FdSc Psychological Studies with Foundation Year

Year 1

Core modules

• Approaches to Psychology (PETR0006)

  This module will consider seven major approaches used within Psychology: Biological, Behavioural, Cognitive, Psychodynamic, Humanistic, Evolutionary and Socio-Cultural. Students will learn how the approaches provide differing explanations for human behaviour. It will also explore some of the major debates in Psychology including Nature versus nurture; free will versus determinism; reductionism versus holism. In addition, students will gain the ability to write about psychological concepts concisely as well as in a longer extended piece of writing.

• Doing Research (PETR0007)

  This module will identify how research underpins all psychological theory. The students will learn about the four major methods of research: Experiments, Observations, Case Studies and Self-reports. They will also learn about the use of secondary data. The use of ethics as set out in the BPS code of conduct will be examined and applied. A number of key studies, using different methodologies, that have shaped psychological theory will be examined in depth. The students will also be taught basic statistical procedures.

• Preparing for Success: Academic Skills (PETR0009)

  This module provides an introduction to the academic skills required for study and achievement at higher education level and will introduce students to a range of theory, skills and applications including: the higher education student role, learning to search for and access academic sources, academic writing, appropriate referencing, and presentation skills. The module will also incorporate elements of literacy and maths in order to develop students’ understanding of data and prepare students for reading and interpreting research articles, which is essential for further HE study, research and employment.

• Preparing for Success: Employability Skills (PETR0010)

  An introduction to the concept of employability and its value. The module enables learners to consider a range careers within relevant pathway sectors. A focus will also be placed upon a range of learning activities centred on reflection upon existing strengths and weaknesses in terms of transferable employability skills, and consideration of opportunities for action planning and future professional development. 

Final year

Core modules

• Social, Developmental and Behaviourist Psychology (NORD1053)

  This module introduces some of the basic theories and research findings in developmental psychology, Behaviourist Psychology and social psychology. Alongside this it will investigate the historical and conceptual basis for our current understandings within these areas of psychology.

• Research Methods (NORD1082)

  This module introduces the rationale for scientific research in psychology. It also introduces a range of approaches and research methodologies, together with their benefits and drawbacks. Basic aspects of experimental design are covered, together with statistical analysis and the use of computers for basic data manipulation and analysis. The module also provides training in the writing of research reports.

• Developing Graduate Skills (PETR1082)

  This module is designed to enable students to demonstrate that they have all the qualities and transferable skills necessary for appropriate academic work and employment requiring the exercise of responsibility and decision making, including the ability to relate their professional practice to underlying theory and principles.

• Applying Psychology (PETR1148)

• Psychology and Crime (PETR1149)

• Cognitive and Biological Psychology (NORD1054)

  This module aims to allow students to acquire a broad foundation of knowledge of the core areas of cognitive psychology and biological psychology. It will investigate specific areas and allow students to interpret findings from studies to enhance understanding of the brain and nervous system and how it works.

Year 3

Core modules

• Social Development of Children (NORD2052)

  This module will explore the social development of children and adolescents. It will build upon previous broad knowledge of both developmental and social psychology in order to explore topics in more depth. These topics will be taken from different aspects of child development with the aim to explore and challenge commonly held beliefs with the use of relevant psychological research.

• Individual Differences (NORD2054)

  This module examines research into individual differences. Theories of personality and intelligence are critically considered. Personality and IQ tests construction and use are considered. Students will construct their own scale and use this within a research study.

• Psychopathology (NORD2055)

  This module covers the main approaches to psychology (biological, cognitive, behavioural and psychodynamic) by addressing the question of abnormality, how it is defined and diagnosed, its aetiology and how it is treated according to these approaches.

• Psychology of Health and Illness (PETR2119)

  This module will explore the psychological and behavioural processes in health, illness and healthcare. Health Psychologists use their knowledge of theory and practice to promote wellbeing and healthier lifestyles and to understand physical illness. This module will provide a basic introduction to these areas and professions related to health and illness

• Research Methods II (PETR2120)

  This module extends training in experimental research methods as well as covering the design, running, analysing and reporting of qualitative research. The ethical implications of psychological research are considered. It aims to consolidate and extend competence in statistical analysis, and covers a range of psychometric principles, inferential statistical techniques and the use of statistical software.

• Counselling Studies (PETR2144)