1. Welcome to Psychology (C800) at Durham
Dr Luna Centifanti, Admissions Tutor (C800 and CV85)

2. Today What’s included in today’s session:
The structure of Psychology programmes at Durham
Teaching methods and assessment (with examples)
Applying to Durham (and getting offers!)
Common questions answered.

3. The Durham Psychology Department
Strong on teaching:
Ranked:
7th in Complete University Guide
6th in The Times
6th in The Sunday Times University Guide
94% of our Psychology students said they found their course intellectually stimulating in the 2013 National Student Survey.
(sector-wide average 89%)

4. The Durham Psychology Department
Strong on research:
External assessors recognise:
99% of the department’s research is of International Quality.
77% of the research is Internationally Excellent or World Leading (3* or 4*) [↑ from 60% in 2008]
We have research strengths in:
Applied, Clinical and Health Psychology
Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience
Developmental Psychology
Social, Emotional and Evolutionary
Psychology
Neuroscience of Learning and Memory

5. The Durham Psychology Department
Durham Psychology is 5th from 102 departments in UK in latest Graduate Prospects survey
(i.e. measure of first destination of graduates into employment).

6. The Durham Psychology Department
The department runs two psychology courses:
BSc Psychology (C800)
Psychology(Applied) (C817) at the Queen’s Campus.

7. The Durham Psychology Department
The department runs two psychology courses:
BSc Psychology (C800)
Psychology(Applied) (C817) at the Queen’s Campus
Dedicated DClin route.
Psychology (C800)
Psychology(Applied) (C817)
How is a person’s behaviour influenced by the number, age or status of people with them? (Social psychology)
Should inexperienced drivers be limited in the number of young people they are allowed in the car while driving
(Applied social psychology)?
How are objects recognised? How is this organised in the brain?
(Biological psychology and perception)
How can someone with difficulty reading following a stroke be helped? (Clinical psychology)

8. The Durham Psychology Department
The department runs two single honours psychology courses:
BSc Psychology (C800)
Psychology(Applied) (C817) at the Queen’s Campus.

9. The Durham Psychology Department
The department runs two single honours psychology courses:
BSc Psychology (C800)
Psychology(Applied) (C817) at the Queen’s Campus.
At the Durham site you can also study psychology in combination with other subjects:
BA Philosophy and Psychology (CV85)
BA Education Studies with Psychology (X1C8)

10. The Durham Psychology Department
The department runs two single honours psychology courses:
BSc Psychology (C800)
Psychology(Applied) (C817) at the Queen’s Campus.
At the Durham site you can also study psychology in combination with other subjects:
BA Philosophy and Psychology (CV85)
BA Education Studies with Psychology (X1C8)
BSc Natural Sciences (CFG0)
BA Combined Honours in Social Sciences (LMV0)
BA Combined Honours in Arts (QRV0)

11. Psychology (C800) Six modules per year:
First year covers core subjects:
Cognitive psychology
Biological psychology
Developmental psychology
Social psychology
Abnormal psychology
Research methods
(including statistics)
Lectures
Practical classes
Tutorials

12. Psychology (C800) Six modules per year:
First year covers core subjects:
Cognitive psychology
Biological psychology
Developmental psychology
Social psychology
Abnormal psychology
Research methods
(including statistics)
Lectures
Practical classes
Tutorials

13. Psychology (C800) Six modules per year:
First year covers core subjects:
Cognitive psychology
Biological psychology
Developmental psychology
Social psychology
Abnormal psychology
Research methods
(including statistics)
Lectures
Practical classes
Tutorials

14. Psychology (C800) Six modules per year:
First year covers core subjects:
Cognitive psychology
Biological psychology
Developmental psychology
Social psychology
Abnormal psychology
Research methods
(including statistics)
Lectures
Practical classes
Tutorials

15. Psychology (C800) Six modules per year:
First year covers core subjects:
Cognitive psychology
Biological psychology
Developmental psychology
Social psychology
Abnormal psychology
Research methods
(including statistics)
Lectures
Practical classes
Tutorials

16. Psychology (C800) Six modules per year:
First year covers core subjects:
Cognitive psychology
Biological psychology
Developmental psychology
Social psychology
Abnormal psychology
Research methods
(including statistics)
+ electives in the first year:
There are a huge range but include modules in:
Education
Philosophy
Anthropology
Business School
Sociology/Criminology
Languages
including British Sign Language
Lectures
Practical classes
Tutorials

17. Psychology (C800) Six modules per year:
First year covers core subjects:
Cognitive psychology
Biological psychology
Developmental psychology
Social psychology
Abnormal psychology
Research methods
(including statistics)
+ electives in the first year:
There are a huge range but include modules in:
Education
Philosophy
Anthropology
Business School
Languages
including British Sign Language
Lectures
Practical classes
Tutorials

18. Psychology (C800) Six modules per year:
Second year consolidates core subjects:
Cognitive psychology
Biological psychology
Developmental psychology
Social psychology
Abnormal psychology
Research methods
(including statistics)
Lectures (six hours per week)
Tutorials (one per week, groups of about 8-10 students)
Practical classes (one 3 hour practical per week)

19. Psychology (C800) Six modules per year:
Second year consolidates core subjects:
Cognitive psychology
Biological psychology
Developmental psychology
Social psychology
Abnormal psychology
Research methods
(including statistics)
Lectures (six hours per week)
Tutorials (one per week, groups of about 8-10 students)
Practical classes (one 3 hour practical per week)

20. Developmental origins of antisocial behaviour
Same genetic predisposition
Age

21. Conduct Problems Cruel to Others, Stealing, Running
Away from Home, Truancy,
Breaking and Entering, Assault
Lies, Physical Fights, Bullies,
Cruel to Animals, Breaks Rules
Stubborn, Defies Adults, Non-
Compliant, Temper Tantrums,
Argumentative, Annoys Others

22. With or Without Low Prosocial Emotions
Is unconcerned about the feelings of others
Does not feel bad or guilty
Is unconcerned about schoolwork
Does not show emotions
Fails to keep promises

23. Self-reported Delinquency Trajectories
Number of
Self-Reported
Total
Delinquent
Offenses
Frick, Stickle, Dandreaux, Farell, & Kimonis, 2005

27. A Case for Fear

30. Muñoz, 2009

32. My time as a research assistant in Dr. L
My time as a research assistant in Dr. L. Centifanti’s lab was, without a doubt, the most valuable learning experience during my time at Durham University. The scheme helped me develop numerous skills and prepared me extremely well for my dissertation the following year. The experience has also led onto future research assistant opportunities within the university (both paid) and is undoubtedly one of the reasons I am employed by the NHS just three months after graduation. Take full advantage of the research assistant scheme Durham offers, you will not regret it!

33. Psychology (C800) Six modules per year:
Second year consolidates core subjects:
Cognitive psychology
Biological psychology
Developmental psychology
Social psychology
Abnormal psychology
Research methods
(including statistics)
Lectures (six hours per week)
Tutorials (one per week, groups of about 8-10 students)
Practical classes (one 3 hour practical per week)

34. Psychology (C800)
Six modules per year:
Third year: dissertation

35. Psychology (C800) Six modules per year:
Third year: dissertation + 4 modules chosen from:
C800 Psychology
Child Health Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Emotion & Social Cognition
Learning and Animal Cognition
Neuropsychology of Memory
Social Psychology
The Evolution of Human Behaviour
The Visual Brain
Psychology into Schools
Psychology in the Workplace

36. Psychology (C800) Six modules per year:
Third year: dissertation + 4 modules chosen from:
C800 Psychology
Child Health Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Emotion & Social Cognition
Learning and Animal Cognition
Neuropsychology of Memory
Social Psychology
The Evolution of Human Behaviour
The Visual Brain
Psychology into Schools
Psychology in the Workplace
C817 Psychology (Applied)
Advanced Research Methods
Applied Developmental Psychology
Clinical Cognitive Neuroscience
Educational Psychology
Forensic Psychology
Health Psychology
Sex and Gender Psychology
Sports Psychology
The Science of Consciousness
Psychology into Schools
Psychology in the Workplace

37. Psychology (C800)
Support: You will be allocated an academic advisor in the department in your first year. This advisor will stay with you throughout your studies. The college system also provides support to students throughout your studies.

38. Non-Single Honours Routes
You can also study psychology in combination with other subjects:
BA Philosophy and Psychology (CV85)
BA Education Studies with Psychology (X1C8)
Require 3 modules each year from each discipline.
Are BPS recognised degrees.
Includes a smaller research project in 3rd year.

39. Non-Single Honours Routes
You can also study psychology in combination with other subjects:
BA Philosophy and Psychology (CV85)
BA Education Studies with Psychology (X1C8)
Require 3 modules each year from each discipline.
Are BPS recognised degrees.
Includes a smaller research project in 3rd year.
BSc Natural Sciences (CFG0)
BA Combined Honours in Social Sciences (LMV0)
BA Combined Honours in Arts (QRV0)
Combine psychology flexibly with other subjects
May be BPS recognised or not depending on choices made.
May include a research project in 3rd year if desired.

40. Getting an offer for Psychology at Durham

41. Getting an offer for Psychology at Durham
Psychology is a broad discipline including biological, social and developmental aspects of psychology, statistics and research methods.
In line with requirements of our accrediting body (the British Psychological Society)
We accept people with a variety of backgrounds
We do not assume any prior knowledge of psychology (or any other specific knowledge).

42. Getting an offer for Psychology at Durham
Psychology is a broad discipline including biological, social and developmental aspects of psychology, statistics and research methods.
In line with requirements of our accrediting body (the British Psychological Society)
We accept people with a variety of backgrounds
We do not assume any prior knowledge of psychology (or any other specific knowledge).
BUT Psychology is an experimental scientific discipline.
AND Psychology requires arguments based on evaluation of a range of sources of evidence.
So … students need strengths in science/maths and analytical thinking and essay writing skills.

43. Getting an offer for Psychology at Durham
Admissions tutors are looking for:
Predictions (or achieved grades) of
BSc Psychology (AAA or equivalent)
BSc Psychology (Applied) (AAB or equivalent)

44. Getting an offer for Psychology at Durham
Admissions tutors are looking for:
Predictions (or achieved grades) of
BSc Psychology (AAA or equivalent)
BSc Psychology (Applied) (AAB or equivalent)
Evidence of strengths across a range of subjects
(e.g. at GCSE or equivalent) including at least B at GCSE Maths.

45. Getting an offer for Psychology at Durham
Admissions tutors are looking for:
Predictions (or achieved grades) of
BSc Psychology (AAA or equivalent)
BSc Psychology (Applied) (AAB or equivalent)
Evidence of strengths across a range of subjects
(e.g. at GCSE or equivalent) including at least B at GCSE Maths.
A personal statement which tells us about why psychology at Durham is right for you.

46. Getting an offer for Psychology at Durham
Admissions tutors are looking for:
Predictions (or achieved grades) of
BSc Psychology (AAA or equivalent)
BSc Psychology (Applied) (AAB or equivalent)
Evidence of strengths across a range of subjects
(e.g. at GCSE or equivalent); including at least B at GCSE Maths.
A personal statement which tells us about why psychology (at Durham) is right for you.
Well-rounded individuals who will contribute to university life (e.g. sports, music, art, drama, social outreach, charity or other work experience etc.).

47. Any questions? Psychology.admissions@durham.ac.uk

48. FAQs
Can I do a year abroad?

49. FAQs Am I disadvantaged if I don’t have a Psychology A-level?
No. We take students from a variety of backgrounds.
About half of our first year intake will have Psychology A level (or equivalent) but half will not.
In the first year we bring all students up to the same level.
Even those who have done Psychology A-level do not find the first year easy or boring!

50. FAQs Why do I have to do statistics?
Maths is not my strongest subject, is this a problem?
Psychology is a science that requires statistical techniques.
The study of statistics is a requirement of BPS accreditation.
We do ask for at least a grade B at GCSE maths (or equivalent)
But we teach statistics in an applied manner so even those who don’t think they are “good at maths” often find this is completely different.

51. FAQs What is the assessment like?
First year does not count towards final degree classification.
Assessed by multiple choice, practical reports and essay exams.
Second year counts 40% towards final degree classification.
Assessed by practical reports, coursework essays and exams.
Third year counts 60% towards final degree classification.
Assessed by dissertation, coursework essays and essay exams.

52. FAQs
What is the assessment like?

53. FAQs Durham and Queen’s Campus: what’s the difference?
Durham - BSc Psychology
Queen’s Campus – BSc Psychology (Applied)
The Psychology (Applied) course is more… applied!
Not completely separate - several 3rd Year options can be taken by students based at either site.
Both degree courses cover all the material required for BPS accreditation