Psychology BSc (Hons)

Level 3 (foundation year)

• Foundation in Psychology

  This module will provide students with the necessary skills to begin studying at level 4 in Psychology and related courses. Students will be introduced to the core skills necessary to succeed in higher education, including thinking critically, researching and referencing appropriately, demonstrating appropriate numeracy and ICT skills, and communicating effectively verbally and in writing. In addition to these fundamental study skills, students will be introduced to a number of disciplines underpinning psychology. Fundamental mathematical skills will be covered in order to support students’ other subjects and give them confidence in manipulating data. Students will be introduced to the biology of micro and macro organisms, with reference to both human and animal structures, and will gain experience of practical experimentation in the laboratory. Students will be introduced to the core principles of psychology and will explore various current applications of psychological theory. Students will also be introduced to ethics and will learn about some of the key theories and thinkers in the development of current ethical considerations. The module is made up of the following eight constituent elements: Interactive Learning Skills and Communication (ILSC); Information Communication Technology (ICT); Critical Thinking; Maths for Scientists; Psychology; Biology – Physiology; Ethics; Intercultural Studies.

Year one, core modules

• The Psychology of Everyday Life

  Discover modern psychology by seeing how research and theory in psychology can be applied to a variety of everyday situations. You will look at a number of topical issues in order to demonstrate how psychology can provide insight into people's behaviour, and how we benefit from a scientific psychological approach. The kinds of questions which you might address include: Does criminal profiling work? Can we measure intelligence? Do dreams have meaning? Why do we forget things? What is love? You will question 'common sense' views of the world and use evidence to draw conclusions about questions of human behaviour, contractually addressing ethical issues in psychological research.

• Social and Developmental Psychology

  Gain an introduction to key topics, theories and issues in social and developmental psychology. You will understand how certain behaviours and experiences can be shaped by different social contexts, such as family, peers, society, and the impact of these on social and emotional development. You will cover key areas within social psychology, such as attitudes, interpersonal communication, social influence, groups, identities and ethics. As well as key areas in developmental psychology, such as genetic and environmental influences, language, cognitive and emotional development and ethics. You will also consider methodological issues, and conceptual debates that characterise social and developmental psychology and applications of the work of social and developmental psychologists.

• Theoretical Foundations in Psychology

  Gain an overview of some of the theoretical, philosophical and historical foundations in psychology. Psychology is often defined as the 'science of the mind’, but you will discover that there has been much debate both within and outside psychology as to how to define both 'science' and 'mind'. To illustrate these debates, you will focus on different approaches to psychology, such as introspectionism, behaviourism, psychoanalysis, cognitive psychology, and artificial intelligence. You will put debates and methodology into perspective by outlining different approaches to the philosophy of science and the philosophy of mind and begin to think critically and develop your own arguments relating to different approaches to psychology. You will take part in lectures, seminars, group work and independent work and develop your analytical and evaluative skills with guidance from your tutors.

• Becoming a Researcher: Using Data

  In order to understand human thought and behaviour, psychologists often collect a range of different types of numerical data from human participants. To be able to draw conclusions as to how and why people think and behave, we need to understand how to apply a variety of statistical analyses to data in order to draw valid and reliable inferences. This module provides a step-by-step introduction to the principles and application of psychological data analysis. You will be introduced to the theory behind statistical analysis, looking at the best ways to describe your data and be trained in a variety of statistical tests that can be used to analyse and draw conclusions about human thought and behaviour.

• Becoming a Researcher: Designing Research

  All psychologists share basic skills in understanding, designing and communicating research. As a science, Psychology is driven by the empirical analysis of human behaviour, so we will start with a question of interest, formulate hypotheses to test, design, and implement a study to collect data to be analysed. You will be introduced to the principles that psychologists use to understand human behaviours and psychological phenomena. Through exploration of case examples, topics covered will include assessing published literature, the formulation of research questions and hypotheses, foundations of study design and experimental control, the development of research protocols and procedures, sampling and participant selection and ethical considerations in research. As a result, you will gain basic skills to conduct a literature review, develop research questions and hypotheses, design an empirical study, develop a research protocol and consider the ethical risks of collecting data from human participants.

• Introduction to Clinical and Health Psychology

  This module provides an introduction to clinical and health psychology. You will examine the way in which these disciplines apply psychological knowledge to an understanding of health and illness, and the interventions which can be used to improve health or relieve the symptoms of illness. You will examine how concepts of health have changed over time, what we mean by normality and abnormality, and the different models that psychologists have used to understand the causes of mental ill-health. You also study specific health problems, both physical and mental, including eating disorders, stress, trauma, and sexual disorders. You also consider the different methods that can be used by clinical and health psychologists to enhance people's physical and mental health, both individual, family and population based.

• Issues in Child Development and Social Psychology

  This module provides an extension to our introductory module on social psychology and developmental psychology. It builds on the general foundations by introducing you to more specific domains of child development and social psychology. You will focus on developmental psychology and be introduced to a wide range of domains of research in developmental and social psychology, whilst avoiding having to consider any one topic in too much depth. The developmental and social parts of the module are largely independent. However, each topic covered in the developmental part builds on previously covered topics; ending with an overview of normal and non-normal developmental profiles. Similarly, each topic in the social part to some extent builds on earlier topics. These begin with an introduction to the domain of social cognition, and end by showing how theories of prejudice can account for specific types of prejudice. You will gain skills in analysing theories, relating theories to evidence, and synthesising material from diverse sources.

• Fundamentals of Cognitive Psychology

  Our experience of the world is an interpretation based on many cognitive processes being carried out by the brain. Because these processes are so automatic, and their outcome so convincing, people are often not aware that what they are experiencing is merely an interpretation, and as such can be inaccurate. You will be challenged to think more clearly about this, and consider the ways in which the brain constructs its interpretation of the world, and the ways in which this interpretation can be misleading. You will gain a broad understanding of cognition and how we process information about the world by introducing the major issues underpinning cognitive psychology, drawing attention to the key conceptual and ethical considerations of research in the area. Throughout our module, several key issues will be repeatedly addressed, e.g. the interactive nature of cognitive processing, and the core role of empirical research in developing cognitive theory. You will learn about; Visual perception, Learning, Attention, Memory, Language, and Problem Solving. This module is delivered through a combination of lectures and practical based sessions during which you will be given the opportunity to carry out classic experiments supporting major theories in cognitive psychology. You will be taught how to write up research using APA format, your ability to do this will form part of the assessment for the module. A multiple choice examination is used to assess your general understanding of the module material. You will be provided with insights into your own cognitive processes (such as learning and memory) which you can apply to help in your study and understanding of other parts of your degree. It will equip you with a range of key transferable skills useful in the workplace, such as report writing, data analysis, and logical thinking.

Year one, optional modules

• Anglia Language Programme

  The Anglia Language Programme module will allow you to study a foreign language as part of your course. You may choose to take two language modules in place of options on your course from the second semester of your first year, or in the second or third year. You can choose from the following: Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Japanese, or Spanish. In order to experience the learning of a new language, you must select one that you have not learned before.

Year two, core modules

• Biopsychology

  "...your joys and your sorrows, your memories and your ambitions, your sense of personal identity and free will, are in fact no more than the behaviours of a vast assembly of nerve cells and their associated molecules". (Crick, 1990). Biological Psychology is one of the major paradigms in modern psychology and a good working knowledge is essential to understand many areas of contemporary psychology, for example drug therapy in Abnormal Psychology, why stress can make people ill in Health Psychology and even why the sensation of falling in love is quite so powerful. Biopsychology introduces students to the physiological mechanisms that underlie all behaviour and cognition. Initially, the module introduces the philosophy that underpins biological psychology, and discusses issues such as determinism, reductionism and free will. The module then focuses on capture, communication and processing of information in the nervous system and looks in detail at the mechanics of these processes. For example, the structure and function of the brain and nervous system. The complex interplay between 'psychology' and chemical messages - such as cytokines and hormones is introduced. Students are introduced to the role that evolution and genetics may play in behaviour and cognition. Finally, the module shows how biological psychology can be applied.

• Psychopathology

  Gain an introduction to psychopathology and clinical psychology and various psychological disorders, as well as their aetiology and treatment. Focus on at models of psychopathology, as well as its classification and diagnosis. You will touch on broad theories of the development of the various psychological disorders and draw from psychodynamic, cognitive, and neuroscience perspectives, as well as social factors. You will learn about the various psychological disorders through a series of lectures and seminars and use case studies and media examples to apply real-life examples.

• Contemporary Social Psychology

  The discipline of social psychology is currently characterized by diversity and competing paradigms. Our module explores contemporary social psychology by examining a range of theoretical perspectives. The concept of 'levels of analysis' is used to structure comparisons between theories and approaches. Our module explores modern European forms of social psychology that arose as a critique to traditional social cognitive approaches, and place more emphasis on social and collective processes (for example, social constructionism). You will critically analyse and evaluate ways in which these various forms of social psychology have contributed to an understanding of human behaviour and experience within a social context. Throughout the module, you will be presented with examples of how theoretical ideas have been applied to tackle various 'real-world' issues. Our module is delivered through lectures and seminars and is available to students in the second year of psychology courses. You will be assessed via coursework and an unseen examination at the end of the semester. Our module will develop transferable skills such as management of information, challenging received opinion, and taking responsibility for own learning with minimal guidance.

• Issues in the Professional Practice of Psychology

  In this module, you will develop an awareness of the moral and practical implications of being a professional psychologist. You will be encouraged to reflect on the assumptions and limitations of the knowledge base guiding the practice of psychology, and to consider their implications. The module provides an understanding of professional skills of specific relevance to psychology, including professional codes of conduct and ethical behaviour in research and practice; planning research and writing a research proposal; bibliographic search strategies and effective literature review; working collaboratively in research; scientific publishing - how it works; communicating scientific results using different methods and to different audiences; personal and career development. You will have the opportunity to acquire skills which are key to your development should you wish to pursue a career in psychology, but which are also of relevance if your career interests lie elsewhere.

• Learning, Memory and Perception

  Underlying all psychological functioning is the ability to perceive, remember, and alter our behaviour in response to information in the world. These basic psychological processes of perception, memory and learning were the first areas of study for empirical psychology and this module examines both the historical development of these areas as well as the current state of knowledge in each area. You will develop an overview of principles of associative learning including the principles of operant and respondent conditioning and the distinction between contiguity and contingency in learning. We will also consider how the principles are applied in practical situations such as the treatment of phobias. The underlying neurophysiological mechanisms of memory as well as cognitive models of memory is presented. Experimental findings of short-term, long-term, implicit and explicit memory, as well as problems of memory encoding, organisation, retention and retrieval is addressed. Disorders of memory associated with brain injury is discussed. Models of visual perception and attention is discussed and experimental findings on change blindness, object perception and face perception is evaluated. We will also consider the effect of learning and experience on perception as well as some of the neuropsychological impairments which can affect perception.

• Personality, Intelligence and Psychometrics

  You will develop an understanding of key contemporary approaches to the study and assessment of personality and intelligence. You will examine the assumptions behind theoretical approaches to personality and intelligence; the nature of personality and intelligence; the theory of psychometrics; the strengths, implications and limitations of different approaches; and the applications of theory. You will link theoretical approaches and develop basic skills in understanding and using psychological tests. As well as acquiring a detailed knowledge of major theories of personality and intelligence you will develop an awareness of the social and ethical implications of the measurement of individual differences and skills in problem-solving and evaluation.

• Research Techniques for Psychology

  Develop a critical understanding of data collection and analysis for psychology, and consider the theoretical bases of various qualitative and quantitative methods. You’ll focus on theoretical, conceptual and ethical issues and we’ll ensure that you understand the logic behind the techniques covered. Your learning will use practical and real-life examples and you’ll also work on a group project, designing an independent piece of research in an area you’re interested in and producing a research portfolio. You’ll attend a combination of lectures and lab-based practical sessions, with semester 1 focusing on quantitative data analysis techniques, and semester 2 focusing on a wider view of a range of qualitative and quantitative methods and tests. You’ll gain numerous transferable, research and analysis skills, such as numerical skills, use of SPSS, IT skills, experimental design, report writing, group work, research using the library and internet databases, and oral presentations.

Work placement (optional placement year)

Year three, core modules

• Language and Thought

  We will introduce you to key themes, theories, research programmes and methods to understand processes underlying human language and thinking within the domains of cognitive psychology and cognitive neuro-psychology. Intact and impaired processes involved in spoken language, reading and spelling will be explored in different languages with a special interest in whether these processes are universal or language specific. You will get the opportunity to study human problem solving, reasoning and decision-making as well as establishing an appreciation of the different approaches and models. Contradicting evidence from reasoning in the laboratory and the real world will be examined to understand how human reasoning differs from idealised accounts provided by theories of logic and probability. Acquisition of literacy and associated developmental problems such as dyslexia will also be examined. Furthermore, the module explores bilingualism and related issues in acquiring and maintaining a second language. You will learn to work independently as well as in small teams/groups where you will discuss and critically evaluate contemporary topics on language and decision making processes, some group work will be discussions of case studies.

• Lifespan Development

  This module gives you an overview of human development across the lifespan. It complements and goes beyond Level 1 modules on psychological development, which focused on childhood. By contrast, the emphasis in this module is on development across the lifespan, including how childhood experiences affect later development. Different approaches to human development is discussed and compared, and you will be encouraged to apply theories of development to particular case studies. Some of the different approaches to human development to be studied include: attachment theory, behavioural genetics, psycho-dynamic theories, and biopsychosocial approaches. Different domains of human development is covered, e.g. cognitive, social, emotional, and moral development across the lifespan. One strand of the module examines the development of meta-representation (i.e. how people view their own cognitions, desires and emotions) and how this relates to personal development and self-explanation. This applies to various domains including: development of a theory of mind; development of representations of relationships (e.g. in attachment theory); and problems in self-representation in clinical settings. You will explore some of these issues in work using case studies. The module delivery consists of 14 lectures and four seminars. The assessment is a 3,000 word case study in which you will be required to apply two theories of psychological development to a particular case of your choice. In order to help prepare for this case report, the seminars will include student group presentations of case studies in which you will reflect on how well you think you have explained your case. The tutor and the rest of the class will also provide feedback on this. As a result, when you successfully complete this module you will gain intellectual skills of evaluating and applying theories to data, and also transferable skills of group working, self-evaluation, autonomy and communication.

• Major Project (Psychology)

  You will have an opportunity to develop, conduct and analyse your own research project in an area of psychology that interests you. You will ethically evaluate your research, carry out an in-depth literature review of that area, formulate hypotheses based on that review and design a study to test these. After collecting the data, you will analyse, evaluate and discuss your findings, and present them in project form.

Year three, optional modules

• Clinical Psychology

  This module will give students a critical awareness of the profession of clinical psychology, including an understanding of the historical context, as well as the current political and cultural context of the practice of clinical psychology. Over the course of the module, students will be introduced to the core skills (Assessment, Formulation, Intervention, Evaluation, Communication, Research and Reflection) used by clinical psychologists, and encouraged to critically evaluate their application across a range of settings and with a variety of client groups. Formulation will be particularly highlighted as a key skill, and the debates and controversies around the use of formulation will be discussed in line with recent developments and professional guidelines. Consideration will be given to thinking critically about the specific and differing requirements of working with individuals across the lifespan (Adult mental Health, Older adults, Children and adolescents), and with specialist populations (Intellectual Disability, Forensic, Health, Eating Disorders, Substance Use and Neuropsychology). Clinical Psychology’s role in leadership, consultancy, research and audit will also be discussed, and the application of research in clinical practice will be critically evaluated. The module will also include discussion of multi-disciplinary team (MDT) working, and students will be given opportunity to reflect on and develop their ability to work within professional teams. The module is available for students in the third year of psychology courses. Lectures will be illustrated with case studies and video demonstrations of clients across the lifespan and across a range of settings, and will also incorporate speakers with lived experience where appropriate. Students will learn to work independently as well as within small groups where they will discuss the application of clinical psychology skills to case examples, and will work as a team to produce a presentation to demonstrate psychological skills. Work in seminars and preparation for lectures will require the ability to independently research literature in the library and internet databases on different topics presented in lectures. This module will prepare students particularly well for working in clinical settings. This module is assessed via a 1500 word reflective essay and a 1 hour exam.

• Atypical Development

  We will introduce a variety of developmental disorders including Downs' Syndrome, Williams' Syndrome, dyslexia and autism, and analyse the biological, cognitive and social profiles of each. You will gain an insight in to the main symptoms of each clinical condition and the prognosis for people with these disorders. We will do this by discussing published literature and studying symptoms of children and adults with these disorders in video demonstrations. We will also cover the effects of early brain injury, and problems in the assessment and diagnosis of developmental disorders. You will also consider ethical issues and working with clinical populations. You will learn to critically evaluate contemporary issues in neurodevelopmental psychology supported by a range of academic literature. This module will be particularly useful for you if you are considering a career related to development, educational or clinical psychology or a career working with typically developing children or children with special needs.

• Neuropsychology

  You will be introduced to major neuro-psychological syndromes following brain damage. The most frequent syndromes in clinical practice such as aphasia, amnesia, agnosia, dementia, epilepsy and Parkinson's disease are discussed. You will be introduced to a variety of different tests and assessment procedures applied in clinical neuropsychology and for each of the clinical syndromes, relevant neuro-psychological and psychiatric symptoms are outlined. Problems in the assessment of brain-damaged patients as well as treatment procedures available are also discussed. You will become aware of the theoretical concepts of cognitive processing derived from the study of brain-damaged individuals. One major question will address the way in which the study of brain-damaged patients can help us in the understanding of brain functions. You will gain insight into the relation between brain structure, cognitive processing and observable behaviour by looking at case studies of neuro-psychological patients. This will be done by discussing published individual case descriptions and by studying symptoms of patients in video demonstrations. Concepts, theories and experimental methods of cognitive neuroscience and neuro-psychology is evaluated as well as therapeutic approaches in the neuro-rehabilitation of brain damaged individuals. Finally, the potential mechanisms underlying cortical reorganisation after brain injury and underlying learning of new information on healthy individuals is discussed.

• Psychological Therapies

  Gain an introduction to some of the main methods of psychological interventions used by clinical, counselling and health psychologists in therapeutically helping people. These interventions are used to assist people in strengthening their capacity to manage and cope with their lives, and help work through some emotional difficulties. You will cover core theoretical principles and techniques used in various psychological interventions, when working with individuals, as well as with families and groups. You will also focus on the therapeutic relationship and interventions used to assist clients and patients to make meaning of their distress.

• Consumer Psychology

  Our module introduces you to a selection of issues in the area of consumer psychology. It will explore how theories within social, cognitive and developmental psychology can help explain consumption behaviours. Our module will address issues related to positive and negative influences of a consumer society upon individual's psychological process and functioning. It will also look at how aspects of consumption can influence development at an early age as well as affect behavioural outcomes in later life. The module is delivered by lectures and seminars and assessed through a portfolio.

• Critical Issues in Health Psychology

  You will develop a critical awareness of issues and debates surrounding health, illness and disability. Standard clinical and medical models of illness and disability are seen as only one of several competing ways of making sense of health, illness and disability in contemporary society. Our module presents a range of broadly social, critical perspectives on our understanding of health, illness and disability. These include how illnesses and disabilities are commonly represented in contemporary society, and how this may influence individuals' experience of illness and disability; the social model of disability which views disability as a relationship between an individual and the constructed environment; the experience of stress among healthcare workers. Critical consideration is given to how poverty, class, culture and gender are factors to consider in health psychology. Our module, while primarily a critical health psychology module, draws on material from a broad range of disciplines including clinical psychology, psychiatry, social psychology, sociology, and public health. This module is delivered by lectures and seminars and assessment is by a portfolio based on the preparation and facilitation of student-led seminars and short critical essay based on a chosen topic.

• Emotion

  What are feelings? Are they reducible to brain states or are they something different from mere neurophysiological activity? Questions such as these overlap between two areas of research: emotion and consciousness. Emotions are a dominant feature of human mental life, and they impact upon our behaviour, our cognitive processes, our social relationships, and our phenomenal experiences. In the last 15 years there has been a renewal of interest in both emotion and consciousness in psychology. You will be provided with an overview of some of these exciting new developments in emotion and consciousness research, as well as some historical background as to how these topics have been treated in psychology. You will learn through 11 lectures and four seminars; and be assessed through a 90 minute exam and one 1500 word essay. You will learn through a series of student-led debates based on classic issues and controversies in both emotion and consciousness research. Examples of the kinds of debates which may be included are: can science explain consciousness?, are emotions biological states or cultural constructions?, are unconscious emotions possible? You will present one side of such a debate in small groups, and then write a coursework essay based on one of these debates. On successful completion of the module you will gain skills of critical evaluation: particularly, the ability to independently evaluate evidence to support conclusions, and the ability to investigate contradictory information and to identify reasons for contradictions. You will also gain skills of: oral and written communication; interacting within a group and managing conflict therein; and autonomous learning - particularly, taking responsibility for your own work and being able to criticise it. By the end of the module the answer to the question 'what are feelings?' may perhaps be uncovered.

• Forensic Psychology

  You will be provided with a broad overview of forensic psychology with a specific focus on prison psychology. Prison forensic psychology focuses on the specific application of psychological theory and research methodology to the prison environment. For example, prisons contain many vulnerable individuals and this module addresses ways in which psychological theory is applied to evaluating and then reducing the risks that these individuals face. 'Life' prisoners, as an example, face particular psychological challenges and this module addresses how theory is applied to assist individuals adjust to long periods of incarceration. You will learn through traditional lectures and student centred seminars including role-playing. You will be assessed through an examination and an essay which focuses on applying theory to real life problems.

• Groups in Conflict, Social Psychological Issues

  This module will introduce you to a range of social psychological approaches to the study of inter-group conflict, hatred and oppression. It covers both individual and social factors which promote and sustain hostile relations, negative attitudes, and/or violence between ethnic, national, religious or cultural groups. Our module draws on research using a range of methods, including experimental work, case studies, and discourse analysis. Topics covered include stereotypes, racism, intractable violent conflict (e.g. the Middle East conflict), terrorism, propaganda and genocide. Particular attention is paid to the Holocaust. The module is assessed through coursework and an exam. Students will learn practical transferable skills such as how to manage information, communicate effectively in written format, and apply social psychological ideas to political situations.

• Sex, Sexuality and Gender

  Learn about the interdisciplinary exploration of the study of human sexuality and draw on research from social, health, and developmental psychology, as well as examples from sociology and anthropology. Ultimately, you will explore the key elements of what it means to be sexual beings.

• Psychology in the Workplace

  In this module you will be introduced to the principles of occupational and organisational psychology. You will also be required to complete 35 hours of either voluntary or paid work supported by lecturers and seminars. Your work experience can either be one week full-time or several weeks part-time but must be completed by the end of the fifth week of the module. As you apply what you have learnt in a real-life employment setting, you will be encouraged to reflect on your experience through a work placement journal and will also have the opportunity to share your experience to other psychology students through a poster presentation.