VU BS Lateral in Psychology
The BS (Lateral) program in Psychology is structured to enhance students’ previous academic background and equip them with a comprehensive understanding of psychological concepts, research methods, and applied practices. The curriculum blends theory with hands-on learning, allowing students to explore human behavior, cognitive processes, and their real-world applications. This program develops the ability to tackle psychological challenges at personal, social, and organizational levels, emphasizing mental health promotion, well-being, and evidence-based approaches to intervention.
Objectives
The BS Psychology (Lateral) program is designed to:
Offer in-depth knowledge of key psychological concepts, theories, and perspectives.
Develop students’ competence in psychological testing, research techniques, and data analysis.
Encourage critical thinking, ethical responsibility, and sensitivity in addressing psychological and societal concerns.
Prepare graduates for careers in mental health, education, community services, and organizational development.
Provide a solid foundation for further academic pursuits and specialization within psychology and allied fields.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates holding a 2-year Associate Degree in Psychology (from an HEC-recognized institution) are eligible for direct admission into the 5th semester of the BS program.
Applicants with an Associate Degree in another field, or those with a traditional BA/BSc degree (annual system), will be required to complete a bridging/deficiency semester to fulfill academic gaps.
The minimum eligibility requirement is a CGPA of 2.00 out of 4.00 for Associate Degree holders (semester system) or at least 45% marks for BA/BSc or equivalent (annual system).
The University reserves the right to set higher merit criteria for specific programs.
Assessment Criteria
Student Evaluation Mechanism – BS Psychology (Lateral)
The academic progress of students is assessed continuously throughout the semester using multiple evaluation tools, ensuring both consistency and fairness. The distribution of marks is as follows:
| Assessment Component | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Semester Activities (Assignments, Graded Discussions, Online Quizzes) | 10% – 20% |
| Mid-term Examination | 20% – 30% |
| Final-term Examination | 60% |
| Total | 100% |
Award of Degree
To qualify for the award of the BS (Lateral) in Psychology degree, students must successfully complete the prescribed 63 credit hours with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale.
Project / Internship
Capstone Project (PSY620 – 3 Credit Hours)
The Capstone Project is a compulsory, graded course offered in the 8th semester carrying 3 credit hours.
Students are required to submit a comprehensive research report and deliver a viva presentation. Only students who successfully pass the written component will be allowed to appear in the viva.
Eligibility for Enrollment: Students must have:
A minimum CGPA of 2.00 or above.
Successfully earned at least 48 credit hours.
Passed STA630 – Research Methods and PSY516 – Statistics in Psychology.
Students failing the Capstone Project will receive an “F” grade in the course.
Internship (PSYI619 – Internship Report)
Students are required to complete a 6–8 week internship in one of the following settings:
Government hospital
Registered private clinic
Drug rehabilitation center
Organization with an HR department
Special education institution with children having psychological challenges
School environment
On completion, students must obtain an official Internship Completion Certificate from the host organization.
A detailed Internship Report must be submitted for evaluation.
Scheme of Study
| |||||||||
| Bridging Semester | |||||||||
| Course Code | Title | Category | Sub Category | Type | Pre Requisite | Credit Hours | Specialization | ||
| PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | Major | Bridging Semester | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| PSY403 | Social Psychology | Major | Bridging Semester | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| PSY404 | Abnormal Psychology | Major | Bridging Semester | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| PSY405 | Personality Psychology | Major | Bridging Semester | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| PSY502 | History & Systems of Psychology | Major | Bridging Semester | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| PSY504 | Cognitive Psychology | Major | Bridging Semester | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| VU001 | Introduction to e-Learning | Major | Bridging Semester | 1 (Theory:1, Practical:0) | |||||
| Semester No. 1 | |||||||||
| Course Code | Title | Category | Sub Category | Type | Pre Requisite | Credit Hours | Specialization | ||
| PSYP631 | Psychological Testing and Measurements | Major | Required | 4 (Theory:3, Practical:1) | |||||
| PSY401 | Clinical Psychology | Major | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| PSY516 | Statistics in Psychology | Major | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| STA630 | Research Methods | Major | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| MCM101 | Introduction to Mass Communication | Interdisciplinary | Elective | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| MCM304 | Mass Media in Pakistan | Interdisciplinary | Elective | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| Semester No. 2 | |||||||||
| Course Code | Title | Category | Sub Category | Type | Pre Requisite | Credit Hours | Specialization | ||
| PSYP610 | Neurological Bases of Behavior | Major | Required | 4 (Theory:3, Practical:1) | |||||
| PSY406 | Educational Psychology | Major | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| PSY632 | Theory & Practice of Counseling | Major | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| SOC609 | Qualitative Research Methods | Major | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| SOC301 | Introduction to Social Work | Interdisciplinary | Elective | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| SOC401 | Cultural Anthropology | Interdisciplinary | Elective | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| Semester No. 3 | |||||||||
| Course Code | Title | Category | Sub Category | Type | Pre Requisite | Credit Hours | Specialization | ||
| PSY407 | Sport Psychology | Major | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| PSY408 | Health Psychology | Major | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| PSYI619 | Internship Report-Psychology | Major | Field Experience / Internship | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | ||||
| PSYP402 | Experimental Psychology | Major | Required | 3 (Theory:2, Practical:1) | |||||
| MCM301 | Communication skills | Interdisciplinary | Elective | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| SOC404 | Pakistani Society and Culture | Interdisciplinary | Elective | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| Semester No. 4 | |||||||||
| Course Code | Title | Category | Sub Category | Type | Pre Requisite | Credit Hours | Specialization | ||
| PSY499 | Capstone Project | Major | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| PSY511 | Environmental Psychology | Major | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| PSY513 | Forensic Psychology | Major | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| ECO401 | Economics | Interdisciplinary | Elective | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| MGT211 | Introduction To Business | Interdisciplinary | Elective | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| PSY510 | Organizational Psychology | Major | Elective | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| PSY514 | Consumer Psychology | Major | Elective | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||