BSc Honours Psychology with Marketing Degree

Overview & facilities

Specifically designed for those students wishing to study psychology with marketing, the initial aim of the BSc Psychology with Marketing Degree is to provide you with a sufficient knowledge of psychology to confer Graduate Basis of Registration to the British Psychological Society.

Final year study culminates in the submission of a portfolio of research and knowledge into psychology with marketing.

The Psychology with Marketing Degree aims to

• Provide you with a sound knowledge of psychology and Marketing appropriate to future professional work;
• Introduce you to the broad range of theoretical and methodological approaches to psychology
• Encourage you to develop a critical approach to their studies, evaluating theory and evidence accordingly;
• Equip you to communicate effectively in written and numerical forms;
• Encourage independent and experiential learning, the development of oral communication skills, and the capacity for independent work;
• Provide you with grounding in all areas of psychology such that you may progress onto postgraduate training and education in psychology

Why study Psychology with Marketing at Middlesex

• Confers BPS (British Psychological Society) Graduate Basis for Registration; a prerequisite for anyone wishing to progress to graduate study to qualify as a Forensic Psychologist
• The four-year degree offers a work-based placement opportunity
• Best and most up-to-date facilities for teaching and research in the UK: including psychophysiology laboratory,  social observation laboratories, video editing suite,  virtual reality laboratory, auditory cognition laboratory, testing cubicles, and over 150 PCs specifically set up for psychology students.
  

Content & modules

This programme is based at our flagship Hendon campus.

Modules

• Year 1

  Foundation Psychology (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module provides a basic general introduction to developmental, cognitive, biological, individual differences and social psychology. The characteristic approaches adopted within these areas of psychology are explored and students are encouraged to adopt a reflective and critical perspective on the subject matter covered.

  Principles of Marketing (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module is designed to provide students with an overview of key marketing concepts and techniques, as they apply in a variety of organisations and in both conventional and online environments. More specifically, the module aims to develop students knowledge and understanding of the core role of marketing in determining the growth potential of an enterprise; the value of the marketing mix in ensuring successful marketing implementation; the significance of external and internal operating environments for marketing practice; and methods of identifying consumer targets and competitors.

  Psychology Skills and Methods (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  Module aims: to develop essential academic and IT skills, and to introduce students to the principles and practice of psychological research. Experience will be given in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative data, together with opportunities for developing skills in the dissemination of such results with the conventions, styles and critical approach of academic work.

• Year 2

  Biological Cognitive Psychology (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  Module aims: to give students an overview of the biological bases of behaviour and the cognitive approach to psychology. After initial study of the anatomy physiology of the nervous system, attention is focused on aspects of behaviour that have a clear biological component. Through a series of practical laboratory sessions students will investigate specific central and peripheral nervous system variables and their relation to behaviour. In the second half of the module, the nature of the cognitivist approach to psychology will be outlined and key theories relating to major cognitive faculties explored. Understanding of these is enhanced through a series of interactive seminars.

  Buyer Behaviour (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The aim of this module is to enable students to learn factors that influence buyer behaviour in different contexts, such as buying for self, gift buying, buying on the Internet, buyer behaviour in groups e.g. households or families and buying behaviour in organisations. Relevant theories of consumer and organisational behaviour will be explored and critiqued to gain insight into how and why buyers behave the way they often do. Students will be expected to learn elements of buyer behaviour, including product choice behaviour, habitual buyer behaviour, product retention, product disposal, and brand loyalty. Students will also be expected to relate theories of buyer behaviour to contemporary marketing.

  Research Methods and Ethics in Psychology (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module enables students to understand evaluate psychological research to understand how research design relates to research questions. It provides students with skills in a variety of statistical analyses and enables them to conduct ethical psychological research utilising quantitative and qualitative methods. It provides the foundation for interpretation critical discussion of published psychological research.

• Year 3

  Advertising and Sales Promotion (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to develop the students knowledge of the theory and practice of advertising and promotion. Students learn how to use both broad communication theory and specific promotion-related theory to inform and develop advertising and promotion programmes. They learn how these promotional activities fit within and contribute to overall marketing strategies and objectives while learning to develop, implement and evaluate advertising and promotion campaigns. Students also gain knowledge and understanding of the legal, societal and ethical issues that face the industry.

  Business Psychology (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The aim of this module is to build upon the knowledge and skills gained from the successful completion of one or more core level two psychology modules to study advanced areas in psychology. Business psychology focuses upon the analytical and managerial skills required in the area of human organisational behaviour whilst also providing students with knowledge and insight into personnel psychology.

  Direct and Customer Relationship Marketing (30 Credits) - Optional

  This module examines strategies, tools and techniques that are used to help organisations acquire, meet the needs of and retain their customers. Students will explore the theory and processes of relationship marketing - a body of research and practice that seeks to enhance organisational profitability and success through better understanding of customers and an improved customer experience. Students will acquire knowledge of and skill in using relationship marketing techniques including direct and database marketing, service quality measurement and technologies that source, classify, interact with, and learn from/about customers.

  Dissertation (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  Students pursue independent study with a designated supervisor on a topic not offered in-depth among the normal range of modules. The student will be expected to carry out an original investigation using a recognised psychology or cognitive science research method, and produce a dissertation based on that research. The title and methodology of this dissertation must be agreed with the supervisor in advance. Undertaking this module will enable participants to develop their methodological and statistical knowledge acquired through previous research methods training; it will develop their competence in the production of coherent written reports which are clearly presented and which have an analytic and critical orientation, and it will provide the opportunity for final year students to become competent and self-sufficient researchers.

Download the course specification

Entry & applying

We normally make offers on a minimum of 260 UCAS tariff points, plus GCSE Maths and English Language at grade C. BTEC National Diploma/International Baccalaureate/Advanced Progression Diplomas at equivalent tariff. Access to HE - Pass. Applications from candidates without formal qualifications are welcomed. Additionally overseas students whose first language is not English will need a qualification that demonstrates competence in English, eg IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 550 paper-based or 213 computer based.

For a comprehensive list of qualifications accepted by Middlesex, see further information under entry requirements

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 72 (with at least 17 in listening & writing, 20 in speaking and 18 in reading).

Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk.

Entry into year two or three (transfer students)

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex course in year two or three. For full details of how this works see transfer students

UK/EU applicants with existing higher education qualifications

If you have already been awarded a qualification at the same level as the course you are applying for, you may not be eligible for a tuition fee loan, see fees and funding for more information.

Applying

Applications for UK and EU students should be made to UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The institution code for Middlesex is M80, and the code name is MIDDX. You also need the code for the course you wish to apply for – this is found in the 'at a glance' box above.

International students from outside the EU can make a direct application.  We have a network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.  They have worked with people from your region coming to Middlesex before and can help. Read more on international applications

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for UK/EU students is £9,000.
The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for International students is £10,400.

Click here to find out more about fees, funding and our scholarships in 2012.

Careers & placements

Graduates are attractive to many employers because of their knowledge and understanding of human behaviour and communication. Graduates also become chartered psychologists in a range of areas.

Placements at Middlesex University date back to 1968, and since then have played a significant role in providing relevant work experience to complement the academic training gained at university, thus enhancing employment opportunities. Indeed the placement course has also played an essential role in providing the experience required for those students wishing to continue at postgraduate level in areas such as Educational, Clinical, Forensic, Health and Occupational Psychology.
 
Procedure and duration
The Placement is normally for one academic year (33 weeks), and in most cases is based at an established organisation within the UK. In some cases there have been a number of overseas placements in USA and Canada, and more recently there are plans for internal placements within the Psychology Department.

At the beginning of each academic year the students enrolled for the Sandwich Degree register with the Placement Officer and are introduced to the Psychology Placement coordinator. This it to ensure that they receive full support in their preparation for, and placement at their chosen organisation.

The placement year commences after students have successfully completed their second year of BSc studies at University. Each student will then be assigned an academic member of the Psychology Department to act as their visiting tutor.  The visiting tutor’s role is to liaise with the organisation regarding the student’s progress and fulfilment of the placement requirements.
 
Types of placements and requirements of the placement year
A wide range of influential and established organisations are involved with the placement course, for example Great Ormond Hospital School, St Georges Hospital, Priory Hospital, Institute of Psychiatry, Institute of Education, University College London, Holloway Prison, and the Metropolitan Police. Students’ involvement in such organisations includes engaging in everyday activities for example classroom education within the hospital school and running of anger management courses for the prison inmates. In addition, placement students have been engaged in a wide range of clinical and educational research, for example eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, autism and stuttering, and investigating the psychological factors in relation to male and female rape.

During the placement year, students are required to keep a log-book for each week’s activity, to produce a critical review of their placement year and to make a presentation to the university organised placement conference.

Furthermore, the placement year is expected to provide an excellent opportunity for the students to develop and complete a scientifically based project in line with their placement experience, and submit as their final year BSc dissertation.
 
Benefits of the placement year
It has generally been demonstrated that students who successfully completed their placement year benefited greatly in practical experience in relation to the application of theoretical concepts gained at university, showed a greater sense of maturity and self confidence, developed an insight into their strengths and weaknesses, developed an appreciation of the reality of work and organisation and, most importantly, enhanced their career prospects. Indeed a number of our BSc graduates in Psychology are now in positions of full-time employment with their placement organisation, for example the Metropolitan Police, Priory Hospital, Institute of Psychiatry, Institute of Education and St Georges Hospital.