Single honours students take four courses in each term of the first year. You will be taught how to design and run research studies and will receive practical experience in carrying out simple experiments and analysing statistical data. You will also have introductory courses in lifespan development, biological psychology, learning and memory, abnormal psychology, self and society, and sensation and perception. You will be taught in several different ways, mostly through lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes. Altogether you can expect around 12 hours of tutorials, classes and lectures each week and the rest of the time you will be engaged in private study, reading and revision. Your understanding and knowledge will be assessed in coursework essays throughout term and end of year examinations, which are usually in May. You will also be allocated your own Personal Advisor – a member of academic staff who will be available to give you guidance and support throughout your time as a psychology student at Royal Holloway.
Year 1 class units
Courses in the second year build on the knowledge gained in the first year. They are more specialised and give students the chance to learn about particular topics in greater depth. Second year students are expected to carry out more independent reading and to begin to design their own research. You will receive lab classes and tutorials and lectures in research methodology and statistics, developmental, cognitive and social psychology, personality, brain and behaviour, and conceptual issues.
Year 2 class units
In the final year, students carry out independent research projects in small groups. Each group works closely with a member of staff to design a study on a topic at the cutting edge of contemporary research. Other courses are flexible and your choices will depend on your choice of specialization. Note all courses are subject to change depending on what the Department is able to offer in any given year.
Year 3 class units