Psychology (including foundation year)BSc (Hons)

Foundations of Research in Psychology

This module aims to provide you with an introduction to the research process in psychology and to develop numerical, analytical, practical, and digital literacy skills that are relevant for progression onto level 4 BSc (Hons) Psychology, and more specifically, to help you prepare for Level 4 research methods. You will be introduced to: 1) research design in psychology; 2) research ethics in psychology; 3) basic quantitative and qualitative concepts; and 4) skills relating to reporting and disseminating psychological research.

Through weekly lectures and workshops, the module aims to: 1) develop your understanding of codes of professional practice in psychology and the ethics of psychological research; 2) introduce you to the practice of designing, conducting and reporting research in psychology; 3) provide you with basic numeracy, thematic, and digital literacy skills and methods for describing and summarising quantitative and qualitative data; 4) develop your understanding of basic concepts in psychological research (e.g., reliability and validity); and 5) develop your understanding of different ways of disseminating research findings.

This module will facilitate your progression to level 4 of the BSc Psychology course and enhance your knowledge and transferable skills necessary for working in various professional contexts.

Perspectives in Psychology

The aim of this module is to (1) introduce you to some of the key approaches, paradigms and concepts in psychology; (2) consider the historical and cultural context of those aspects of psychology; (3) provide you with knowledge and understanding of different theoretical and methodological approaches within psychology; (4) foster independent learning by initiating student-led tasks; and (5) develop your key skills relevant to pursuing further academic study of psychology.

This module will facilitate your progression to level 4 of BSc (Hons) Psychology and enhance your knowledge and the transferable skills required for further study in psychology and working in various professional contexts.

Preparing for Success

The aim of this module is to (1) introduce you to some of the key concepts and skills required to be a successful student; (2) provide you with knowledge and understanding of psychology as an academic discipline; (3) foster independent learning by initiating student-led tasks; (4) develop key skills relevant to pursuing further academic study of psychology (e.g. understanding the scientific method, effective communication, time-management, critical thinking and digital literacy skills); (5) introduce you to the concept of ethical science and ethical working.

This module will facilitate your progression to level 4 of the BSc (Hons) Psychology and enhance your knowledge and transferable skills necessary for working in various professional contexts.

Psychology in Everyday Life

This module gives you the opportunity to learn about how theory and research from different branches of psychology can be used to help us understand and interpret human experience and behaviour in a wide variety of everyday contexts.

The module will facilitate your progression to level 4 of the BSc Psychology course and enhance your knowledge and transferable skills that can apply to everyday life and various professional contexts.

Psychology in Practice

The aim of this module is to introduce you to how psychology is practiced in different professions including academia, clinical psychology, counselling psychology, health psychology, forensic psychology, educational psychology, and coaching. You will learn how skills developed in this and other modules can be applied in these different professions. This will extend to related employment opportunities and you will be provided with key skills relevant to pursuing further academic study and a career in psychology. This module will facilitate your progression to level 4 of the BSc (Hons) Psychology.

Working with Diverse Populations

The aim of this module is to explore how psychologists work with diverse populations. You will be introduced to the nine protected characteristics as outlined in the Equalities Act 2010 and issues relating to inclusion, equality and diversity. In addition, you will be offered the opportunity to reflect upon and evaluate your own values and beliefs and how these might shape your understanding of working with diverse populations.

This module will facilitate your progression to level 4 of the BSc Psychology course and enhance your knowledge and transferable skills necessary for working ethically with diverse populations in various professional contexts.

Becoming a socially responsible professional

This module will allow you to develop the knowledge and skills required to become a successful psychology student and ease your progression through the course and into a meaningful and rewarding profession. The module will equip you with a toolkit of intellectual and practical skills, including skills in written and spoken communication, digital literacy, time management, decision-making, record keeping, and self-reflection. It will allow you to critically consider the nature of employment, including issues related to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and to develop creative, non-discriminatory, and socially responsible ways of working in psychology and beyond. You will also develop the skills required to identify limitations in your own knowledge and professional behaviour and how to address them as you progress through the course. The module thus provides a platform for future professional skill and career development in psychology and related professions.

Careers in Psychology

This career development focused module will: (1) allow you to develop your understanding of your options and opportunities for creating a professional career in psychology and related professions; (2) introduce you to a range of traditional and new and up-and-coming areas of professional psychology practice; (3) develop your awareness of the contexts, activities, responsibilities, and skills required to be successful in different psychology related professions; and (4) encourage you to start thinking about, planning and preparing for a successful career in your chosen areas of specialisation. The topics and issues explored in this module will help you develop an appreciation of your future career options and will provide you with a solid foundation for future study and career development.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Psychology

This module will introduce you to the psychology of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
It will help you to address questions such as: “What is EDI?”; “Why is EDI important in psychology?”; “How can psychology contribute to the creation of a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive society?” You will learn about the history of EDI initiatives in psychology; the psychological consequences of racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression; and the benefits of diversifying the field of psychology in terms of learning content, perspectives, research practices, and practical applications. You will learn that diverse and inclusive perspectives are needed to fully understand human behaviour in everyday life in a globalised society. The knowledge and skills developed in the module will provide you with a firm foundation for progression through the course and into employment, based on social justice and equality.

Mechanisms of the Mind

This module will allow you to develop your understanding of cognitive and neuroscientific approaches to understanding the nature of thinking, deductive and inductive reasoning, problem solving, and decision making. You will engage with classic and contemporary literature that investigates the apparently unique human ability to understand and interact with the physical and social world, recognise and overcome explicit and implicit biases inherent to our brain architecture, and use our understanding of cognitive and neuroscientific processes to strive for social justice. The knowledge developed in this module will facilitate your progression to level 5 and help to prepare you for further study in psychology and related disciplines.

Psychology Across Time and Cultures

The aim of this module is to develop your understanding of: (1) how psychology as a discipline has developed across time and cultures; (2) key studies that helped to shape contemporary psychology; (3) past and current controversies in psychology; and (4) the historical and cultural specificity of psychological knowledge. These outcomes will help to contextualise the topics introduced throughout the course and appreciate the limitations with many assumptions that underpin different aspects of the discipline. The module will thus provide a platform for you to progress to level 5 and 6 and to question and think critically about psychological knowledge.

Psychopathology

This module will develop your understanding of varied psychopathologies (e.g., anxiety, depression, eating and sleep disorders) and their aetiology, diagnosis, and treatment. You will learn about the diagnostic system used in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) and some of the common criticisms associated with this and other diagnostic systems (e.g., subjectivity in diagnosis and stigma associated with diagnostic labels). You will also learn about some of the most widely used treatments for different psychopathologies (e.g., pharmacotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) including multidisciplinary treatments and some novel treatments that may be used along with the more standard ones (e.g., visualisation and art therapy). The knowledge and skills developed in this module are essential for those considering a career in clinical psychology or related professions and will provide you with a firm foundation for further learning as you progress through the course and beyond.

Research Methods and Data Analysis in Psychology

This module introduces you to the practice of conducting and reporting research in psychology and will allow you to develop your skills in gathering, analysing, and evaluating different types of data in line with the principles of open science. You will learn about the link between research questions and research design and how conduct, interpret, and report psychological research. You will be introduced to the British Psychological Society’s (BPS) Code of Human Research Ethics and principles of open science, and what this means for the way in which we design and conduct research in psychology. You will learn how to write and format research reports in accordance with professional publication standards and disseminate research findings in different ways to different audiences. The module is designed to help you to develop the practical, intellectual, and interpersonal skills essential for success on your course and in varied professions, as well as your confidence and enthusiasm for psychological research. It will thus provide you with a toolkit of intellectual and practical skills to assist your progression to modules at levels 5 and 6 and beyond.

Cognitive and Biological Explanations of Behaviour

The aim of this module is to explore the cognitive and biological bases of behaviour. You will learn about neuroanatomy and how neurons communicate with each other; the biological bases of behaviour and cognitive functions (e.g., perception, attention, learning and memory, language processing, and thinking and reasoning); how brain development, drugs, disease and brain damage impact behaviour and cognitive functioning and how these aspects can be linked to mental disorders; and what research with animals can tell us about human cognition and behaviour. This module will thus enhance your knowledge and understanding of core topics in cognitive and biological psychology and equip you with transferable skills necessary for further study in psychology and for working in various professional contexts.

Development Across the Lifespan

The aim of this module is to explore how humans grow, change, and adapt across the course of their lives. It will introduce you to classic and contemporary theory and research on human development including theories and models of developmental stages and associated behaviour, including both cognitive and social development. You will also learn about the research methods used when working with people at different stages of the lifespan, cross-cultural research on human development, and the extent to which developmental stages are universal or culture specific. The module will equip you with core skills in developmental psychology which are highly valued in educational and employment contexts.

Individual Differences

This module will help you to develop your knowledge and understanding of key concepts in individual differences. It will introduce you to the classic theory and research on which this branch of psychology is based and develop your understanding of how and why people differ in systematic ways and the consequences of such individual differences. You will learn how the psychometric methods used by individual differences researchers are constructed and how they are used by psychologists and social scientists in a variety of contexts such as education, recruitment and selection, and health and wellbeing. The knowledge and skills developed in this module will be beneficial in other areas of your course as well as in future training and employment.

Psychological Interventions: From Problems to Solutions

The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge and understanding of different types of psychological interventions designed to address a range of personal and social issues. You will be introduced to a range of evidence-based psychological interventions anchored in contemporary theory and research. This includes interventions to promote subjective states of well-being (e.g., growth mindset, self-affirmation, reappraisal, resilience); to help people experiencing alcohol or drug dependence; and to reduce prejudice and promote positive intergroup relations. You will learn how psychological interventions are designed, the literature on which they are based, how they work, and how they can be applied in a wide range of contexts (e.g., healthcare, education, relationships), and how they can help in the achievement of social justice goals. The module has a strong applied focus and the knowledge and skills developed in the module are highly desired in many employment contexts.

Qualitative Research Methods in Psychology

The module introduces you to the epistemological, ontological, and methodological underpinnings of qualitative research in psychology. It will allow you to develop knowledge and practical skills related to different types of qualitative research and opportunities to put this knowledge and skills into practice. You will learn how to design and conduct qualitative studies in psychology, collect and analyse qualitative data, and report qualitative research studies in accordance with professional publication standards and the principles of open science. The knowledge and skills developed in this module are highly valued in different employment settings (e.g., communication, negotiation, high-level analysis, problem-solving, decision-making, project management).

Quantitative Research Methods in Psychology

This module is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to conduct quantitative research in psychology in line with the principles of open science. Using active learning methods, you will learn how to formulate a research question and a hypothesis and how to translate these into a research design. You will learn how to gather, conduct, interpret, and present data in accordance with professional publication standards and the principles of open science. You will develop your understanding of core concepts in statistical theory (e.g., null hypotheses significance testing; sampling distributions) and your ability to conduct a wide range of descriptive and inferential statistical analyses (e.g., correlation, linear regression, t-tests, analysis of variance). You will be able to put the skills you develop in this and other modules into practice by designing and conducting a quantitative study on a topic of your choice and presenting the results in a research report. The module will thus equip you with a range of skills that are essential for further study in psychology and highly valued in different employment contexts.

Social and Cultural Explanations of Behaviour

The aim of this module is to examine how people think about and seek to understand their social worlds through their interactions with others at the individual, social and cultural levels. You will develop a critical understanding of key theories and models of social psychology in their historical and cultural contexts. It will allow you to develop a critical understanding of how such theories and models can be ethically investigated using appropriate research methodologies; how social psychological knowledge (concepts, theories, and research findings) can be ethically applied to address a range of personal, social, and cultural issues; and the extent to such knowledge may differ across cultures.

The Psychology of Creativity and Innovation

This module will introduce you to key theories and models of creativity and innovation and the psychological research on which they are based. Through active and interactive learning methods, you will develop your knowledge and understanding of creative cognition and complex problem solving; neuroscience of creativity and innovation; individual differences and creative intelligence; and the developmental, social, and cultural processes involved in creativity and innovation. You will learn how concepts and processes from the core theories and models of creativity and innovation can be applied in different settings to solve a range of personal, social, cultural, and global issues; how to synthesise (bring together) different information sources to communicate to different audiences; and how to work collaboratively in teams to increase creativity and find innovative solutions to problems. The module has a strong applied focus and the knowledge and skills it allows you to develop are relevant to a wide range of employment contexts, as employers are increasingly looking for creative and innovative solutions to problems in different domains.

Psychology Project

This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to design, conduct, and present a psychology research project. It will develop your understanding of the scientific method and your ability to collect valid and reliable research data through an ethically sound process. It will provide opportunities for you to apply the knowledge and skills you have developed throughout the course to address a research question of your choice. It will develop your ability to conduct statistical and/or qualitative data analysis using appropriate software and platforms (where appropriate); write a complete research report in line with professional publication standards; and present your research in different ways to different audiences. In doing so, the module will equip you with a range of transferable skills necessary for postgraduate study and employment in different professions.

Clinical Neuroscience

The aim of this module is to develop and integrate your knowledge of biological psychology with reference to clinical disorders. You will examine the neuropharmacological, neurophysiological and neuropsychological aspects of disorders such as addiction, Alzheimer’s disease, and schizophrenia. After successful completion of the module, you will be able to confidently discuss and evaluate neuroscientific theories of psychiatric, behavioural, and neurological disorders; have a comprehensive and thorough understanding of research ethics in the field; critically discuss evidence-based approaches to understanding the aetiology and treatment of clinical disorders; and provide an explanation of behaviour in which data from humans and animals can be integrated. You will be encouraged to engage with independent learning using appropriate primary and secondary sources and to develop competence in discussion with clarity of presentation, scientific rigour, and evidence-based conclusions. The knowledge and skills developed in the module will support the development of important graduate attributes and progression to postgraduate training and employment.

Clinical Psychology

This module aims to develop your knowledge and skills in clinical psychology. You will learn about key theoretical approaches in clinical psychology and how clinical conditions are diagnosed and treated (e.g., mood and anxiety disorders; substance use disorders; personality disorders; post-traumatic stress disorder). You will also develop core skills required to working ethically with clients with complex needs and learn policy and legislation on issues such as safeguarding, the Mental Health Act, and the Mental Capacity Act. You will develop a critical understanding and practical experience in using psychometric assessment and diagnostic methods, including the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), and range of clinical skills which will ease your transition into postgraduate training and employment in different professions.

Coding for Psychology

This module will equip you with core skills in coding in the context of psychology. You will learn core skills using Python, which is a very powerful and accessible programming language. It is applied widely across data science, computing, and artificial intelligence and is continuing to gain popularity in different industries. Python also has a wide application in different aspects of psychological research, including experiment building, data analysis, and data visualisation. Learning about and acquiring skills using Python will aid your progression to post-graduate study and employment in different domains.

Cognition and Emotion

This module will allow you to critically engage with classic and contemporary cognitive models and theories of emotion in their historical and cultural contexts. The module will allow you to evaluate the extent to which these models and theories can be integrated into a common framework capable of explaining both adaptive and maladaptive emotions. Additionally, you will build on previous critical reading skills and discussion: some sessions will require prior reading of research papers and discussion of these in class time, thus encouraging active participation from you and thus instilling confidence in communicating your views to others. Communication skills will be supported via different presentation methods, thus supporting the graduate skills expected of you in the workplace.

Counseling Psychology

The aim of this module is to introduce you to the discipline of counselling psychology, exploring its origins, scope, training, and contexts for practice. You will explore the philosophy, values and ethics of counselling psychology including contemporary debates and issues within the profession. You will learn about the three dominant therapeutic modalities in counselling psychology practice (cognitive-behavioural, person-centred/humanistic, and psychodynamic modalities) and the theoretical and empirical evidence underpinning these modalities. You will gain knowledge and practical skills in areas such as clinical assessment, formulation, treatment planning, interventions, self-reflection, and the therapeutic relationship. The knowledge and skills developed in this module will leave you well positioned to progress to further training required to practice, including the MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Creative methods in qualitative research

This aim of this module is to develop your knowledge, understanding and skills in qualitative research with an emphasis on non-traditional qualitative methods that are novel in psychological inquiry. Through active learning you will explore the links between epistemology, methodology and theoretical explanations in psychology. In doing this, you will be introduced to, and develop practical skills in using, a range of creative qualitative approaches to data collection and data analysis such as social media, visual, multi-modal, and Queer and decolonial research methodologies. A strong focus on ethical and inclusive research practice runs through the module topics. The knowledge and skills developed in the module will leave you well positioned to progress to further study and employment in various professional contexts

Cyberpsychology

The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge and understanding of key topics in cyberpsychology. The module will introduce you to emerging lines of theory, research, and practice in this this branch of psychology, including social influence and communication; artificial intelligence; love and relationships online; and forensic cyberpsychology. It will provide opportunities for you to develop your knowledge and skills in different methods used to investigate core and emerging topics cyberpsychology and the associated ethical implications. You will also gain a critical appreciation of how psychological theories can be effectively applied in the area of human-computer interaction. The module will thus equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for further study in cyberpsychology and employment in various professional contexts.

Forensic Psychology

This module introduces you to classic and contemporary theory and research in Forensic Psychology on topics such as the causes of crime; the impact of crime; types of offences and offenders (e.g., mentally disordered offenders; violent offenders); the prosecution and outcomes of crimes; the psychology of the court room and criminal justice system; treatment of victims in the criminal justice system; and the rehabilitation of offenders. It will develop your ability to apply theoretical perspectives from different branches of psychology and criminology to the study of contemporary issues in the criminal justice system, including systemic injustices in the system. It will provide you with opportunities to develop critical knowledge and skills in areas such as risk assessment, treatment planning for offenders with complex psychological needs, and specialised areas such as cybercrime and stalking. These outcomes will leave you well positioned to progress to postgraduate training and employment in varied forensic and criminal justice settings.

Gender and Sexuality

This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of core topics related to gender and sexuality. You will be introduced to core theories, concepts, and epistemologies relating to the study of gender and sexuality within the field of LGBTQ+ and to historical and contemporary research on gender and sexual diversity. Core concepts such as Queer and feminist theories, positivism, and post-structuralism will be discussed in terms of their implications and impact. You will learn about the intersection between LGBTQ+ psychology and other branches of psychology (e.g., social, and developmental psychology) and will consider how gender and sexuality can impact other areas of life, including health and well-being, education, and employment. The module will thus provide you with the knowledge and skills required for further study in psychology and for work in various professional contexts. It will also you to grow and develop as an ethical, inclusive, and socially responsible person and professional.

Health Psychology

The aim of this module is to introduce you to Health Psychology as an applied area within the discipline of psychology. You will develop core skills related to appraising key perspectives and approaches in Health Psychology and in evaluating assessments, explanations, and treatments that are applied to a range of health-related issues. You will have the opportunity to investigate the role played by physiological, psychological, social, and cultural mechanisms in the causation and treatment of physical illnesses. You will gain experience in constructing a health promotion leaflet and an accompanying rationale, thus providing additional transferable skills for future employment. The aims of this module have been developed in accordance with NICE guidelines and the British Psychological Society (BPS) codes of conduct and ethics. The module will thus allow you to make informed and realistic decisions about future training and employment in this and related branches of psychology.

Positive Psychology

The aim of this module is to provide a critical introduction to the fast-evolving field of positive psychology, with emphasis on theoretical and methodological approaches in positive psychology and real-life applications. You will learn how to appropriately review and contrast different conceptions of well-being and associated phenomena, and analyse how they have been applied to individuals, groups, and communities across time and cultures. Through experiential learning and reflection, you will explore new ways of applying the principles and methods of positive psychology to foster individual and collective well-being. The module will thus enhance your knowledge and critical understanding of positive psychology and its application in different settings, and equip you with transferable skills necessary for further study in different branches of psychology and employment in various professional contexts.

Psychosexual Therapy

The aim of this module is to develop your understanding of core concepts, approaches, and treatments in psychosexual therapy. You will learn about treatments for a range of sexual dysfunctions and their ethical application in varied contexts, including individual and relationship counselling, psychosexual education, and cognitive behavioural therapy. You will learn about the evidence bases of these and other types of treatments and how to conduct psychosexual assessments and create case formulations. The module will help you to develop skills in clinical communication and reflective practice which are essential for anyone considering a career in this field. These skills will provide a platform for further training and employment in healthcare settings.

Specific Learning Differences

The aim of this module is to introduce you to a range of Specific Learning Differences (SLDs), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD); attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); and dyslexia. You will learn how these learning differences are diagnosed and how they impact cognition, behaviour, and education. You will develop a critical understanding of the theoretical and evidential basis of diagnosis and treatment methods for different SLDs. You will have opportunities to consider the lived experience of individuals with SLDs and significant others (e.g., relatives, teachers), recognising that an individual’s strengths and difficulties will present differently and may change depending on the task or the environment. You will also develop essential skills in ethical and inclusive practice when working with people with SLDs. The knowledge and skills developed in the module will help to prepare you for further study and employment in various professional contexts.

Work Psychology

The aim of this module is to develop your understanding of a range of theories, models, and lines of applied research in work contexts. Working with hypothetical organisational case studies you will develop skills in applying psychological knowledge to the understanding of client needs and learn how to provide solutions to address a range of issues in organisational and work-related contexts, while considering aspects of ethics and safety. You will be invited to reflect on the way that work can entrench or challenge societal power structures through examining domains of work which are traditionally neglected by organisational psychology. In this way, you will be encouraged to develop a critical stance towards dominant discourses of hierarchical organisational power structures. You will thus appreciate and learn how to address issues faced by underrepresented and marginalised occupational groups and how to harness the benefits of diversity in the workplace. The knowledge and skills developed in this module will enhance your opportunity to enter postgraduate training and employment in different professions (e.g., in business, organisational or occupational psychology; human resource management).