Psychology BSc (Hons)

30 credits

This module introduces you to the fascinating theories and ideas of psychological science across core research areas.

It provides a broad foundation of knowledge, encompassing both these core areas and many specialised sub-areas, including biological psychology, learning, sensory and perceptual processes, memory, thought and knowledge, language, social psychology, developmental psychology, neuropsychology, individual differences, and clinical psychology. 

30 credits

This module will equip you with the essential skills for studying psychology, including reflective thinking, critical evaluation and effective collaboration.

We will look beyond traditional Eurocentric frameworks to explore diverse ways of constructing and sharing knowledge, gaining insight into indigenous and Eastern psychological traditions.

The module will examine key conceptual and historical paradigms, as well as major philosophical debates that have shaped psychology as a science. You will also study the impact of colonialism on psychological research and theory, providing a broader understanding of the field. 

30.00 credits

This module is a core requirement for students taking psychology in level 4. The module will introduce you to key strategies which are used in psychological research, including designing an experiment, hypothesis testing, and statistical analysis. The main features of the module will involve the acquisition of practical skills in psychological research, learning how to apply and carry out statistical tests using SPSS, and how to report research findings.

Throughout the module you will learn how to design a research project, analyse data and report a psychological experiment.

30 credits

This module explores the practical applications of psychology in real-world contexts, highlighting how psychological principles address modern social, occupational, and health challenges.

You will explore key theoretical frameworks, applied methods, and real-world case studies that showcase psychology in action. Topics include Health Psychology, Educational Psychology, Sports Psychology, and interventions in workplace and community settings.

The module emphasises the role of research in shaping practice and explores the ethical considerations involved.

30 credits

The module covers a broad range of key theories and empirical research in social and developmental psychology. You will study current theory and practice in psychology across range of topics that focuses on the person in psychology. We will explore the importance of culture, ethics, the scientific approach and the notion of measurement.

30 credits

This module covers major topics within the field of cognitive psychology and examines the relationship between brain function and our understanding of cognition and behaviour. You will be introduced to key theoretical explanations proposed to account for human cognition, alongside some real-life applications of cognitive psychology. You will study the structure and function of the nervous system before examining the contribution of specialised brain structures to cognitive functions such as perception, attention, language, memory and decision making, and behaviours such as motivation, eating, emotion and sleep. You will also learn about the effect of hormones, drugs and neurological dysfunction on cognition and behaviour.

30.00 credits

This module builds on the introduction to research methods and inferential statistics offered in PS4001 Research Methods 1. It will cover more advanced research designs — involving multiple independent variables — and more advanced inferential statistics such as analysis of variance, regression analysis and factor analysis. It will also introduce students to qualitative research methods and data analysis. Students will learn to develop and implement multifactorial experimental designs through practical research exercises and a project. Students' scientific writing skills will be further developed on the basis of a series of lab reports.

30 credits

This module will examine the nature and treatment of abnormal behaviour, thought and feeling.

You will study a range of psychological disorders in childhood and adulthood, such as: phobias, anxiety disorders, ADHD, ASD, personality disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia, OCD, social anxiety, panic disorders and mood disorders.

The module will introduce the main characteristics of different disorders, and the main treatment approaches. You will also explore how cognitive functions can be localised within the brain, and how cognitive impairments can arise in some psychological disorders.

15 credits

This module examines contemporary perspectives on personality and individual differences, including theories of personality and intelligence, and the measurement of individual differences You will explore the concepts of equality, diversity, and inclusion, and discuss how psychologists can actively promote practices which embrace and value diversity and inclusion. You will review the practice of assessing individual differences in clinical, educational, and organisational contexts, considering ethical issues and the promotion of equality, diversity, and inclusion in these contexts.

30.00 credits

This module provides the opportunity to study and employ different methodologies in psychology by evaluating the strengths and limitations of different research designs. Students will execute an empirical research project on a topic agreed in consultation with a Psychology staff supervisor. Supervisory sessions with an academic supervisor will guide students to conduct a literature review, formulate a research question, design a research study, and consider research ethics relating to their study, culminating in data collection and writing up of a research report which satisfies APA guidelines.

15 credits

This module provides you with a dedicated opportunity to develop your Future Skills Graduate Attributes. At the start of the module, you will be supported to self-assess your current skills profile and determine which attributes and skills you need to develop to support your career ambitions. You will be supported in this process by a dedicated career coach, who will help you to explore a range of options including self-employment/freelancing, starting your own business, higher level study, and other professional Graduate level opportunities. Students will also be given opportunities to engage with external mentors throughout the module to support reflection and to develop a professional network.

You will then undertake a tailored series of activities and projects, aligned to your goals from a menu of development options. This could include short courses, enrichment activities and experiential learning options such as micro-placements.  You will also be able to reflect on activities that you undertake outside the university through which you are developing your graduate attributes, such as work or volunteering.

30.00 credits

There are two main streams in this module: Part I - Neuropsychology. The module will place a particular emphasis on understanding the effects of brain activity on cognitive and social aspects of human behaviour (and vice-versa). In addition, the module will address the effects of brain injury and neurological impairments with a view to understand models of normal cognitive and social functioning. Video material will be used to illustrate clinical cases when available. Part II – Neuro-rehabilitation. The module will introduce students to modern techniques for the diagnosis of neurological disorders and their neuropsychiatric implications. Interventions for the treatment and management of neurological disorders will be evaluated. Students' effort and engagement will be essential for a successful and rewarding experience. This will include active participation in lectures and the reading of the indicated material.

30.00 credits

This module will give a broad overview of the intersection between psychology and the criminal justice system. Forensic psychology is concerned with the psychological aspects of the legal process including police investigation and court procedures. Students will learn to apply psychological theory to criminal investigation, understand the psychological problems and developmental processes associated with criminal behaviour and victimisation. There will be an introduction to the assessment and treatment of those who have committed offences. The module will also give an insight into the training and career pathways for forensic psychologists.

30.00 credits

The module will engage students with the main themes of contemporary health psychology and positive psychology with a particular focus on theory, research, intervention, and application. The students will gain an understanding of the importance of psychological processes in the experience of health and illness, and explore the role of behaviour and emotion in current trends of mortality and morbidity. In addition, students will gain an understanding of the role of positive emotions, optimism, spirituality, flourishing relationships, and community engagement in promoting health, well-being, and happiness. They will also become aware of the crucial roles health psychology and positive psychology have to play in the development and evaluation of physical and psychological health promotion interventions.

30.00 credits

This is an optional module for Level 6 students who wish to expand their knowledge about child development. The module will cover a broad range of issues in developmental psychology including both examples of typical and atypical development, such as reading development and dyslexia, children's relationships and bullying, language in typical and atypical populations, sensory impairment, children's understanding of number and dyscalculia, children with Williams Syndrome, among other themes. The module will involve a combination of keynote lectures, interactive lectures and guided independent study during which current theories, methodologies and research will be discussed and critically evaluated. In addition, transferable skills will be fostered through student led interactive discussions and tasks.

30 credits

This module explores the nature and origins of social knowledge and critically evaluates the basis for claims to 'absolute reality'.

The module will be of interest to students who wish to examine contemporary beliefs and assumptions about the world on a range of political, philosophical, psychological and moral issues. In the second semester, earlier theoretical knowledge is applied to the study of collective memory (the memory of people across generations) – a foundational form of social knowledge involved in the construction of identity. The study of social/collective memory raises some political issues. For example, in the aftermath of conflict, competing versions of the past are often a barrier to reconciliation. Understanding the nature and content of collective memory therefore becomes important.

Students should have an interest in the history and politics of conflict, including human rights, although detailed historical knowledge is not a pre-requisite. Course material comprises film and television documentary, which will broaden and deepen existing knowledge of 20th century events.

30 credits

This module explores the psychology of higher cognitive processes, such as thinking, reasoning, judgement and decision-making. You will be encouraged to evaluate critically whether human thinking is rational, and the normative models with which that rationality is measured. The module will also introduce you to quantitative models of these processes as well as applications of cognitive psychology research, especially in terms of judgement and decision making in areas such as politics, sports, economics and health.

30 credits

This module introduces a range of issues in contemporary occupational psychology within four key areas:

• Health and Wellbeing
• Selection and Assessment
• Leadership and Organisational Change
• Training and Development

You will explore and critically evaluate the empirical research within each area, applying your knowledge to business case study examples.

Topics include stress and burnout, workspace design, bullying and harassment, motivation and performance, psychometric testing and selection processes, models of organisational change, leadership and management, personal development and job design.

30 credits

This module examines how psychology is applied in psychotherapeutic work in mental health contexts. It is relevant to students who are interested in counselling psychology, clinical psychology, psychotherapy, counselling and/or in mental health service provision more generally.

The module begins with a consideration of how common forms of psychological distress and disorder are conceptualised within mainstream classification systems. After psychotherapeutic approaches are placed in historical context, the module considers the theory and practice of various psychotherapeutic approaches. Attention is given to how specific mental health issues can be addressed in therapy, how therapy can respond creatively and ethically to diversity issues, and how therapeutic impact or effectiveness might best be evaluated.

By completing this module, students will develop a critical understanding of the nature of psychotherapeutic practice and of some key aspects of its complexity and challenges. The module will consider the principles and challenges of psychotherapeutic practice but students will not engage in any form of psychotherapeutic practice during the module, nor will it qualify them to do so afterwards. However it will help inform students' decision-making about careers in the psychotherapeutic and mental health fields.

30 credits

This module provides students with the opportunity to address workplace issues that can benefit from input by psychologists. Students will gain an appreciation of the challenges of applying psychological research and knowledge in workplace settings. Students will complete 40 hours of work experience, and apply psychological research findings and knowledge to their chosen context, under the supervision of a workplace supervisor. Students are required to reflect on their experiences in the workplace and examine how knowledge gained from their course can be used in their setting.