The University of Strathclyde's BA (Hons) Joint Honours degree in Psychology and Spanish offers a comprehensive exploration of human behavior and the Spanish language and culture. Students develop a strong foundation in both disciplines, becoming fluent in Spanish and gaining an in-depth understanding of psychological principles. The program includes a year abroad for immersive cultural and language experience, preparing graduates for careers in psychology, language-related fields, and various other sectors.

Psychology & Spanish Degree Course (BA) | University of Strathclyde

Degree Overview:

This program is a four-year BA (Hons) Joint Honours degree in Psychology & Spanish. It offers a comprehensive study of human behavior and the Spanish language and culture. The program aims to equip students with a strong foundation in both disciplines, fostering fluency in Spanish and a deep understanding of psychological principles.

Objectives:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and its underlying mechanisms.
• Gain fluency in the Spanish language, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
• Explore the culture of Spain and Spanish-speaking countries, including their history, politics, literature, and cinema.
• Develop critical thinking, research, and analytical skills.
• Prepare students for a range of careers in psychology, language-related fields, and other sectors.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Psychology:
• Psychology 1a:
Covers learning theory, developmental psychology, personality, biological psychology, and the scientific basis for psychology.
• Psychology 1b: Covers sensation and perception, cognitive psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, and research methods.
• Spanish:
• Spanish 1A:
Focuses on contemporary Spanish language and aspects of the country's culture and society. Aims to bring students to level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
• Spanish 1B: Broadens knowledge of the Spanish language and enhances reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
Aims to bring students to level A2+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
• Introduction to Spanish 1A: Introduces the Spanish language for students with limited or no prior knowledge.
Aims to develop basic reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
• Introduction to Spanish 1B: Builds on Introduction to Spanish 1A, broadening knowledge and enhancing basic skills.

Year 2:

• Psychology:
• Cognition & Neuropsychology:
Explores higher mental functions through theoretical and experimental studies of normal human cognition and neuropsychological studies of cognitive function damage.
• Social & Health Psychology: Introduces social psychological theories and research on human behavior and beliefs.
• Introduction to Research Design & Analysis: Introduces measurement, research design, and statistical analysis in psychology.
• Spanish:
• Spanish 2A:
Introduces more complex and formal areas of language, developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Aims to bring students to level A2+/B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
• Spanish 2B: Builds on Spanish 2A, introducing more complex language and enhancing skills.
Aims to bring students to level B1+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
• Spanish and Latin American Studies II: Explores the themes of independence and isolation in Spain and Latin America through texts and films.

Year 3:

• Psychology:
• Research Methods in Psychology:
Equips students with advanced methodological and analytic skills.
• Individual Differences: Explores the study of individual differences, focusing on intelligence and personality.
• Cognition: Introduces core topics in cognitive psychology, including perception and action, memory and learning, language, and thinking.
• Development: Reviews child development from infancy to adolescence, exploring key theories and issues.
• Social Psychology: Considers current ideas and positions within social psychology, focusing on attitudes and attitude change, identity, prejudice, and epistemology.
• Spanish:
• Spanish 3A:
Builds on Spanish 2B, consolidating language knowledge and use within a cultural context. Aims to bring students to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
• Spanish 3B: Builds on Spanish 3A, focusing on two relevant topics and preparing students for the year abroad.
Aims to bring students to level B2+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
• Spanish and Latin American Studies III: Builds on Spanish and Latin American Studies II, adding a dimension of critical and theoretical awareness.

Year Abroad:

• Honours students spend a year abroad after Year 3, typically working as an English teaching assistant, gaining work experience, or studying at a foreign institution.

Year 4:

• Psychology:
• Dissertation in Psychology:
Students undertake an original piece of research under supervision.
• Semester 1 & 2 Classes:
• Advanced Organisational Behaviour:
Explores current topics within work and employment.
• Psychology Work Placement: Provides students with practical, work-based experience in a relevant setting.
• Elective Classes:
• Cross-cultural Psychology:
Explores the influence of cultural context on human psychology.
• Psychology of Mental Health: Explores the application of psychology to the field of mental health.
• Critical Thinking and Common-sense Reasoning: Introduces critical thinking and provides opportunities for practice.
• Belief and Anomalistic Experience: Examines the scientific study of belief in religion and paranormal phenomena.
• Critical Review: Allows students to conduct an in-depth study of an approved psychology topic.
• Introduction to Sleep Health: Provides an introduction to the field of sleep health, focusing on insomnia disorder.
• The Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience of Face Recognition: Covers the psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and real-world applications of face perception and recognition.
• Psychology and Ageing: Explores contemporary psychological theories of ageing and related research.
• Psychological Assessment: Provides understanding and knowledge about psychological assessment in various contexts.
• Psychology of Physical Activity: Facilitates the development of knowledge and understanding of theories and evidence-based research in relation to the psychology of physical activity.
• Considering Sleep Through the Behavioural Lens: Explores the importance of examining sleep at the behavioural level.
• Neuropsychology of Ageing and Dementia: Provides an in-depth understanding of theories and empirical data relevant to the neuropsychology of ageing and dementia.
• Theory and practice of learning and cognition: Explores and critically examines key learning theory and considers transference and application from theory to real-life contexts.
• International Work Placement: Offers students the opportunity to work in a research team at a European University partner.
• Spanish:
• Compulsory Classes:
• Spanish Honours Written Language:
Develops advanced writing skills in Spanish.
• Spanish Honours Spoken Language: Develops professional presentation skills in Spanish and introduces liaison interpreting.
• Elective Classes:
• Key Theories and Debates of Translation Studies (Spanish):
Introduces key debates in the study of translation.
• Latin America Through Indigenous Eyes: Provides an alternative vision of Latin America from Indigenous perspectives.
• What are you looking!?
• : Visual Culture in Spain: Offers a nuanced perspective on Spain and its recent past.
• Student Placement: Allows students to apply their Spanish language and cultural knowledge in a real-life setting.

Assessment:

• Psychology:
• Class tests
• Essays
• Practical reports
• Dissertations
• Individual presentations
• Group presentations
• Degree examinations
• Online and face-to-face group project work
• Practical assignments from first-year onwards
• Spanish:
• Written examinations, including translations
• Writing for a specific purpose
• Essays
• Continuous assessment, including online grammar tests and group projects
• Oral/aural tests throughout the course
• Dissertation in the final year

Teaching:

• Psychology:
• Lectures
• Small-group tutorials
• Practical labs
• Online tutorials
• Online wikis
• Group work
• Problem-based learning
• One-to-one supervision
• Spanish:
• Focus on reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills
• Interactive lectures and digital language laboratories
• Web-based learning and streamed Spanish television
• Presentations, reports, and interpreting into English in later years

Careers:

• Psychology:
• Professional psychologist (clinical, educational, occupational)
• Research
• Teaching
• Human resource management
• Social work
• Counselling
• Management
• Professional positions in the private and public sectors
• Spanish:
• Teacher
• Translator
• Work in multilingual or international environments
• Journalism
• Broadcasting

Other:

• The program includes an optional international research placement through Erasmus.
• Students can undertake an optional summer research project working with a member of staff.
• Psychology graduates can progress into postgraduate training to become professional psychologists.
• The School of Psychological Sciences and Health offers postgraduate courses in Research Methods (MSc) and Clinical Health Psychology (MSc).
• The Stevenson Exchange Scholarship offers funding towards a project undertaken during the year abroad.
• The Peter Bain Prize is awarded annually to the psychology student with the highest mark for their dissertation.
• The British Psychological Society Undergraduate Award is awarded annually for outstanding academic performance in the final year.
• The program is based in the heart of Glasgow, Scotland's biggest and most cosmopolitan city.

Scotland

£1,820

England, Wales & Northern Ireland

£9,250

International

£19,600

• Assuming no change in fees policy over the period, the total amount payable by undergraduate students will be capped.
For students commencing study in 2024/25, this is capped at £27,750 (with the exception of the MPharm and integrated Masters programmes). MPharm students pay £9,250 for each of the four years. Students studying on integrated Masters degree programmes pay an additional £9,250 for the Masters year with the exception of those undertaking a full-year industrial placement where a separate placement fee will apply.

Overview:

• Founded in 1796 as Anderson's Institution
• Received its Royal Charter in 1964, becoming the University of Strathclyde
• Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK for engineering and technology
• Home to the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), a world-leading research center in metal forming
• Notable alumni include Sir James Black (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine), Sir David Murray (former CEO of Rangers Football Club), and Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell (astrophysicist)

Student Life:

• Over 23,000 students from over 100 countries
• 150+ student clubs and societies, including sports teams, cultural groups, and academic societies
• Student support services include counseling, health, and disability support
• Campus facilities include a sports center, library, and student union

Academics:

• Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, science, business, law, and social sciences
• Faculty includes world-renowned experts in their fields
• Teaching methodologies emphasize hands-on learning and industry engagement
• Academic support services include tutoring, writing centers, and language support
• Unique academic programs include the Strathclyde MBA, which is ranked among the top 100 MBAs in the world

Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Excellent reputation for teaching and research, particularly in engineering and technology
• Strong industry connections and opportunities for internships and placements
• Specialized facilities such as the AFRC and the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
• Vibrant student life with a diverse and inclusive community
• Located in the heart of Glasgow, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city

Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center with a range of medical services
• Accommodation services with a variety of on-campus and off-campus options
• Library resources with over 1 million books and journals
• Technology support including IT services and free Wi-Fi
• Career development services with support for job searching, CV writing, and interview preparation