Psychology with Foundation Year

This module is designed to support students with the transition to university, the development of the academic skills and attributes necessary for successful future study and the foundations of a developing sense of vocation.  Through a carefully structured and scaffolded series of seminars and workshops, students will be supported in building their self-awareness of, and confidence in, themselves as active learners.  Delivered in the context of their subject area and aligned with the development of academic skills and attributes required across all Foundation Year modules, workshops will focus on academic skills such as referencing, selecting and using valid academic resources, reading/researching for academic purposes, using feedback constructively and gaining confidence in contributing to discussions and debates.  Coordinated assessment points across the Foundation Year experience enables this module to provide students with ongoing support and opportunities to practice and develop their skills and confidence with a range of written and oral assessment types relevant to their subject area as they progress through the year.

This module will engage students in thinking about, ‘what is psychology?’ Students will be introduced to a range of classic and contemporary psychological approaches and perspectives that can be used to understand the human mind and behaviour. Psychological myths, debates and controversies will be discussed, along with the extent to which ‘evidence’ can be relied upon. Seminars will focus on asking students to think about how psychological approaches and perspectives can be used to understand a selection of topics relating to everyday life.

This module will introduce students to the foundations of quantitative and qualitative research methods and designs. This will include basic numerical and statistical concepts as well as basic qualitative designs and data collection methods. Students will be introduced to a selection of classic and contemporary research papers in core areas of psychology that they will be asked to read and summarise. Seminars will take a practical-based learning approach with students carrying out practical investigations in small groups to develop key skills in research design, data collection, preliminary analyses, and report writing. Students will learn to think critically about this research and learn how to evaluate theories and ideas with respect to empirical data. 

This module develops key research, academic and professional skills expected from psychology students during their studies, and to understand the transferability of these into the workplace. In this module you are introduced to the principles of research design, and to basic techniques of qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Key conceptual and historical issues relating to the philosophy of science are addressed, and ethical issues are covered.

Students will carry out practical investigations in small groups to develop key skills in research design, data collection, analysis and report writing. Students are also encouraged to see how data analysis relates to research design, and hence to understand and value the insights that can be gained by a competent knowlegde of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. Students will have the opportunity to develop reflective skills, cognitive flexibility, communication skills and resilience. Students will be provided with greater awareness of their strengths, values and areas for development. 

This module further develops key research, academic and professional skills expected from psychology students during their studies, and builds on understanding the transferability of these into the workplace. The module covers further aspects of research design, and additional techniques of qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Key conceptual and historical issues relating to the philosophy of science are discussed, and ethical issues are covered.

Students will carry out practical investigations in small groups to further develop key skills in research design, data collection, analysis and report writing. Students are encouraged to develop their understanding of how data analysis relates to research design, and to understand and value the insights that can be gained by a competent knowledge of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. Students will have the opportunity to develop reflective skills, cognitive flexibility, communication skills and resilience. Students will be provided with greater awareness of their strengths, values and areas for development.

This module introduces students to the main sub-disciplines of psychology: biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, individual differences and social psychology, as outlined in the British Psychological Society's required curriculum. You will look at core topics within each of the sub-discipline areas, gaining an understanding of how psychology (and its sub-disciplines) developed over time and an understanding of key conceptual and historical issues that are relevant to the discipline as a whole. Seminars will further develop this understanding by fostering discussion and debate on the key concepts and studies, helping you to better understand the relationship between theory and research. 

This module introduces students to the topic of mental wellness and the research basis (psychopathological) for understanding how individuals might experience mental health conditions. In this module, the academic, clinical, and everyday are combined to give a broad understanding of how an evidence-based approach to discussing mental health contributes to a variety of applied domains.

The content covers core theoretical and research-informed perspectives on how psychopathology research (such as biopsychosocial, cognitive, and non-western approaches) defines and treats mental health conditions. This module then connects these core ideas to everyday contexts where psychologists may comment on mental health and wellbeing, such as in the media, business, or law enforcement. Students will be assessed on their critical analysis of empirical evidence, their ability to present scientific research and complex ideas in an engaging yet accessible style, and their ability to write concisely.

This module develops students’ quantitative and qualitative psychological research skills, expanding on knowledge and experience gained at Level 4. We will cover quantitative and qualitative research designs (full factorial designs) and data collection methods (interviews, vignettes, story completion tasks, surveys and experiments). Students will learn about quantitative analytical methods (ANOVA, multiple regression, power analysis) and qualitative analytical methods (thematic analysis, interpretative phenomenological analysis, discourse analysis).  

The module covers the conceptual and historical development of research methods and the theoretical perspectives underpinning quantitative and qualitative psychological research. Students will acquire research skills (collecting and analysing data), critical skills (evaluating research and methods), and communication skills (writing reports and research results). Students will gain further understanding of statistical software like SPSS and a broader awareness of ethical issues relating to quantitative and qualitative psychological research. 

This module builds on the coverage of developmental and social psychology at Level 4 by exploring contemporary theories and applications of developmental and social psychology in greater depth. Students will be introduced to the major historical and contemporary theoretical perspectives on child and adolescent development, as well as key conceptual and historical debates in social psychology. For developmental psychology, key empirical studies, applied issues, and developmental diversity will be critically examined in areas such as attachment, social relations, language, and cognitive development.

Students will gain critical understanding and practical experience of observational research methods with child participants. For social psychology, key topics such as identity, attitudes, prejudice, stereotyping, attribution theory, and leadership will be covered, as well as critical approaches to social psychology and traditions emerging from these, such as social constructionism. Across both developmental and social psychology, the influence of diverse sociocultural environments will be considered, as well as the importance of cultural context upon experience and behaviour.

This module provides students with a broad overview of fundamental topics in key areas of psychology: biology, cognition, and individual differences. Topics related to biological processes include typical and atypical neuropsychology, neuroscience, and behavioural genetics. Topics related to cognition include sensation and perception, attention, language, learning, memory, problem solving, and consciousness. Topics related to individual differences include personality, intelligence, and psychometric test development.

Conceptual and historical issues relevant to biological, cognitive, and individual differences psychology are also covered. Students will gain critical understanding and practical experience of research methods used by psychologists working in biological, cognitive, and individual differences topics. 

This module aims to provide students with opportunities to develop and enhance a range of skills and competencies expected of a psychology graduate. Students will build on their subject specific knowledge from other modules to prepare for conducing independent psychological research, developing an empirical research proposal for a research project to complete at Level 6. Students will evolve their career goals and aspired professional identities, develop tangible career tools (employability audit, Personal Action Plan) and gain an awareness of the psychology-related career pathways available upon graduation.

Students will gain experience of applying psychological knowledge and theory in different contexts. The assessment structure encourages experience of verbal and written communication as well as self-reflection on personal and professional development, and how the degree prepares for further study or career pathways both within and beyond Psychology.

The project takes the form of an original independent empirical investigation in a psychological topic area. Students are required to select their topic or research question and produce a research proposal before the end of Semester 2 of Level 5. Supervisors are allocated according to the research topic. Data collection may only commence once ethical approval has been granted by the ethics committee.

The indicative length of the project is 5,000 words for quantitative, and 7,000 words for qualitative projects. Additionally, this module will facilitate future employability through one-to-one tutorials between students and their Final Year Project supervisor; providing individualised support concerning postgraduate aims and specific job searches.

Students can choose two 30 credit modules.

Advanced Topics in Developmental and Educational Psychology - 30 credits
The developmental psychology content focuses on contemporary topics drawn from fields such as children’s social, cognitive, and emotional development and development within the family context. For each topic, students will be supported to undertake an in-depth examination of theoretical perspectives, empirical studies, methodological approaches, and potential applications. Appreciation of the potential diversity of developmental pathways is encouraged through consideration of sociocultural contexts and children with varied abilities.

The educational psychology content will focus on a range of topics related to education across all ages, with a clear focus on real life situations. A range of topics will be covered such as learning motivation, literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development linked to educational psychology. Students will examine current research, debates and controversies, reflecting on different methods, applied research, or interventions used to study Educational Psychology.  

Forensic Psychology: the Investigative Process and Offender Rehabilitation - 30 credits
This module will consider current research, theory, and debates relevant to psychology’s application to the Criminal Justice System, from crime through to offender rehabilitation. Students will draw on theories of cognitive, social and development psychology, and apply these to the real-world concerns of both forensic and investigative psychologists. Within the module students will become familiar with a range of topics relevant to police and jurors (such as interview procedures, line-up construction and juror decision making), witnesses and victims (such as memory, suggestibility, and individual vulnerabilities) and offenders (such as theories of criminal behaviour, false confessions, detection of deception, and rehabilitation). Students will critically engage with this evidence and communicate their knowledge of these issues to a non-psychology audience.  

Clinical and Health Psychology - 30 credits
This module will outline current literature, research, theory, and conceptual debates in the field of clinical and health psychology. It aims to familiarise students with mental health issues and the treatment within clinical psychology. Similarly, it provides insight into the approaches, interventions and areas of research and practice associated with health psychology. The module builds on previous knowledge imparted at lower levels and expands student understanding of clinical and health psychology into areas of application and practice. The module invites students to look closely into a set of mental and physical health problems, and issues that are typically encountered in clinical and health psychology. Students are encouraged to engage critically with public research in each of the respective areas. 

Social and Occupational Psychology - 30 credits
In this module students will learn about contemporary social and occupational psychology theories, approaches, and research that will help them to understand life and people in a globalised and fast-changing 21st century world. Within social psychology, this will include topics such as: collective identities and civic engagement, prosocial behaviour, groups processes, and social influence.

You will also critically engage with how social psychological theories have contributed to our understanding of social phenomena and look at ways in which social psychology can or should be used to address issues of contemporary concern. Within occupational psychology, research and practice will be explored from different perspectives and levels within the organisation, including individuals, groups, the organisation, and wider society, offering insight into the wide ranging and diverse competencies required as an occupational psychologist. You will gain an understanding of designing and implementing evidence-based practices in the workplace as well as the complexities that come with achieving this. 

Students can choose one of the following modules in semester one.  

Advanced Statistics and Applied Statistics - 15 credits
This module aims to build on the skills developed through the level 1 and 2 statistics courses and as such it intends to introduce new, more advanced, statistical procedures as well as contexts for their use. Examples of such procedures and analyses are: Factor Analysis, Advanced Multiple Regression, Structural Equation Modelling, Power Analysis, Loglinear Analysis, MANOVA and Discriminant Function Analysis, Correspondence Analysis.  
The module offers the student the opportunity to explore some of the debates around conceptual and philosophical statistical issues such as the meaning of psychological measurement and the position of Psychology with respect to other quantitative disciplines following scientific methods of data gathering and analysis. 

Embodied Cognition and Contemplative Practice Studies - 15 credits
The module will present the historical perspective of the encounter of eastern contemplative practice studies with western sciences, in particular, in the domain of cognitive neurosciences.  Students will be familiarised with the theoretical framework stemming from embodied cognition that underpins western contemplative practice studies. The role of meditative practices on key aspects of the brain functioning in relation to cognitive functions (attention, perception, emotions, decision making) and emotions will be critically considered. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the impact of these recent developments on modern societal aspects such as the 2015 Mindful Nation UK report’s recommendations for Health, Education, Workplace and Criminal Justice. 

Psychology of Consumer Behaviour - 15 credits
Consumer behaviour is the study of the processes involved when individuals or groups select, purchase, use or dispose of products, services, ideas or experiences to satisfy needs and desires. The module aims to introduce students to core topics in consumer behaviour and help them understand how organisations create and develop brands and how psychological theories can be/are applied to create and explain consumer behaviour.

Psychology Placement - 15 credits
This module enables students to work within a commercial environment for a minimum of 15 days (111 hours) or a volunteering placement for 12 weeks (approx 2.5 hours per week). The student will critically reflect on their workplace/volunteering experience, including the positive contribution they have made to the organisation, and the organisational benefits they offer as an individual trained in psychological theory and methods. This is an opportunity for students to develop their employability skills and career identity, improve their understanding of business models, and gain tangible experience in the workplace.
Students will be supported by the University's Placement Services to secure their placement. This module will also allow students to start to create a professional network.

Students can choose one of the following in semester two.  

Cognitive Neuroscience - 15 credits
Cognitive neuroscience is a branch of both psychology and neuroscience overlapping with disciplines such as biological psychology, cognitive psychology and neuropsychology that aims to explore the biological substrates underlying mental processes and behaviours in healthy individuals and brain-damaged patients. Topics will cover historical perspectives, memory, visual perception, emotion, consciousness and mindfulness. Students will develop advanced knowledge of cognitive neuroscience research methods, and will use this knowledge to critically evaluate published research. 

The Psychology of Music - 15 credits
This module introduces students to existing theories and findings that have been developed in the field of music psychology, ranging from biological and physiological responses to music to the social and cultural meanings and understandings of music. It will consider developmental aspects of the topic, both in terms of how children acquire musical skills and the role that music plays in development across the lifespan. It will also explore the ideas behind music therapy and the various benefits that have been claimed for music as a clinical tool. It will consider psychological aspects of musical performance as well as the role that (particularly recorded) music plays as a component of personal identity and social interaction.

The Psychology of Creativity - 15 credits
The capacity to imagine how things could be different and find ways to turn that vision into reality is a central pillar of human achievement.  As a result, humans have sought to fly, transplant organs, develop new energy sources, provide mass education, form civil societies, and produce new forms of art.  At the heart of this capacity is creativity, the ability to develop new ideas and artefacts that are effective.
Further, because creativity implies an ability to adapt to changing circumstances, it is ever more sought after by employers seeking to deal with the pace of change in our technology driven society. So how does human creativity arise and how can we influence it? This module will give you the opportunity to explore what it means to be creative from both a personal and psychological research perspective and help you to translate theory into practical approaches to support creativity.

Critical and Applied Research Design - 15 credits
This module encourages students to be become critical consumers and creators of research. The content links a critical history of psychological research with contemporary challenges with putting research into practice. Students will explore the use of core research skills for practice and how we might approach non-academic research questions. The first half of this module addresses the past and future of research methods and how psychological methods navigate research in the age of the internet and Artificial Intelligence.
The second half of this module builds on these critical considerations and discusses the consequences of research knowledge in applied practice and how we might talk to end-users. Throughout this module, there is a critical eye on the power and ethical practice of researchers for defining language and societal discourse. 

The project takes the form of an original independent empirical investigation in a psychological topic area. Students are required to select their topic or research question and produce a research proposal before the end of Semester 2 of Level 5. Supervisors are allocated according to the research topic. Data collection may only commence once ethical approval has been granted by the ethics committee.

The indicative length of the project is 5,000 words for quantitative, and 7,000 words for qualitative projects. Additionally, this module will facilitate future employability through one-to-one tutorials between students and their Final Year Project supervisor; providing individualised support concerning postgraduate aims and specific job searches.

Students can choose two 30 credit modules.

Advanced Topics in Developmental and Educational Psychology - 30 credits
The developmental psychology content focuses on contemporary topics drawn from fields such as children’s social, cognitive, and emotional development and development within the family context. For each topic, students will be supported to undertake an in-depth examination of theoretical perspectives, empirical studies, methodological approaches, and potential applications. Appreciation of the potential diversity of developmental pathways is encouraged through consideration of sociocultural contexts and children with varied abilities.

The educational psychology content will focus on a range of topics related to education across all ages, with a clear focus on real life situations. A range of topics will be covered such as learning motivation, literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development linked to educational psychology. Students will examine current research, debates and controversies, reflecting on different methods, applied research, or interventions used to study Educational Psychology.  

Forensic Psychology: the Investigative Process and Offender Rehabilitation - 30 credits
This module will consider current research, theory, and debates relevant to psychology’s application to the Criminal Justice System, from crime through to offender rehabilitation. Students will draw on theories of cognitive, social and development psychology, and apply these to the real-world concerns of both forensic and investigative psychologists. Within the module students will become familiar with a range of topics relevant to police and jurors (such as interview procedures, line-up construction and juror decision making), witnesses and victims (such as memory, suggestibility, and individual vulnerabilities) and offenders (such as theories of criminal behaviour, false confessions, detection of deception, and rehabilitation). Students will critically engage with this evidence and communicate their knowledge of these issues to a non-psychology audience.  

Clinical and Health Psychology - 30 credits
This module will outline current literature, research, theory, and conceptual debates in the field of clinical and health psychology. It aims to familiarise students with mental health issues and the treatment within clinical psychology. Similarly, it provides insight into the approaches, interventions and areas of research and practice associated with health psychology. The module builds on previous knowledge imparted at lower levels and expands student understanding of clinical and health psychology into areas of application and practice. The module invites students to look closely into a set of mental and physical health problems, and issues that are typically encountered in clinical and health psychology. Students are encouraged to engage critically with public research in each of the respective areas. 

Social and Occupational Psychology - 30 credits
In this module students will learn about contemporary social and occupational psychology theories, approaches, and research that will help them to understand life and people in a globalised and fast-changing 21st century world. Within social psychology, this will include topics such as: collective identities and civic engagement, prosocial behaviour, groups processes, and social influence.

You will also critically engage with how social psychological theories have contributed to our understanding of social phenomena and look at ways in which social psychology can or should be used to address issues of contemporary concern. Within occupational psychology, research and practice will be explored from different perspectives and levels within the organisation, including individuals, groups, the organisation, and wider society, offering insight into the wide ranging and diverse competencies required as an occupational psychologist. You will gain an understanding of designing and implementing evidence-based practices in the workplace as well as the complexities that come with achieving this. 

Students can choose one of the following modules in semester one.  

Advanced Statistics and Applied Statistics - 15 credits
This module aims to build on the skills developed through the level 1 and 2 statistics courses and as such it intends to introduce new, more advanced, statistical procedures as well as contexts for their use. Examples of such procedures and analyses are: Factor Analysis, Advanced Multiple Regression, Structural Equation Modelling, Power Analysis, Loglinear Analysis, MANOVA and Discriminant Function Analysis, Correspondence Analysis.  
The module offers the student the opportunity to explore some of the debates around conceptual and philosophical statistical issues such as the meaning of psychological measurement and the position of Psychology with respect to other quantitative disciplines following scientific methods of data gathering and analysis. 

Embodied Cognition and Contemplative Practice Studies - 15 credits
The module will present the historical perspective of the encounter of eastern contemplative practice studies with western sciences, in particular, in the domain of cognitive neurosciences.  Students will be familiarised with the theoretical framework stemming from embodied cognition that underpins western contemplative practice studies. The role of meditative practices on key aspects of the brain functioning in relation to cognitive functions (attention, perception, emotions, decision making) and emotions will be critically considered. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the impact of these recent developments on modern societal aspects such as the 2015 Mindful Nation UK report’s recommendations for Health, Education, Workplace and Criminal Justice. 

Psychology of Consumer Behaviour - 15 credits
Consumer behaviour is the study of the processes involved when individuals or groups select, purchase, use or dispose of products, services, ideas or experiences to satisfy needs and desires. The module aims to introduce students to core topics in consumer behaviour and help them understand how organisations create and develop brands and how psychological theories can be/are applied to create and explain consumer behaviour.

Psychology Placement - 15 credits
This module enables students to work within a commercial environment for a minimum of 15 days (111 hours) or a volunteering placement for 12 weeks (approx 2.5 hours per week). The student will critically reflect on their workplace/volunteering experience, including the positive contribution they have made to the organisation, and the organisational benefits they offer as an individual trained in psychological theory and methods. This is an opportunity for students to develop their employability skills and career identity, improve their understanding of business models, and gain tangible experience in the workplace.
Students will be supported by the University's Placement Services to secure their placement. This module will also allow students to start to create a professional network.

Students can choose one of the following in semester two.  

Cognitive Neuroscience - 15 credits
Cognitive neuroscience is a branch of both psychology and neuroscience overlapping with disciplines such as biological psychology, cognitive psychology and neuropsychology that aims to explore the biological substrates underlying mental processes and behaviours in healthy individuals and brain-damaged patients. Topics will cover historical perspectives, memory, visual perception, emotion, consciousness and mindfulness. Students will develop advanced knowledge of cognitive neuroscience research methods, and will use this knowledge to critically evaluate published research. 

The Psychology of Music - 15 credits
This module introduces students to existing theories and findings that have been developed in the field of music psychology, ranging from biological and physiological responses to music to the social and cultural meanings and understandings of music. It will consider developmental aspects of the topic, both in terms of how children acquire musical skills and the role that music plays in development across the lifespan. It will also explore the ideas behind music therapy and the various benefits that have been claimed for music as a clinical tool. It will consider psychological aspects of musical performance as well as the role that (particularly recorded) music plays as a component of personal identity and social interaction.

The Psychology of Creativity - 15 credits
The capacity to imagine how things could be different and find ways to turn that vision into reality is a central pillar of human achievement.  As a result, humans have sought to fly, transplant organs, develop new energy sources, provide mass education, form civil societies, and produce new forms of art.  At the heart of this capacity is creativity, the ability to develop new ideas and artefacts that are effective.
Further, because creativity implies an ability to adapt to changing circumstances, it is ever more sought after by employers seeking to deal with the pace of change in our technology driven society. So how does human creativity arise and how can we influence it? This module will give you the opportunity to explore what it means to be creative from both a personal and psychological research perspective and help you to translate theory into practical approaches to support creativity.

Critical and Applied Research Design - 15 credits
This module encourages students to be become critical consumers and creators of research. The content links a critical history of psychological research with contemporary challenges with putting research into practice. Students will explore the use of core research skills for practice and how we might approach non-academic research questions. The first half of this module addresses the past and future of research methods and how psychological methods navigate research in the age of the internet and Artificial Intelligence.
The second half of this module builds on these critical considerations and discusses the consequences of research knowledge in applied practice and how we might talk to end-users. Throughout this module, there is a critical eye on the power and ethical practice of researchers for defining language and societal discourse.