Strode College

FdSc Psychology

Institution code NA
Duration

4 years

Course type

Part-time

Study location Strode College (Street)
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 the University of Plymouth commenced in 2006.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    STRO1121
    Introduction to Biological Psychology

    This module is designed to provide an introduction to biological psychology. It introduces the key concepts and methodologies used and provides historical context for the approach. Topics covered include brain structure and organisation, the nature nurture perspective and pharmacology.

    STRO1123
    Developmental Psychology and Learning Psychology

    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.

    STRO1126
    Research Methods 1

    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 2

  • Core modules

    STRO1122
    Cognitive Psychology and Psychology as a Science

    The first part of this module introduces students to why psychology is a science and the challenges psychology faces in this field. Students are then introduced to the application of science to understand how we think – the cognitive approach. Here the module covers core areas of cognitive psychology and the methodologies used within this approach.

    STRO1124
    Social Psychology and Classic Studies

    This module introduces students to the core topics in Social Psychology and to key psychological studies in human behaviour. The Social Psychology aspect develops students understanding of the social behaviour of individuals in terms of both internal characteristics of the person (e.g. cognitive mental processes) and external influences (the social environment).

    STRO1125
    Individual Differences and Clinical Psychology

    The module examines theories of individual differences related to personality and intelligence. Students learn about instruments for measuring personality and ability and how these are constructed and used. Students are introduced to psychological disorders- characteristics, explanation and treatment. The module will look at resilience and how students can use new research and understanding to develop their resilience.

  • Year 3

  • Core modules

    STRO2121
    Contemporary Topics in Biopsychology

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

    STRO2123
    Contemporary Topics in Developmental Psychology

    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.

    STRO2126
    Research Methods 2

    This module is designed to consolidate and extend competence in research design by using qualitative techniques and quantitative statistical analysis techniques.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    STRO2122
    Contemporary Topics in Cognitive Psychology

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

    STRO2124
    Social Psychology and Health Psychology

    This module develops students’ knowledge and understanding of social psychology, exploring social processes involved in group and individual behaviour. Students will be introduced to health psychology and learn how knowledge of social aspects of behaviour can be used to bring about healthy change. Students will be introduced to the mind-body connection and consider the topic of stress in depth.

    STRO2125
    Clinical Psychology and Positive Psychology

    Historically Psychology focused on understanding and treating disorders with little attention to human flourishing. This module addresses this imbalance; the clinical element builds on level 4, exploring psychological disorders in more depth. Students are then introduced to positive psychology; here they will have the opportunity to apply theories of wellbeing and optimal functioning to their own lives.

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

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

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.

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. 

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

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.
Plymouth students working on a group project