Psychology with Counselling BSc (Hons)

On this module you will learn about biological psychology. You will start by exploring the historical development of the subject. You will then study the key concepts in structural and functional neuroanatomy, the study of the nervous system, and biological systems. We will also introduce you to the different research methods used in biological psychology.

This module explores how individuals differ in their behaviour, and consider what processes underlie such differences. You will also learn about the applications and history of differential psychology. We will consider this topic at 3 different levels:

• Individual (including intelligence and challenges around measurement)
• Interpersonal (such as helping behaviour and group dynamics)
• Global contexts (such as leadership and work-related personality)

Through this module we will introduce you to psychology as a science, and the principles of Open Science. You will learn about ethical principles, research design, and the development of research questions. This will be your first introduction to working with data on the course, and your theoretical learning will be supported by practical experience which applies these concepts in workshops.

This module is your introduction to cognitive psychology. You will study its historical development and learn about the core theoretical models of the subject. We will look at the different research methods used in cognitive psychology including:

• Perception
• Attention
• Memory
• Language

This module is an opportunity to immerse yourself in various work-related experiences, and consider the career options open to you after graduation. In lecturers we will discuss how psychological theory, evidence, and practice can address issues and problems relevant to employment. You will also take part in workshops to develop some of the skills you need to confidently engage with such problems. Alongside this you will participate in an employer-led project, and conduct research on organisations you are interested in. Guest speakers representing a variety of employers will support this process. 

This module will build on the knowledge and skills you gained on Foundations of Research 1, as you further develop your understanding of research design and analysis. We will focus on core concepts of data analysis, interpretation and dissemination, which can then be applied to more complex techniques later in the course. As in your previous Research module your theoretical learning will be complemented by practical experience working with data and key software. 

This module gives you practical experience of participating in ethically approved psychological research projects. You can choose to take part in lab-based and online studies run by final year dissertation students, postgraduate students and academic staff. This helps you gain an understanding of the processes involved in good research practice. If you choose not to participate in these research studies, you can provide an online research skills portfolio instead.

On this module you will learn about theoretical models of development, and we will encourage you to think critically about developmental psychology research. You will also practise your communication skills by conveying complex information to a non-specialist audience. The topics we discuss may include:

• Prenatal development
• Infancy
• Development of self
• Social cognition
• Physical reasoning
• Play
• Social relations

Building on your previous work-related module, Applying Psychology at Work will give you opportunities to further consider potential careers with a mental health focus. As part of the module you will participate in either work experience or an employer-led project. You will also connect this experience to recent theory concerning aspects of the working world, as well as practising applying for jobs and building essential skills that will be valuable in the workplace.

This module will further elaborate on concepts and skills in psychological research methods that you were introduced to in your first year. Through this you will develop a more in-depth knowledge and experience of research methods and analysis, as you are equipped with a range of tools to help you across the whole research journey. These tool with provide a basis for conducting your independent research project in your final year. You will also build skills for interpreting research findings you engage with in other modules.

This module involves a deeper and broader exploration of cognitive and biological psychology than in previous years, as we investigate a range of methodologies and contemporary debates in the study of brain and behaviour. You will critically apply concepts, theories and principles to your own original mini cognitive research project, designed and conducted within small groups. The process and experience of conducting an experimental project from design to completion as a written report will help to prepare you for developing and conducting an independent research project in your final year.

This module builds on your learning in Exploring Social Psychology. You will study advanced topics in social psychology, focusing on contemporary theory and research in the field. Topics you will explore include:

• Attitudes
• Social influence
• Interpersonal and romantic relationships
• Prejudice
• Social constructionism

This module follows on from Psychological Research 1, as you develop further design and statistical tools for research in Psychology. Through this you will build your confidence in analysing data using a variety of statistical techniques, and in interpreting results. This will prepare you to plan and conduct appropriate research designs and analysis for your independent research projects in your final year.

Develop practical, transferable skills while you study. This module gives you the opportunity to conduct 75 hours of paid or voluntary work. You will be supported to arrange this work experience by your tutors and our placements team. You could also choose to participate in ethically approved psychological research projects run by students and members of staff. This will help to develop your understanding of good research practices.

This module is your opportunity to conduct an independent research project on a psychological topic of your choice. You will start by reviewing relevant literature to generate research questions and hypotheses. Working closely with a member of academic staff you will design a study to address your research questions, obtain ethical approval for your study, and collect and analyse your data. Your final research paper will report the findings of your study. 

This module will build on your previous Professional Development modules. By participating in individual and group tutorials throughout your degree, you will gain transferable skills relating to employability, self-reflection, communication and professional behaviour. This module continues this development with a focus on thinking about the future. 

This module is your introduction to Counselling Psychology. Explore the history of counselling psychology and the philosophical ideas that underpin it. You will take the knowledge you have gained in your study so far and apply it to the specialist field of counselling psychology practice. We will cover the main approaches in counselling, the psychoanalytic and the psychodynamic. You will also study the concepts of mental health and diagnosis.

This module focuses on the theory and practice of basic counselling skills work. Lectures present the phenomenological method as applied to counselling, provide a theoretical understanding of counselling’s purposes and processes, and introduce the basic micro-skills of counselling practice. Tutor-observed skills workshops will enable you to practise your use of these micro-skills, to experience being a client, and to critique the counselling process and offer constructive feedback.

This module focuses on current professional issues and debates in the field. We will introduce you to the concept of evidence-based psychological practice, and encourage you to evaluate the evidence base for talking therapies across a range of mental health diagnoses. The module runs alongside the second skills module, Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Practice and Skills, so that key counselling concepts are linked across these two modules.

This module will build on your knowledge and skills from Person-centred Therapeutic Practice and Skills. Lectures will extend your understanding of the counselling process, and of how this is facilitated by practitioners. You will develop your technical proficiency in skills workshops, honing your foundational micro-skills, expand your generic skills and introducing you to some modality-specific techniques. This experiential learning will help to develop your understanding of the counselling process.