Overview

In the second year we introduce the notion of personalities and how effective it is to assess the individual. You will explore the brain, hormones, addiction, and engage with psychologists to learn how effective it is to apply theoretical psychology to real world examples. Year two also builds on research methods taught in year one so that you are prepared for your research project in the final year. Students who complete year two are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Applied Psychology.

Modules

• Individual Differences and Personality

  In the field of psychology, the concept of individual differences is viewed as a cornerstone in modern psychology. It examines how people are similar, yet different in their thinking, feeling and behaviour. This module will cover the key concepts in individual and group differences, exploring the different theories and debates within personality and intelligence and the psychological measurement used in establishing individual difference, as well as the strengths and limitations of such psychometric measures.

• Brain and Behaviour

  This module introduces the impact of biological processes on health and ill-health. You will study brain structure and function and the possible effects of brain chemicals and drugs on human behavior alongside the biological bases of human and non-human animal behaviour, behavioural genetics, hormones and behaviour, neuroscience, typical and atypical neuropsychology. Addiction and the role the brain, nervous system and epigenetics play in this issue is also considered.

• Real World Applications in Psychology

  You will examine the constraints of applying theory and laboratory principles to the real world and explore the use and application of psychological practice for individuals as well as groups and organisations, from a local, national and international perspective. Considerations will be made to the ethical, conceptual, cultural and historical aspects of psychology and the strengths and limitations of using psychological theory to answer real world questions. As a key part of the module, you will engage with psychologists in order to inform your assignment on your chosen area of applied psychology, and explore career paths while continuing to develop your skills and interests.

• Research Methods

  This module focuses on advancing the methodological and statistical techniques taught in year one so that you are prepared for your research project in the final year, as well as developing aptitude with statistical analysis software packages. Expanding your knowledge and skills in the analysis and utilisation of quantitative and qualitative data is the primary focus, but ethical issues in psychology and integration across multiple perspectives are all thoroughly considered.

Overview

An optional placement or sandwich year gives you the chance to gain further insight into the industry or career you are seeking to follow, enabling you to apply your theoretical knowledge to the workplace. You can also choose to take an optional year abroad between years two and three. If you decide to take advantage of a placement year this version of the degree will help you acquire valuable work experience and gain an understanding of what employers seek in graduates. It is your responsibility to find a placement with an employer within your chosen sector. The careers and employability department, alongside the course team, will support you throughout your placement year.

Overview

In the final year of the degree, you will broaden your knowledge of group behaviour to include the workplace and sporting world. Using the lens of the Forensic Psychologist, you will design and carry out a small-scale experimental research study, and through the lens of the Educational Psychologist you will explore the processes involved in perception, learning and thinking. Therapy such as CBT and general mental health is also explored before entering the final section of the degree which comprises an extensive research project. Students who successfully complete year three are awarded a BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology.

Modules

• Applied Social and Developmental Psychology

  This module develops an understanding of both theory and research in social and developmental psychology as used by Occupational Psychologists and Sport Psychologists, considering both social influences and developmental factors in these two areas. It will extend and improve knowledge of social and developmental theories by applying them to new situations such as the workplace and the sporting world, from understanding why bullying behaviour and aggression take place to analysing what creates a winning mentality and lifespan perspectives on such concepts.

  You will evaluate the role of group dynamics, social cohesion and lifespan theories of development in providing explanations for behaviour, while also prompting further questions to be asked.You will also be expected to critically reflect on your own behaviour in group situations and apply this understanding to the relevant vocational contexts in order to synthesise your theoretical and experiential learning.

• Cognition and Performance

  This module will explore cognitive psychology including attention, perception, learning, memory, thinking, problem solving, decision making, metacognition, language, consciousness and cognitive neuropsychology. It will examine information processing in both human and computing contexts, and also provide skills to evaluate task performance in a psychological context.

  You will design and carry out a small-scale experimental research study on memory retention using eyewitness evidence as a starting point. There will be a vocational focus on both Forensic Psychology and Educational Psychology in order to apply knowledge and understanding. Visual and memory processes will be considered from the perspective of Forensic Psychology, evaluating the reliability of eyewitness testimony. Thinking, reasoning and language use will be explored through the lens of an Educational Psychologist, as these processes are particularly relevant to the classroom.

• Introduction to Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)

  This module will introduce you to the work of the Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP), including the principles of CBT and the behaviour change models that provide the framework which support an integrated approach to the choice and delivery of the interventions that PWPs provide. We will also explore common mental health problems that are treated by the low-intensity wellbeing practitioner and learn to identify the main areas of concern relevant to the assessment undertaken. In doing so, you will be prepared for the opportunity to continue on to PWP training programmes.

• Research Project

  Research in Applied Psychology seeks to solve practical problems. This type of research plays an important role in solving everyday issues that often have an impact on life, health, work and overall well-being. This module will enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth research exploration and demonstrate the ability to use research and enquiry skills to collect, analyse and interpret relevant literature and data. You will be able to formulate novel research questions, and test these questions through the application of contemporary psychological methodologies and appropriate data-analytic procedures in order to find solutions to everyday problems.