You will develop as a social researcher, equipped to undertake your own research projects. You will learn how to design research plans, manage ethical issues, undertake data analysis, and present your findings. You will develop skills in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, and practice methods in small group settings. You will apply your learning to a research topic of your choice, developing and generating knowledge on real-world phenomena relevant to your intended future career. You will be supported one-to-one by a supervisor with research expertise who can advise throughout your project. You will develop investigative, analytical and presentation skills that will be of value throughout your career.

State crime, harm and injustice: International perspectives (20 Credits)

This module critically examines the multifaceted ways in which state actions can contribute to social harms, injustices, and environmental degradation. Students will explore state-induced crimes through a critical criminological lens, focusing on how policies and actions can perpetuate systemic inequalities and harm both individuals and communities globally. The module introduces sense-making theories, providing tools to analyse and evaluate the impact of state actions on broader social injustices, including ecological damage and economic inequality. Through a combination of theoretical insights and real-world case studies, students will critically assess topics such as state violence, environmental harms, economic policies, and human rights violations. Key learning outcomes include the ability to analyse the global impacts of state-induced crimes, apply theoretical frameworks, and devise strategies for mitigating harms. The module emphasises practical, socially responsible approaches to addressing systemic issues, equipping students with actionable skills to contribute to meaningful change. With a structured curriculum spanning ten weeks, topics include the historical and contemporary dimensions of state crime, environmental and social injustices, and the role of human rights frameworks. By the end, students will be well-prepared to critically engage with these pressing global challenges and advocate for justice in diverse contexts.

Psychology Dissertation (40 Credits)

Students design and carry out a piece of empirical research with the support of a named supervisor. This offers an opportunity to apply psychological theories and methods covered in the first two years of their degree to a specific area of Psychology. Students plan their project, apply for ethical approval, undertake data analysis, and prepare a final report.

Students design and carry out a piece of empirical research with the support of a named supervisor. This offers an opportunity to apply psychological theories and methods covered in the first two years of their degree to a specific area of Psychology. Students plan their project, apply for ethical approval, undertake data analysis, and prepare a final report.

You will critically analyse justifications of punishment over history to the present day, nationally and internationally. You will examine different types of punishment and their use in penal policy. You will develop knowledge of the role of punishment practitioners and their practices. You will study the impact of gender, race, religion, age, class, sex, and disability on the delivery and experience of punishment, with case studies on current social issues such as transgender prisoner policy, and the challenges of young and aging prison populations. You will critically assess the ethics of imprisonment and other punishment, and a range of perspectives on criminal justice reform, including arguments for rehabilitation outside prisons and abolitionist perspectives.

Psychopathology aims to promote students understanding of psychological disorder, how it develops and is maintained, and to help you to think about how, as psychologists, we might best intervene to promote psychological wellbeing. This module explores research, practice, and service user perspectives on psychopathology throughout the lifespan, providing students with a robust understanding of current thinking and approaches in the field of clinical and counselling psychology.

This module will look at key areas of Health Psychology, in particular looking at the areas of behaviour change and patient experience. This will allow students to build on what they have learnt so far in their degree and see this applied to issues within the physical health field. The module will prepare students for careers in physical health support or related areas around behaviour change such as marketing.

Neurodiversity in Practice covers a range of topics which affect children's development: these include a broad spectrum of neurodiversity issues, but may also include the experiences of children raised in unusual circumstances, who have a sensory or physical disability, a mental health condition, or who are unusually gifted or talented, for example.