Psychology BSc Honours

You'll receive a broad introduction to psychology.

This module:

• Demonstrates the role of psychological research in identifying and implementing solutions to global challenges
• Provides an understanding of how psychological theories and practices align with and support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting psychology's contribution to global calls for action towards sustainability and equity.
• Encourage you to explore the connections of psychology to various fields such as technology, health, environmental science, and the arts, and broadens your perspectives on how psychology can contribute to interdisciplinary solutions.
• Cultivates ethical reasoning and problem-solving skills enabling you to apply psychological insights to real-world challenges and contribute to the creation of a more sustainable, equitable, and healthy society.
• Creates an engaging and inclusive learning environment that promotes active participation, collaborative learning, and personal growth, preparing students to become compassionate and informed agents of change in their communities and beyond. 

This module introduces the diversity and breadth of approaches in the discipline of psychology and the many ways psychologists study the human mind, brain and behaviour. Research informed topical introductions will be provided in selected areas of individual differences, cognitive and biological psychology. As well as a theoretical introduction and overview to these characteristic approaches adopted within these areas of psychology, you are encouraged to adopt a reflective and critical perspective on the subject matter covered. These topics will also be considered in the context of future employability and career trajectories for students. Throughout the module you will be encouraged to consider both commonalities and diversities in human thoughts, feelings and behaviours facilitating an inclusive approach to learning.

This module introduces the diversity and breadth of approaches in the discipline of psychology and the many ways psychologists study the human mind, mental health, development and societal influences. Research informed topical introductions will be provided in selected areas of mental health, developmental and social psychology. As well as a theoretical introduction and overview to these areas of psychology, students are encouraged to adopt a reflective and critical perspective on the subject matter covered. This module challenges some westernised approaches to psychology and introduces you to diverse ideas and theories that question traditional psychological approaches. You will be encouraged to consider both commonalities and diversities in human thoughts, feelings and behaviours facilitating an inclusive approach to learning.

The module introduces you to the principles and practice of qualitative and quantitative psychological research, with a focus on research questions and design, and data collection, preparation and analysis. Additionally, the module emphasises the importance of co-leadership, fostering collaborative skills essential in modern research environments. You will be given hands-on experience with qualitative and quantitative data handling and analysis procedures, developing digital literacy to effectively utilise relevant software tools so that you are equipped with the necessary skills for a technologically driven research and employment environment. You will also be provided with opportunities to develop skills in the dissemination of and critical interpretation of research outputs.

This British Psychological Society (BPS) core module gives you an overview of biological and cognitive psychology. Research informed teaching will focus on topics covering the brain, body and mind, including the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and how this relates to cognition. The module is focused on aspects of behaviour that have a clear biological component with an emphasis on individual differences in biology. Through a series of specialised psychophysiology lab sessions, you will investigate central and peripheral nervous system activity and their relation to behaviour. The lab sessions provide a practical and hands on learning experience. You will get an introduction to personality psychology and how this relates to biopsychology and cognitive science.

This module provides you with a psychological account of what makes humans function well in their world. We take aspects from cognitive, social, evolutionary, counselling and biological psychology and build them into a collection of subjects that improve a person’s functioning in the real world. These concepts will be explained, defined and critically debated in terms of their relevance to current theory and application. The module will also deliver a critical reflection of recent research in these areas. We will also review alternative aspects of applied psychology. You will be encouraged to, present, evaluate and disseminate this information through the application of practical policy design and psychological reasoning.

This British Psychological Society (BPS) core module develops the depth and breadth of your understanding of primary and contemporary theory and research in social psychology and developmental psychology. We introduce the subject matter through topic-focused group presentations, research workshops and laboratory investigations. A focus on developmental psychology will see you study the biological, social, emotional, and cognitive changes that occur from birth, through infancy, childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood. In social psychology, interpersonal and intergroup processes will be studied with the objective of developing your understanding of human sociality in everyday life. You will adopt a reflective and critical perspective on the subject matter.

The module enables you to understand and evaluate psychological research and to understand how research design relates to research questions. It provides you with skills in a variety of statistical analyses and enables them to conduct ethical psychological research utilising quantitative methods. It will further develop your competency with statistical software including data handling skills so that they are equipped to produce data-based reports in research and workplace contexts. 

This module introduces the diversity and breadth of approaches to qualitative research in the discipline of psychology. The module will empower you to understand and evaluate psychological research and to understand how research design relates to research questions. It provides you with skills in a variety of qualitative methods and enables you to conduct ethical psychological research utilising qualitative methods. It provides the foundation for interpretation and critical discussion of published psychological research. These topics will also be considered in the context of future employability and career trajectories for you. You will be encouraged to consider both commonalities and diversities in human thoughts, feelings and behaviours, facilitating an inclusive approach to learning. 

This module develops your employability skills (for example communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and independent learning) through undertaking a work placement. This practical experience module builds on the knowledge and skills gained from the successful completion of previous psychology modules and tests out theoretical knowledge and practical skills in a real-world situation. It gives an appreciation of the organisation and reality of work and the development of your ability and personal growth in a chosen occupation.

This module introduces you to health psychology and the work of health psychologists in practice, including how this applies to your own health and the health of society. It helps you apply knowledge and skills to real-world health problems. You will be encouraged to adopt a reflective and critical perspective on research, theory and their experiences, including commonalities and diversities in experiences, facilitating empathy and an inclusive approach to learning. Research informed topical introductions will be provided in areas of psychological, behavioural and social determinants of health and illness. The module will focus on health behaviour change interventions and chronic illness and its management, emphasising the application of the work of health psychologists. This practice focus will help you to consider your future employability and career trajectories.

This module engages you in a substantial research project on a topic of your choice within the field of psychology, supported by group activities that facilitate the development of research skills, collaboration, and practical application of psychological theories and methods. Through this blend of individual and group work, you will enhance your understanding of psychological research methods, data analysis, and the ethical considerations inherent in psychological research.

This module offers advanced level study of topics in coaching psychology. It offers you a blend of academic study, practical experience, and personal development. It facilitates your development of critical thinking, independent learning, reflective learning and specialised listening and communication skills. It introduces basic skills of coaching-based empirical psychological research. The module encourages you to explore further training in coaching and coaching psychology as part of your professional and career development.

Cognitive neuroscience is the study of brain states and how such brain states are related to behaviour and cognition. Many of the recent advances in the field are due to the rapid development and use of technology that allows us to infer what the brain is doing during different psychological states. This module introduces you to the theory that underpins cognitive neuroscience techniques such as EEG, TMS, fMRI, TES. It provides a hands-on approach to learning how to use them and how these techniques are adopted to better understand brain in times of disease and damage. You will have the chance to learn how to use advanced equipment by practising with it. Learning these practical skills to engage critical thinking skill will equip you with skills and knowledge needed in a variety of contemporary workplaces and further study.

This module explores the application of psychology to social problems in the areas of crime, conflict and violence, considering individual, group and social factors. It covers how individuals and groups become involved in these problematic behaviours, and also considers the consequences for victims, government and justice responses, and approaches to prevention. The module introduces you to a range of applied approaches and develops your capacity to respond proactively to real world problems. Forensic psychology will also be considered in the context of your future employability and career trajectories. You will learn to consider commonalities and diversities in human thoughts, feelings and behaviours facilitating an inclusive approach to learning.

This module introduces you to core aspects of evolutionary theory and demonstrates the application of evolutionary theory to behaviour. It covers how behaviour can be regarded as the product of biological evolution. It also discusses how evolutionary approaches complement other frameworks and add another level of explanation to scientific understanding. You will cover various different evolutionary approaches including ethology, behavioural ecology and evolutionary psychology, discussing key findings and methodological differences.

This module introduces you to the ways in which psychological theories and methods contribute to our understanding of elite sport performance.  It will help you understand the psychological, behavioural and social determinants of elite sport performance. You will gain insight into how the applications of sport psychology, from a practitioners’ perspective, may lead to working with skilled performers, and the development of time-management, communication and problem-solving skills. The module covers the importance of collaboration, teamwork, adaptation and flexibility will be emphasised.

This module introduces you to the diversity and breadth of approaches in the discipline of neuropsychology and the many ways that neuropsychologists study the healthy brain and the disordered brain. We base our sessions around research-informed teaching with a particular focus on published neuropsychological case studies. You will explore the causes and symptoms of major neuropsychological disorders of cognition and behaviour – for example, language, vision, memory, emotion, personality, olfaction and development. You will be encouraged to develop critical thinking and discussion skills to enable them to contribute meaningfully in class. You will learn to source and reference published articles from reputable sources online, enhancing their digital literacy, and you will gain key practice-led learning skills in the interpretation and writing of neuropsychological reports.

This module introduces the diversity and breadth of approaches in the discipline of occupational/workplace psychology. The module will introduce theories with a focus on the role of stress in the workplace. You will also gain an understanding of work-life balance and the real-world applications of promoting good work-life balance and engage with some of the critical debates around the area. The topics in these sessions will highlight the diversity of individuals in the workplace and how this can impact your experiences of work-life balance, stress and motivation. Since this module focuses on employment-based topics, the content will be relevant to you beyond your degree and can be carried into your chosen areas of employment particularly those who are planning to go into Human Resources, Occupational Psychology or wish to pursue a postgraduate course in this area.

This module will provide a comprehensive survey of the living primates with a focus of research in the wild (ethology) and in the psychology lab (comparative psychology). In recent years, experimental and observational research in primate behaviour and cognition has exploded, and this primatology module will provide you with up-to-date knowledge of the major areas of study. The primatology module provides a rich learning opportunity for you and help you understand the foundations of human nature that we share with our primate cousins. You will be encouraged to consider both commonalities and diversities between humans and other primates.

This module will develop your skills by
•    Exploring the intersection of therapeutic psychology and social, cultural, and community mental health
•    Advancing your understanding of key psychological therapeutic theories and practices within diverse contexts
•    Developing critical and reflective thinking regarding psychotherapeutic work with mental health issues, considering the role of culture, diversity, and external circumstances
•    Enhancing your ability to apply psychological theory to case formulation, intervention, and clinical practice in community settings
•    Fostering critical evaluation of evidence bases and practices in mental health care within varied social and environmental contexts.

This module provides you with an advanced level of understanding of how psychological theories and research inform and impact learning and teaching in educational settings with children and young people, and the interplay with surrounding contexts such as the family and wider society. The aim is to direct you to develop an appreciation of research, knowledge and applications in the domain. You will study cognitive, social, developmental, and biological theoretical perspectives, providing an integrated understanding of how psychological theory and research intersects with education in a wide range of settings, and its real-world applications. Psychology in Education provides a rich learning opportunity for students wanting to pursue educational psychology training at postgraduate level, and for those planning a career in teaching including special educational needs (SEN) roles.

This module provides an opportunity to plan career and/or study goals for life after graduation and reflect on, and improve, employment skills. You will get a deeper understanding of the relationship between psychological concepts and work-based practice. This module prepares you to apply for postgraduate study and/or graduate employment after graduation.

This module introduces the diversity and breadth of approaches to visual research in the discipline of psychology. It covers a range of contemporary visual research methods and develops your capacity in the application of different methods of collecting, analysing, and disseminating visual data in psychological research, with a focus on developing visual responses to the sustainable development goals. Visual psychology will also be considered in the context of your future employability. You will be encouraged to consider both commonalities and diversities in human thoughts, feelings and behaviours facilitating an inclusive approach to learning.

Our teaching methods are designed to be interactive, inclusive, and engaging, combining whole-cohort sessions, small group workshops, and hands-on lab work.

• Whole-Cohort Sessions - These offer an opportunity to engage, reflect and debate with your whole cohort. Participate in live discussions, debates, and collaborative activities, with opportunities to ask questions in person, via live chat, or through online forums. 
• Small Group Learning: Workshops, seminars, and one-to-one tutorials help you deepen your understanding, improve academic skills, and navigate library resources.
• Lab-Based Workshops: Gain practical experience with data collection, psychophysical experiments, and software for data analysis.

These diverse methods provide an inclusive environment that supports all learning styles, fostering curiosity and empathy.

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams.

Here is an indication of how you will split your time:

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study. We guarantee a 3 day timetable.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

During your first year, your weekly timetable will typically consist of:

• 7.5 hours of engaging sessions
• 1-2 hours of tutorials
• 4 hours of lab classes/workshops.

This course is assessed by 100% coursework.

We have a diverse range of assessment options for you to showcase your knowledge. This inclusive approach encompasses continual formative feedback. The assessment methods include authentic assessments such as case-study reports, written reports, essays, short answer texts, article reviews, portfolios, presentations, and research dissertations.  
 
This diverse and inclusive approach aims to provide you with opportunities to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding in alignment with your individual strengths, preferences, and learning styles, fostering a more equitable and enriching educational experience for all.

You'll have the option to undertake an expenses-based work placement during your studies as a year-long assignment after your second year. Placements and internships greatly improve graduate employment prospects, and those who take part achieve excellent academic results through applying their learning in a professional setting.

We have partnerships with a wide range of influential and established organisations including:

• Great Ormond Hospital School
• St Georges Hospital
• Priory Hospital
• Institute of Psychiatry
• Institute of Education
• MIND
• The National Health Service
• Victim Support

During your placement, you'll engage in clinical and educational research, such as on eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, autism and stuttering, and investigating the psychological factors in relation to sexual assault.

Depending on the organisation you are on placement with, you may be entitled to apply for a maintenance grant. The year-long work placement exempts you from paying tuition fees for the full academic year, ensuring you gain the necessary practical skills to embark on your chosen career.

Our specialist employability service and London location ensure that every year our students and graduates gain prestigious placement opportunities.

Find out more about psychology work placements.