BSc(Hons) Psychology

This module will introduce foundational approaches to research design and analysis. You'll learn how to distinguish and use quantitative and qualitative methods, develop sound research questions and communicate findings clearly. Topics will include experimental variables, confounding factors, randomisation, counterbalancing, and between-subjects, within-subjects, matched-pairs and mixed designs. You'll also explore observation and questionnaire development, types of data and descriptive statistics. Using spreadsheet, statistical and graphics software, you'll learn to summarise data and present it effectively through tables, graphs and charts while considering good research practice.

In this module, you'll build a broad foundation across the core areas of psychology. You'll explore cognitive, biological, social and developmental psychology, alongside individual differences and the discipline's historical and conceptual foundations. Topics will typically include neuroscience, attention, perception, memory, intelligence, personality, attachment, language and cognitive development, motivation, emotion, social cognition, identity, group processes and mental health. You'll also consider the replication crisis and critical psychology, developing the critical thinking, communication, teamwork and independent learning skills needed for further psychological study.

This module will show how psychological knowledge can be applied to social, personal and organisational challenges. You'll explore how theories are integrated to research issues and develop interventions, while considering varied career paths available to psychology graduates. Examples may include health, clinical and counselling, forensic, occupational and organisational, sport and exercise, and educational psychology, both within and outside the HCPC regulatory framework. Alongside discovering professional possibilities, you'll strengthen critical thinking and develop a clearer understanding of how psychological perspectives can contribute across different settings.

This module will develop the critical thinking skills needed for successful study in psychology and for professional practice. You'll examine the importance of scientific method, learn to evaluate information critically and strengthen your ability to construct logical arguments. Activities will develop your reading, writing, referencing and research-summary skills, alongside ethical reflection, conceptual analysis, critique and responsible use of statistics. You'll also consider how knowledge is created and may contribute to irrationality, injustice or positive change, connecting academic thinking with wider institutions, society and real-world issues.

This module will explore the psychology of being and relating to others. You'll examine how interpersonal dynamics influence experience, identity and wellbeing, including contexts where connection may be challenged by mental distress, neurodiversity or the wellbeing needs of children and young people. Community psychology and reflective practice will help you consider how healthier, more inclusive relationships can support change. Through experiential activities, you'll develop teamwork, oral and non-verbal communication, presentation, reflective writing and critical thinking skills, while identifying strengths and areas for personal and professional development.

This work-based, community or civic learning module will help you apply discipline-informed knowledge in practical settings. You'll assess your strengths and development needs, plan activities and connect your experiences with psychological theories and concepts. Topics may include workplace health and safety, professional development, employability skills, career planning, applications, CVs and interview preparation. Through supervision and active learning, you'll strengthen teamwork, communication, problem-solving, commercial awareness and your ability to evidence personal attributes for future opportunities.

In this module, you'll take an integrated approach to social psychology, individual differences and developmental psychology. You'll explore social cognitive, social constructionist and critical perspectives on how identities and differences develop. Topics will typically include childhood and adolescent development, friendships, relationships, self and identity, personality, intelligence, creativity, attitudes, stereotypes, attribution, gender, crowds and group processes. Along the way, you'll strengthen information retrieval, communication and critical evaluation skills, learning to compare sources and consider different perspectives on psychological questions.

This module integrates cognitive, developmental and biological psychology to examine how the mind and brain change across the lifespan. You'll explore basic and higher-order cognitive processes alongside neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, considering a range of theories and explanations. Through the module, you'll develop scientific reasoning, critical evaluation and information-management skills, as well as greater independence in planning and project work. You'll learn to communicate psychological ideas clearly and weigh alternative perspectives when interpreting evidence about cognition, development and biological processes.

This module will develop your understanding of quantitative psychological research design and analysis. You'll typically examine experimental, quasi-experimental and correlational approaches, alongside data collection through questionnaires, observation, psychometrics, experiments and secondary sources. Analysis will include the importance of effect size and statistical power, with methods such as analysis of variance, correlation and regression. You may also be introduced to techniques including factor analysis and meta-analysis. Practical work will strengthen your ability to evaluate methods, identify bias and communicate quantitative findings.

In this module, you'll develop practical and critical skills in qualitative psychological research. You'll explore the strengths and limitations of qualitative approaches, different research designs and procedures, and methods for collecting rich data. These will typically include interactive approaches such as interviews and focus groups, alongside textual methods such as qualitative surveys. You'll learn to analyse material using approaches including thematic analysis, interpretative phenomenological analysis and discourse analysis, while strengthening your ability to judge research quality and communicate findings effectively.

This project module will support you to plan and investigate a psychology topic while connecting disciplinary methods with employment and practice. Supporting content may typically include literature searching, bibliography development, research methods and methodologies, ethical issues and dissemination. You'll learn how to identify and use relevant evidence, choose an appropriate approach and communicate your work effectively. The module may also create links with alumni, employers and other stakeholders, enabling projects, where relevant, to engage with real-world issues and contexts while strengthening your independence, research capability and employability awareness.