COURSE CURRICULUM

In your first year of studying Psychology, you'll focus on building a solid foundation in psychological theory and research, with an emphasis on how this knowledge is applied in the real world. The core compulsory module, Introduction to Psychology, is structured around five key themes: constructing psychology, explaining behavior, questioning reality, understanding yourself, and applying psychology to real-world situations. The module also introduces you to quantitative and qualitative research methods, laying the groundwork for further studies in psychological research. This year is designed to help you develop research skills and a critical perspective, providing a comprehensive introduction to the field of psychology.In the second year, you'll continue developing your understanding of various branches of psychology, including social and developmental psychology, cognitive and biological psychology, and experimental analysis. You'll study Social and Developmental Psychology, which covers key topics like social perception, inter-group processes, and cognitive and emotional development throughout infancy, childhood, and adolescence. The Cognitive and Biological Psychology module delves into how we process information, covering areas such as attention, memory, and perception, while also exploring neuroanatomy and the relationship between the brain and cognition. You'll also study Psychology in Context, examining the philosophical issues and historical context that have shaped the field, and Experimental Psychological Analysis, which focuses on enhancing your skills in quantitative research and statistical analysis. Additionally, Assessing and Analysing Individual Differences will build on your understanding of statistical methods, focusing on personality, intelligence, and the biological basis of individual differences.Your third year will involve studying abroad at one of the university's partner institutions, offering you a valuable international perspective on psychology. During this year, you'll immerse yourself in a different cultural and academic environment, further expanding your knowledge and experience in the field of psychology.In your final year, you’ll undertake a substantial research project in cognitive psychology, which reflects your academic interests and career aspirations. Under the guidance of a cognitive supervisor, you’ll apply your research skills to design and conduct a study, using various data-gathering and analysis techniques. You’ll also choose a core cognitive module, such as Brain and Cognition, which explores experimental approaches in cognitive neuroscience, examining cognitive functions like memory and perception, and how these are influenced by brain networks. Additionally, you’ll select optional modules that allow you to specialize in specific areas of psychology or take an integrative, cross-disciplinary approach to the subject. The final year will provide you with the opportunity to showcase your research capabilities, critical thinking, and academic skills as you complete your cognitive research project.