Psychology with Neuroscience BSc Honours

You will be introduced to the foundations of both psychology and neuroscience, enhancing your understanding of the discipline by learning about data analysis, research methods, processes and concepts. 

The module provides you with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of key concepts and theories related to the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system. You will be taught an appreciation of the pathological processes associated with dysfunction of the nervous system.

This module introduces the diversity and breadth of approaches in the discipline of psychology and the many ways psychologists study the human mind, brain and behaviour. Research informed topical introductions will be provided in selected areas of individual differences, cognitive and biological psychology. As well as a theoretical introduction and overview to these characteristic approaches adopted within these areas of psychology, you are encouraged to adopt a reflective and critical perspective on the subject matter covered. These topics will also be considered in the context of future employability and career trajectories for students. Throughout the module you will be encouraged to consider both commonalities and diversities in human thoughts, feelings and behaviours facilitating an inclusive approach to learning.

This module introduces the diversity and breadth of approaches in the discipline of psychology and the many ways psychologists study the human mind, mental health, development and societal influences. Research informed topical introductions will be provided in selected areas of mental health, developmental and social psychology. As well as a theoretical introduction and overview to these areas of psychology, students are encouraged to adopt a reflective and critical perspective on the subject matter covered. This module challenges some westernised approaches to psychology and introduces you to diverse ideas and theories that question traditional psychological approaches. You will be encouraged to consider both commonalities and diversities in human thoughts, feelings and behaviours facilitating an inclusive approach to learning.

The module enables you to understand and evaluate psychological research and to understand how research design relates to research questions. It provides you with skills in a variety of statistical analyses and enables them to conduct ethical psychological research utilising quantitative methods. It will further develop your competency with statistical software including data handling skills so that they are equipped to produce data-based reports in research and workplace contexts. 

Your knowledge will be deepened with the study of biological and cognitive psychology, developmental psychology and clinical neurophysiology, while continuing to nurture your approach to research with a specific focus on ethics in psychology. 

This module equips you with principles of neurophysiology and understanding of the main neurophysiological techniques. On completion of this module you will be able to justify the choice of neurophysiological techniques in pathophysiology.

This British Psychological Society (BPS) core module gives you an overview of biological and cognitive psychology. Research informed teaching will focus on topics covering the brain, body and mind, including the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and how this relates to cognition. The module is focused on aspects of behaviour that have a clear biological component with an emphasis on individual differences in biology. Through a series of specialised psychophysiology lab sessions, you will investigate central and peripheral nervous system activity and their relation to behaviour. The lab sessions provide a practical and hands on learning experience. You will get an introduction to personality psychology and how this relates to biopsychology and cognitive science.

This British Psychological Society (BPS) core module develops the depth and breadth of your understanding of primary and contemporary theory and research in social psychology and developmental psychology. We introduce the subject matter through topic-focused group presentations, research workshops and laboratory investigations. A focus on developmental psychology will see you study the biological, social, emotional, and cognitive changes that occur from birth, through infancy, childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood. In social psychology, interpersonal and intergroup processes will be studied with the objective of developing your understanding of human sociality in everyday life. You will adopt a reflective and critical perspective on the subject matter.

The module enables you to understand and evaluate psychological research and to understand how research design relates to research questions. It provides you with skills in a variety of statistical analyses and enables them to conduct ethical psychological research utilising quantitative methods. It will further develop your competency with statistical software including data handling skills so that they are equipped to produce data-based reports in research and workplace contexts.

This module develops your employability skills (for example communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and independent learning) through undertaking a work placement. This practical experience module builds on the knowledge and skills gained from the successful completion of previous psychology modules and tests out theoretical knowledge and practical skills in a real-world situation. It gives an appreciation of the organisation and reality of work and the development of your ability and personal growth in a chosen occupation.

You will have the opportunity to specialise in an area that will give you the best route towards your chosen career. You will learn about social psychology and individual differences, as well as writing a dissertation on a topic of your choice, guided by a personal supervisor.

The module provides you with an insight into common brain disorders and their aetiology, pathological processes, relevant investigations, and medical, surgical, and palliative treatments. It gives you a framework for an understanding of different types of neurological diseases.

This module introduces you to the diversity and breadth of approaches in the discipline of neuropsychology and the many ways that neuropsychologists study the healthy brain and the disordered brain. We base our sessions around research-informed teaching with a particular focus on published neuropsychological case studies. You will explore the causes and symptoms of major neuropsychological disorders of cognition and behaviour – for example, language, vision, memory, emotion, personality, olfaction and development. You will be encouraged to develop critical thinking and discussion skills to enable them to contribute meaningfully in class. You will learn to source and reference published articles from reputable sources online, enhancing their digital literacy, and you will gain key practice-led learning skills in the interpretation and writing of neuropsychological reports.

This module engages you in a substantial research project on a topic of your choice within the field of psychology, supported by group activities that facilitate the development of research skills, collaboration, and practical application of psychological theories and methods. Through this blend of individual and group work, you will enhance your understanding of psychological research methods, data analysis, and the ethical considerations inherent in psychological research.

This module offers advanced level study of topics in coaching psychology. It offers you a blend of academic study, practical experience, and personal development. It facilitates your development of critical thinking, independent learning, reflective learning and specialised listening and communication skills. It introduces basic skills of coaching-based empirical psychological research. The module encourages you to explore further training in coaching and coaching psychology as part of your professional and career development.

Cognitive neuroscience 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 introduces you to the theory that underpins cognitive neuroscience techniques such as EEG, TMS, fMRI, TES. It provides a hands-on approach to learning how to use them and how these techniques are adopted to better understand brain in times of disease and damage. You will have the chance to learn how to use advanced equipment by practising with it. Learning these practical skills to engage critical thinking skill will equip you with skills and knowledge needed in a variety of contemporary workplaces and further study.

This module introduces you to core aspects of evolutionary theory and demonstrates the application of evolutionary theory to behaviour. It covers how behaviour can be regarded as the product of biological evolution. It also discusses how evolutionary approaches complement other frameworks and add another level of explanation to scientific understanding. You will cover various different evolutionary approaches including ethology, behavioural ecology and evolutionary psychology, discussing key findings and methodological differences.

This module introduces the diversity and breadth of approaches in the discipline of occupational/workplace psychology. The module will introduce theories with a focus on the role of stress in the workplace. You will also gain an understanding of work-life balance and the real-world applications of promoting good work-life balance and engage with some of the critical debates around the area. The topics in these sessions will highlight the diversity of individuals in the workplace and how this can impact your experiences of work-life balance, stress and motivation. Since this module focuses on employment-based topics, the content will be relevant to you beyond your degree and can be carried into your 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.

This module introduces you to the ways in which psychological theories and methods contribute to our understanding of elite sport performance.  It will help you understand the psychological, behavioural and social determinants of elite sport performance. You will gain insight into how the applications of sport psychology, from a practitioners’ perspective, may lead to working with skilled performers, and the development of time-management, communication and problem-solving skills. The module covers the importance of collaboration, teamwork, adaptation and flexibility will be emphasised.

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). In recent years, experimental and observational research in primate behaviour and cognition has exploded, and this primatology module will provide you with up-to-date knowledge of the major areas of study. The primatology module provides a rich learning opportunity for you and help you understand the foundations of human nature that we share with our primate cousins. You will be encouraged to consider both commonalities and diversities between humans and other primates.

This module provides an opportunity to plan career and/or study goals for life after graduation and reflect on, and improve, employment skills. You will get a deeper understanding of the relationship between psychological concepts and work-based practice. This module prepares you to apply for postgraduate study and/or graduate employment after graduation.

This module introduces the diversity and breadth of approaches to visual research in the discipline of psychology. It covers a range of contemporary visual research methods and develops your capacity in the application of different methods of collecting, analysing, and disseminating visual data in psychological research, with a focus on developing visual responses to the sustainable development goals. Visual psychology will also be considered in the context of your future employability. You will be encouraged to consider both commonalities and diversities in human thoughts, feelings and behaviours facilitating an inclusive approach to learning.

Our inclusive, interactive, engaging, multi-staffed, whole-cohort sessions will engage you in topical content via participation during in-class surveys, discussions, live debates and collaborative idea generation. You will have a chance to submit questions and comments, in person, online in a live chat (monitored by a member of staff) during the sessions and via offline forums – making you co-leaders in your learning. Whole cohort sessions are an opportunity to foster a sense of curiosity in learning by providing multiple opportunities to engage with the whole cohort in reflection and debate through multiple mediums.  
 
Key concept videos will introduce core material, via the virtual learning environment, before in-person on campus sessions where appropriate. We will teach you in small groups in the form of workshops, seminars and one-to-one tutorials. These will provide opportunities to review key concepts and evidence, get feedback on and help with academic writing skills and an introduction to using the library effectively and database searches. Our academic advisors will be available for regular support, tutorials and guidance.  
 
Lab-based workshops and skill sessions will give you the opportunity to engage with your learning in a hands-on approach. You will learn how to use software for data analysis and/or collect psychophysical data from a partner and then learn how to analyse this data. This diverse range of learning provides you with a variety of methods to tap into the approach that suits your way of learning. 

Independent learning

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams.

Teaching vs independent learning

Here is an indication of how you will split your time:

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

During your first year, your weekly timetable will typically consist of:

• 7.5 hours of engaging sessions
• 1-2 hours of tutorials
• 4 hours of lab classes/workshops.

Academic support

Our excellent teaching and support teams will help you develop the skills relevant to your degree from research and practical skills to critical thinking. Our Sheppard Library is open from 7am to 11pm Monday to Sunday during term time. And we offer free 24-hour laptop loans with full desktop software, free printing and Wi-Fi to use on or off campus, even over the weekend.

Our Disability Advice and Support service supports students with additional needs such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties such as dyslexia. We’re happy to help you discover whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, so please get in touch with any questions.

Wellness support

We have specialist teams to support your emotional wellness and mental health with access to free individual counselling sessions, workshops and support groups. The Student Welfare Advice Team (SWAT) offer information guides to provide support and advice during your studies.

Assessments

Your learning will be assessed regularly and is made up of 100% coursework.

We use a variety of assessment methods for you to showcase your knowledge and skills. The assessment methods include authentic assessments such as case-study reports, written reports, essays, short answer texts, article reviews, portfolios, presentations, and research dissertations.  
 
This diverse and inclusive approach give you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding in alignment with your individual strengths, preferences, and learning styles fostering a more equitable and enriching educational experience

To help you achieve the best results, we will provide regular feedback.

Year-long placements

We will offer you the option of an expenses-based work placement as a year-long assignment between years two and three. Some organisations offer a maintenance grant which you can apply for and you won't have to pay tuition fees for the placement year.

A wide range of influential and established organisations offer placements to Psychology students, for example Great Ormond Hospital School, St Georges Hospital, Priory Hospital, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Institute of Education, MIND, NHS, and Victim Support.

Previous placement students have been engaged in a wide range of clinical and educational research, for example eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, autism and stuttering, and investigating the psychological factors in relation to sexual assault. The availability of placements is subject to the co-operating organisation. We also offer support to help you acquire the employment skills you need to undertake placement.

Placements and internships greatly improve graduate employment prospects, and those who take part achieve excellent academic results through applying their learning in a professional setting. Our specialist Employability Service and London location ensure that every year our students and graduates gain prestigious placement opportunities.

Find out more about Psychology Placements.