This Research Methods module will provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the principles of research in psychology in alignment with the British Psychological Society (BPS) standards. The module focuses on helping students develop and enhance their research techniques developed in level 4, continuing to develop a critical understanding of diverse research methods, enabling you to select the right approach/es for different psychological research questions. 

From designing experiments to working with or designing psychometric tests, you’ll learn how to generate hypotheses, collect data, and apply statistical tests with confidence.  Additionally, you’ll also learn how to present research findings effectively in written BPS reports through to visual formats. The module emphasises the application of research methods to psychological issues, equipping students to design meaningful studies and evaluate data.

This module builds on the first year PS4024 module to cover the remaining aspects of the British Psychological Society's Social Psychology and Individual Differences curriculum, with a focus on the real world implications of what students have learnt. We will explore a range of issues in society around issues such as power, politics and community that help us understand why people act as they do and how society can influence this. Students will choose to explore one of these issues in depth for their assessment.

This module has two distinct themes. Theme one is to develop awareness and skills in understanding the psychology behind job searching, job applications, writing a persuasive CV, performing appropriately at interview and using social media to search for, and apply for jobs. Theme two helps students to apply psychology in real life situations in a discipline of interest chosen by the student. Students will work in groups and use psychological theory to solve specific problems either provided by partners within the community, working with partners in the community or provided in-house by staff. This is an experiential learning module where more than half of the content is delivered using practical exercises. Students will have an opportunity to take a self-directed approach to building essential skills.

This module will take you through the stages of crime scene examination, analysis of exhibits, preparation of legal documents and the presentation of oral evidence in a courtroom setting. 

In this module, you will have the opportunity to put theory into practice and build essential skills for your future career by gaining invaluable real-world experience through a range of experiential activities (e.g., volunteering, workplace engagement, research projects, field trip (where available and dependent on course), or through a combination of activities). You will develop practical, analytical, and professional skills relevant to your subject, while also enhancing transferable skills that are vital in any graduate-level role. 

Through hands-on experiences, you will critically reflect on your personal and professional growth, using these insights to shape your career path and identify areas for continued development. You'll take ownership of your learning, ensuring that you can effectively articulate your employability skills in a professional context, and be well-prepared for the workplace. This module empowers you to explore new environments, apply your knowledge, and discover how your academic training translates into real-world impact, boosting your confidence and work readiness. 

It is your responsibility to organise any experience undertaken outside of the university as part of this module although you will be provided with support from university staff.

All activities within this module must be university-level; this means:  

• Undertaking high-skilled work commensurate with level 5 study (e.g. report writing, attending meetings, delivering presentations, producing spreadsheets, writing content on webpages, social media, marketing services/products etc.)  
• Meeting the professional expectations of the experiential activities you undertake 
• Where applicable, your existing part-time employer can be approached/used as an experiential activity provider, if the role aligns with your career development and provides you with high skilled work commensurate with level 5 study. 

In this module, you will have the opportunity to put theory into practice and build essential skills for your future career by gaining invaluable real-world experience through a structured, university-level work placement for 4, 5 or 7 weeks as one continuous block / period with a placement provider (i.e. a local employer from the private, public, or charitable sector). You will develop practical, analytical, and professional skills relevant to your subject, while also enhancing transferable skills that are vital in any graduate-level role. Therefore this module will enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.

Through hands-on experiences, you will critically reflect on your personal and professional growth, using these insights to shape your career path and identify areas for continued development. You'll take ownership of your learning, ensuring that you can effectively articulate your employability skills in a professional context, and be well-prepared for the workplace. This module empowers you to explore new environments, apply your knowledge, and discover how your academic training translates into real-world impact, boosting your confidence and work readiness.

It is your responsibility to organise the placement as part of this module although you will be provided with support from university staff.

All work placements within this module must be university-level; this means:

• Undertaking high-skilled work commensurate with level 5 study (e.g. report writing, attending meetings, delivering presentations, producing spreadsheets, writing content on webpages, social media, marketing services/products etc.)
• Physically placed (albeit part of it can be hybrid) within an employer setting in one continuous block / period for 4, 5 or 7 weeks for a minimum of 140-147 hours over the course of the entire work placement
• Where applicable, your existing part-time employer can be approached/used as the placement provider, if the high-skilled work criterion above is fulfilled for the full duration of the placement.
• All quality assurances/agreements provided by the University are adhered to, by you and the employer.

The work placement context may not necessarily, reflect your degree discipline per se, but rather, it will give you an enriched experience to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.