Optional modules (continued)
Classic Studies in Psychology (15 credits)
Solidify and consolidate your progress in your degree by enhancing your understanding of the history of psychology, which is essential for understanding its current state and future direction. Engage with classic studies in psychology that have been transformative and, often, controversial. Gain a critical understanding of their influence on the field today by critiquing and synthesizing their impact through both their innovations and limitations.
Environmental Psychology (15 credits)
Learn about the discipline of Environmental Psychology, an applied sub-discipline of Psychology which bridges with related disciplines such as architecture, planning, and geography. Gain critical appraisal skills by:
- exploring the influence of built and natural environments on psychological processes, behaviour, and outcomes
- applying that knowledge to places important to your own life
Develop your questioning and decision-making skills, presentation of logical and coherent arguments, and appreciation of complexity and context for understanding issues.
Applied Environmental Psychology (15 credits)
Built and natural environments directly influence the experience and behaviour of users. Focus on a real-world project where you identify, evaluate, and contextualise the user experience of a selected setting using theories and concepts covered in the module.
Independent Literature Review (15 credits)
Engage in a comprehensive review of academic literature related to a topic in psychology agreed with module staff. Gain critical evaluation skills by exploring the current understanding of the topic from multiple psychological perspectives and identify themes within the literature.
Research Experience (15 credits)
Develop and apply research knowledge, skills, and capabilities by gaining valuable experience as a research assistant for an academic member of staff on a research project.
Development in Unique Populations (15 credits)
Explore the holistic impacts of prematurity, Down Syndrome, Williams Syndrome and stroke. Critically consider resilience factors, systemic issues and challenges in these populations. Apply a framework to consider issues such as nature vs nurture, cultural influences, heterogeneity and development across the life-span. Critically consider how professionals can support these populations to highlight their strengths, be more inclusive and prevent discriminatory practices.
Neonatal Psychology Across the Lifespan (15 credits)
Consider the impacts of neonatal admissions for babies, their families and across the lifespan. Gain knowledge of the cognitive, sensory, social and environmental impacts of a neonatal stay. Consider mental health issues for families on the neonatal unit. Explore methods and practices to effectively include families as partners in their babies’ care. Learn about the long-term impacts of prematurity. Evaluate the importance of advocacy and awareness in amplifying patient voices. Develop an understanding of how we can support families on and beyond the neonatal unit.
Male Psychology (15 credits)
Learn about psychological issues affecting men and boys either exclusively, disproportionately, or in different ways to women and girls in the emerging area of Male Psychology. Consider the role of biological psychology and evolutionary psychology in the development of sex-specific and sex-differentiated behaviours, and how these factors interact with proximate areas of core psychology. Consider cognitive differences and effects, how behaviours differ over the lifespan, how social situations impact on sex-specific or sex-differentiated behaviours and individual differences within these. Learn about the impact of acknowledging and understanding sex differences for a full understanding of the human condition, use this knowledge to design appropriate, evidence informed interventions or support. This module is supported by external experts in the area of male psychology, ensuring you are engaging with issues and information at the cutting edge of the discipline.
The Psychology of Gaming (15 credits)
Learn about the psychological underpinnings of how people interact with video games. Explore what makes video games captivating; the impact of video games on the brain; and the application of psychological principles towards video game design. Experience a blend of lectures and student-led group presentations, providing you with a state-of-the-art understanding of the psychology of digital entertainment.
Exploring Psychological Issues in Women's Reproductive Health (15 credits)
Focus on a range of psychological issues in various aspects of female reproductive health. Explore theories and research explaining female reproductive issues. Choose three specific topics within reproductive health, for example, fertility; pregnancy; birth-trauma; baby loss; sexual health and dysfunction; reproductive rights; intimate partner violence; reproductive health disparities; pre-natal and post-natal mental health; hysterectomy; cancers of female reproductive organs; transgender transition; menopause. Develop ideas and working models through problem-based learning (PBL) activities. Practice your presentation skills in a mutually supportive and interactive environment. Collaboratively create work to depict the psychological journey through female reproductive health.
Cognitive Neuroscience of Aging (15 credits)
Learn about the cognitive neuroscience of growing old. Consider and evaluate claims about ageing, for example, whether dementia is an inevitable part of aging. Consider what the current, cutting-edge research tells us about protecting brain health and cover fascinating topics such as blue zones. Learn about cutting edge techniques such as EEG and eye-tracking and what these techniques can tell us about the ageing brain.
Human Animal Interaction and Wellbeing (15 credits)
Explore the psychological, social, and physiological impact of the mutually beneficial and unique bond between humans and animals, and how this may influence wellbeing. Consider the ethical considerations of human-animal interactions. Gain insights into the multifaceted relationship between humans and animals with a focus on wellbeing.
Applying Psychology to Work and Organisations (15 credits)
Focus on the scope of Occupational Psychology and its application to work, employees and organisations. Gain analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills through an investigation of contemporary issues facing employees and organisations, and methods for assessment and evaluation. Topics covered in the module align with the British Psychology Society’s Division of Occupational Psychology cores areas.
Positive Psychology (15 credits)
Positive psychology encompasses the study of positive experiences, positive character strengths, positive relationships, and the institutions and practices that facilitate their development. In this module the classification of these virtues is explored. Positive relationships include the factors that enhance meaning and well-being among couples, family, friends, coworkers, and the community. This module reviews the history of positive psychology and the contributions this new field has made to several traditional research areas in psychology. Consideration will be given to conflicting viewpoints and their respective empirical support, including the benefits of balancing positive with negative emotions, the measurement and development of happiness, and the implications of deliberately attempting to increase it.
Creative Methods for Exploring Issues in Psychology (15 credits)
Work collaboratively and with autonomy within workshop-based classes to explore contemporary issues falling within domains of clinical, health and wellbeing, mental health, neurodiversity and forensic psychology approaches. Draw on existing academic, theoretical and experiential knowledge for chosen topics from within the module. Create applicable real-world artefact approaches and concepts that address issues for identified populations. with an underlying narrative thread offering a clear association between them.
Applying Research in Reality (15 credits)
Have the opportunity to learn from specialists across psychological domains of how their interests and research outcomes have been applicably transposed within real-world contexts. The topics and methods involved within real-world research will enable consideration in how to approach disseminating information on complex psychological issues accessibly to the general population using textual and artefact approaches and effectively collaborating with peers and external partnerships for knowledge exchange
Biopsychological Measurement Skills (15 credits)
Learn the historical background, theoretical frameworks and applied ethical considerations that enable an understanding of why and how bio-physiological measurements are employed. Develop applied research methods skills using available physiological measurement equipment and related software. under the guidance of staff, develop practical skills in using biopsychological measurement systems, tools, and equipment.
