Strode College

FdSc Psychology

Consistently beating the national average with our results, you’ll also enjoy the newest technology and specialist equipment in your studies at Strode. We’ve invested over £12 million in our facilities, after all. Our partnership with Plymouth University started in 2006, so you’ll move on with a degree from a university placed 3rd in the UK and 65th globally in the Times Higher Education 'Young University Rankings 2017'.

Course details

  • Year 1
  • Core modules

    • STRO1101 Successful Study for Degree Level Psychology

      This module is designed to help students successfully make the transition to degree level study, specifically developing resilience. Students will learn written and oral communication skills as well as referencing skills. They will be introduced to researching and using journals.

    • STRO1102 Introductory Psychology: Research Methods, History and Philosophies of Psychology

      This module will introduce the subject of Psychology and its historical and philosophical groundings. Students will learn about the different perspectives and approaches in Psychology, the various issues and debates within the subject, ethical issues according to BPS guidelines and the development of the subject as a scientific discipline.

    • STRO1106 Social Psychology and Individual Differences

      The social component of this module introduces students to major theoretical perspectives and key psychological studies in explaining human social behaviour. The module also examines theories of individual differences related to personality and intelligence and how instruments for measuring personality and ability are constructed and used. The module also includes the clinical characteristics, aetiology and treatment of psychological disorders.

  • Year 2
  • Core modules

    • STRO1103 Developmental Psychology and Psychology of Learning

      This module introduces students to the major themes and theoretical approaches in Developmental Psychology. The module also introduces the basic concepts of learning and how these shape peoples¿ lives and experiences.

    • STRO1105 Biological and Cognitive Psychology

      This module is an introduction to cognitive psychology and biopsychology. It introduces the key concepts and findings and methodologies. The cognitive component covers core areas including: attention, memory, perception and language. The biological component covers core areas including: brain structure and organisation and evolutionary psychology.

    • STRO1107 Introduction to Psychological Research Methods

      This module is designed to provide an introduction to research methods in psychology. Basic aspects of experimental design and non-experimental research methods are covered as well as an introduction to the use of computer based statistical analysis. This module also provides guidance on writing research reports. 

  • Year 3
  • Core modules

    • STRO2102 Applied Topics in Health and Positive Psychology

      Introduction to health psychology, exploring the mind-body connection and considering the topic of stress in depth. Introduction to positive psychology; looking at wellbeing and optimal functioning. Students will have the opportunity to explore theories and research in positive psychology and apply these in their own lives.

    • STRO2106 Contemporary Topics in Social Psychology and Clinical Psychology

      This module enables students to extend material presented in year 1 and develop greater understanding by encouraging critical awareness of social and clinical psychology and applying the research material to contemporary issues and debates.

    • STRO2107 Research Methods

      To consolidate and extend competence in research design by using qualitative techniques and quantitative statistical analysis techniques.

  • Final year
  • Core modules

    • STRO2103 Contemporary Topics in Biological and Cognitive Psychology

      This module enables students to extend material covered in year one and develop a greater understanding by encouraging a critical awareness of biological and cognitive psychology and applying the research material to contemporary issues and debates.

    • STRO2105 Contemporary Topics in Developmental Psychology and the Psychology of Learning

      This module will build on the knowledge acquired in the Level 4 module Developmental psychology and the psychology of learning. Students will deepen their understanding of the theories and methods used in developmental psychology and the psychology of learning and apply it to a range of contemporary issues.

    • STRO2108 Conducting Psychological Research

      This module will enable students to design and present a research proposal for a piece of independent research. Students will then conduct, analyse and write up this practical project following reporting conventions and subject to ethics approval. Students will draw on their work related learning to reflect on psychological theory and research.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Fees, costs and funding

EU applicants should refer to our dedicated Brexit webpage for details of the implications of the UK’s plans to leave the European Union.

As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

How to apply

For further information and to apply for this course, please contact the college's admissions team directly using the contact details below. 

Progression routes

Completing this course enables you to progress onto these related courses and programmes with the University of Plymouth at level 5 or level 6, as specifically defined by this programme’s progression agreement.

For further information, including the progression from foundation degree form, please visit https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/business-partners/partnerships/academic-partnerships/study-guide/progression-to-honours-degree

Our partnership with Strode College

The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Studying with Strode College

Want to be part of a modern and thriving campus? Located in Street, central Somerset, we’ve specifically developed our foundation degree courses with support and advice from a wide range of local employers.

Find out more about studying at Strode College