Psychology BSc (Hons)

Students will explore fundamental psychological theories and develop critical thinking skills. Through critical discussion, they will develop an understanding of how these perspectives collectively contribute to explaining human behaviour. Emphasis will be placed on evidence-based reasoning, reflective practice and academic writing.

This area introduces students to fundamental research techniques, including data collection, interpretation, and evaluation of empirical studies. Interactive seminars will provide hands-on experience in research design and data analysis. Key topics include measurement, statistical reasoning, and ethical considerations in research.

This area focuses on developing essential skills for academic success and future employability. Students will engage in activities that enhance resilience, motivation, and independent learning. This area is designed to support students in adapting to university life and building a strong foundation for future studies and professional practice.

Students will explore cognitive, biological, social psychology, and individual differences, providing a deeper understanding of these fundamental areas. The exploration culminates in applying core psychological knowledge to contemporary challenges, such as neurodiversity and discrimination arising from the way psychology is practised.

Students will engage with qualitative research methods, learning to collect, analyse, and interpret data while understanding key research concepts and terminology. Interactive seminars provide hands-on experience in data collection and critical evaluation, developing students’ ability to confidently evaluate the empirical work of others.

This area will support students in becoming independent learners by cultivating critical thinking, reflective practice, and effective communication. Students are encouraged to develop their skills, knowledge, and understanding of psychology, equipping them for academic and professional growth.

This area will investigate how psychological concepts apply to everyday life and inform psychological theory, which can be tested in laboratory settings. Topics include attention and driving, memory and learning enhancement, arousal and performance, social perception, and identity theory. We will explore some of the key contemporary concepts within psychology and gain an understanding of the subject’s development and history.

Students are introduced to more complex quantitative and qualitative research methods, including formulating research questions, ANOVA, non-parametric statistics, and thematic analysis. Emphasis is placed on ethical and responsible ways of thinking and working and the impact of big data and AI on psychology. Through hands-on activities, students will gain practical experience in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, preparing them for the complexities of psychological research.

This area will support students in becoming independent learners, equipping them with essential skills in planning, organisation, teamwork, and reflective learning. Sessions focus on enhancing critical thinking, effective communication, and professional ethics. Students will also develop their ability to present arguments using words, diagrams, and data, ensuring clarity and coherence in their academic and professional work.

While the primary focus is on research methods, this unit will integrate key psychological concepts introduced in Year 1, demonstrating their application within advanced research designs and data analysis frameworks. We will refine students’ ability to conduct, analyse, and report research across a range of psychological study designs, including experimental, differential, and qualitative approaches.

We will expand students’ knowledge of quantitative methods, progressing from simple tests of difference to more complex factorial and multifactorial designs. Students will then study how multiple regression and factor analysis can be used to analyse complex everyday data, including questionnaire and test data.

Students will look at the fundamental concepts and terminology of qualitative research methods, such as thematic analysis, discourse analysis, and interpretative phenomenological analysis. The unit will also introduce different approaches to data collection and measurement, ensuring students develop a well-rounded understanding of both research paradigms.

Students will gain practical experience using Jamovi, a widely used data analysis software in psychology, to apply statistical methods to real-world datasets. By the end of the unit, students will have developed proficiency in conducting statistical tests, handling data, and reporting research findings. We will also enhance students’ ability to communicate results effectively, using appropriate terminology, figures, and critical interpretation.

The two core areas covered are cognitive and biological psychology. Students will be introduced to a variety of applied examples, ranging from social identity and group dynamics to developmental changes across the lifespan in cognitive, emotional, and social functioning. Students will explore how cognitive processes and biological foundations contribute to human behaviour and how these psychological concepts are interrelated, working together to produce a wide range of physical and psychological outcomes.

The area emphasises utilising primary sources and research methods to design experiments and collect and analyse data. Students will learn to critically evaluate research, design studies, and apply appropriate data collection and analysis methods. Emphasis is placed on ethical considerations, ensuring students develop a responsible approach to conducting psychological research.

By strengthening their understanding of cognition and biopsychology, students will enhance their ability to critically assess theories, interpret research findings, and apply psychological principles to everyday life, which is fundamental to their future practice as psychologists. The unit also supports the development of essential academic skills in critical reflection, problem-solving, and decision-making.

The unit takes a comprehensive lifespan approach to understanding human development. It explores key stages of life, including infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age, allowing students to gain insights into the primary issues, theories, and research methods that shape our understanding of development.

In Social Psychology, students will examine the historical and philosophical foundations of social psychological thought, tracing its evolution and assessing how contemporary developments have reshaped the discipline. Key topics include social cognition, attribution, the self, attitudes, group processes, prejudice, aggression, prosocial behaviour, attraction, and language and communication.

A key theme in this area is the decolonisation of the curriculum, encouraging students to critically reflect on how traditional psychological theories, concepts, and research methods have historically contributed to exclusion and bias. By engaging with diverse cultural perspectives and ethical considerations in research, students will develop a more inclusive understanding of psychology’s role in shaping human behaviour across different contexts and the application of these theories and findings to real-world contexts.

By the end of this unit, students will have strengthened their ability to analyse, critique, and apply social psychological and developmental theories to everyday life. Through collaborative learning and teamwork, students will also develop essential skills in communication, problem-solving, and professional practice, preparing them for future studies and careers in psychology and related fields.

The main areas covered in this unit are individual differences and historical and conceptual issues. Students will explore the evolution of the field by situating key research and theories within their respective historical contexts. The unit also considers the limitations of psychological theory and methodology and the development of new theories and methods in a historical context. Key conceptual issues, such as the nature-nurture debate, the mind-brain problem, free will versus determinism, and the representation of race and gender in psychology, will be explored, highlighting how these ideas have evolved over time.

An overview of psychology’s origins and progression will be covered, including its philosophical foundations, its emergence as a science, and the influence of social, technological, and cultural changes. The unit will investigate how seminal psychological research has been shaped by and, in turn, shaped historical contexts—looking at issues like research methods, the relationship between theory development and societal shifts, and the impact on contemporary psychology.

A key theme in this unit is the critical evaluation of research methodologies and their ethical implications. Students will explore how certain categories, concepts, and practices within psychology have historically contributed to exclusion and harm. Examining issues such as diversity, cultural representation, and ethical research practices will give students a more inclusive and responsible understanding of psychological inquiry. This unit encourages students to critically reflect on existing psychological frameworks while considering the development of new, more inclusive theories and methodologies.

This unit will deepen students’ understanding of the variety, complexity, and range of career and advancement opportunities within and beyond their chosen field. Students will be encouraged to participate in work-related learning activities to broaden their knowledge and experience of professional opportunities at the graduate level. With guidance from tutors, students will explore the different ways learning can be applied and contextualised after graduation.

By the end of the unit, students will have built a foundation for future career opportunities, demonstrating critical thinking, research proficiency, and professional readiness in psychology and related fields.

This unit provides an opportunity to explore psychological specialisms and their practical applications. Students will examine how psychological techniques are utilised across different areas of research and practice. The unit encourages critical engagement with contemporary theories and concepts while considering the historical development of psychological specialisms. Through interactive sessions, students will gain a deeper understanding of research methodologies, allowing them to critically analyse traditional and emerging approaches in psychology.

This area is designed to help students demonstrate the skills they have developed by applying academic rigour in their reasoning and sourcing of primary information and data. Students will refine their ability to critically analyse and apply appropriate research models and methods, ensuring they can identify, evaluate, and interpret credible contemporary research sources. The unit supports students in formulating research questions, selecting appropriate methodologies, and considering ethical implications when designing and conducting research. There is an emphasis on exploring independent learning and preparing for future research endeavours by exploring data collection strategies and participant recruitment processes.

By the end of the unit, students will have developed a range of intellectual, transferable, and practical skills essential for academic and professional progression. They will gain confidence in presenting research through structured formative and poster presentations while strengthening their ability to communicate research findings effectively in written and verbal formats. The unit supports the development of key career and employability skills, including proposal writing, project management, and self-promotion. By completing a Skills and Development Portfolio, students will reflect on their progress, document their professional growth, and develop a clear investigation direction for the final unit.

The research project will build upon the Research Project Report Proposal developed and submitted in unit BPSYC3b. This project will require students to identify an unexplored issue in psychology, formulate a research question, and design a study to investigate it. Students will critically evaluate relevant theories and research, obtain ethical approval, select appropriate methodologies for data collection and analysis, and interpret findings in relation to existing literature. The project will serve as an opportunity to demonstrate expertise in a chosen area of psychology while integrating theoretical and empirical knowledge.

By the end of the unit, students will have completed a fully developed research project that effectively addresses a relevant psychological question using rigorous research methods. The project must be professionally presented and demonstrate an ability to collect, analyse, and interpret data in a manner that aligns with psychological research standards. The unit also requires students to reflect on the research process, considering challenges, limitations, and potential future directions for their work.

Reflective practice, a core component of psychological research, is embedded throughout the unit. Students will articulate their reflections on their learning journey through a Project Evaluation Document, demonstrating their ability to assess their work critically. By the end of the unit, students will have a clear trajectory for their future careers and be equipped with the confidence and expertise needed to apply their knowledge in a professional or academic setting.