Department of Psychology

• • Mind and Social World: Developmental, Social and Cognitive Psychology

    Learn about the core theories and concepts of developmental, social and cognitive psychology. Gain an understanding of what developmental, social and cognitive psychology are and how they can explain human behaviour. Consider the different approaches to studying developmental, social and cognitive psychology. Explore the historical origins of these key areas of psychology. Develop knowledge of the work of prominent psychologists in influencing today’s developmental, social and cognitive psychology research. Begin to apply theoretical knowledge of these areas to explain everyday human behaviours.

  • Brain and Behaviour: Biological Psychology, Individual Differences and Quantitative Methods

    Gain an understanding of core theories and concepts in the core areas of biological psychology and individual differences. Explore our ancestral past, consider how behaviour has been affected by natural and sexual selection, giving rise to group norms as well as individual differences.  Students will demonstrate the ability to apply theoretical knowledge gained from these areas to explain everyday human behaviours. Learn the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary for psychological investigation, evaluation, and communication alongside. Demonstrate an understanding of, and aptitude for, quantitative research methods and effectively communicate psychological research. 

  • The Building Blocks of Psychological Research

    Explore a variety of quantitative and qualitative research paradigms, developing an understanding of how psychologists’ views of the social world shape their research. Develop a working knowledge of the key methods psychologists use to create and answer questions about human activity, from initial areas of interest, through iterative design cycles, to select the most appropriate research method(s), always working within a robust legal, ethical and professional framework. A wide variety of approaches and data collection tools are explored from quantitative, qualitative and mixed method paradigms, experiencing knowledge creation from the perspective of both a research designer and a research participant.

  • Counselling Foundations

    Learn some of the key skills and qualities that characterise the counselling relationship and counselling process linked to psychological theory underpinning counselling practice. Gain an understanding of counselling as a distinct professional occupation as well as how counselling skills can be used in many professions and helping roles.
    Students undertaking this module can gain an externally validated level 2 award in counselling concepts and achieve the module credits if they meet all the requirements of the award.

  • Forensic and Criminal Psychology

    Learn about forensic and criminal psychology and the relevant key theoretical concepts. Develop an understanding of forensic and criminal psychology in the context of, and with reference to, other forensic sciences, and how psychology can be applied to the study of criminal behaviour. Learn about the development of forensic psychology as a discipline with regards to how crime, offender treatment, and the legal system have been conceptualised and approached. Explore a range of psychological theories of criminal behaviour, including those from an evolutionary perspective, examining different types of crime, including but not limited to, juvenile offending and gangs, violent and sexual offending, and fire-setting crimes. Engage with experts in practice who work within the Criminal Justice System and examine real-life crimes and apply psychological theories to understanding these crimes and the impact on the victims.

  • Clinical Psychology and Allied Professions

    You will be introduced to the practice of clinical psychology. Explore the historical, theoretical and practical aspects of clinical psychology. Understand what we mean by ‘mental health’. Examine common mental health disorders. Gain knowledge of clinical models of mental health. Learn about the varied roles in clinical psychology and allied professions. Develop and practice your skills in areas of clinical assessments and methods. Apply reflection techniques to your own career planning and transferable skills.

• • Interactions and Influences: Social Psychology, Individual Differences, and Qualitative Methods 

    Develop a critical understanding of key theories, concepts, and empirical research in the areas of social psychology, individual differences, and qualitative research methods. Gain insights into thoughts, feelings and behaviour of individuals within social contexts through the use and application of qualitative methods. Gain the knowledge and skills you need to evaluate and apply psychological concepts grounded in social psychology and individual differences.

  • Human Development and Cognition: Developmental, Cognitive and Quantitative Psychology

    Deepen your understanding of developmental and cognitive psychology and enhance your skills in quantitative research methods. Examine the cognitive processes, including memory, attention, and perception, that underpin our daily interactions and allow us to comprehend and engage with the world around us. Explore how environmental and cultural factors shape developmental trajectories from infancy to old age. Consider the diverse range of human experiences, including those of individuals who are neurodiverse, have acquired brain injuries, or possess exceptional abilities. Develop advanced skills in quantitative research methods and data analysis, applying your new knowledge to gain deeper insights into human behaviour.

  • Mental Health and Psychopathology

    Gain a robust understanding of various psychological conditions within the spectrum of mental health, wellness, and psychopathology. Examine and discuss the core underpinnings of mental health and psychopathology. Gain an understanding of the key indicators of mental health and what it means to be psychologically healthy and psychologically unwell. Discuss a range of conditions like developmental disorders, mood, anxiety, personality, psychosis, trauma, and stress related conditions would be discussed. Consider the links between physical mental health with a focus on gut and the physical/psychological impacts of trauma on the body. 

  • Biological and Evolutionary Foundations of Human Behaviour

    Evolutionary process fundamentally underpin the origins of all the behaviour we express. Explore core evolutionary theory and combine this with knowledge of the biological workings of neurons and hormones to explain various contemporary human behaviours. Gain an in-depth knowledge of biological processes in psychology, explain the evolutionary origins of behaviour, integrate both and apply them to understand contemporary behaviours.

  • Contemporary Topics in Psychology

    Engage in a flexible module focused on critical understanding of contemporary topics, “big questions” and/or emerging applications in Psychology. Topics may vary year-on-year, reflecting the changing nature of Psychology. Gain critical evaluation skills by exploring historical underpinnings and current evidence, critiquing relevant theories, synthesising relevant evidence, and reflecting on relevance for United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Develop independence, decision making, time management skills, and awareness/knowledge of sustainability.

  • The Psychology of Sensitive Subjects

    There are many topics within psychology that are considered controversial and taboo; highly sensitive subjects that are whispered about, avoided, misunderstood, or sometimes carry stigma. While these topics are challenging to discuss, they are an important part of the human experience and form a crucial part of psychological discourse. 

    Misunderstanding around these sensitive subjects can hamper research, public awareness, and acceptance into mainstream understanding. Historically many of these subjects were avoided within the academic community, meaning that these are now cutting-edge subjects with a large degree of interest. Better understanding of these topics forms a key part of understanding the human experience.

• • Communicating Psychological Science

    Build on your knowledge and skills in research methods. Develop the skills, tools and ideas you need to successfully complete your empirical project. Complete self-audits of your interests and transferable skills. Plan and write your research questions and project proposals. Gain knowledge of ethical principles and practices. Develop your confidence in presenting and communicating psychological theories and research to a range of audiences. Deepen your understanding of models of reflexivity and how you can apply them. Critically and reflexively consider your career options and take part in interactive sessions to make your career commitments. Build your skills in developing effective professional networks and relationships.

  • Empirical Project

    On this module students will individually plan and execute an original piece of empirical research. This will include reading, understanding and critically appraising relevant psychological literature, operationalising a research question by selecting and implementing appropriate research methodologies and statistical techniques to answer the research question. Students will consider and highlight how to address relevant ethical issues associated with their research topic and disseminate their individual research findings via presentation at a classroom-based undergraduate conference. 

  • Cross Cultural Psychology

    Examine and discuss the complexities of human diversity across cultures, and how cultural contexts shape psychological processes and behaviours with a focus on wellbeing. Explore key concepts such as cultural norms, values, and world views.  Critically analyse cultural variations and contexts in approaching, understanding. Investigate psychological constructs of mental wellbeing from multiple cultural viewpoints.  Analyse the similarities and differences in prevalence, presentation, treatment, and cultural interpretations of mental health disorders in a variety of cultural contexts. Critically evaluate research evidence and case studies from diverse cultural contexts, fostering a deeper appreciation of the cultural nuances and societal influences on mental health and illness.

  • Applying Evolutionary Theory: Explaining Human Nature and Contemporary Issues

    Apply evolutionary psychology to a range of controversial and contemporary issues affecting society, groups, and humans generally. Push evolutionary theory to its limits through applying it to various contemporary issues. Understand the different yet complementary perspective this brings to contemporary issues, allowing you to take a fully integrated view on these issues. Build evidence-based solutions to these issues using this enhanced understanding. Become adept at critiquing literature, applying theory to complex issues, and hypothesising interventions and solutions.

  • Health Psychology

    Consider a range of topics within health psychology, from mental health to chronic conditions, and apply theories and research to these topics effectively. Challenge traditional biomedical perspectives by delving into the biopsychosocial and community health psychology approaches, gaining a deeper understanding of health and illness.

  • Perspectives on Addiction

    Investigate the complex issue of addictive behaviours from a range of perspectives.  Examine theories surrounding the causes and maintenance of addictive behaviours including tobacco and alcohol addiction, illegal drug use and non-substance addictions such as gambling. Investigate the role of biology, cognition, learning theories and the social world in underpinning addictive behaviours and how they can pose a challenge to treatment and recovery. Consider the interface between the psychology of addiction and the wider legal and political context of these issues and consider the perspective of the lived experience. 

* Modules may change each year.