Psychology BSc Honours

Course content

What will you study on the BSc Psychology?

The course structure ensures that you develop essential skills in preparation for a wide range of careers, while also allowing for specialisation in a particular psychological discipline focused towards your professional interests.

In your first year you will receive a broad introduction to psychology. In your second year you go in-depth to study core subjects, including: biological, developmental, cognitive and social psychology; while also investigating individual differences, research methods and ethics.

In your third year you take study options of your choice at an advanced level while also undertaking an independent research project, supported by an academic. Options include Affective Neuroscience and Neuropsychology, Applied Social and Forensic Psychology, Business and Organisational Psychology, Counselling Theory and Practice, Educational Psychology and Lifespan Psychology.

What will you gain?

You will develop a wealth of transferable skills to support success in your chosen career path, or prepare you for postgraduate study. They include research and analytical skills, and a detailed understanding of human communication methods.

Modules

This module aims to introduce the five core areas of Psychology (cognitive, social, biological, developmental, individual differences).

This module aims to introduce the statistical and qualitative analysis as they are employed in psychological research. You will gain experience in a range of analytic techniques and learn to use relevant software. You will also be required to engage in extensive hands-on computer use to develop skills in data collection, input and analysis, using SPSS.

This module provides you with the basis of concepts and theories that underpin modern psychology; these include areas that will be developed further during your second year of study.

The module aims to introduce the principles and practice of quantitative and qualitative psychological research. You will develop skills in searching literature and generating hypotheses with a sound rationale, understand the principles of sound research design and data collection, and be able to interpret findings and critically assess research output in psychology. You will also be provided with opportunities to develop skills in the dissemination of research results with the conventions, styles and critical approach of academic work.

The module aims to equip you with the tools to better engage in your learning. It will teach you an array of independent and reflective skills from writing to dealing with exam anxiety.

This module presents an overview of the biological bases of behaviour and the cognitive approach to psychology as well introducing aspects related to individual differences.

The module is taught primarily by our fantastic cohort of professors in the department who will give you an insight into their cutting-edge research in applied psychological research.

The module enables you to understand and evaluate psychological research and to understand how research design relates to research questions. It will provide you with skills in a variety of statistical analyses and enable you to conduct ethical psychological research utilising quantitative and qualitative methods. It provides the foundation for interpretation and critical discussion of published psychological research.

This module aims to develop the depth and breadth of your understanding of theory and research in developmental and social psychology whilst also explaining differences between individuals.

This module aims to encourage a deeper understanding of the relationship between theory and practice, whilst allowing you to develop, review, reflect on and improve employment skills within the context of your own discipline. It will also further develop independent learning and communication skills. Finally, the module aims to prepare you to apply for postgraduate study and/or graduate employment after graduation.

You will pursue independent study with a designated supervisor on a topic not offered in-depth among the normal range of modules. You will be expected to carry out an original investigation using a recognised psychology or cognitive science research method, and produce a dissertation based on that research. The title and methodology of this dissertation must be agreed with the supervisor in advance. Undertaking this module will enable you to develop your methodological and statistical knowledge acquired through previous research methods training. It will develop your competence in the production of coherent written reports which are clearly presented and which have an analytic and critical orientation, and it will provide the opportunity for final year students to become competent and self-sufficient researchers.

Awaiting for module description.

Advanced Qualitative Research Methods (15 credits)

This module aims to develop the depth and breadth of students’ qualitative research methods knowledge and practice by equipping them with a combination of practical and theoretical skills. Strengthening existing knowledge of qualitative research methods, students will be familiarised with a range of qualitative methodologies and methods of generating and analysing data in-depth. The module allows the time and space necessary for sustained immersion. It enables proficiency in qualitative research knowledge and skills to be further enhanced through repetition and comparison when learning advanced concepts and their application, such as ontologies, epistemologies, social constructions, research questions, sampling, data generation, accounts, claims, reflexivity. Students will be provided with active experiences of interviewing and conducting analyses, as well of developing reflexive practice which is an essential aspect of qualitative research. In order to optimise student engagement and learning, an experiential approach to teaching advanced qualitative research methods will be undertaken; student-led active learning will complement didactic aspects. Teaching will be led and illustrated through the module leaders’ own qualitative research practices; this will be delivered through a series of lectures and skills-based workshops informed by their research. The lecture and skills-based workshop elements will run consecutively in a three-hour weekly session. This module also aims to prepare students to conduct qualitative research in the future, such as in their dissertation projects. Therefore, this module is both ideal for, and provides a rich learning opportunity for students who enjoyed their study of research methods at Level 5; those who are undertaking a qualitatively-based dissertation project; those who want to study Psychology at a postgraduate level; and for those planning a career in research.

Atypical Child Development (15 credits)

This module aims to develop the depth and breadth of students’ understanding of core theory and up-to-date research in the field of atypical developmental psychology. This is the ideal module for students who have enjoyed their study of developmental psychology at level 5. Strengthening existing knowledge in developmental psychology, students will be introduced to perspectives and theory in atypical child development, as well as classic and contemporary research that underpins these theories. The interaction of emotional, cognitive, biological, behavioural and environmental factors in the development of atypical behaviour will be explored, whilst emphasising the importance of understanding typical child development. Content will focus on anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive related disorders, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, language learning, attachment disorders and eating disorders. This module provides a rich learning opportunity for students planning a career with children, particularly within teaching, educational psychology, clinical psychology, youth work or counselling.
Neuropsychology: The healthy brain and what can go wrong with it (15 credits)

Applying health Psychology to behaviour change (15 credits)

The module aims to introduce students to health psychology and the work of Health Psychologists in practice. It covers the psychological, behavioural and social determinants of health and illness, before focusing on health behaviour change interventions and chronic illness and its management. It aims to help students apply knowledge and skills to real-world health problems.

Neuropsychology: The healthy brain and what can go wrong with it (15 credits)

This module will introduce students to the history, principles and methods of neuropsychology with a particular emphasis on case studies.

Critical Forensic Psychology (15 credits)

The module aims to explore the application of psychology to social problems in the areas of crime, conflict and violence, taking into account individual, group and social factors. It considers how individuals and groups become involved in, and perpetuate, these problematic behaviours, and also considers the consequences for victims, government and justice responses, and approaches to prevention.

Creative and Visual research methods (15 credits)

This module aims to introduce students to a range of contemporary visual research methods and to develop students’ capacity in the application of different methods of collecting, analysing, and disseminating visual data in psychological research.

Infancy and childhood: psychoanalytic perspectives (15 credits)

This module looks at difficulties in personal and social development are commonly attributed to traumatic, painful or confusing events in infancy and childhood. The primacy of childhood in contemporary society is largely a legacy of psychoanalytic thinking. This module will introduce you to important and influential psychoanalytic theories regarding infancy, childhood and adolescence. It considers the relationship between life events and subjective phantasy in the development of the personality and psychopathology. It explores the consequences of these modes of thinking on the practice of psychotherapy, counselling, social work, teaching, and child care. It provides a foundation for further training in therapeutic and social care professions.

New Directions in Cognitive Science (15 credits)

We all have the experience of an internal dialogue; linguistically phrased commentary and reasoning that pertains to our actions in the here and now or to actions we might wish to execute. But do those sentences truly reflect how our brains collate and process information? For many years the assumption was that they do, but of late this view has been challenged.
Cognitive science is a multidisciplinary approach to studying and understanding internal causal states for the production of behaviour (thoughts). The primary aim of cognitive science is to provide a mechanistic (how things work) and functional (why things work) account of cognition. Cognitive science has traditionally been grounded in a ‘symbolic account’ of mind – the notion that the brain, much like a computer, manipulates abstract information that has representational content (is about something). However, recent changes in our understanding of behaviour, cognition and neuroscience have challenged these underlying assumptions. This module will outline the underlying assumptions of cognitive science, how they have been challenged by recent developments and whether cognitive science can incorporate these new developments within its existing framework. Importantly, this module will teach topics from different areas of science including; psychology, ecology, neuroscience, and computer science.

Social, Cultural & Community Mental Health (15 credits)

This module develops the students' knowledge of social approaches to mental health theory, research and practice, and their application to community mental health. Students' will develop a critical understanding of cultural, social, environmental and economic influences on mental health and the relationship between social adversity and mental health problems. Additionally, students will develop the ability to critically evaluate evidence bases and evidence-based mental health care practice in community settings. This module would be well suited to students who are considering careers in clinical psychology, counselling psychology, psychotherapy, mental health promotion and campaigning, social work, human rights advocacy, health management and community mental health.

Creativity & Imagination (15 credits)

The module explores psychological aspects of creativity and imagination. Students' will develop a critical understanding of psychological theory and research relating to creative productivity across a range of contexts. Additionally, students will apply theory and research to plans for developing, enhancing and/or utilising creativity and imagination in real-world contexts.

Psychology in Education (15 credits)

This module is designed to give students an advanced level of understanding of the way that psychological theories and research have influenced our understanding of child and adult learning and teaching in educational settings. The aim is to direct students to develop an appreciation of traditional and contemporary research, knowledge and applications in the domain. Students will study cognitive, social, developmental, and biological theoretical perspectives, providing an integrated understanding of how psychological theory and research intersects with education in a wide range of settings. Psychology in Education provides a rich learning opportunity for students wanting to study educational psychology at Masters level and for those planning a career in teaching.

How to DO cognitive neuroscience (15 credits)

Cognitive neuroscience is at the forefront of advances in psychology. It is the study of brain states and how such brain states are related to behaviour and cognition. Many of the recent advances in the field are due to the rapid development and use of technology that allows us to infer what the brain is doing during different psychological states. This module aims to provide an introduction to the theory that underpins cognitive neuroscience techniques such as EEG, TMS, fMRI, TES. Moreover, and importantly the module will aim to provide a hands-on approach to learning how to use them. In this module students will have the chance to learn how to use advanced equipment by practicing with it. The aim is to teach how the equipment works, how to analyse the data, and what questions different methods can answer and what are its limitations by using them.

Contemporary Psychoanalytic Practice: Psychoanalysis for Therapists (15 credits)

The aims of this module are to provide students who are considering a career in therapeutic practice a knowledge of psychoanalytic concepts and ideas and how they have developed and are applied in contemporary therapeutic work. It will give students an understanding of the diversity and the wide range of applications of psychoanalytic approaches not only in terms of different theoretical approaches but also in relation to the treatment of different clinical pathologies, as well as to different client-groups and ages, and settings. It will inform and evaluate the contribution of psychoanalytic concepts in therapeutic work. The module aims to give insight into the different views held about the therapeutic process. It aims to give information about the situation, the landscape of psychotherapeutic practice in the UK today and prospects for further learning and employment in the field.

Psychology of Music (15 credits)

This module aims to introduce students to music psychology, a new field studying human psychological responses to music, which include emotion regulation, cognitive benefits, inter-personal coordination and empathy. The study of music as part of human communication and cognition has long eluded the psychological disciplines. Yet music is universal, very present in everyday life and most people are music users in different forms and to varying degrees igures in the history of psychoanalysis, and its key theoretical and clinical concepts and an investigation into its contemporary applications by drawing on the expertise...