Mathematics andPsychologyBSc Joint Honours

UCAS code CG813 Years

www.ncl.ac.uk/ug/CG81Printed from the web page above on 25/09/2017

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Mathematics andPsychologyBSc Joint HonoursUCAS code CG813 Years

If you are interested in the workings of thehuman mind, mathematical skills can beinvaluable in unlocking its secrets.

This degree is for 2017 entry. For 2018 entry, seePsychology and Mathematics BSc Joint Honours(C8G1).

This BPS-accredited degree provides a thoroughunderstanding of mathematical methods that psychologistsuse to explain and predict human behaviour.

In Psychology you will explore why humans and animalsthink and behave as they do, with topics including:

• cognitive psychology• neuroscience• the psychology of financial decision-making

In Mathematics you will develop a thorough grounding intopics and techniques such as:

• differential equations• probability

You will have the opportunity to deepen your understandingwith advanced topics linked to the research interests of ourstaff, such as forensic psychology and computationalneuroscience.

Highlights of this degreeQuality and rankingMathematics and statistics at Newcastle achieved animpressive 93% overall student satisfaction score inthe National Student Survey 2017. Maths and Stats alsoranks 11th overall in the UK for research (ResearchExcellence Framework 2014).

Psychology at Newcastle is highly regarded, achievinga 93% overall student satisfaction score and rankingus in the top 20 in the UK in the 2017 National StudentSurvey. We also rank in the top 10 UK universities in TheTimes and Sunday Times University Guide 2016 and in thetop 20 UK universities in The Complete UniversityGuide 2018 and The Guardian University Guide 2018. Inthe QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017,Psychology ranks in the top 200 universities in the world.

Professional accreditationThis degree is professionally accredited by the BritishPsychological Society (BPS).

This gives you the Graduate Basis for CharteredMembership (providing you achieve the minimum standardof a lower second-class Honours).

Having Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership meansyou can join the BPS and go on to further training orpractice in psychology.

For information on the benefits of studying an accreditedcourse, visit the BPS website.

Boost your employability with a work placementOnce you are here, you can apply to incorporate a 9 to 12month work placement between Stages 2 and 3. This issubject to availability and extends your degree to four years.

Some placements will be advertised for you to apply for. Wealso provide you with support to find your own placement,including help writing applications.

Your placement year will make you stand out in thegraduate job market. It provides an invaluable opportunityto:

• apply your knowledge in a practical context• further develop your professional and clinical skills• gain demonstrable work experience to showcase your

skills to future employers

Find out more about Work Placements.

About Mathematics and Psychology joint honoursBy studying two subjects, you develop a broad range ofexpertise and a set of skills that spans two specialist areas,equipping you for a range of careers.

Mastering two subjects together means you arewell-prepared for the multidisciplinary challenges of the realworld, developing the skills that employers value, suchas:

• time management• organisation• self-motivation

You select from the same range of topics as Single Honoursstudents and achieve the same high academic standard,but you cover fewer topics in each subject. The topics areclosely linked to our research expertise, meaning you studyat the cutting edge of the discipline.

You receive careers support in the form of a careerdevelopment module personally tailored to your professionaldevelopment. There's also excellent support on offer fromthe University’s award-winning Careers Service.

Facilities

School of Mathematics, Statistics and PhysicsYou will spend time in the School of Mathematics, Statisticsand Physics, based in the Herschel Building, whichincludes:

• a number of large lecture theatres• recently refurbished computer cluster• reading room for maths and stats students

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School of PsychologyYou will also spend considerable time in the School ofPsychology, offering:

• purpose-built research building• modern, practical facilities for carrying out experiments• extensive computing facilities

SupportYou will be part of the community in the two schools thatdeliver your teaching: the School of Mathematics, Statisticsand Physics and the School of Psychology. The School ofPsychology is the administrative home of the joint honoursdegree in Mathematics and Psychology.

SupportYou will receive support from academic advisers fromboth of your subject areas and you'll also have an academicmember of staff as a personal tutor throughout yourdegree. They can help with academic and personal issues.

Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellowstudents who can help you settle in and answer anyquestions you have. You'll also have student buddies toguide you through the early weeks.

Social activitiesThe Mathematics and Statistics Society, MathSoc, andthe Psychology Society, PsychoSoc, organise a range ofsocial events.

The Armstrong Building, at the heart of campus.

Course Details

Modules for 2017 entry

Please noteThe module and/or programme information below isfor 2017 entry. Modules may be amended on an annualbasis to take account of changing staff expertise,developments in the discipline, the requirements ofexternal bodies and partners, and student feedback.Modules/programme information for 2018 entry will bepublished here as soon as it is available (end of May2018).Our degrees are divided into Stages. Each Stage lasts foran academic year and you need to complete modulestotalling 120 credits by the end of each Stage.

Stage 1

Compulsory modulesPSY1012 Introduction to Psychology for Joint HonoursStudentsMAS1601 Introduction to CalculusMAS1602 Introductory Algebra: Complex Numbers,Vectors and MatricesMAS1603 Multivariable Calculus and DifferentialEquationsMAS1604 Introduction to ProbabilityPSY1004 Cognitive PsychologyPSY1005 Sensation and PerceptionPSY1006 Instinct, Learning and MotivationPSY1011 Research Methods and Skills

Stage 2

Compulsory modulesMAS2502 Introduction to Computing and ProblemSolvingMAS2704 Numbers and CiphersMAS2801 Vector CalculusMAS2901 Introduction to Statistical InferencePSY2001 Developmental PsychologyPSY2003 Social PsychologyPSY2004 Individual DifferencesPSY2007 Biological Psychology: Sex, Drugs, Rhythmsand BluesPSY2009 Methods in Psychology 2APSY2010 Statistics for Experimental PsychologyPSY2015 Introduction to Professional Skills

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Stage 2

If you're studying the Applied Mathematics pathway, youtake the following compulsory modules:MAS2802 Differential Equations, Transforms and WavesMAS2803 Fluid DynamicsIf you're studying the Statistics pathway, you take thefollowing compulsory modules:MAS2902 Stochastic ModellingMAS2903 An Introduction to Bayesian MethodsWork Placement (optional)You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months on an optionalwork placement between Stages 2 and 3. You can applyto spend your placement year with any organisation andwill receive University support to do so. It will extend yourdegree by a year and is subject to availability. Find outmore on about Work Placements.

Stage 3

Compulsory modulesMAS3091 Group Project ModulePSY3029 Professional SkillsPSY3097 Empirical ProjectIf you're studying the Applied Mathematics pathway, youtake the following compulsory module:MAS3801 Methods for Differential EquationsIf you're studying the Statistics pathway, you take thefollowing compulsory module:MAS3903 Linear ModelsOptional modulesYou take 20 credits of Psychology modules from thefollowing list:PSY3001 Evolution and BehaviourPSY3002 Evolutionary Psychology and MedicinePSY3006 Consumer PsychologyPSY3008 Art, Mind and BrainPSY3009 CooperationPSY3033 Eating and Weight DisordersPSY3016 Sex and Human NaturePSY3018 The Damaged Brain: Case Studies inNeuropsychologyPSY3020 Face PerceptionPSY3022 The Psychology of Financial Decision MakingPSY3026 Psychology of ReligionPSY3027 Disorders of Development: A PsychologicalPerspectivePSY3028 Work PsychologyPSY3030 Foundations in Forensic PsychologyPSY3031 The Psychology of Teaching and LearningPSY3039 Clinical Sports and Exercise PsychologyPSY3041 Sensation and Perception in AtypicalDevelopmentIf you're studying the Applied Mathematics pathway, youchoose 40 credits from the following list:MAS2902 Stochastic ModellingMAS2903 An Introduction to Bayesian Methods

Stage 3

MAS3802 Quantum MechanicsMAS3803 Advanced Fluid DynamicsMAS3804 Relativity and CosmologyMAS3805 Classical FieldsMAS3806 Partial Differential Equations and NonlinearWavesMAS3808 InstabilitiesMAS3809 Variational MethodsIf you're studying the Statistics pathway, you choose 40credits from the following list:MAS2802 Differential Equations,Transforms and WavesMAS2803 Fluid DynamicsMAS3901 Applied ProbabilityMAS3902 Bayesian InferenceMAS3904 Stochastic Financial ModellingMAS3906 Generalized Linear ModelsMAS3908 Experimental DesignMAS3909 Markov Processes*MAS3910 Discrete Stochastic Modelling*MAS3911 Time Series*MAS3912 Survival Analysis**These modules are available in alternate years, so maynot be available.

Teaching and assessment

Study at the cutting edgeResearch-informed teaching plays an important role atNewcastle. It shapes the content of our undergraduatedegrees and makes sure that you have the chance to coverthe most up-to-date theories and discoveries in yoursubject.

Our teaching is strongly informed by the research we aredoing in the School of Mathematics, Statistics andPhysics and the School of Psychology.

Assessment methodsYou will be assessed by:

• assignments (many take place online)• course work• examinations

Find out moreVisit our Teaching & Learning pages to read about theoutstanding learning experience available to all students atNewcastle University.

Entry Requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis.

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If your qualifications are not listed here, please see ouradditional entry requirements web pages to find out whichother qualifications are considered.

The entrance requirements below apply to 2018 entry.

A LevelsAAA-AAB including Mathematics (at grade A) and preferablyBiology, and excluding General Studies.  Two science Alevels are preferred.  We include Psychology, Biology,Chemistry, Physics, Statistics and Mathematics as sciencesubjects.  For Biology, Chemistry and Physics A levels werequire a pass in the practical element.  A GCSE science ata minimum grade B or 6 is required.

Scottish QualificationsAdvanced Higher Mathematics (grade A) required.AAAAA-AAABB at Higher Grade, preferably includingBiology. Two sciences at Higher Grade are preferred.  Weinclude Psychology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Statisticsand Mathematics as science subjects.

A science is required at National 5, minimum grade B (orgrade 2 Standard Grade or Intermediate 2 equivalent). Where a candidate bypasses the assessment for National 5qualifications, a minimum of grade C in a science Higher isrequired.

Scottish qualifications can be taken in more than one sitting.

International BaccalaureateA minimum of 35 points, with three subjects at Higher Levelgrade 6 or above including Mathematics. At least twosciences at Higher Level are preferred. We includeMathematics, Biology, Physics, Psychology and Chemistryas science subjects. At least one third of all subjects takenmust be science/mathematics.

Irish Leaving CertificateH1H1H1H2H3 at Higher Level, to include Mathematics atgrade H1 and preferably Biology (minimum grade H2).  Atleast two sciences are preferred.  We include Biology,Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Applied Mathematicsas science subjects.

Access Qualifications45 level 3 credits at Distinction including 15 credits each inmathematics, human biology and a third subject, preferablya science. A Newcastle University Mathematics andStatistics pre-entry course may also be required.

Cambridge Pre-UD3,D3,D3-D3,D3,M2 in Principal Subjects includingMathematics at grade D3 and preferably Biology.  Twoscience subjects are preferred.  We include Mathematics,Biology, Physics, Psychology and Chemistry as sciencesubjects.  GCSE science at a minimum grade B or 6 isrequired.

Extended Project QualificationWe welcome applications from students offering anExtended Project and value the skills of research andindependent learning that it is designed to develop.  If youoffer an Extended Project, it will be taken into account aspart of your application profile, but we will not usuallyinclude it in offer conditions for this degree programme.

PARTNERS - A LevelsAAB-BBB including Mathematics and preferably Biologyand excluding General Studies.  Two science A levels arepreferred.  We include Psychology, Biology, Chemistry,Physics, Statistics and Mathematics as science subjects. For Biology, Chemistry and Physics A levels we require apass in the practical element.  GCSE science at a minimumgrade B or 6 is required.

The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’ssupported entry route for students from schools andcolleges in England. Find out more about the PARTNERSProgramme.

English Language RequirementsApplicants whose first language is not English requirea minimum score of IELTS 6.5or equivalent including 6.5 in each of the four elementsof the test.

If you need help to meet our English Languagerequirements, we can provide support with extra tuition.

Read more about UK visas and immigration requirements.

Foundation YearIf you have shown that you have the ability but do notpossess the necessary qualifications for direct entry intoStage 1, you may consider taking a foundation year:

• Mathematical Sciences with Foundation Year BScHonours (G101)

This will provide you with the knowledge you need toprogress to one of our three-year Mathematics andStatistics degrees.

Other International QualificationsABB at A level is typically the minimum required for entry toan undergraduate course. You can check the equivalentgrades for qualifications offered in your country.

International Foundation ProgrammesIf you are an international student and you do not meet theacademic and English language requirementsspecified above, you should consider a preparation courseat INTO Newcastle University, which will help to prepare youfor study on this degree course.

INTO Newcastle University is based on the Universitycampus and offers a range of courses includingthe International Foundation in Physical Sciences andEngineering.

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Undergraduate Admissions Policy

See our Admissions Policy 2017 Entry (PDF: 109 KB).

See further policies related to admission.

Careers

Psychology and MathematicscareersIn our experience many employers look favourably onstudents who can demonstrate their abilities in more thanone field. Newcastle graduates will have acquired the abilityto research, evaluate and communicate information,alongside developing specialist subject knowledge, practicaland technical skills.

This provides graduates with a range of educational andcareer opportunities, especially if the skills you havedeveloped during your degree have been further enhancedby work experience.

Depending on subject combinations, joint honours inscience graduates have very broad career options. In thepast, our graduates have entered careers in the businessand financial sectors or specialised further in their area ofexpertise such as accountancy and psychology. Graduateswho wish to pursue a career in teaching will find that theyare suitably qualified to study for a PGCE in either discipline.Those graduates who enter employment outside theirdiscipline find a flexible degree of this nature is highly valuedin professions such as management, commerce and thecivil service.

Find out more about the career options for Mathematics andPsychology from Prospects: The UK’s Official CareersWebsite.

What our graduates go on to do:employment and further studychoicesSee what our recent graduates went on to do and viewgraduate destinations statistics. These statistics are basedon what graduates were doing on a specific date,approximately six months after graduation. The most recentdata available is for graduates who completed their coursein 2014/15.

The destination data is available in varying levels, beginningwith the University and moving through Faculty and Schooldown to individual course reports. This final level may giveyou some useful ideas about possible options after yourcourse or a course you are considering.

Careers and employability atNewcastleNewcastle University consistently has one of the bestrecords for graduate employment in the UK.

94% of our 2014/15 UK/EU graduates progressed toemployment or further study within six months ofgraduating.

Of our graduates who entered employment 85% were in aprofessional or managerial position.

We provide an extensive range of opportunities to allstudents through an initiative called ncl+. This enables youto develop personal, employability and enterprise skills andto give you the edge in the employment market after yougraduate.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest andbest in the country, and we have strong links withemployers.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees (UK students)

2018 entry*:Tuition fees for 2018-19 have not yet been confirmed.Some of our degrees involve additional costs which arenot covered by your tuition fees.2017 entry*:£9,250 in 2017-18  For programmes where you canspend a year on a work placement or studyingabroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction forthat year. Some of our degrees involve additionalcosts which are not covered by your tuition fees.*Pleasenote:The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for UKstudents is set by the UK government.As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee toincrease in each subsequent academic year of yourcourse, subject to government regulations on feeincreases and in line with inflation.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.

Tuition Fees (EU students)

2018 entry*:Tuition fees for 2018-19 have not yet been confirmed.EU students starting at Newcastle in 2018 will pay the UK(Home) tuition fee for the full duration of theircourse.Some of our degrees involve additionalcosts which are not covered by your tuition fees.2017 entry*:£9,250 in 2017-18EU students starting at Newcastle in 2017 will pay the UK(Home) tuition fee for the full duration of their course.

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Tuition Fees (EU students)

For programmes where you can spend a year on a workplacement or studying abroad, you will receive asignificant fee reduction for that year.Some of ourdegrees involve additional costs which are not coveredby your tuition fees.*Please note:The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for UK(Home) students commencing studies in 2017-18 or2018-19 is set by the UK government.As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee toincrease in each subsequent academic year of yourcourse, subject to government regulations on feeincreases and in line with inflation.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.

Tuition Fees (International students)

2018 entry:Tuition fees for 2018-19 have not yet been confirmed.2017 entry:£13,980 per yearYou will be charged tuition fees for each year of yourdegree programme (unless you are on a shorterexchange programme).If you spend a year on placement or studying abroad aspart of your degree you may pay a reduced fee for thatyear.Please note that the tuition fee amount you will pay mayincrease slightly year on year as a result of inflation.See more information relating to all aspects of studentfinance at Newcastle University.

Scholarships and Financial Support (UKstudents)

You may be eligible for one of a range of NewcastleUniversity Scholarships in addition to government financialsupport.Newcastle University ScholarshipsGovernment financial supportThere are also scholarships available for particularsubjects.

Scholarships and Financial Support (EUstudents)

You may be eligible for one of a range of NewcastleUniversity Scholarships in addition to government financialsupport.Newcastle University ScholarshipsGovernment financial supportThere are also scholarships available for particularsubjects.

Scholarships and Financial Support(International students)

You may be eligible for a Vice Chancellor'sInternational Scholarship or an International FamilyDiscount (IFD).There are also scholarships available for particularsubjects.

Apply

Applying to Newcastle Universitythrough UCASTo apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle you mustuse the online application system managed by theUniversities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

UCAS codes for Newcastle University

• institution name - NEWC• institution code - N21

UCAS buzzwordAsk your teacher or adviser from your school or college forthe UCAS buzzword. You need the buzzword when youregister on the Apply system. This makes it clear whichschool or college you are applying from.

All UK schools and colleges and a small number of EU andinternational establishments are registered with UCAS.

If you are applying independently, or are applying from aschool or college which is not registered to manageapplications, you will still use the Apply system. You will notneed a buzzword.

Making your applicationOn the UCAS website you can also find out more about:

• application deadlines and other important dates• offers and tracking your application

Application decisions and enquiriesFind out more about our admissions process and who tocontact if you need help with your application.