Psychology

Programme Structure:

Please note that the following modules are subject to change.

Level 4 (Year 1):

Core Topics in Psychology:

This module is intended to provide a broad introduction to the majority of the core topics in psychology as designated by the syllabus of the BPS qualifying examination. The module is designed to be appropriate for those with no prior experience in psychology as well as those who have studied the topic previously.

Introduction to Psychological Research Methods and Skills:

This double module introduces research methods, and provides a foundation for more advanced study of methods at Levels 5 and 6 (Years Two and Three), and for understanding and interpreting research papers.  The module also aims to enhance core subject-based and key skills.

History and Applications of Psychology:

This module introduces the historical development of the different approaches within psychology that underpin contemporary psychological theory and practice, as well as offering a broad introduction to applied psychology.

Psychological Well-Being:

This module is intended to provide an introduction to the contemporary fields of clinical and health psychology as a basis for further study in these areas in later stages of the degree course.

Introduction to Psychological Therapies:

This module is intended to provide a broad introduction to the foundations and theoretical underpinnings of psychological therapies. It covers historical, theoretical, practice and ethics issues.

Level 5 (Year 2):

Cognitive Psychology:

Cognitive psychology is the approach in psychology that examines internal mental processes such as problem solving, memory and language. The module will cover areas such as perception, attention, memory, language and problem solving.

Social Psychology:

The module focuses on people, both as individuals and as part of their social context. It focuses on key elements of social psychology, looking at the dynamics of how individuals act at a group or social level.

Individual Differences:

This module explores individual differences in personality and intelligence. The study of individual differences is an essential and important part of psychology which links with many other areas within the discipline. Knowledge of the scope/limitations of testing personality and intelligence is important to professional psychologists.

Forensic Psychology and Mental Health:

This module provides students with a comprehensive introduction to some of the key areas of theories and practice relating to crime and the criminal justice system.  It also looks at the main forms of mental ill-health.

Psychology of Parenting:

The quality of parenting is an important issue, and this module looks at the theoretical and empirical basis for ideas about how parenting can be improved and the factors that can contribute to difficulties.

I.T. in Psychology:

This module increases knowledge of the use of information technology in psychology, examines the human-computer interface, and looks at the impact the advent of the computer is having on the human mind and behaviour.

Applied Research Experience in Psychology:

This module extends research methods knowledge, skills and experience beyond that offered at Level 4 (Year One). Those completing this module should have a good basis for going on to plan and undertake an independent research project or dissertation, and for evaluating or contributing to research in many contexts.

Level 6 (Year 3):

Research Dissertation:

This double module provides an opportunity to extend and put into practice research skills acquired in preceding psychological methods moudules. With guidance from a supervisor, the module involves an individual empirical study of a research topic of particular interest to the student.

Developmental Psychology:

This module explores the nature and complexity of human development. The assignment involves the in-depth study of a child/young person (0-19).

Themes in Biological Psychology:

Biological psychology is a dynamic interdisciplinary topic in psychology. The module is designed to cover the key areas of biological psychology as laid out in the current BPS syllabus and in benchmarking documents.

Health Psychology:

This module draws upon previous modules to examine critically the relationship between psychological factors and physical health, including the role of the individual and the practitioner.

Occupational Psychology:

This is one of the fastest growing areas of applied psychology, and this module offers students the opportunity to explore organisational, group and individual influences on the work environment and working life.

Psychology of Emotion:

The study of emotion is a rapidly developing interdisciplinary topic area within psychology. It is seen as an area which requires analysis across the main sub-disciplines of psychology and related disciplines with the social sciences.

Comparative Psychology:

Comparative psychology is an interdisciplinary field that blends psychological and biological approaches to the study of animal and human behaviour.

Clinical and Counselling Psychology:

This module will enable students to consider critically our understanding of the causes and development of various mental illnesses, while also developing an analytical viewpoint of the various models and approaches within counselling and psychotherapy.

Understanding Developmental Disorders:

This module covers clinical, educational and social models of specific developmental disorders. Students will have the opportunity to study disorders such as dyscalculia, disorders of motor function, and the effects of a sensory impairment on learning.