Psychology BSc (Hons)

The 20-credit yearlong Unilang modules (stages 1 – 5 depending on language) aim to encourage a positive attitude to language learning and to develop and practise the four language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing introducing the basic/increasingly complex grammatical structures and vocabulary of the spoken and written language (depending on stage) and developing your ability to respond appropriately in the foreign language in spoken and written form in simple and increasingly complex everyday situations.

These modules also introduce you to the country and the culture of the country. In doing this, Unilang modules are intended to encourage and support international mobility; to enhance employability at home and abroad; to improve communication skills in the foreign language as well as English; to improve cultural awareness and, at the higher stages, to encourage access to foreign sources.

On this module you will learn about the psychopathy and personality-based approached to crime, as well as biological, social and cognitive correlates of crime, and the psychology of stalking and violent offenders. You will consider the application of psychological research and theory to the context of offending behaviour. Through the course of the module, you will explore how cognitive, social and other psychological processes shape offending behaviour and what interventions or management techniques have been used to reduce recidivism. You will also consider some of the ethical considerations involved in the treatment of offenders.

This module will provide you with an understanding of the main clinical and epidemiological features of the eating disorders as classified in DSM V. You will learn about clinical management, as well as understanding of the variation of body image attitudes and perception and eating habits in normal healthy population.

The module covers topics such as; the clinical presentation of eating disorders, classification, diagnosis, and assessment of eating disorders, the role of dieting, the effect of culture, the physiology of appetite and obesity, body image distortion, eating disorders in children and men, and the treatment of eating disorders.

The module draws on many areas of psychology. Predisposing and precipitating factors for eating disorders are examined by considering empirical evidence from the biological, psychological, behavioural and socio-cultural domains. Specific risk factors explored include genetics, personality factors, cognitive factors and environmental factors, including the family, peer-group relations, adverse life experiences. The role of dieting and the effect of culture (including media) amongst some other things are explored as triggers.

On this module you will explore the scientific study of paranormal experiences. You will learn about the historical context for parapsychological enquiry and analyse the various theories providing explanations for paranormal belief. The focus of the module will be on the application of psychological research and theory to the context of anomalous experiences and beliefs.

The module is designed to introduce you to the basic principles regarding the study, investigation and explanation of optimal human functioning and well-being.

On this module you will be introduced to theories and models of well-being within the context of positive psychology. You will learn about the core issues involved in the study of well-being through the understanding of the historical and contemporary development of the concepts and an evaluation of theories.

Methods of measuring well-being and happiness and the challenges associated with this will be explored.

Strategies for increasing positive emotions, engagement, positive relationships, meaning in life, and accomplishment will be explored by focusing on empirical validation of interventions and exercises to try out in the context of your day-to-day life.

Through workshop discussions and formative group exercises you will develop communication skills and begin to understand the role of teamwork.

Through your understanding of applications of positive psychology interventions to the real world, such as by clinical psychology professionals, you will begin to be aware of career interests. Similarly, by critically evaluating research in the field of positive psychology you will begin to develop your skills for real world career opportunities.

On this module you will explore the theory and empirical research into the creative mind. The module will first cover an historical perspective of creativity research and highlight how early conceptualisations of creativity (e.g. evolutionary accounts) provided the groundwork for research examining the importance of creativity to the human experience. Research methods typically employed in the study of creativity will then be introduced. You will learn how traditional psychometric studies and new developments in the neurosciences can be used in tandem to examine this difficult to measure concept.

On this module you will gain experience and knowledge of working in a psychology-related placement, for a minimum of 70 hours. You will develop transferable skills, such as knowledge of confidentiality, data protection, communication, problem-solving, group work, time-management, self-management, and record keeping. You will work within a team whilst maintaining boundaries and building professional relationships.
In addition to these transferable skills, you will develop your psychological literacy; this is your understanding of how psychological knowledge can be applied to real-world problems

On this module, you will learn how psychological research and theory can be applied to the behaviour of people in business contexts. The module will use knowledge of the human mind and behaviour as a basis to investigate fundamental organisational functions such as leadership, motivation and people development in the context of human resource management, finance, marketing, strategy, and use of technology.

On this module you will learn knowledge and skills to apply technology in order to design experiments, collect data through
measurements and analyse the collected data. You will learn about the measurement process and the underlying physics and technology used during
measurements so that you will understand the capabilities and limitations of the technology when you design experiments. You will also learn
about factors which can affect measurements and measurement equipment, aspects such as noise, sensors, amplification, filtering and data storage. The interfacing between various pieces of equipment will also be addressed with treatment of the various interconnection options.

You will learn how to use specific equipment such as eye trackers, software for generating and analysing measurements and programming of experiments using cognitive testing packages and programming in open source software for data acquisition and analyses.

On this module, you will explore a range of topics to develop an understanding of the approaches to research and knowledge generation in forensic psychology. You will learn about Serial Killers, Sex Offenders, Psychological Profiling and Polygraphy, exploring questions such as ‘What makes a serial killer?’ and ‘What underlying factors drive the behaviour of sex offenders?’ These will be approached scientifically with reference to published research and theoretical frameworks. Discussions will examine the contribution made by forensic psychology research to our understanding of the causes, treatment and prevention of criminal behaviour in tandem with theoretical models, and cultural beliefs and practices.

On this module you will learn about the more common advanced qualitative research methodologies and associated analyses employed in psychological studies. You will also learn how to design psychometric survey instruments and the process this involves. The module aims to provide practical skills in research design and operationalisation, the analysis of data and the interpretation, evaluation and subsequent reporting of research findings. In addition, you will have the opportunity to apply these research skills to the core areas of social and developmental psychology and psychopathology.

You will learn about the psychobiological basis of human behaviour, memory and cognition, and individual differences, covering conceptual and historical development of the area as well as contemporary literature and debates. You will apply basic concepts of biological psychology to complex human behaviours like drug addiction, stress and aggression. You will also earn about a range of theoretical and applied topics within memory and cognition such as memory and attention, memory disorders and applied memory research. In addition, the module will cover the nature and dynamics of intelligence, the reasons why people differ in intelligence and personality, and where individual differences in intelligence and personality originate.

These three perspectives will be contextualised through the use of case studies and/or expert opinion embedded into the lecture series which will form the basis for points of discussion in the lectures. Towards the revision stage of the module you will be provided with guidance on literature searching, critical thinking skills and essay writing skills.

On this module you will learn about the more common advanced quantitative research methodologies and associated analyses employed in psychological experiments. The module aims to provide practical skills in research design and operationalisation, the analysis of data (using a computer package where appropriate), and the interpretation, evaluation and subsequent reporting of research findings. In addition, you will learn about research ethics, and have the opportunity to apply these research skills to the core areas of psychobiology, cognitive psychology and the study of individual differences.

On this module you will learn about core theories and approaches used, and issues in social and developmental psychology and psychopathology. The relationship between psychopathology, society and development will be explored by focusing on context and culture. In addition you will learn about different methods and approaches used to investigate and report problems from a social, developmental and psychopathological perspective, and relate theory to practice by providing you with knowledge of different research techniques.

The Study Abroad module is single semester 60 credit (30 ECTS) module which is available on the BSc (Hons) Psychology Framework, in level 5 semester 1. You will undertake a semester of study abroad at a European University under the ERASMUS+ exchange scheme or at an approved partner University elsewhere. This gives you access to psychology modules taught in a different learning culture and so broadens your overall experience of learning. The course of study abroad will be dependent on the partner and will be recorded for an individual student on the learning agreement signed by the host University, the student, and the home University (Northumbria). In order to ensure you meet the curriculum requirements for Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS), you will be required to choose modules that allow you to study, and be assessed on your knowledge of, Psychobiology and Quantitative Research Methods, the remaining credits may be studied in any area of psychology. Your programme leader must see, and approve, the module descriptors of your chosen modules from the host institution.

Your study abroad semester will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. Therefore, it will not count towards your final degree classification but, if you pass, it is recognised in your transcript as a 60 credit Study Abroad Module. You will also receive a transcript of marks from your host university, showing the modules studied and marks awarded.

On this module we will examine the insights and research methods that are used within the fields of evolutionary psychology, human behavioural ecology, and anthropology, in order to understand human nature. We will look at the evolutionary pressures that have shaped the species, and how they might be apparent in our behaviour and cognition. Lecture topics covered include human evolution, biological adaptations, and evolved cognition, and their relationship to typical behaviours in contexts such as sexual partnerships and family networks. You will learn about some of the popular experimental and research techniques that are used in these fields, and gain practical expertise and experience in designing studies, creating stimuli, and collecting data. You will be taught some specific widely-used research methods, such as photographic and recording techniques, and the manipulation of photographic images and voice recordings.

On this module you will explore the biological and psychological processes of sleep and circadian rhythms across the lifespan; and critically review the various theories that have been posited to explain sleep and circadian rhythms. You will discuss and evaluate methods of assessment of sleep, including subjective (questionnaires, sleep diaries, clinical interviews) and objective measures (such as actigraphy and polysomnography), as well as the methods of assessment, diagnosis and treatment (both pharmacological and non-pharmacological) of sleep disorders. You will consider the epidemiology of sleep as well as factors underlying inter-individual differences in sleep and circadian rhythms. You will discuss the effects of sleep deprivation in terms of physical, neurological, psychological, and social outcomes and explore the relationships between sleep and physical and psychological health. You will also be introduced to research protocols designed to examine the effects of experimentally induced sleepiness and you will explore the concept of sleep as a health behaviour, and consider how it impacts on quality of life, and how public policy aims to address this. Key studies in relation to sleep and wakefulness which have directed theory, research and clinical practice will be presented and you will discuss these.

This module will provide you with an understanding of psychological theory and research applied to leadership. The module will first cover an historical overview of psychological research applied to leadership. Research methods typically employed in the study of the psychology of leadership will then be introduced. The historical overview and research methods element of the module will then the set the scene for subsequent lectures, which will provide further insights into the contemporary psychology of leadership. Topics will include: traditional and contemporary leadership theory, methods, culture, groups and interactions, power and control, conflict, creativity, and future research directions.

On this module, you will explore a range of topics to develop an accurate understanding of the nature, purpose and use of sport and exercise psychology in physical activity and sport performance environments. You will learn about people’s motivational orientation to participation and achievement, key psychological factors associated with improved performance, the challenges athletes face, and mindset for growth and development in sport. Questions such as ‘What are the major reasons children to participate in and drop out of sport?’, ‘What is the role of parental involvement in youth sport?’, and ‘How to apply effective coaching practices and behaviour modification programmes in sport?’ will be approached scientifically with reference to published research and theoretical frameworks. Discussions will examine the contribution made by sport and exercise psychology research to extant understanding of the factors causing one’s exercise and performance behaviour to fluctuate, the role coaches play in ensuring long-term athlete development, realities of burnout and overtraining in tandem with evidence-based psychological support that can be offered by sport psychology practitioners.

In this module you will learn about the effects of plants and plant compounds in our diet, plant-based drugs, and herbal extracts with potential therapeutic value. The human psychopharmacology of these plant derived chemicals will be covered including their effects and mechanisms of action. As such the module feeds into the ‘health’ pathway.
In terms of content, the module will cover basic nutrition; the impact of plant-based food on human health, cognition and mood; the psychotropic effects of drugs such as psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and cannabis, as well as their emerging therapeutic use; and the potential of herbal extracts such as sage and ginkgo biloba in the treatment of conditions such as dementia and anxiety. The psychopharmacology of these plant-based compounds will also be explored in terms of how they interact with human neurotransmitter systems.
This area of psychology is very dynamic and our knowledge is constantly expanding. As such, this module is heavily research-led with many individual research studies discussed in each lecture. This will assist you in developing a critical approach to evaluation of the literature and the methods employed.
At the end of the module you will understand what it is to be a biological psychologist and the main assignment is a real-world example of the kind of report you would compile if you decided to work in this area. This will draw together all that you have learned and allow you to demonstrate your understanding of how a good research project should be designed.

On this module you will be introduced to the scientific field of developing and evaluating lifestyle interventions. You will explore the role of a practitioner psychologist in planning, developing, evaluating and implementing both individual and public health related interventions. You will learn about systematic, theory-driven approaches to the development of lifestyle interventions. You will explore the key frameworks and methodologies currently used to evaluate lifestyle interventions and you will be encouraged to critically reflect on the strengths and weakness of the dominant approaches. This module will also provide you with opportunities to engage with specific methods of lifestyle interventions and reflect on the challenges involved in their application.
The module content is structured so that you will be introduced to lifestyle interventions before learning about the dominant theory-driven approaches to intervention design. You will then learn about the intervention development process and the role of existing evidence before learning how to evaluate interventions using a variety of evaluation methodologies (feasibility and pilot studies, RCTs and other evaluative designs). The MRC guidance for process evaluation of interventions will be examined along with the Behaviour Change intervention fidelity framework. Finally, you will examine the implementation of interventions in routine practice.

You will learn how the empirical approach, as you know it in psychology and the broader sciences, came to be, and this will mean you going back in time to explore the history of certain philosophical movements. You will learn about philosophical movements such as logical positivism, as the embryo of the empirical method as we know it today, and will learn how movements such as rationalism and external skepticism, as alternatives to empiricism, call into question the way understand psychological and scientific research today. You will use this knowledge to probe classic debates throughout the history of science, and one of these debates, focusing on whether individual ethics rights are less valuable than collective group gain, taps into one key area of psychology as recognized by the British Psychological Society. You will learn to take empirical evidence from psychology and related sciences, and, by using regular in class debates and discussions, apply it to support your arguments and positions. You will learn, through the series of lectures, skills of critical thinking, reasoning, logic, and contemplation, and, through assessments, clear and effective communication.

You will learn how to be a tutor of students in schools or colleges. You will develop your skills in communicating effectively with children or young people. As part of this process you will learn how to evaluate your own learning of how to support these pupils’ learning over a series of lessons. You will be learning how to transmit your own enthusiasm for learning in a professional context to pupils within the schooling system. You will learn about the issues facing teachers and other professionals within the school, college or learning centre. Learning how to apply your existing skills and knowledge in a work related context will be an important focus of this module for you. Knowing how to determine which skills and knowledge are relevant, and make appropriate use of these in the work context, will be a major learning opportunity for you.