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LOCATION
Stratford Campus
Location Fees and Funding
Here's the fees and funding information for each year of this course
Overview
Clinical and Community Psychology is all about learning from, and initiating positive change with, vulnerable and marginalised people and groups. The focus is not just on the individuals themselves, but on how factors in society have an impact on lives.
If you want to be out there in the real world, learning and researching and making a difference, this is the course for you.
You'll practise what you are learning through partnerships or voluntary schemes within local community groups or the NHS.
You'll widen your experience and learn new skills, such as evidence-based evaluations, report writing and making recommendations for practice.
In at least one of your modules, you have the opportunity to undertake a professional piece of evidence-based research for a community partner - a service that the organisation would perhaps not otherwise have been able to afford.
There are many jobs and careers that are options for you with a BSc Psychology degree. These include jobs within the Allied Psychology sector, such as: Employment Specialist, Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, Social Prescribing Link Worker, Wellbeing Manager, Mental Health Social Worker, FE Psychology teacher, Research Assistant or Assistant Psychologist, Community and Mental Health support and other NHS roles in mental health. Some of these many require further training that we can help you with.
Some of our graduates choose to seek employment in non-Psychology areas. These are jobs in areas where there are employers who want psychology graduates, due to the transferable skills you will gain during your studies. These include Human Resources, Market Research, Civil Service, Business Graduate Training Schemes, Teaching, Third sector & Charity roles, administration, self-employed or entrepreneur, data work in public and private sectors and allied health professions.
BSc Psychology is also an essential qualification for students seeking further training and careers in Academia, Research, Clinical, Counselling, Occupational and Educational Psychology. All of these options are possible with our BPS-accredited degrees alongside experience. Other postgraduate options that you may wish to specialise include Health Psychology, Sports Psychology, Neuropsychology or Neuroscience, Clinical Associate Psychologist training.
What makes this course different
Employability
As part of your studies, you will work on a real-life project with a partner organisation, carrying out an evaluation of a service or process. Our partner organisations are a mix or NHS and grassroots community/activist groups where you will spend a day a week for six months gathering data, as project lead/co-lead in intervention/support groups to broaden your understanding of psychology in applied contexts and working with the person. These praxis (theory, action, practice, reflection) projects can enrich your approach to working with the person, enhance your professional skills before graduating and can significantly improve your employability.
Community of peer support among students
On the BSc Clinical and Community Psychology course, we create a supportive community who meet regularly, with invited alumni, who share graduate/postgraduate experiences in our weekly cross-cohort sessions. Some of our alumni have gone on to Professional Doctorate courses in Clinical Psychology and other applied areas of practice. For example, our award-winning alumna Allison Vitalis offers current students praxis/work experience in the community organisation where she is the project lead.
Incredible access to real services and community partners
You will be able to get work experience, as well as have specialist teaching with practitioners and service users, to give you a real sense of how clinical and community psychology works in the real world.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
This three-year, full-time degree course will give you a foundation in the theory of clinical and community psychology as well as hands-on experience. If you're interested in working in the field of mental health, or in initiating sustainable change in vulnerable and marginalised communities, this is for you.
Unusually for an undergraduate psychology degree, you'll be introduced to psychopathology and approaches to people in mental distress in your first year. You'll study mental health problems such as anxiety, schizophrenia, eating disorders and bipolar disorder. There are also options to study the psychology of drug addiction and crime.
We'll introduce you to community psychology with a critical edge that is political in the broadest sense. You'll look at how issues such as poverty, opportunity, education, employment and housing impact on a person's ability to negotiate the world.
From the moment you join us you'll have opportunities to put theory into practice through placements within the local community, working within voluntary projects or the NHS.
You'll also learn how to gather, analyse and write up evidence-based practice research, a vital skill in many fields of work.
We consistently review our courses to ensure we are up to date with industry changes and requirements from our graduates. As a result, our modules are subject to change.
DOWNLOAD COURSE SPECIFICATIONS
MODULES
- Core Modules
Thinking Like a Psychologist (Mental Wealth) CloseThinking Like a Psychologist (Mental Wealth)
The aim of the module is to support students in their transition to Degree level study of Psychology, introducing them to new ways of thinking that have psychology at the core. Students will learn about psychological principles that have value in everyday life and learning. They will be supported in the development of critical thinking skills, prized by graduate employers. In addition, students will learn how to present psychological concepts to members of the general public, and to use on-line presentation software to facilitate such work.
Introduction to Biological and Social and Individual Differences CloseIntroduction to Biological and Social and Individual Differences
The main aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the core fields of Social and Biological Psychology and Individual Differences and a foundation for understanding and evaluating these approaches within the discipline of Psychology and an understanding of historical, social and cultural influences. Students will also develop a knowledge of relevant key concepts and theories, providing a grounding for level 5 study of applied topics in these fields.
Introduction to Cognitive and Developmental Psychology CloseIntroduction to Cognitive and Developmental Psychology
In this module, we explore the mechanisms that process information about the world (such as perception, memory, and attention) and by which we develop our responses to it (e.g., by thinking, communicating, and the shaping of behaviour by our learning). In doing so, this module introduces core topics in cognitive psychology (which seeks to scientifically model how the mind functions) and developmental psychology (which seeks to understand change through the lifespan).
Psychology in Applied Contexts ClosePsychology in Applied Contexts
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the ways in which psychology is used in professional roles and graduate level employment. Module content will include an introduction to the core professional division of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and, beyond this, to the diverse ways in which psychology is used within 'real-world' settings, including well-established and new emerging career opportunities. The module will provide a foundation for understanding, reflecting on and developing graduate employability which will be built on at level 5.
Researching with Small Samples CloseResearching with Small Samples
To introduce students to key approaches to research in Psychology, including research design, data analysis, evaluating and writing up research. This module will focus on research methods appropriate to questions relating to smaller sample sizes.
Researching with Larger Samples CloseResearching with Larger Samples
To introduce students to key approaches to research in Psychology, including research design, data analysis, evaluating and writing up research. This module will focus on research methods appropriate to questions relating to larger sample sizes.
- Core Modules
Individual Differences and Diversity CloseIndividual Differences and Diversity
This module has three principle aims: (i) to develop a critical and historical awareness of theories of, and issues relating to, individual differences (ii) to instil understanding of, and foster respect for, diversity; (iii) to encourage students to be insightful and reflective about their own and others' behaviour and mental processes. An ongoing theme of the module will be to consider the implications of the knowledge imparted for real-life events and the development of professional practice. These aims are intended to help students develop into psychologically literate citizens.
Psychological Research Methods ClosePsychological Research Methods
The aim of the module is to build on material delivered in the level 4 research method modules and provide a preparation for the independent research project at level 6. The module will: present more advanced statistical methods used to analyse quantitative data from designs with one and more than one IV/factor; to ensure awareness of a range of experimental and non-experimental quantitative designs (including real-world research) and a range of qualitative designs; consider issues of internal and external validity; further consider epistemological and methodological issues, reflexivity, ethics and practicalities of conducting qualitative research; and provide students with opportunities to gain further experience designing, executing and writing quantitive and qualitative research studies.
Topics in Cognitive and Developmental Psychology CloseTopics in Cognitive and Developmental Psychology
The module builds on students' learning at level 4 and explores a range of current issues and topics in cognitive and developmental psychology in greater depth. Students will learn about appropriate ways to analyse and interpret findings in these core areas of psychology. The module's aim is to encourage a more evaluative and analytical approach than at level 4 coverage of these areas of psychology.
Applications of Psychobiology and Social Psychology CloseApplications of Psychobiology and Social Psychology
The module will build upon knowledge of the psychobiology and social psychological approaches that were introduced at Level 4. The aim of the module is to develop students' knowledge and critical awareness of these major theoretical perspectives for understanding human behaviour. Current issues as well as historical debates in these two areas will be explored. Considerable focus will be placed upon the real-world application and utility of theories falling within each approach.
Work-Based Learning in Psychology (Mental Wealth) CloseWork-Based Learning in Psychology (Mental Wealth)
The module is designed to further develop students' awareness of the range of careers, work and volunteering opportunities open to psychology graduates and to support their engagement with personal and professional development strategies. Based on a short period of work-experience, arranged by students and completed as part of the module's student learning time, students will be able to learn about organisations and make use of networking opportunities. They will have an opportunity to integrate psychological theory with practice and to clarify their interests and goals.
Clinical and Community Psychology CloseClinical and Community Psychology
This module will introduce students to key concepts in both Clinical Psychology and Community Psychology.
- Core Modules
Psychology in Communication and Social Engagement (Mental Wealth) ClosePsychology in Communication and Social Engagement (Mental Wealth)
This module will develop students' understanding of the range of theories and techniques involved in psychologies of social engagement. Examples include the communication of psychological knowledge to external audiences and the use of psychological knowledge to address real world issues and problems. These examples will be contextualised with reference to conceptual and historical issues in psychology. Students will be invited to develop a broad understanding of psychology and their psychological knowledge as it is relevant to the wider world, including local communities, businesses, politics and policy.
Psychology Research Project ClosePsychology Research Project
- To improve student's awareness of the issues involved in the formulation, execution and reporting of psychological research and theory.
- To facilitate students' application of their skills and psychological knowledge to conduct and report an independent piece of empirical research.
Clinical and Community Praxis CloseClinical and Community Praxis
This module provides an introduction to the theory, practice and application of evaluation in clinical and community settings. This includes a grounding in clinical psychology and community psychology practice. The foundations, assumptions, principles and values of evaluation research are introduced and critically examined. Generic evaluation skills and specific research techniques will be considered across a range of psycho-social issues and community/health-care settings with a view to students then applying these skills and techniques to undertake live evaluations.
Optional ModulesAdvanced Forensic Psychology CloseAdvanced Forensic Psychology
The aims of the module are to educate students into the complexity of behaviour that is considered criminological; to examine psychological theory and research concerning different types of offending behaviour and for students to develop an appreciation of the role that psychologists can play in rehabilitation and desistance from offending behaviour.
Health Psychology CloseHealth Psychology
The module describes and evaluates biopsychosocial approaches to health and illness. It examines social and psychological processes which contribute to the occurrence of various physical health outcomes and to the maintenance of health. It discusses the role of psychosocial processes in the experience and progression of health and illness. Specifically, it examines biopsychosocial precursors and consequences which are identifiable empirically in the aetiology and progression of a variety of health phenomena. Such precursors include the role of social support, social cognitions, individual differences in coping and personality, life change events and psycho-neuro-immunological, endocrine and other physiological processes. In summary, this module explores how psychological and social factors impact out health. Implications for prevention of illness and promotion of health are considered.
Advanced Developmental Psychology CloseAdvanced Developmental Psychology
This module will provide students with an opportunity to examine and evaluate in-depth key and current methods and findings in developmental psychology. The aim is to investigate the main factors that shape development in a variety of domains (social, emotional, cognitive) and across ages, in a manner that will help students to develop the skills required to be able to critically analyse research in this area. The module will also give students the opportunity to consolidate and to explore in more depth some of the concepts previously introduced at levels 4 and 5.
Psychology of Choice ClosePsychology of Choice
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the main concepts and theories in research on preference choices, risk perception and communication, and judgement and decision making. Students will be able to describe and evaluate research findings on how people assess risks (major hazards, terrorism etc.) and which psychological factors determine the choices and preferences made by individuals and experts.
Psychology of Belief ClosePsychology of Belief
The aims of the module are to assist students in developing; their skills and competencies in critical thinking and the evaluation of information; their ability to understand behaviours motivated by different values and different cultural perspectives; and their ability to understand the causes of beliefs which they do not themselves ascribe to.
Students will explore the various factors (e.g., social, developmental, cognitive, cultural, and biopsychological) that contribute to unsubstantiated beliefs, look at various theories of religious belief, and explore the psychology of moral values and political affiliation.
Psychology of Emotion ClosePsychology of Emotion
This module will aim to explore and critically evaluate approaches to the emotions in Psychology. The aim will be for students to develop knowledge about the role and nature of emotions in psychological experiences, and critically evaluate emotion research.
Occupational Psychology CloseOccupational Psychology
The module aims to introduce students to the main areas of occupational and organisational psychology and providing a critical understanding of the various ways in which contemporary psychological knowledge is applied to workplace behaviour of people and to business management. It elucidates multiple aspects of human performance at work and ways to optimise them, considering their individual, group and organisational contexts.
Applied Cyberpsychology CloseApplied Cyberpsychology
Broadly speaking the module aims to help students:
- Think about how Cyberpsychology can enhance the communication and impact of psychological science.
- Consider the implications of existing lines of psychological inquiry for research within Cyberpsychology.
- Critically evaluate the way that research in Cyberpsychology can be applied to society.
HOW YOU'LL LEARN
We have implemented an innovative Technology Enhanced Active Learning (TEAL):
- Increased face-to-face learning and teaching. Students will spend their timetabled contact hours on campus in a 2.5 day block and have access to a wide range of additional learning and career development opportunities.
- Access to recorded lectures, notes, readings and e-resources through the VLE, so that student engagement in learning takes place beyond timetabled hours.
- Access to industry standard technology and specialist spaces that help prepare students for their future career.
- Dedicated time, every Wednesday afternoon, for most students to engage in activities and development programmes such as sport and physical activity, volunteering and student-led clubs and societies.
- A holistic approach to learning and teaching, providing a range of opportunities to actively develop academically, personally and professionally.
- Access to our on-campus and virtual Career Zones - places to receive advice and guidance, meet employers, practice interviews and engage with opportunities for internships and jobs.
- Personalised support throughout the learner journey, with access to academic advisers, skills tutors, career coaches and wellbeing advisers.
- A dedicated portal - Track My Future (TMF) - which provides access to all learning and support services and a personalised student engagement dashboard.
When not attending timetabled lectures you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This will typically involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and Moodle.
If you need a bit of extra help with certain skills such as academic writing, English, maths or statistics, our Academic Tutors offer workshops, drop-in sessions and one-to-one appointments to help our students achieve their potential. You can receive advice and guidance on all aspects of the IT systems provided by the university from our IT Service Desks located on all three campuses.
Our Student Support hubs in Docklands and Stratford feature centralised helpdesks to cater for your every need. UEL provides also support and advice for disabled students and those with specific learning difficulties (SPDs).
Your overall workload consists of class and online tutor-led sessions, individual learning, practical activities. The size of classes can vary depending on the nature of the course, module and activity. This can range from large groups in a lecture theatre setting to smaller groups taking part in seminars and collaborative work. You will receive your personalised timetable at the beginning of the academic year dependent on your course.
Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9.00am and 6.00pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.
To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally attracts on average 20 - 25 students a year. Lecture sizes are normally 15 plus students.
In the classroom, you will be taught in smaller groups of students. However, this can vary by academic year.
HOW YOU'LL BE ASSESSED
We will be assessing your academic work and supporting you in producing it. Assessment methods include group work, exams and individual work including essays, presentations, case studies, professional development and practical activities depending on the nature of the module. All grades count towards module marks, and assessment is through a mixture of coursework and exams. These are mainly spread across the year to make things more manageable.
You won't have any exams in your first year. The balance of coursework and exams in your second year will depend on your choice of option modules. The second year includes a core, work-based learning module (Work-based Learning in Psychology, for which a minimum of 30 hours' work experience over one term is included in the module's study hours). You will not be assessed on performance in the workplace. Instead, you will be required to reflect on your experience, and make links to relevant psychological research and theory and to your own personal and professional development. In your third year, a significant part of your assessment will be based on your final research project coursework. More details are included in the programme handbook and module guides when you enrol.
Feedback is provided within 15 working days in line with UEL's assessment and feedback policy.
CAMPUS and FACILITIES
Stratford Campus, Water Lane, Stratford
WHO TEACHES THIS COURSE
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
Professor Ian Tucker
Ian is Professor and Director of Impact and Innovation in the School of Psychology at UEL. He has expertise in digital media and mental health.
See full profile
Professor Rachel Tribe
Professor Tribe is a chartered organisational and counselling psychologist with experience in the private, public, charity and academic sectors.
See full profile
Dr Helen Murphy
Helen is a Social Psychologist in the School of Psychology at the University of East London.
See full profile
Dr Rachel Jane Liebert
Teaching and supervising on the Clinical & Community Psychology programme.
See full profile
Dr Ava Kanyeredzi
Dr Ava Kanyeredzi teaches on the BSc and MSc Forensic Psychology and Clinical and Community Psychology programmes.
See full profile
The University's contacts within the local NHS trusts offer a wide variety of work experience and opportunities for research. The programme leaders were innovative in their presentation of lectures and seminars. They gave a first-hand account of the profession and provided a good understanding of what to expect when working in the mental health field."
Eileen Ward
Clinical and Community Psychology, BSc (Hons)
What we're researching
At the University of East London we are working on the some of the big issues that will define our future; from sustainable architecture and ethical AI, to health inequality and breaking down barriers in the creative industries.
Our students and academics are more critically engaged and socially conscious than ever before. Discover some of the positive changes our students, alumni and academics are making in the world.
YOUR FUTURE CAREER
We've designed this degree to give you a competitive edge when it comes to gaining a place on a postgraduate course. If you decide to go straight into work, the experience you'll have gained from placements in clinical and community settings will maximise your job prospects too.
Your degree could be your first step towards becoming a clinical psychologist. It may also lead directly to other graduate employment opportunities within the NHS, public sector or charitable and voluntary sector organisations.
The placements and extracurricular opportunities open to you on this course mean you are more likely to have a chance of taking that next step towards your goal, whatever that may be.
And having a degree recognised by the British Psychological Society means an opening to careers in a wide range of other areas, such as sport and leisure, education, human resources, consumer research and advertising, and the media.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.
