Course structure
Core modules
Applied Qualitative Research Methods
In this module students will develop the requisite skills needed to analyse, conduct and assess qualitative research within the applied psychology setting. It will also provide students with an understanding of key theoretical approaches in designing qualitative research projects as well as practical experience in transcribing and analysing qualitative data.
Students will examine the philosophical roots of qualitative methods and how these can be used to collect psychological evidence. At the end of the module students will be in a position to carry out a major research project using qualitative methods.
Biological and Social Psychology
The module is divided into two halves: biopsychology and social psychology. Biological, neurological and social explanations for a series of identified psychological topics are explored, as well as introducing the concept of evolutionary explanations for human behaviour and the scientific approach to the study of our social behaviour.
Development, Cognitive Processes and Disorders
This module introduces students to key concepts and theories in development and cognitive psychology and is delivered in two parts. In the first half, competing perspectives, contemporary debates, historical perspectives and applied topics within developmental psychology will be studied using a lifespan perspective.
In the second half, a range of cognitive processes will be discussed in relation to both healthy and disordered functioning, drawing evidence from experimental psychology, neuropsychological case studies and cognitive neuroscience perspectives.
Introduction to Psychology: Classics to Contemporary
Psychology is a fascinating discipline and covers a broader range of topics than many people realise, from language through personality to mental health and wellbeing and even what love is. Despite the breadth it is a relatively new science and still, as a result, leads to there being many misconceptions amongst the general public.
In this module you will learn about the discipline from its conception to current knowledge and how to dispel some of these myths. The module will cover the breadth of psychology to underpin more in-depth study of psychology. It covers the five core theory areas of the British Psychological Society curriculum; cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, biological psychology and individual differences, in addition to historical and conceptual issues.
The module is divided into sections devoted to each of these areas and has an additional section introducing the history of the discipline. It provides you with a solid level of psychological literacy for you to develop further and will teach you about the foundations of the discipline.
Psychology Project
This module considers the principles of evidence-based practice and facilitates the development of research skills, project management and writing up for publication. In this module students will conduct a self-initiated research project which will be allocated a research supervisor.
Psychopathologies and Individual Differences
You develop your knowledge of psychopathologies and individual differences in psychology, and an in-depth, critical understanding of these areas along with the necessary skills to distinguish between theories and critically evaluate them. In addition, the module also develops your understanding of and skills with psychometric tests.
Quantitative Research in Psychology
This module focuses on building confidence and competence in designing psychological research using a range of methodological techniques. Students will examine the philosophical roots of quantitative methods, consider psychological research as a process, discuss practical, ethical and methodological issues in research and engage in practical exercises to foster skills in empirical data analysis, interpretation and report writing.
The goal of this module is to provide students with the applied methodological and statistical proficiency required to effectively evaluate the research of others and produce rigorous research of your own.
