FdSc Psychology

Year 1

Core modules

• Successful Study for Degree Level Psychology (STRO1101)

  This module is designed to help students successfully make the transition to degree level study, specifically developing resilience. Students will learn written and oral communication skills as well as referencing skills. They will be introduced to researching and using journals.

• Introductory Psychology: Research Methods, History and Philosophies of Psychology (STRO1102)

  This module will introduce the subject of Psychology and its historical and philosophical groundings. Students will learn about the different perspectives and approaches in Psychology, the various issues and debates within the subject, ethical issues according to BPS guidelines and the development of the subject as a scientific discipline.

• Social Psychology and Individual Differences (STRO1106)

  The social component of this module introduces students to major theoretical perspectives and key psychological studies in explaining human social behaviour. The module also examines theories of individual differences related to personality and intelligence and how instruments for measuring personality and ability are constructed and used. The module also includes the clinical characteristics, aetiology and treatment of psychological disorders.

Year 2

Core modules

• Developmental Psychology and Psychology of Learning (STRO1103)

  This module introduces students to the major themes and theoretical approaches in Developmental Psychology. The module also introduces the basic concepts of learning and how these shape peoples lives and experiences.

• Biological and Cognitive Psychology (STRO1105)

  This module is an introduction to cognitive psychology and biopsychology. It introduces the key concepts and findings and methodologies. The cognitive component covers core areas including: attention, memory, perception and language. The biological component covers core areas including: brain structure and organisation and evolutionary psychology.

• Introduction to Psychological Research Methods (STRO1107)

  This module is designed to provide an introduction to research methods in psychology. Basic aspects of experimental design and non-experimental research methods are covered as well as an introduction to the use of computer based statistical analysis. This module also provides guidance on writing research reports. 

Year 3

Core modules

• Applied Topics in Health and Positive Psychology (STRO2102)

  Introduction to health psychology, exploring the mind-body connection and considering the topic of stress in depth. Introduction to positive psychology; looking at wellbeing and optimal functioning. Students will have the opportunity to explore theories and research in positive psychology and apply these in their own lives.

• Contemporary Topics in Social Psychology and Clinical Psychology (STRO2106)

  This module enables students to extend material presented in year 1 and develop greater understanding by encouraging critical awareness of social and clinical psychology and applying the research material to contemporary issues and debates.

• Research Methods (STRO2107)

  To consolidate and extend competence in research design by using qualitative techniques and quantitative statistical analysis techniques.

Final year

Core modules

• Contemporary Topics in Biological and Cognitive Psychology (STRO2103)

  This module enables students to extend material covered in year one and develop a greater understanding by encouraging a critical awareness of biological and cognitive psychology and applying the research material to contemporary issues and debates.

• Contemporary Topics in Developmental Psychology and the Psychology of Learning (STRO2105)

  This module will build on the knowledge acquired in the Level 4 module Developmental psychology and the psychology of learning. Students will deepen their understanding of the theories and methods used in developmental psychology and the psychology of learning and apply it to a range of contemporary issues.

• Conducting Psychological Research (STRO2108)

  This module will enable students to design and present a research proposal for a piece of independent research. Students will then conduct, analyse and write up this practical project following reporting conventions and subject to ethics approval. Students will draw on their work related learning to reflect on psychological theory and research.