Program Overview

University Foundation in Life and Medical Sciences  Stage1 at Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is designed to prepare you for entry to university-level program. During Stage 1 you will complete a range of modules relevant to your chosen degree, as well as modules concentrating on the skills that are vital for University level education such as Critical Thinking.

A Foundation pathway is available for students who:

• Don’t meet the entry requirements to enter university level study directly (but hold GCSE level qualifications)
• Feel that additional support at the start of university studies will help them stand a better chance of success
• Have been away from studies for a period of time
• Come from a different academic environment to that of the UK
• Require additional English language training

If you fall into any of the above categories, choosing an undergraduate pathway at Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is the right decision. Depending on your academic needs here at Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

Progressing from Foundation

Stage 1 will be the first stage in the 4 stage process. Meaning that on successful completion of stage 1 you will seamlessly progress to stage 2, which is the first year of a bachelor’s degree. There is no need to reapply, you will simply just progress between each stage until you reach the final stage and graduate with a degree from Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

BSc (Hons) Psychology
Gain practical skills alongside theory

• Your lecturers include published authors, practising psychologists and internationally renowned researchers. Find the right fit for your interests by choosing specialist modules, including cyberpsychology, forensic psychology and clinical psychology. Pack your CV with transferable skills like data interpretation and statistical analysis.  
• You’ll be able to attend a vibrant research seminar series, hosted by us, welcoming leading academics from across the UK and around the world. We also team up with the British Psychological Society to host events on campus, most of which you can attend for free as a student. Together we’ll explore, debate, and critique all major areas of psychology.
• Every step of the way you’ll practise laboratory skills in our outstanding facilities. You’ll use our experimental cubicles to carry out tests in face-to-face interviews and with online participants. Plus, we have an observation laboratory with a two-way mirror and video recording facilities. Our Faraday cage allows you to conduct experiments free from radio waves, so you can look at brain waves (EEG). To investigate your results, you’ll work with analytical software that is also used by psychologists and researchers around the world. Every week you’ll be either planning, conducting or analysing experiments. These skills are highly valued by employers as well as universities. So, if you decide to advance your studies after your bachelor's degree, this course will set you up with a solid foundation to do so.

Do you want a Professional Accreditation?

• We are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). This is the leading body when it comes to professional and academic standards in psychology. This accreditation is often compulsory if you want to work in the field of psychology, particularly within mental health and clinical practice. When you graduate with a second-class Honours degree or above, you can apply for the Graduate Basis of Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS. This is usually required by employers, including the NHS and other health care providers. As a member, you will get the title ‘MBPsS’ after your name too. Sounds pretty good, right?

What's the course about?

• You’ll study a broad range of fascinating subjects during your three-year BSc (Hons) Psychology degree programme – from statistics to schizophrenia.
• In the first year you’ll focus on the core subjects which form the foundation of your degree course, giving you the necessary skills to carry out your own investigations, run experiments, analyse data and help you to understand the mechanics of the mind.  
• You’ll learn the cognitive processes involved in language, thought and memory, and theories of how these develop in children. We’ll teach you about social constructs such as obedience and conformity, and the systems involved in our ability to recognise faces or make decisions. Our biological psychology module will also reveal how our brains work and how we learn.  
• We’ll help you to hone your academic essay writing skills during the first year too, and teach you how to cite, reference and summarise the research you’ll be examining.
• You’ll be able to put your learning into practice by designing and conducting your own experiments. We’ll arm you with the skills to formulate your own research questions and the statistical know-how to collect and analyse data that will put those psychological questions to the test. By the end of this year, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a critical thinker.
• In your second year you’ll continue to explore why psychology is relevant today. What makes us different and why does it matter? There is so much to learn and discover. From brain function and the influence of genetics and chemicals to amnesia and the unconscious mind. You’ll investigate Cyberpsychology, including video gaming, social networking, cyberbullying, and technological addictions. Discover an alternative way to analyse behaviour by delving into a detailed study of Personal Construct Psychology. We’re one of the few universities to teach this at an Undergraduate level. So, whether you’re interested in working in a clinical or non-clinical setting, this knowledge will help you stand out. How does your understanding of person perception, leadership and culture inform your observations? Your practical insight will grow this year as you learn new research methods and ways to test their success. Fancy moderating a focus group. This is your chance. By the end of the year you’ll have a strong theoretical understanding. Plus, you’ll feel empowered and confident with your growing practical and technical skills. You will take up 120 hours of work experience either during your second year, or in the summer between your second and third year.
• In the third year you’ll investigate work settings further and the impact of psychology. How can you capitalise on your skills and knowledge? You’ll have the chance to choose one of eight fascinating specialisms, including counselling, or clinical psychology, which explores mental health disorders such as Tourette’s, autism and schizophrenia. Our, cognitive neuropsychology module examines the impact of brain injury and disease, while forensic psychology reveals the psychological theory behind crime. So, wherever your passion is leading you, we can help you get there.  
• Our staff are actively engaged in significant research which is reflected by our excellent, Grade 4 rating in the Higher Education Funding Council's last Research Assessment Exercise. See a list of our Psychology staff here.