Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGICAL, SOCIAL AND BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES
Coventry University
Ranked 13th in UK Guardian University Guide 2019
Welcome I am delighted to welcome you to the School of Psychological, Social and Behavioural Sciences, based within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at Coventry University. Research inspired and practice-led, our school and its staff provide you with a learning environment that has been specifically designed to engage, inform and excite you; setting you on a journey of lifechanging learning and exploration. We are committed to developing a better understanding of human behaviour within a social context, looking at how to support people in need, including some of the most vulnerable people within our society. By being part of our school, you can expect to be offered a range of opportunities, whether you are looking to explore our latest research, global networks and partnerships, experiment with the latest technology in our laboratories, or secure practical work experience opportunities that will help you to become a leader of the future. Our learning through exploration approach brings your subject to life. You will use our excellent facilities to simulate scenarios, putting theory into real-world situations. Drawing on the expertise and experience of our staff you will have practical advice and guidance on pursuing the career of your choice after graduation. As a school, we share a passion for the many dimensions of psychology, exploring the behaviours thoughts and actions of people, and applying these to the understanding of real-world problems. We also focus on crime, victimisation, investigation, punishment and criminal justice; including the causes of criminality and the various means by which society attempt to deal with it. The following pages provide you with an overview of everything our school and the faculty has to offer. I hope that you are able to join us on our exciting adventure.
The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Dr Eve Knight Interim Head of School
The contents of this brochure are correct at the time of going to press. The course information within it relates to the 2019/20 academic year. We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. Please visit www.coventry.ac.uk/study-at-coventry for up-to-date information on courses and other facilities and services described here before making any application or accepting any offer.
Inspires our students and partners to engage with and explore their passion for health and life: through high-quality teaching, practical application and simulation, research and enterprise. Working together, we make a difference to individuals, organisations and a global community.
Contents 04
Learning through exploration
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Our approach
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Teaching excellence
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Employability focus
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A global outlook
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Life-changing research
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Childhood and Youth Studies
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Criminal Psychology
19 Criminology 20
Criminology and Law
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Forensic Investigations
22 Psychology 23
Social Work
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Social Sciences
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Sport and Exercise Psychology
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Next steps
GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2019 UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR FOR STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Awarded Gold for outstanding teaching and learning 2017.
Learning through exploration The School of Psychological, Social and Behavioural Sciences takes an innovative approach to learning and teaching. By experiencing and exploring simulated scenarios you will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the theory and practical application of knowledge, as well as an enjoyable and engaging learning experience. For example our Forensic Investigations students work in our crime scene room or community houses in the new Alison Gingell Building to apply the forensic techniques taught in lectures and workshops to realistic crime scene scenarios. Using fingerprint kits and specialist suits, they are able to identify and recover a variety of evidence samples, package and label them and record items for analysis. Following analysis, students will then simulate taking this evidence to court in the University’s Moot Room – a fully functional courtroom.
Our psychopharmacology laboratory is used to investigate and test new ideas such as testing human responses or EEG (electroencephalography) technology to measure brain waves, enabling you to conduct ethical experiments and collect primary data. Students have recently been involved in research exploring the effects of caffeine products on cognitive behaviour and are also working on Emotional Intelligence and Situational Judgement projects for a fire service. The new multi-million pound Alison Gingell Building complements our existing health and life sciences facilities with a range of specialist and practical facilities, social spaces, meeting and general teaching rooms. The building offers an excellent learning environment by bringing together all the essential practical and simulation equipment required by aspiring leaders and the next generation of health and life sciences professionals.
The specialist teaching facilities include an observation suite, counselling rooms and specialist software and control rooms for testing and experimentation to create simulated interrogation environments.
Students from the school work alongside other Health and Life Sciences students as part of our wider faculty mission to combine technology, science, health and wellbeing together, collaborating to create life-changing ideas and expertise.
Whatever course you choose, you will have the opportunity to use the latest industry standard equipment and facilities and learn professional skills and attributes.
Many of our facilities, including those in the new Alison Gingell Building, are also used by the local community. We are proud to work in partnership with local companies and organisations to develop joint initiatives that help us to be a university in the city, for the city.
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By experiencing and exploring simulated scenarios you will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the theory and practical application of knowledge.
Our approach We share a passion for making a difference to local, national and international communities, exploring the behaviours, thoughts and actions of people whilst applying these to contemporary real-world problems.
We are also proud of our international focus. You will be offered opportunities to participate in overseas field trips – recent visits have included South Africa, New York and Germany – and take part in an online international learning project.
We also focus on crime, victimisation, punishment and criminal justice; including its causes and how society and social groups attempt to deal with it; as well as the practical and legal implications of forensic investigations. We are passionate about developing a better understanding of human behaviour within a social context, seeking to support people in need including some of the most vulnerable people within our society.
By encouraging learning through exploration, we ensure that our students and academics have every possible opportunity to connect with the local community and industry, whilst working together to challenge each other to become pioneers in our chosen fields.
Our staff are committed to providing you with a learning environment that supports you on a journey of life-changing learning and exploration. Many of the school's lecturers have previously worked, and continue to collaborate, in your chosen career field. They bring with them a wealth of practitioner experience, meaning that you can expect specialist and expert knowledge of both national and international practice. Working in partnership with professional bodies, community organisations and employers in the private, voluntary and statutory sectors is vitally important to the School of Psychological, Social and Behavioural Sciences. In placing a key focus on employability, we provide opportunities for work experience and placements, and our strong links with employers ensures that our courses are relevant to the real world. The school also provides you with interactive learning opportunities and cutting-edge teaching facilities. Depending on your chosen course, you will be offered the opportunity to work in our prison cells, analyse a mock crime scene, take part in investigations, work in our psychology laboratories, and use state of the art equipment such as eyetrackers, fingerprint and drone technology.
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Our courses provide real-life experience through industry engagement, work experience and ‘live’ projects, for example, working on biological and cognitive experiments or understanding how psychometric testing is applied. Practical simulation is an important element of your learning, for example, our Criminology and Forensic Investigations students use our ‘mock’ cells to experience the practical aspects of life in prison. Guest speakers visit our school on a regular basis and come from many different sectors including the Prison Service, Police, UK Borders Agency and Youth Offending Team. Practising psychologists and researchers deliver guest lectures to students, ensuring you are knowledgeable about the contemporary issues in your subject area. Our specialist employment and placement advisors will help you find professional placements and internships in the UK or abroad, as well as supporting your transition into employment.
We share a passion for exploring the behaviours, thoughts and actions of people whilst applying these to contemporary real-world problems.
Teaching excellence We know the difference good teaching can make to your time at university. A great experience can make you happier, help you to learn more and contribute to giving you that edge when it comes to getting a job. That’s why we’re proud of our teaching achievements, including being awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) the government’s first major assessment of teaching quality in universities. We’ve also been awarded 5 stars for our teaching excellence (QS stars 2018). The School of Psychological, Social and Behavioural Sciences is nationally and internationally recognised for its high standards of teaching and research. Staff and students work hard with the aim of ensuring that upon graduation, our students are: • Confident, capable and resilient following a transformative university experience • Industry-ready with relevant knowledge, skills and understanding to secure a job • Community-minded and ready to make a difference in our society • Work-prepared with professional skills in decision-making and teamwork • Worldly-wise with a global outlook and cultural awareness.
Well-rounded skills Our courses provide a mixture of theory, practical workshops and tutorials that enable you to build a range of learning skills including logical, systematic, critical and reflective reasoning and ethical practice. Our courses also incorporate the latest technology, whether you’re using a fingerprinting kit to provide crime analysis or capturing citizen stories using mobile tablets. You also have the opportunity to use eye tracker equipment when testing human responses and EEG (electroencephalography) to measure brain waves. In addition, the faculty’s Centre for Excellence in Learning Enhancement (CELE) and our team of Learning Technologists work across all our courses to apply innovative learning methods into each course. Innovation and risk-taking The learning experience that we provide gives you a safe space for innovation and risk-taking. Course teams are broad-based, not limited solely to academic subject experts, and include practice partners, technicians, employability advisors, learning technologists and subject librarians. Working closely together, these staff both challenge and support you throughout your studies.
Research inspired Our undergraduate teaching is heavily influenced by our research, with research-active academics teaching across the faculty on a regular basis. This means that you will have access to the most up-to-date thinking in Psychological, Social and Behavioural Sciences disciplines. You may also have the chance to collaborate with staff on research projects, for example, some of our students have been involved in cortisol testing projects, looking at stress responses in different populations. Professionally accredited Many of the courses within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences are formally recognised by accrediting bodies including the British Psychological Society (BPS), the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Skillsmark. Accredited courses are reviewed and tested by the approved professional bodies to ensure they reach a set standard.
Coventry University
2nd in UK for Teaching Excellence (TEF) Times Higher Education metrics ranking 2017
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Coventry University was awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) - the government’s first major assessment of teaching quality in universities.
Employability focus Working in partnership with professional bodies, community organisations and employers in the private, voluntary and statutory sectors is vitally important to the School of Psychological, Social and Behavioural Sciences. Placements and employment The school provides dedicated support to develop and guide you in obtaining relevant work experience, industrial placements, internships and volunteering experiences to enhance your employability skills and attributes. The team provides 1-2-1 advice and workshops. They also liaise with a wide range of employers on your behalf, to help you to successfully secure a placement, graduate employment or further study. You could attend placements in a variety of relevant settings including law courts, police stations, hospitals, day centres, social work and community settings, schools, residential units and other public bodies. Many of our graduates continue their studies at postgraduate and professional level and go on to train to become qualified Psychologists, others become Researchers, Lecturers, Teachers, Social Workers, Administrators, Practitioners, Managers, or Health and Care Professionals. Other graduates have progressed to roles in the NHS, local authorities, voluntary agencies and charities (such as Age UK, The Samaritans, The Alzheimer’s Society and RNIB), housing, education as well as Prison Service, Police, UK Borders Agency, the Home Office, the Employment Department Group (including the Employment Service), the Ministry of Defence and the Civil Service Commission.
Coventry University
97% employed or in further study DLHE survey, UG UK, 2016/17 (published 2018)
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Industry links We have close relationships with employers across our sectors, for example, with Age UK, Alcohol Action, Warwickshire County Council, Coventry City Council, the NSPCC, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, Birmingham City Council, Warwickshire County Council Northamptonshire County Council, West Midlands Fire Service and Sunbeam Fostering Agency Ltd, regional police and Police and Crime Commissioners. These well-established links enable us to provide high-quality student placements and ensure we can actively involve service users and carers. We involve employers and services users and carers in our course development, teaching and also in our selection processes. Many of our staff have extensive professional experience as accredited Social Workers, Youth Workers, Psychologists and Careers Guidance Counsellors as well as experience in law enforcement and the criminal justice system. They have worked for local authorities, voluntary organisations and regulatory bodies both in the UK and abroad. Many tutors have held senior positions within these organisations either as senior managers or in consultancy and advisory capacities, informing on legislation, policy governance and practice developments. This means that you can expect specialist and expert knowledge of both national and international practice. Getting involved One way to enrich your student experience is to join one of the many student societies and clubs, often run by students themselves. Subject-specific societies, which organise social and professional activities, provide an ideal opportunity to interact with students with similar interests and career aspirations, for example, the Psychology Society meets regularly to promote psychology as a discipline. They host open forums to discuss the issues surrounding psychology and promote multi-disciplinary social interaction and debate.
Our courses provide real-life experience through industry engagement, work experience and ‘live’ projects.
A global outlook Opportunities to travel are a real perk of choosing Coventry University. You can expect unforgettable life experiences, and start to stand out from the crowd of other graduates. With trips abroad, language classes and a Global Leaders Programme at your feet, there’s no telling where you might end up as a Coventry University student. Our courses provide you with the opportunity of studying abroad or taking a professional placement year within or outside the UK. We run a number of field trips, with destinations in previous years including Poland, Germany, Tokyo, San Francisco, South Africa, Amsterdam and Sri Lanka. An international experience develops independence, a global outlook and an openness to new ideas and experiences, all of which are valuable graduate attributes. On a recent field trip to South Africa students toured the Cape Town Houses of Parliament and Victor Verster prison where they met young prisoners who had recently completed rehabilitation programmes. They also visited Mitchells Plain township where they witnessed a bail hearing and met with representatives from the Mitchells Plain Crisis Forum - a charity that supports victims and families through court proceedings. Following this, the local police chief spoke to them about his priorities and the challenges he faces in his fight against rising crime levels. The students also found the time for trips to the beach and a safari park to enjoy the South African sun and scenery.
Go Abroad scheme We strongly believe in offering all students the opportunity to go abroad, and there is funding available to support you if you decide to take this challenge. Open to all Coventry University students, our Go Abroad schemes offer multiple opportunities to gain international experience and acquire knowledge, attitudes and skills and become globally-agile citizens and globally employable graduates. Each year, many students spend between 3 and 12 months abroad studying, working, volunteering or travelling. For more information visit www.coventry.ac.uk/study-at-coventry/ centre-for-global-engagement/go-abroad Global Leaders Programme (GLP) This exciting, members-only programme* develops industry leaders of the future. Expand your global skills in our specialist workshops, experience new cultures and different countries, and meet global leaders at networking events from the likes of Google, Microsoft and Facebook. The cost for the 2018 academic year is ÂŁ300 for the full three year programme. www.coventry.ac.uk/globalready *Fees apply
Students Lauren and Jasmyn were so inspired by the visit they will be returning to Cape Town to do a three-month placement at a domestic violence charity.
Coventry University
1st for overseas student experiences Based on the number of student trips abroad - HESA 2016/17 UK
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The international experience can help you to contextualise your learning and enable you to compare and contrast different approaches to your subject.
Life-changing research The School of Psychological, Social and Behavioural Sciences is nationally and internationally recognised for research that contributes to the real world. Our teaching is heavily influenced by our research, with research-active academics teaching across the school on a regular basis. High-quality applied research lies at the heart of everything we do; we are committed to making a substantial contribution to some of today’s most challenging issues, through our dedicated research centres. Research themes include: • • • • • • • •
Whole-life span approaches from pre-natal to older adult Psychological and behaviour interventions Pharmaceuticals Biochemical innovations Sports and exercise Health economics Social policy Disease prevention and innovative use of technology.
Centre for Advances in Behavioural Science (CABS) The mission of CABS is to advance theory and practice through behavioural science research to address real-world problems. CABS works with individuals and communities to understand societal needs and develop solutions that impact lives and help to build healthy and resilient communities. This is achieved through conducting interdisciplinary behavioural science research that is innovative, rigorous, original and globally significant.
Centre for Innovative Research Across the Life Course (CIRAL) Our research is multidisciplinary which impacts on policy, clinical and social care decision-making and practice, and individual and community health and wellbeing, tackling grand challenges society faces today and in the future. A core approach to health and wellbeing promotion lies in our beliefs – to improve the lives, health and wellbeing of young children, adults and their families. Our mission is to understand and optimise the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities and society through conducting innovative, rigorous, and original and globally significant, interdisciplinary research with children, adults, families, and organisations across health and social care sectors. Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences (CSELS) Research within the Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences (CSELS) reflects a broad strength of sport, exercise and biological associated sciences to understand life from the level of molecules through to the whole body. The Centre has considerable expertise, ranging from expertise in cell biology, genomic and molecular biology, biochemistry, nutrition and food science, safety pharmacology, physiology, physical activity and sport performance. Centre for Global Learning Education and Attainment (GLEA) Dr Stephen Cowden and Dr Gurnam Singh are two Social Work academics who are Research Associates with GLEA on the basis of their research on critical pedagogy and inequalities in education. This focus on the ethical basis of teaching and learning is an important part of the work of this Research Centre and links very much to the participatory teaching approach on the MA Social Work. This itself is linked to wider questions about inequalities in society, which is a central component of the MA Social Work.
Researcher profile Dr Kate Carr-Fanning is a psychologist specialising in inclusive education. Kate is a Lecturer and the Course Director for Childhood and Youth Studies. Kate’s interests are in the area of inclusive education, especially for students with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties, and the development of programmes of promotion and intervention in schools across Europe and the USA. At present, Kate is working on an EU Commissioned research project – the Helping Hands Project, developing a programme of early intervention for Kindergartens in Eastern Europe (Romania, Slovakia, and Hungry).
Dr Kate Carr-Fanning Course Director for Childhood and Youth Studies
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“I’m interested in education and the co-creation of inclusive schools, especially for children with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties, who are among the most marginalised. My research has included an interest in children’s voice, and I have developed creative and arts-based techniques to support communication with children with SEN.”
We are committed to making a substantial contribution to some of today’s most challenging issues through our applied research.
Childhood and Youth Studies BA (Hons)
Course information UCAS code: L591 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/L591 3 years full-time or 4 years sandwich (study abroad/work placement) Overview If you want to create a better future for the next generation, this exciting course is designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge, sensitivity and understanding to join one of the many professions which deal with social, psychological and educational issues relating to children and young people. Our course reflects on the significant changes and trends in children’s and young people’s services, anticipating how they may evolve as needs change, and prepares you to be future leaders within the children and young people’s services sector. It is designed to equip you with a wide range of practical skills in education, mentoring, advocacy, group work, advice and guidance. You will have the opportunity to develop these practical skills through a combination of in-class workshop guidance, practical application and practice within supported placement settings.
Why Childhood and Youth Studies at Coventry University? • E xpert staff with decades of collective first-hand practice experience in various settings, in addition to being actively engaged in research and writing • E xcellent relationships with relevant agencies, such as local schools, local authority children and youth services, and a broad range of charities • Subsidised international field trips (additional charges apply for some trips) • Allows progression to a range of professional and postgraduate courses, some with professional body accreditation, including social work, youth work and primary school teaching • The Alison Gingell Building provides facilities for teaching and research, featuring two full size homes which can be used for workshops mimicking working scenarios with children, young people and their families. Possible careers for graduates • • • • • • • •
Teaching Youth work Social work Child and family support manager Classroom/educational assistant Kids’ club co-ordinator Outreach support worker Residential child care worker
Note: further qualifications are required for some careers (e.g. teaching)
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Criminal Psychology BSc (Hons)
Course information UCAS code: CM82 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/CM82 3 years full-time or 4 years sandwich (study abroad/work placement) Overview Psychology is the study of approaches that explain people’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Criminal Psychology explores human behaviour with a criminal focus by engaging with theories and application of psychological perspectives, methods and techniques. This course aims to provide a comprehensive grounding in the major psychological approaches to the study of human behaviour. Covering psychological theory, research and practical skills, it aims to help you understand how psychology is applied to real life, with a focus on criminal behaviour, and how to select, use and report appropriate psychological methods and research techniques. Work experience is a key part of the course, helping to ensure that you graduate not only with academic qualifications, but with relevant work experience and a host of transferable skills, including critical analysis, problem solving and leadership.
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Why Criminal Psychology at Coventry University? • Coventry was ranked 18th for Psychology in the Guardian University Guide 2019 • Laboratory facilities including EEG recording, psychopharmacological testing, mock prison cells, and specialist software, such as E-Prime, Superlab, SPSS, and NVIVO • Taught by staff with a variety of professional experience as forensic and applied psychologists, many actively conducting research in forensic psychology, law and cognition, neuroscience and psychobiology • Guest lectures by experts in crime and psychology, including practising psychologists, experienced teachers and researchers • Accreditation by the British Psychological Society (BPS) meaning that as a graduate, provided you achieve at least a 2:2, you will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC)* • Active and vibrant student-led Psychology Society. Possible careers for graduates • • • •
Psychologist (with further professional training) Researcher Mental health worker Teaching (with further qualifications)
Accreditation This course is accredited by The British Psychological Society (BPS).
* Additional costs may apply. Please check with the membership body for details.
Criminology BA (Hons)
Course information UCAS code: L370 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/L370 3 years full-time or 4 years sandwich (study abroad/work placement) Overview What are the causes of crime? How can crime be prevented? Do prisons work? What are the alternatives? Is sentencing fair? These are some of the cutting-edge questions we consider on this course. Our degree programme aims to equip you with a critical perspective on a wide variety of phenomena associated with crime, victimisation, punishment and criminal justice, with a focus on its causes and the various means by which society and social groups attempt to deal with it. This course is ideal if you are interested in a career in the criminal justice sector, in professions such as policing, community safety or youth offending. You will have the opportunity to gain a detailed understanding of the workings of the criminal justice system, policing and different aspects of punishment, enhanced by regular interaction with criminal justice agencies.
Why Criminology at Coventry University? • C oventry was ranked in the UK’s top 10 universities for Criminology in the Guardian University Guide 2019 • High levels of student satisfaction – 100% satisfied with the quality of the course in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2018 • E xcellent professional links with employers including Police, HM Prison Service and charities • E xpert guest lecturers which recently have covered topics including policing and mental health, representing victims of sexual abuse, female genital mutilation, and deaths in police custody • Opportunities to participate in exciting field trips abroad, which have previously included the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York and the Stasi museum in Berlin (additional costs may apply). Possible careers for graduates • • • • •
Investigator Police, probation or prison officer Researcher Community safety/Crime prevention officer Teaching
Note: further qualifications are required for some careers, e.g. teaching
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Criminology and Law BA (Hons)
Course information UCAS code: M930 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/M930 3 years full-time or 4 years sandwich (study abroad/work placement) Overview Bringing together the closely related disciplines of Law and Criminology, this course explores the widely publicised and often emotive issues surrounding crime, punishment, justice and the legal system. Ideal for those interested in careers in criminal justice and with transferable analytical and problem-solving skills useful in a wide range of jobs, the course considers the strengths and shortcomings of the legal system and the various philosophical, political, social, economic and moral issues which have shaped it and affect us today. Our Criminology and Law degree is designed to equip you with a detailed understanding of the social, moral, psychological, philosophical and legal aspects of criminology, complemented by ongoing study of constitutional, administrative and criminal law. You’ll have the opportunity to gain a detailed understanding of the workings of the criminal justice system, policing and different aspects of punishment, enhanced by regular interaction with criminal justice agencies.
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Why Criminology and Law at Coventry University? • R anked in the UK’s top 10 universities for Criminology in the Guardian University Guide 2019 • E xcellent professional links with employers including Police, HM Prison Service, Youth Offending Services and charities • E xpert guest lecturers which recently have covered topics including policing and mental health, representing victims of sexual abuse, female genital mutilation, and deaths in police custody • O pportunities to participate in subsidised field trips abroad, which have previously included the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York and the Stasi museum in Berlin (additional costs may apply). Possible careers for graduates • • • • •
Investigator Police, probation or prison officer Researcher Community safety/Crime prevention officer Teaching
Note: further qualifications may be required for some careers e.g. teaching
Forensic Investigations BSc (Hons)
Course information UCAS code: F410 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/F410 3 years full-time or 4 years sandwich (study abroad/work placement) Overview Forensic investigation is an exciting and challenging area of study, which involves not only an understanding of scientific methods of forensic analysis, but also investigative techniques, including the interpretation and presentation of analytical evidence to explain or solve criminal or civil cases. Officially recognised by Skills for Justice as providing education of outstanding quality and relevance, our degree is concerned primarily with the identification, collation and reporting of evidence to a forensic hearing. Our comprehensive curriculum covers investigative skills, the law, interviewing techniques, forensic science, investigation management, the legal process of enquiry, crime scene analysis, fraud investigation, digital forensics, surveillance and the evaluation of evidence. As well as traditional academic approaches, we focus on providing a practical experience, using real-life case studies and scenarios.
Why Forensic Investigations at Coventry University? • E xpert lecturers with a wide range of professional experience as criminologists, lawyers, chemists, forensic scientists, investigators and psychologists, as well as expertise in surveillance and investigative interviewing, pathology, fraud and financial investigations • New multi-million pound Alison Gingell Building with two full-size community houses which can be used for realistic crime scene scenarios • Simulate taking evidence to court in the University’s Moot Room – a fully functional courtroom • Opportunities to participate in exciting field trips abroad, which have previously included the International Criminal Court at The Hague (additional costs may apply). Possible careers for graduates • • • • •
Investigator Prison officer Intelligence services Trading standards officer Teaching
Note: further qualifications are required for some careers e.g. teaching Accreditation This course has achieved the Quality Mark endorsement and, as such, is officially recognised by Skills for Justice.
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Psychology BSc (Hons)
Course information UCAS code: C800 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/C800 3 years full-time or 4 years sandwich (study abroad/work placement) Overview
Interested in why people think, feel and behave the way they do? This course takes a scientific approach to understanding the human mind. This course aims to provide a comprehensive grounding in the major psychological approaches to the study of human behaviour, teaching you how to investigate people’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours using psychological research methods. Covering psychological theory, research and practical skills, it aims to help you understand how psychology is applied to real life and how to select, use and report appropriate psychological methods and research techniques. Work experience is a key part of the course helping to ensure that you graduate not only with academic qualifications, but with relevant work experience and a host of transferable skills, including critical analysis, problem solving, and leadership.
Why Psychology at Coventry University? • Coventry was ranked 18th for Psychology in the Guardian University Guide 2019 • Laboratory facilities including EEG recording, psychopharmacological testing, mock prison cells, and specialist software, such as E-Prime, Superlab, SPSS, and NVIVO • Taught by staff with a variety of professional experience as forensic, sports, organisational and health psychologists, many actively conducting research • Guest lectures, which have previously included contributions from Coventry Refugee Centre advisors, as well as people recovering from substance abuse problems and neuropsychological conditions such as strokes • Active and vibrant student-led Psychology Society • Accreditation by the British Psychological Society (BPS) meaning that as a graduate, provided you achieve at least a 2:2, you will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC)*. Possible careers for graduates • • • •
Psychologist (with further professional training) Mental health worker Researcher Teaching
Note: further qualifications are required for some careers e.g. teaching Accreditation This course is accredited by The British Psychological Society (BPS).
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* Additional costs may apply. Please check with the membership body for details.
Social Work BA (Hons)
Course information UCAS code: L500 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/L500 3 years full-time Overview There aren’t many careers or degree courses that make you feel like you’re giving back to society in the way Social Work can. Social Work is much more than ‘helping people’. At its best it saves lives, protects vulnerable people from harm and enhances the life chances of those in social need. This course engages the head, the heart and the hands because theoretical knowledge, practical experience and human compassion are all essential requisites of an effective social worker. We have been educating social workers for over 50 years and the course is grounded in practice so that you experience first-hand the contemporary challenges and rapidly changing patterns of social work provision. You’ll put theory into practice on placement in a range of social work and care settings, dealing with complex situations and learning alongside experienced social work practitioners.
* Additional costs may apply. Please check with the membership body for details.
Why Social Work at Coventry University? • 9 2% overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2018 • Two separate placements of 70 and 100 days, supervised and supported by a qualified social worker and team members • Course team of qualified social workers with years of professional experience, many of whom are research active and currently registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) • Strong reputation within the field and Social Work • Strong partnerships with local statutory agencies and organisations in the voluntary, private and independent sectors • Engagement with current social work practitioners, service users and carers and related disciplines through their involvement in teaching delivery. Possible careers for graduates • Social worker • Youth worker Accreditation This degree is approved by the HCPC. Successful completion of your course of study with us leads to your eligibility to seek registration with the HCPC in England with the protected title of ‘Social Worker*'.
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Social Sciences BSc (Hons)
Course information UCAS code: L400 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/L400 3 years full-time or 4 years sandwich or 5 years part-time Overview This course draws on social research to discuss current issues facing society and explores potential policy and practice solutions. It develops your knowledge of what shapes us as human beings individually and collectively to enable us to understand how best we can improve people's lives. Building on our social sciences expertise in psychology, sociology, criminology, community development and social policy, this exciting course offers the chance to participate in cutting-edge, evidence based discussions to gain a deeper understanding of contemporary pressures facing people in society. It is designed to help empower you for future careers shaping policy or informing social action in local or national government, education, research, charity leadership and management. We will encourage you to be original thinkers and problem solvers in the fields of welfare, public, private and third sector research and policy development, locally and internationally.
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Why Social Sciences at Coventry University? • T aught by staff with a variety of professional experience including community and youth workers, teachers, town planners, researchers and international development workers for local authorities, charities, private sector and welfare agencies • Opportunity to attend guest lectures, which have previously included contributions from Coventry Refugee Centre advisors and the NSPCC, as well as people recovering from the trauma of war and forced migration • Opportunities to work on case studies and real tasks brought to the University by partner organisations, such as Citizen’s Advice • Professional links with Housing Associations including Nehemiah Housing Association, Coventry City Council, advice services such as Warwickshire Welfare Rights Advice Service and Coventry Law Centre, local schools, healthcare providers including Coventry and Warwickshire Mind, and Youth Work agencies such as the National Youth Agency and Muslim Youth Work Foundation • Opportunities to visit local, national and international agencies which have previously included the Houses of Parliament, Southwell Workhouse (National Trust), Valley House (Teenage Parents and Community Venture), the British Red Cross and Belo Horizonte in Brazil. Possible careers for graduates • • • • • •
Social research Policy officer Welfare/Advice officer Community development worker International development worker Graduate management training schemes
Sport and Exercise Psychology BSc (Hons)
Course information UCAS code: C841 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/C841 3 years full-time or 4 years sandwich (study abroad/work placement) Overview Sport and exercise psychologists use scientific research methods to explore how people’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours affect their sports performance. Studying key factors, such as motivation, commitment, mental toughness, self-confidence, stress, anxiety, attitude to injury and concentration, they support athletes to consistently optimise their performance in physical activity. This British Psychological Society accredited course draws upon various fields of psychological knowledge, as well as human physiology and anatomy, to develop your understanding of the factors which influence performance in a sports and exercise context. This course provides a comprehensive grounding in the major psychological approaches to the study of human behaviour, together with an understanding of physiology, anatomy and contemporary issues in sport and exercise psychology.
* Additional costs may apply. Please check with the membership body for details.
Why Sport and Exercise Psychology at Coventry University? • Psychology courses are ranked 18th by The Guardian University Guide 2019 • Laboratory facilities including EEG recording, psychopharmacological testing, and specialist software, such as E-Prime, Superlab, SPSS, and NVIVO • Expert staff with experience as practitioners and consultants at all levels of sport and exercise, many of whom are researchactive, specialising in areas such as character development, motivation and wellbeing in sport and exercise • Accreditation by the British Psychological Society (BPS) meaning that as a graduate, provided you achieve at least a 2:2, you will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC)*. Possible careers for graduates • S port and exercise psychologist or other applied psychologist (with further professional training) • Researcher • Teaching • Sports coaching Note: additional qualifications may be required for some careers e.g. teaching Accreditation This course is accredited by The British Psychological Society (BPS).
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Next steps Open days
Scholarships
University Open Days and Experience Days take place on Saturdays and include presentations, campus and accommodation tours, advice, workshops and the opportunity to sample our activity-led learning approach.
If you are a truly outstanding candidate we may be able to offer you a Coventry University Scholarship.
Book your place at our next open day at www.coventry.ac.uk/opendays
Entry requirements
Drop-in events Our Wednesday afternoon drop-in events are a good option if you’re pushed for time. You will have the opportunity to meet staff and students and ask any questions you may have. Student-led tours These weekday tours average around 90 minutes and give you a student’s perspective on the University and their own experience.
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Find out more at www.coventry.ac.uk/scholarships
Please check the University website www.coventry.ac.uk for detailed information about each course. How to apply For further details regarding how to apply, please visit www.coventry.ac.uk/ugapplynow
GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2019 School of Psychological, Social and Behavioural Sciences Coventry University Priory Street Coventry CV1 5FB T: +44 (0)24 7765 7688
UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR FOR STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Awarded Gold for outstanding teaching and learning 2017.
/covunihls @cu_hls @coventry_hls
www.coventry.ac.uk/hls
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