Psychology with Neuroscience BSc Honours

This module aims to introduce you to quantitative statistical analysis as they are employed in psychological research.

The module aims to introduce the five core areas of psychology (cognitive, social, biological, developmental, individual differences).

This module introduces the principles and practice of quantitative and qualitative psychological research.

This module introduces the foundational knowledge and concepts that are essential to understanding neuroscience, including the structure and function of the human nervous and endocrine systems.

This module aims to equip you with skills and knowledge about psychology, and the University, that contribute to academic success. The module also aims to help you to develop plans for your future development within and beyond your programme of study. The 'process' of being a student can be difficult and confusing. The educational institution and the academic discipline both have many assumptions and processes that can be hard to uncover and understand without some guidance.  This module will explain how relevant aspects of Psychology and Middlesex University 'work', so that you can gain the maximum benefit from your studies. It will also show you how you can apply psychological knowledge to your own development as individuals and learners, and stimulate preparations for future careers.

This module will enable you to understand, evaluate and conduct psychological research, and to understand how research design relates to research questions. It provides you with skills in a variety of analytical methods and enables you to conduct ethical psychological research utilising quantitative & qualitative methods. It also provides the foundation for interpretation and critical discussion of published psychological research.

This module presents an overview of the biological bases of behaviour and the cognitive approach to psychology as well introducing aspects related to individual differences.

This module aims to develop the depth and breadth of understanding of core theory and research in developmental and social psychology whilst also explaining differences between individuals.

This module provides a solid foundation in neurophysiological recording systems, theory and practice of electroencephalography (EEG) and visual evoked potentials (VEP).

The module provides you with an insight into common brain disorders and their aetiology, pathological processes, relevant investigations and medical, surgical and palliative treatments. In addition, the module aims to provide you with a framework for an understanding of different types of diseases, which are rare and may encounter in practice or in their studies.

This module aims:

* To introduce students to the history, principles and methods of neuropsychology with a particular emphasis on case studies
* To introduce the causes and symptoms of major neuropsychological disorders of language, vision, memory, emotion, personality, olfaction and development, and the theories accounting for each
* To demonstrate the extent to which case studies (in combination with data from brain imaging) inform us about the functioning of the healthy brain in these cognitive functions
* To describe and evaluate how the effects of brain damage are assessed
* To encourage critical thinking and oral presentation skills
* To prepare students for postgraduate study within neuropsychology

This module encourages you to pursue independent study with a designated supervisor on a topic not offered in-depth among the normal range of modules. You will be expected to carry out an original investigation using a recognised psychology or cognitive science research method, and produce a dissertation based on that research. The title and methodology of this dissertation must be agreed with the supervisor in advance. Undertaking this module will enable you to develop your methodological and statistical knowledge acquired through previous research methods training. You will develop your competence in the production of coherent written reports which are clearly presented and which have an analytic and critical orientation. You will have the opportunity to become a competent and self-sufficient researcher.

Within this module, you will pursue independent study with a designated supervisor on a topic not offered in-depth among the normal range of modules. You will be expected to carry out an original investigation using a recognised psychology or cognitive science research method, and produce a dissertation based on that research. The title and methodology of this dissertation must be agreed with the supervisor in advance. Undertaking this module will enable you to develop your methodological and statistical knowledge acquired through previous research methods training. It will develop your competence in the production of coherent written reports which are clearly presented and which have an analytic and critical orientation, and it will provide the opportunity for you to become competent and self-sufficient researcher.

Advanced Qualitative Research Methods (15 credits)

This module aims to develop the depth and breadth of students’ qualitative research methods knowledge and practice by equipping them with a combination of practical and theoretical skills. Strengthening existing knowledge of qualitative research methods, students will be familiarised with a range of qualitative methodologies and methods of generating and analysing data in-depth. The module allows the time and space necessary for sustained immersion. It enables proficiency in qualitative research knowledge and skills to be further enhanced through repetition and comparison when learning advanced concepts and their application, such as ontologies, epistemologies, social constructions, research questions, sampling, data generation, accounts, claims, reflexivity. Students will be provided with active experiences of interviewing and conducting analyses, as well of developing reflexive practice which is an essential aspect of qualitative research. In order to optimise student engagement and learning, an experiential approach to teaching advanced qualitative research methods will be undertaken; student-led active learning will complement didactic aspects. Teaching will be led and illustrated through the module leaders’ own qualitative research practices; this will be delivered through a series of lectures and skills-based workshops informed by their research. The lecture and skills-based workshop elements will run consecutively in a three-hour weekly session. This module also aims to prepare students to conduct qualitative research in the future, such as in their dissertation projects. Therefore, this module is both ideal for, and provides a rich learning opportunity for students who enjoyed their study of research methods at Level 5; those who are undertaking a qualitatively-based dissertation project; those who want to study Psychology at a postgraduate level; and for those planning a career in research.

Atypical Child Development (15 credits)

This module aims to develop the depth and breadth of students’ understanding of core theory and up-to-date research in the field of atypical developmental psychology. This is the ideal module for students who have enjoyed their study of developmental psychology at level 5. Strengthening existing knowledge in developmental psychology, students will be introduced to perspectives and theory in atypical child development, as well as classic and contemporary research that underpins these theories. The interaction of emotional, cognitive, biological, behavioural and environmental factors in the development of atypical behaviour will be explored, whilst emphasising the importance of understanding typical child development. Content will focus on anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive related disorders, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, language learning, attachment disorders and eating disorders. This module provides a rich learning opportunity for students planning a career with children, particularly within teaching, educational psychology, clinical psychology, youth work or counselling.
Neuropsychology: The healthy brain and what can go wrong with it (15 credits)

Applying health Psychology to behaviour change (15 credits)

The module aims to introduce students to health psychology and the work of Health Psychologists in practice. It covers the psychological, behavioural and social determinants of health and illness, before focusing on health behaviour change interventions and chronic illness and its management. It aims to help students apply knowledge and skills to real-world health problems.

Neuropsychology: The healthy brain and what can go wrong with it (15 credits)

This module will introduce students to the history, principles and methods of neuropsychology with a particular emphasis on case studies.

Critical Forensic Psychology (15 credits)

The module aims to explore the application of psychology to social problems in the areas of crime, conflict and violence, taking into account individual, group and social factors. It considers how individuals and groups become involved in, and perpetuate, these problematic behaviours, and also considers the consequences for victims, government and justice responses, and approaches to prevention

Creative and Visual research methods (15 credits)

This module aims to introduce students to a range of contemporary visual research methods and to develop students’ capacity in the application of different methods of collecting, analysing, and disseminating visual data in psychological research.

Infancy and childhood: psychoanalytic perspectives (15 credits)

This module looks at difficulties in personal and social development are commonly attributed to traumatic, painful or confusing events in infancy and childhood. The primacy of childhood in contemporary society is largely a legacy of psychoanalytic thinking. This module will introduce you to important and influential psychoanalytic theories regarding infancy, childhood and adolescence. It considers the relationship between life events and subjective phantasy in the development of the personality and psychopathology. It explores the consequences of these modes of thinking on the practice of psychotherapy, counselling, social work, teaching, and child care. It provides a foundation for further training in therapeutic and social care professions.

New Directions in Cognitive Science (15 credits)

We all have the experience of an internal dialogue; linguistically phrased commentary and reasoning that pertains to our actions in the here and now or to actions we might wish to execute. But do those sentences truly reflect how our brains collate and process information? For many years the assumption was that they do, but of late this view has been challenged.
Cognitive science is a multidisciplinary approach to studying and understanding internal causal states for the production of behaviour (thoughts). The primary aim of cognitive science is to provide a mechanistic (how things work) and functional (why things work) account of cognition. Cognitive science has traditionally been grounded in a ‘symbolic account’ of mind – the notion that the brain, much like a computer, manipulates abstract information that has representational content (is about something). However, recent changes in our understanding of behaviour, cognition and neuroscience have challenged these underlying assumptions. This module will outline the underlying assumptions of cognitive science, how they have been challenged by recent developments and whether cognitive science can incorporate these new developments within its existing framework. Importantly, this module will teach topics from different areas of science including; psychology, ecology, neuroscience, and computer science.

Social, Cultural & Community Mental Health (15 credits)

This module develops the students' knowledge of social approaches to mental health theory, research and practice, and their application to community mental health. Students' will develop a critical understanding of cultural, social, environmental and economic influences on mental health and the relationship between social adversity and mental health problems. Additionally, students will develop the ability to critically evaluate evidence bases and evidence-based mental health care practice in community settings. This module would be well suited to students who are considering careers in clinical psychology, counselling psychology, psychotherapy, mental health promotion and campaigning, social work, human rights advocacy, health management and community mental health.

Creativity & Imagination (15 credits)

The module explores psychological aspects of creativity and imagination. Students' will develop a critical understanding of psychological theory and research relating to creative productivity across a range of contexts. Additionally, students will apply theory and research to plans for developing, enhancing and/or utilising creativity and imagination in real-world contexts.

Psychology in Education (15 credits)

This module is designed to give students an advanced level of understanding of the way that psychological theories and research have influenced our understanding of child and adult learning and teaching in educational settings. The aim is to direct students to develop an appreciation of traditional and contemporary research, knowledge and applications in the domain. Students will study cognitive, social, developmental, and biological theoretical perspectives, providing an integrated understanding of how psychological theory and research intersects with education in a wide range of settings. Psychology in Education provides a rich learning opportunity for students wanting to study educational psychology at Masters level and for those planning a career in teaching.

How to DO cognitive neuroscience (15 credits)

Cognitive neuroscience is at the forefront of advances in psychology. It is the study of brain states and how such brain states are related to behaviour and cognition. Many of the recent advances in the field are due to the rapid development and use of technology that allows us to infer what the brain is doing during different psychological states. This module aims to provide an introduction to the theory that underpins cognitive neuroscience techniques such as EEG, TMS, fMRI, TES. Moreover, and importantly the module will aim to provide a hands-on approach to learning how to use them. In this module students will have the chance to learn how to use advanced equipment by practicing with it. The aim is to teach how the equipment works, how to analyse the data, and what questions different methods can answer and what are its limitations by using them.

Contemporary Psychoanalytic Practice: Psychoanalysis for Therapists (15 credits)

The aims of this module are to provide students who are considering a career in therapeutic practice a knowledge of psychoanalytic concepts and ideas and how they have developed and are applied in contemporary therapeutic work. It will give students an understanding of the diversity and the wide range of applications of psychoanalytic approaches not only in terms of different theoretical approaches but also in relation to the treatment of different clinical pathologies, as well as to different client-groups and ages, and settings. It will inform and evaluate the contribution of psychoanalytic concepts in therapeutic work. The module aims to give insight into the different views held about the therapeutic process. It aims to give information about the situation, the landscape of psychotherapeutic practice in the UK today and prospects for further learning and employment in the field.

Psychology of Music (15 credits)

This module aims to introduce students to music psychology, a new field studying human psychological responses to music, which include emotion regulation, cognitive benefits, inter-personal coordination and empathy. The study of music as part of human communication and cognition has long eluded the psychological disciplines. Yet music is universal, very present in everyday life and most people are music users in different forms and to varying degrees. In the last twenty years the amount of published studies and applications has blossomed, making of music psychology a very topical area with significant ramifications in educational (e.g., reading) and rehabilitative contexts (e.g., Parkinson’s), as well as health, well-being and developmental disorders. The module aims to introduce aspects of music as they have been studied within different psychological fields, including behavioural neuroscience. The module would ideally combine with language modules, general cognitive neuroscience, education, atypical, health, psychology of art.

Primatology (15 credits)

Humans are only one species of primate. We share the world with chimpanzees, orangutans, bonobos, and gorillas – in addition to more than five hundred other species of primate, everything from lemurs to marmosets to mandrills. To understand ourselves is to understand the primate background to our biology, behaviour, and cognition. This module will provide a comprehensive survey of the living primates with a focus of research in the wild (ethology) and in the psychology lab (comparative psychology). Over the last twenty-five years, experimental research in primate behaviour and cognition has exploded, and this primatology module will provide students with up to date knowledge of the major areas of study. The primatology module will provide a rich learning opportunity for students who want to understand the foundations of human nature that we share with our primate cousins.

Neuropsychology of language & communication (15 credits)

This module aims to introduce students to an advanced level of the study of language, which will ideally combine with general cognitive neuroscience modules, and the Psychology of Music. Aspects of the module would be relevant also for the study of aging, language and communication in multicultural environments and atypical groups. The module includes a skill component introducing students to a selection of main tests used in the assessment of language and literacy in the developmental population, which will be associated with a practical report. An indicative list of lecture topics is presented below.

Death, Separation and Loss (15 credits)

This module aims to shed light on death. Put simply, death is the cessation of all biological functions that sustain a living organism, however this module is concerned with the complex processes surrounding death, and related issues of separation and loss. It aims to understand the psychological processes involved not only after someone dies, but also to identify the different kinds of losses humans can experience and the factors involved in grief and mourning. Separation and loss are core to the notion of disenfranchised grief, where the griever or the loss itself may not be recognised (e.g. a ‘broken heart’ from a relationship break-up or divorce, miscarriage, a child as a griever, terminal illness). Classical and contemporary theories of death and bereavement will be covered (e.g. Mourning and Melancholia, Grief Stages, Dual Process, Continuing Bonds and Terror Management Theory). Students will be introduced to both evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence in the area, which will highlight expertise in the faculty, from quantitative research on death and video games, to qualitative research on suicide, to practice areas including bereavement counselling and emerging technologies for end of life management.

Key Issues and Controversies in the Psychology of Elite Sport Performance (15 credits)

This module will aim to introduce students to the ways in which psychological theories and methods contribute to our understanding of elite sport performance, to understand the psychological, behavioural and social determinants of elite sport performance and the applications of sport psychology, from a practitioners perspective, to working with skilled performers.

Coaching Psychology (15 credits)

This module offers advanced level study of topics in coaching psychology and offers students a blend of academic study, practical knowledge, and personal development. The module is designed to measure a variety of learning outcomes and to facilitate students’ development of critical thinking, independent learning, reflective learning, and listening and communication skills. It provides an introduction to basic skills of Coaching and Coaching Psychology. The module may encourage students to explore further training in Coaching and Coaching Psychology as part of their professional and career development.

Lifespan Stages: Adult stages of development (15 credits)

The module aims to explore the psychology of lifespan development using theoretical and research orientated approaches. It considers how psychological knowledge of ways in which development can be investigated and observed using research can be undertaken from a variety of perspectives, as well as how it can be understood using models of cognitive, biological, socio-ecological, psychodynamic and developmental psychology. The module aims to develop students’ understanding of how theoretical, empirical and personal examples arising in the fields of academia, research and clinical practice contribute to understanding of lifespan development and can be practically applied to Lifespan investigation.

Fundamentals of cognition: Human memory (15 credits)

This module aims to provide students with a solid foundation in the operations of human memory and is ideally suited to students who enjoyed learning about key principles of how memory works at Level 5. The focus will be on long-term memory, and students will build upon their existing knowledge through consideration of classic and contemporary research that has shaped current theory. With both a theoretical and applied focus, content will surround perspectives on the operations of different kinds of long-term memory (e.g., explicit and implicit, semantic and episodic), the basic memory processes and factors that affect them, memory enhancement and impairment, memory disorders, the reconstructive nature of memory, and practical and contemporary issues in the study of human memory. This module provides a rich learning opportunity for students with an interest in further study or a research career in cognitive psychology / cognitive neuroscience.

The Science Of Intimate Relationships (15 credits)

Why do we have a fundamental need to connect with others? This module considers the ‘big’ questions about intimate relationships, and takes a scientific approach to investigating topics such as closeness, trust, love, partner selection, issues in relationships (conflict, betrayal, infidelity, jealousy and power) and relationship maintenance and dissolution (including separation and loss). The aim is to develop knowledge and understanding of theories and models of intimate relationships and the research that has contributed to this. With its emphasis on ‘science’, the module will go beyond the classic psychological approach of intimate relationships (e.g. theories of attachment, interpersonal attraction and love), to consider relevant theory and research from the broader behavioural sciences (e.g. evolutionary biology, physiology, cybernetics and artificial intelligence). The module takes a research and practice lead perspective, to examine how theory, research tools and data have been translated into practice, including sessions from practicing clinicians, bringing examples of their clinical practice to illustrate theory. The module will be of interest to those wanting to further understand how and why intimate relationships are a defining feature of human experience.

Therapeutic Psychology (15 credits)

This mental health module will explore different approaches to therapeutic psychology. It will also explore key approaches to therapeutic theory and practice.

Lifespan Issues: Impact of Life Experience (15 credits)

The module aims to (a) to develop students’ understanding of how theoretical, empirical and personal examples arising in the fields of academia, research and clinical practice contribute to understanding life experience and psychology and (b) to encourage students to think reflectively about the psychological relevance of social norms, expectations, stereotypes and issues of personal identity and nurture on life experience and development

Evolutionary Approaches to Behaviour (15 credits)

To introduce students to core aspects of evolutionary theory and to demonstrate the application of evolutionary theory to behaviour. The principal aim is to demonstrate how behaviour can be regarded as the product of biological evolution. A secondary aim is to discuss how evolutionary approaches complement other frameworks and add another level of explanation to scientific understanding. Students will cover various different evolutionary approaches including ethology, behavioural ecology and evolutionary psychology; discussing key findings and methodological differences.

The Psychology of Stress, Motivation and Work-Life Balance (15 credits)

This module aims to introduce students to the area of occupational psychology particularly in relation to stress, motivation and work-life balance. The module will introduce theories which underlie stress with a strong focus on the role of stress in the workplace. The students will also gain an understanding of work-life balance and the real-world applications of promoting good work-life balance. The topics will be covered in a variety of ways which will allow the students to engage with some of the critical debates around area. This will range from the complexities surrounding the conceptualisation of work-life balance, to the impact it can have on the health of employees, whilst also incorporating the role of the employer. Although, motivation and stress in the workplace are areas which have been traditionally researched in relation to workplace psychology, both of the areas, along with work-life balance are currently yielding a lot of innovative research. The module will allow students to critically engage with an emerging and increasingly popular area of occupational psychology and it will appeal to students who have an interest in occupational psychology, but specifically the links between work and home life, and how psychology has helped to shape this discipline. Since work based stress, motivation and work-life balance are all employment based topics, the content will be relevant to students beyond their degree and can be carried into their chosen areas of employment. Particularly those who are planning to go into Human Resources, Occupational Psychology or wish to pursue a postgraduate course in this area.

Research Methods & Ethics in Psychology

The module enables students to understand and evaluate psychological research and to understand how research design relates to research questions. It provides students with skills in a variety of statistical analyses and enables them to conduct ethical psychological research utilising quantitative and qualitative methods. It provides the foundation for interpretation and critical discussion of published psychological research.

Biological & Cognitive Psychology

The module aims to give students an overview of the biological bases of behaviour and the cognitive approach to psychology. After initial study of the anatomy & physiology of the nervous system, attention is focused on aspects of behaviour that have a clear biological component. Through a series of practical laboratory sessions students will investigate specific central and peripheral nervous system variables and their relation to behaviour. In the second half of the module, the nature of the cognitivist approach to psychology will be outlined and key theories relating to major cognitive faculties explored. Understanding of these is enhanced through a series of interactive seminars, consisting of problem-solving activities.

Developmental Psychology

This module aims to develop the depth and breadth of students’ understanding of core theory and up-to-date research in developmental psychology. In this module you will study a wide range of theoretical areas, such as biological, social, emotion, and cognitive processes. This module will also introduce you to the classic and contemporary research that underpins these theories. A significant proportion of theories within this discipline focus upon development in the early part of the lifespan, during infancy and childhood, as these are the periods during an individual's lifespan when the most change occurs. You will be introduced to perspectives, theory and research in both typical and atypical child development. The interaction of emotional, cognitive, biological, behavioural and environmental factors in the development of atypical behaviour will be explored, whilst emphasising the importance of understanding typical child development.

Clinical Neurophysiology

This module aims provide the student with a solid foundation in neurophysiological recording systems, theory and practice of electroencephalography (EEG) and visual evoked potentials (VEP).

Social Psychology & Individual Differences (30 credits - Compulsory)

This module aims to develop the depth and breadth of students’ understanding of theory and research in social psychology and personality psychology. In term 1, students are introduced to the social dimension of human psychology, through topic-focused lectures combined with small-group collaborative research projects. In term 2, students will cover mainstream concepts and theories of personality and the application of personality (dispositional) theory in assessment (including employability). There will be a strong emphasis on critical consideration of the strengths and limitations of comparative models along with the conceptual links. The application of psychometrics and underlying principles of factor analysis will be explained in context and students will analyse their own personality in a career context to facilitate understanding.

Applied Clinical Neurophysiology (30 credits - Compulsory)

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the biological basis of EEG and pathological processes and the role of EEG in their investigations. The module will also support and develop the work-base training by providing a description of normal and abnormal EEG.

Psychology Dissertation (30 credits - Compulsory)

Students pursue independent or group based study with a designated supervisor on a topic not offered in-depth among the normal range of modules. The student will be expected to carry out an investigation using a recognised psychology or cognitive science research method, and produce an independent dissertation based on that research. The topic and methodology of this dissertation must be agreed with the supervisor in advance. Undertaking this module will enable participants to develop their methodological and statistical knowledge acquired through previous research methods training; it will develop their competence in the production of coherent written reports which are clearly presented and which have an analytic and critical orientation and it will provide the opportunity for final year students to become competent and self-sufficient researchers.

Psychology of Language, Literacy and Communications (30 credits - Optional)

This module aims to provide an introduction to key themes, theories, empirical studies & methods to understand processes underlying human communicative systems, in particular language, the acquisition of literacy, and aspects of musical communication.
It will guide students towards the identification of key topics and a selected range of problems and questions related with the study of language and communication, and some of its applied implications. It will also foster student’s ability to design study plans or research strategies to deal with them, both individually and jointly with peers and tutors, to develop the ability to extend their studies of language and communication in academic or professional contexts.

Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology (30 credits - Optional)

The module introduces students to the ways in which psychological theories and methods contribute to our understanding of physical health and illness, as well as exercise, and sport performance. It will enable students to understand the psychological, behavioural and social determinants of health and illness, as well as exercise and sporting performance, and the applications of health psychology to clinical practice and the applications of sport psychology to working with skilled performers will be illustrated.

Mental Health, Well Being and Consciousness (30 credits - Optional)

The module explores relationships between mind and body, conscious and unconscious mental life, the potential of psychology to help people to become more creative and fulfilled, and aims to develop students’ understanding of mental health issues and the clinical/therapeutic debates in this field.

Affective Science and Positive Psychology (30 credits - Optional)

This module offers advanced level study of topics in affective science and positive psychology. It offers students a blend of academic study, practical knowledge, and personal development. The module is designed to measure a variety of learning outcomes and to facilitate students’ development of critical thinking, independent learning, reflective learning, listening and communication skills. It provides a critical overview of affective science and psychological models of emotion, and also introduces students to the scientific study of happiness, and how they can use the outputs of psychological research to live more fulfilling lives.

Evolutionary Approaches to Behaviour (30 credits - Optional)

This module aims to introduce students to core aspects of evolutionary theory and to demonstrate the application of evolutionary theory to behaviour. The principal aim is to demonstrate how behaviour can be regarded as the product of biological evolution. A secondary aim is to discuss how evolutionary approaches complement other frameworks and add another level of explanation to scientific understanding. Students will cover various different evolutionary approaches including ethology, behavioural ecology and evolutionary psychology; discussing key findings and methodological differences.

Neuropsychology (30 credits - Optional)

This module offers students advanced level study of topics in human neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience including techniques, methods and approaches; planning; personality; emotion; consciousness; visual processing; language; olfaction; ageing; and the behavioural effects of damage to the brain regions and structures which mediate these processes. The module is designed to measure a variety of learning outcomes and to facilitate the development of critical thinking and independent learning.

Social Psychology & Individual Differences (30 credits - Compulsory)

This module aims to develop the depth and breadth of students’ understanding of theory and research in social psychology and personality psychology. In term 1, students are introduced to the social dimension of human psychology, through topic-focused lectures combined with small-group collaborative research projects. In term 2, students will cover mainstream concepts and theories of personality and the application of personality (dispositional) theory in assessment (including employability). There will be a strong emphasis on critical consideration of the strengths and limitations of comparative models along with the conceptual links. The application of psychometrics and underlying principles of factor analysis will be explained in context and students will analyse their own personality in a career context to facilitate understanding.

Brain Disorders (30 credits - Compulsory)

The module provides you with an insight into common brain disorders and their aetiology, pathological processes, relevant investigations and medical, surgical and palliative treatments. In addition, the module aims to provide you with a framework for an understanding of different types of diseases, which are rare and may encounter in practice or in their studies.

Psychology Dissertation (30 credits - Compulsory)

Students pursue independent or group based study with a designated supervisor on a topic not offered in-depth among the normal range of modules. The student will be expected to carry out an investigation using a recognised psychology or cognitive science research method, and produce an independent dissertation based on that research. The topic and methodology of this dissertation must be agreed with the supervisor in advance. Undertaking this module will enable participants to develop their methodological and statistical knowledge acquired through previous research methods training; it will develop their competence in the production of coherent written reports which are clearly presented and which have an analytic and critical orientation and it will provide the opportunity for final year students to become competent and self-sufficient researchers.

Psychology of Language, Literacy and Communications (30 credits - Optional)

This module aims to provide an introduction to key themes, theories, empirical studies & methods to understand processes underlying human communicative systems, in particular language, the acquisition of literacy, and aspects of musical communication.
It will guide students towards the identification of key topics and a selected range of problems and questions related with the study of language and communication, and some of its applied implications. It will also foster student’s ability to design study plans or research strategies to deal with them, both individually and jointly with peers and tutors, to develop the ability to extend their studies of language and communication in academic or professional contexts.

Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology (30 credits - Optional)

The module introduces students to the ways in which psychological theories and methods contribute to our understanding of physical health and illness, as well as exercise, and sport performance. It will enable students to understand the psychological, behavioural and social determinants of health and illness, as well as exercise and sporting performance, and the applications of health psychology to clinical practice and the applications of sport psychology to working with skilled performers will be illustrated.

Mental Health, Well Being and Consciousness (30 credits - Optional)

The module explores relationships between mind and body, conscious and unconscious mental life, the potential of psychology to help people to become more creative and fulfilled, and aims to develop students’ understanding of mental health issues and the clinical/therapeutic debates in this field.

Affective Science and Positive Psychology (30 credits - Optional)

This module offers advanced level study of topics in affective science and positive psychology. It offers students a blend of academic study, practical knowledge, and personal development. The module is designed to measure a variety of learning outcomes and to facilitate students’ development of critical thinking, independent learning, reflective learning, listening and communication skills. It provides a critical overview of affective science and psychological models of emotion, and also introduces students to the scientific study of happiness, and how they can use the outputs of psychological research to live more fulfilling lives.

Evolutionary Approaches to Behaviour (30 credits - Optional)

This module aims to introduce students to core aspects of evolutionary theory and to demonstrate the application of evolutionary theory to behaviour. The principal aim is to demonstrate how behaviour can be regarded as the product of biological evolution. A secondary aim is to discuss how evolutionary approaches complement other frameworks and add another level of explanation to scientific understanding. Students will cover various different evolutionary approaches including ethology, behavioural ecology and evolutionary psychology; discussing key findings and methodological differences.

Neuropsychology (30 credits - Optional)

This module offers students advanced level study of topics in human neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience including techniques, methods and approaches; planning; personality; emotion; consciousness; visual processing; language; olfaction; ageing; and the behavioural effects of damage to the brain regions and structures which mediate these processes. The module is designed to measure a variety of learning outcomes and to facilitate the development of critical thinking and independent learning.