Topics include some or all of the following: methods and measures; social and cognitive aspects of development; methods of studying individual differences including ability and personality; evaluating psychometric measures; test administration; stability and change in behaviour; the roles of inheritance and environment; attitudes and attitude measurement; person perception; social influences; crowd behaviour; and group processes.

PS51006A Biological and Comparative Approaches to Psychology (15 credits)
Theoretical, ethological and comparative perspectives; basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology; relationships between brain and behaviour and modes of investigating them; chemical communication in the brain and in the body; genes, chromosomes and the inheritance of behaviour; the nature of evolutionary influences on behaviour.

PS51007A Information Processing and Cognition (15 credits)
A general conceptual overview of cognitive psychology and an introduction to topics that are central to the study of human cognition. Emphasis is placed on the methods and theoretical models used by cognitive psychologists to study human perception and thinking. Topics include: visual perception; models of attention and short-term memory; encoding and retrieval of information from long-term memory, classical and operant conditioning; connectionist models of learning; and higher cognition in animals.

PS51008A Design and Analysis of Psychological Investigations (30 credits)
Covers basic descriptive and inferential statistical techniques in psychological investigation, and principles of experimental design. The course includes laboratory work – including practical work on human psychological processes –  and the use of computers for data analysis.

PS51009A Practical Issues in Psychological Research (15 credits)
This course acquaints you with the main areas of research in the Department of Psychology, fosters an understanding of practical issues involved in the planning and conduct of research, and develops your ability to critically evaluate research conducted by others.

PS51010A Extended Essay in Psychology (15 credits)
An extended essay, relating to topics taught on PS5105A, PS51006A or PS51007A, on a subject agreed with a supervisor in the department. It will involve some tutorial contact with supervisors, but mainly requires you to use library and bibliographic resources to search for relevant material.

PS51014A Career Development and Employability in Psychology (15 credits)
This course has been designed to develop the practical skills associated with the study of psychology, with a particular emphasis on enhancing your ability to study, research and gain employment in the field of psychology. An important part of this course is to promote personal development and enhance employability by linking in with Goldsmiths’ 3D graduate scheme.

Second year courses

All the courses in this year are compulsory.

PS52001A Biological Substrates of Behaviour (15 credits)
The course covers six major areas of biological psychology:

1. hormones, sexual motivation and sex differences
2. sleep and arousal
3. eating and body weight regulation
4. sexual selection and mate choice
5. brain evolution and development
6. emotions and stress

These topics are considered in terms of neurological, neurophysiological, physiological, biochemical and genetic substrates.

PS52002A Personality and Psychopathology (15 credits)
This course covers: identification and measurement of individual differences in temperament; biological and environmental contributions to individual differences; causal theories of personality; the relationship between psychopathology and personality; background to methods of description and classification in psychopathology; genetic, constitutional and environmental aspects of disorders of personality and behaviour; rationale of therapeutic techniques.

PS52003A Social Psychology (15 credits)
This course covers concepts, theories and empirical research related to: human aggression; attitudes and attitude change; attribution and social judgement; environment and social behaviour; non-verbal communication; interpersonal attraction; and intergroup processes.

PS52004A The Psychology of Life-Span Development (15 credits)
Covering: concepts, models and theories of development; the course of development from infancy to old age; cognitive and social aspects of behaviour in childhood; language development; adolescence as a developmental period; mid-life, and the effects of ageing.

PS52005B Design and Analysis of Psychological Studies (15 credits)
Covering: analysis of variance techniques; non-parametric methods, correlation and regression; further experimental design and strategy.
 
PS52006A Cognitive Psychology (15 credits)
This course covers major topics in the area of cognitive psychology including: attention, visual object recognition, written language processing; working memory: long-term memory and acquired memory problems, everyday memory, representation of knowledge.

PS52007A Research Methods in Psychology (30 credits)
Covering research methodology including laboratory and field observation, questionnaire, survey methods and interviewing; experimenter effects and demands characteristics; conceptual, historical and ethical issues in psychological research and science more generally; evaluation of research strategies.

Third year courses

You choose six optional courses (examples below) and complete PS53012A, the individual research project.

PS53002C Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience (15 credits)
This course will provide an introduction to the development of the neural computational underpinnings of cognitive abilities, with a particular emphasis on causal factors in development (ie gene-environment interaction). The development of brain and cognition will be traced from conception, through infancy to later childhood, with reference to empirical observation of behaviour, neural processes, and genetic contributions.

PS53008A Psychopathology (15 credits)
Three major forms of psychopathology (depression; anxiety and related disorders and schizophrenia) and personality disorder will be considered in depth, addressing (a) clinical description; (b) theoretical explanations from cognitive/behavioural perspectives; (c) principles and evaluation of psychological interventions. Interrelationships between different psychopathologies will also be highlighted.

PS53012A Project (30 credits)
The purpose of the project is for you to gain direct experience of:

• formulating a theoretical question
• translating this into testable hypotheses
• designing an original study which adequately tests the hypotheses
• implementing the research procedures
• analysing the data using appropriate statistics
• interpreting the results in light of both conceptual and practical considerations
• communicating this information clearly in the form of a written report

You will also gain experience of oral presentation of your work during the spring term or early in the summer term, to a small group of your peers and your supervisor.

The project is a piece of original empirical research, conducted under the supervision of one of the academic members of the Department. Pure theorising, a literature review, or an exact replication study are not acceptable.

There are four stages:

1. formulation of hypotheses and an ethical and feasible research design
2. recruitment of participants/collection of data
3. analysis and interpretation of data
4. writing the report

PS53019B Attention, Perception, Awareness, and Action (15 credits)
This course focuses on attention, and its critical role in allowing us to perceive our world, to be conscious of it, and to interact with it. Contributions from behavioural, neuropsychological, cognitive-neuroscientific, and cross-cultural work are integrated.

PS53020B Anomalistic Psychology (15 credits)
This course considers the relationship between psychology and parapsychology. This involves discussion of the distinction between science and pseudoscience, and critical evaluation of various claims (eg those derived from astrology, pyschoanalysis, alternative therapies) – many of which would, if valid, have profound implications for mainstream psychology. Various psychological processes, which underlie belief in such claims, will be discussed, and non-paranormal accounts of ostensibly paranormal experiences (eg precognitive dreams, sightings of UFOs, out-of-body experiences) will be evaluated.

PS53021B Organisational Behaviour and Health (15 credits)
This course discusses psychological theories and research concerning how both organisational and individual characteristics affect productivity and mental health. Topics include: organisational development and change; occupational health psychology; organisational effectiveness; the design of work; individual differences and work design; and counselling in the workplace.

PS53024A Topics in Neuropsychology (15 credits)
This course covers a range of issues fundamental to understand both normal and abnormal cognitive functioning of humans. Specific topics will include: methodology in neuropsychology and cognitive neuropsychology; main techniques of investigation in neuropsychology; cognitive impairments following brain injury: dysfunctions of perception, language, memory, attention, consciousness, voluntary movements and dementia.

PS53030A Psychology and Law (15 credits)
The course will involve critical evaluation of selected current issues in psychological research and its application to the investigation of crime and criminal law. It will be of particular interest to students considering postgraduate study in forensic psychology. Examples of topics include: eyewitness memory, interviewing witnesses, interviewing suspects, false confessions, detection of deception, eyewitness identification, offender profiling, and the role of CCTV.

PS53031A Neurodevelopmental Disorders (15 credits)
This course explores issues relating to diagnosis, ethics and research methods in relation to a broad range of neurodevelopmental disorders (eg autism, dyslexia, specific language impairment, developmental coordination disorder, sensory impairments, ADHD and Williams syndrome). Consideration will also be given to the implications of theories of neurodevelopmental disorders for understanding normal cognitive functions.

PS53032A Behavioural Genetics (15 credits)
The course will promote an understanding of the current state of affairs in relation to behavioural genetics. Different methods will be introduced, including twin, adoption, and molecular research. Basic principles as well as recent developments will be explored in relation to a broad range of phenotypes, including psychopathology, learning disabilities, and normal dimensions. Historical and ethical issues will be discussed.

PS53033A Origins of Human Nature: Comparative and Evolutionary Approaches (15 credits)
A study of recent developments in evolutionary theory applied to social behaviour and cognition. Topics include: an introduction to the Machiavellian (or Social) Intelligence Hypothesis; Homo sapiens’ place in nature; the evolution of deception; cultural learning; joint attention; altruism and co-operation; self-recognition; theory of mind; and the social organisation of human hunter-gatherers.

PS53034A Addictive Behaviours (15 credits)
This course will introduce psychological and neurobiological theories of addiction, considering and evaluating the extent to which behaviours commonly described as ‘addictive’ – including not only dependence on drugs, but also excessive engagement in behaviours such as gambling – are motivated by similar outcomes and reflect the involvement of similar processes. The course will outline individual differences in risk for addiction and consider how these differences interact with features of the social environment to predict addiction development and relapse. Lastly, the efficacy of different treatment approaches will be considered.

PS530036A Psychological Approaches to Music (15 credits)
This course provides an introduction to the study of music psychology and neuroscience. Lectures will focus on perception of musical structure, perception of musically embedded emotions and music perception in individuals with psychological disorders. Theories about music’s evolutionary roots, the experience of listening and the relationship between music and language will also be discussed.

Tutors

During each year of the degree, you will take part in academic tutorials, which are small group sessions that are linked to your core topics, and led by a member of staff who is an expert in that particular subject. The tutorials enable you to discuss and evaluate psychological theories, and provide support and feedback in essay writing.

You will also be provided with a Personal Tutor from a member of our academic staff for all three years of your undergraduate studies. You will meet with your Personal Tutor regularly, and they will monitor your progress and provide support for your academic and career development, as well as personal concerns or difficulties.

Assessment

Written examinations; coursework (essays, laboratory reports, individual research dissertation).

Credits and levels of learning

An undergraduate honours degree is made up of 360 credits – 120 at Level 4, 120 at Level 5 and 120 at Level 6. As a full-time student, you will usually take Level 4 courses in the first year, Level 5 in the second, and Level 6 courses in your final year. A standard course is worth 30 credits. Some programmes also contain 15-credit half courses or can be made up of higher-value parts, such as a dissertation or a Special Subject. Information on the credit value of each course is included with the course description, above.

This modular system allows considerable flexibility of choice in your final year when you can tailor your study according to your particular interests and ultimate aims, by choosing six from 14 option courses on specialised topics. The precise list changes year by year (for example, a new member of staff may add a course). The current full list of courses offered by the department can be found above.

Skills and careers

The Department of Psychology has its own Career Development and Employability Programme for students, starting in the first term with a full first-year course on the topic. We are keen that you understand what kind of transferrable skills you will develop during the Psychology BSc, and how you can make the best impression on future employers.

We have strong links with employers of psychology graduates, and the programme has been set up to support you to actively seek relevant work knowledge and experience. This experience could help you develop the professional-level skills that are highly sought after in the job market.

According to data collated by Unistats, the definitive UK university guide and part of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), Goldsmiths is in the top three higher education institutions for highest-paid jobs for Psychology undergraduates.

Skills

Throughout the degree you will receive a thorough training in the design and evaluation of research, statistical analysis, and the use of specialist psychology-relevant software. In addition, you'll develop the following transferrable skills:

• critical thinking and analytical skills
• the ability to look at issues from different perspectives
• reflection skills
• self motivation
• planning and organisation skills
• oral and written communication skills

Careers

Students from the BSc go on to a broad range of careers and future study such as: clinical psychology, broadcasting, media psychology, advertising, market research, consultancy, research psychology, occupational psychology, and criminal/forensic psychology.

Our graduates work in a wide range of settings from schools to hospitals, from broadcasting to banks, and in both private and public sector jobs.

The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), which means that graduates are eligible for graduate basis for Chartership with the BPS – vital if you want a career as a psychologist in the future.

• Find out more about employability at Goldsmiths
• Our alumni

About the department

The Department of Psychology

The Department of Psychology was established in the mid-1960s, and has developed over the years into a flourishing centre of study and research in a wide range of specialised branches of applied, experimental and theoretical psychology. We have well-established links with employers of psychology graduates, and an active programme of career development for students at all levels.

Our key areas of research cluster on culture and cognition, individual differences and psychopathology, cognitive neuroscience, social relationships, neurodevelopmental disorders and neuropsychology, and work psychology.

In the latest Research Assessment Exercise (RAE 2008), Psychology at Goldsmiths was rated 24th in the UK, and 4th in London, based on the research grade-point average. Fifty percent of our research was classed as internationally excellent (3*) or world-class (4*).

Facilities

We have numerous specialist and general purpose laboratories for psychophysiological and experimental research, including:

• Cognitive laboratories equipped with a range of facilities
• An EEG (electroencephalography) suite for brain imaging research
• A Visual Perception and Attention laboratory equipped with a state-of-the-art eye tracking system and visual display units
• Psychobiology testing cubicles equipped with a range of biological sensors
• An Observational Suite and a Baby/Infant Laboratory equipped with two-way mirrors, full video observation hardware, digital camcorders and video editing software
• A large number of versatile, general-purpose testing rooms

The Department of Psychology is housed across two buildings: the Whitehead Building and the Ben Pimlott Building. The Ben Pimlott Building houses the Department's EEG suite, psychoacoustic lab, psychopharmacology laboratory, and high spec computational facilities. It also contains the Centre for Cognition, Computation and Culture (CCCC). CCCC was established to promote interdisciplinary research among a number of departments, including Computing and Psychology, exploring the themes reflected in its title. It has excellent modern facilities for teaching, research and laboratory work.

Staff

We currently have 30 academic staff (including ten Professors and two Readers), as well as research staff, technical and administrative staff, and an extensive panel of part-time tutors. Visiting lecturers and researchers further extend the range of expertise available to our students.

Staff are engaged in a wide range of cutting-edge research, meaning that your teaching is led by psychologists who are experts in their field. Psychology staff and postgraduates are currently investigating topics as diverse as how brain activation patterns vary during the performance of attention and memory tasks, the influence of genetic characteristics on individuals’ responses to consumption of nicotine and other psychoactive substances, and musical cognition.

Find out more about staff in the Department of Psychology.

Student profiles

"I was introduced to Goldsmiths through a friend who did her Masters here. I was looking for a department of psychology that would fully stimulate and challenge me on many levels.

Goldsmiths’ Psychology Department consists of state-of-the-art teaching facilities and labs, research-focused opportunities and active, enthusiastic lecturing staff. The fact of the matter is that all lecturing staff are extremely friendly and approachable, making you feel contained at all times. They are truly supportive and concerned, even about personal issues. Their approach is student-centred and holistic. Moreover, the secretarial staff along with the technicians have been responsive, proactive and organised all the way. They have added to the amazing experience of being a psychology student at Goldsmiths, as their true devotion and enthusiasm has managed to facilitate and thus cement good relations and communication between students and academics.

Lastly, there is a plethora of activities and services available to students on campus ranging from a fully equipped gym to counselling services, study skills groups and careers services. Personally, studying at Goldsmiths has offered me the chance to engage in many extra-curricullum activities already, some of which are paid. For instance, I was recently appointed to work as a Departmental Student Co-ordinator, which will involve providing feedback and representation at departmental and College level on key areas of development.

To sum up, Goldsmiths has been a truly validating place for me to grow both personally and academically. It has been teaching me ‘how to learn’ and ‘how to produce knowledge’ as an active thinker. Its scientific approach has converted me into an effective decoder, enabling me to confront any given challenge at any given level, both academically and practically."

Nikolaos, BSc Psychology

"'What am I thinking right now?' If you’re studying psychology, this is what everyone keeps asking you. Is psychology then just another name for the magical ‘art’ of mind reading? Well, I certainly wish, but that is obviously utter nonsense.

What is it then? To give psychology real justice you need more than a few quick words. Psychology looks at the human mind: yes, something everyone is interested in, thinks about and has their own opinion towards, though, when it comes down to it, few actually understand. It is about who we are, what we are like, why, how and what it is all about. It looks at the individual and how we think, as well as the group and all the processes involved in social interaction. How do these questions differ from those commonly asked by all? Despite general belief, psychology is not a guessing game, far from it, as I’ve come to realise during my degree. It relies on scientific method and significance testing, multiple observations and thorough testing making it a lot more than just random hypothesising.

Psychology is, compared to the more established sciences, a relatively new research area so if you decide to study psychology be prepared to question everything. Nothing is set in stone and something that might sound ridiculous today might not in only a few years' time. This does not mean that the people who teach you don’t know what they are talking about, in fact, you will be taught by some of the leading researchers in their field. Studying in a new subject area, you can actually make a difference. This is precisely one of the most exciting things in psychology.

A degree in psychology gives you an insight in how research is done, and how evidence is gathered. You will learn about what it means to be an individual, a member of a group, how easy the human mind can be manipulated, how fragile it can be and in fact what it means to be human. Psychology is the scientific study of the mind, with all its wonderful facets and terrifying faults."

Lea Johanna, BSc Psychology (graduated 2011)

"I first came to study at Goldsmiths in 1999. I am originally from Finland, but wanted to go to university elsewhere, just because I wanted to experience something different. English and psychology were my favourite two subjects in school so I knew fairly early on that I wanted to study psychology in England.

Choosing where and at which university was not quite as easy. London seemed like the best choice, however, because I had visited the city before and had really enjoyed everything London had to offer. This I felt was very important to keep life interesting outside of academic achievements too. I then visited the British Council in Helsinki and found out more about the universities I was considering and filled out a UCAS application form. Goldsmiths seemed like the best institution out of the ones I had applied to and received an offer of a place for.

Goldsmiths was a great choice. The Department of Psychology is big, but does not seem impersonal. Academically, it has a good mixture of staff with different areas of expertise. I feel very fortunate that I could do my dissertation and receive excellent guidance in exactly what I was most interested in – the emotional effects of brain injury. The fact that as a Goldsmiths student I was able to use the Senate House Library as well as the Institute of Psychiatry Library was a big advantage.

Goldsmiths felt like a fun place to study too, and it has its own unique character. This I think is based on the great mixture of subjects on offer and the different personalities that they attract. All in all, I had a great time during my undergraduate degree. Apart from studying I had lots of fun and met some fantastic people.

After graduating from Goldsmiths in 2002, I completed an MSc in Rehabilitation Psychology at another university and then worked in psychology-related settings, including brain injury rehabilitation, adult psychiatric care and medicines research. I left London and England in 2004, moving back to Finland. There I worked as an Assistant Psychologist whilst completing my studies to qualify as a Clinical Psychologist. Once qualified, I landed a job in an outpatient clinic for the acute psychiatric care of adults. The work was very interesting and rewarding, but I slowly started to feel like it was time to return to London. I had also toyed with the idea of doing a PhD for quite some time, and decided that if I did do one, it would have to be in London. I was fortunate enough to be able to come back to Goldsmiths and work with the supervisor who had also supervised my BSc dissertation a few years earlier."

Kirsi, BSc Psychology (graduated 2002; currently a Psychology PhD student at Goldsmiths)