MSc Psychology (Conversion) (part-time)

This module aims to introduce you to the study of psychology as a science and enhance your understanding of the philosophical underpinnings, conceptual paradigms and methodological implications within psychology inquiry. It aims to enhance knowledge of the process of conducting research and the application of various research methods to data generation and skills for evidence-based, ethical and legal practice. You will have the opportunity to further reflect on the BPS’s latest Code of Ethics and Conduct, and explore the distinction between ethical and legal practice. You will critically develop your understanding of the application of various analytical approaches to quantitative and qualitative data analysis, interpretation and reporting. Topics, where possible, will make links with other modules, enabling you to apply and demonstrate skills in research implementation and evaluation. By the end of this module you will have an advanced understanding of how psychological research methods can and are used to investigate real world research. Implications of the module requirements for your personal development and your career goals will be reflected on.

This module covers the key processes associated with cognition as well as the biological and neurological underpinnings of such cognitive processes. The module also demonstrates cognitive psychology as a specific approach to understanding behaviour with its emphasis on theoretically led hypothesis and the experimental testing of these hypotheses to further develop theory. Additionally, consideration will be given to the research methodology underpinning the evidence based explored within this module and the relevance of historical and contemporary issues. The module will provide in-depth knowledge of the cognitive and biological aspects of psychology including understanding the principles of neuronal transmission, and the fundamentals of neuroanatomy, psychopharmacology, key cognitive processes such as memory, perception, attention, consciousness, language, and applied topics such as stress and sleep. In addition, how neuropsychological functioning relates to cognitive processing. The empirical component of this module will require you to consider and apply the latest BPS’s Code of Ethics and Conduct. Implications of the module requirements for your personal development and your career goals will be reflected on.

The aim of this module is to explore a range of theories and research findings which relate to our thinking and behaviour in a social world. On completion of this module, you will be familiar with the key issues, main theories, and practical solutions on a variety of topics in social psychology and individual differences domains. You will explore issues of measurement and testing, including psychometric testing. The module will provide you with an awareness of how the historical and cultural factors affected the development of knowledge and the methodological approaches predominantly used in social psychology and individual differences. Examples of the topics which you may explore include social influence, pro-and anti-social behaviour, inter-group dynamics, leadership, close relationships, personality, prejudice, and discrimination. Activities such as group discussions, additional readings, and individual work will be utilised in order to develop a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current social psychology and individual differences problems. Implications of the module requirements for your personal development and your career goals will be reflected on.

This module covers the key concepts related to psychological distress and mental wellbeing. The module will present different models of psychological distress including biological, psychological, social approaches as well as integrative bio-psychosocial models. The pervasiveness of medical views will also be discussed with typical use of terms such as mental illness, disorders, abnormality and clinical psychology as well as concepts of categorical (caseness) and dimensional views of psychological distress/illness. The module will include an historical account of mental distress and then focus on key psychological disorders and discuss their aetiology, diagnosis and treatment. Students will be encouraged to consider their own opinions and those of others as it relates to these topics. Consideration will be given to the research methodology underpinning the evidence based explored within this module. Implications of the module requirements for student employability will be reflected on.

This module is designed to equip you with an in-depth knowledge of psychological theory relevant to the improvement and maintenance of psychological wellbeing and sound mental health. Within this module you will explore key theoretical models which attempt to explain and predict health-related behaviour and examine the practical applications of these models on health, wellbeing and illness. A multitude of health interventions will be reviewed and critically evaluated. Consideration will be given to the research methodology underpinning the evidence based explored within this module. The module with further enhance your critical understanding of the ethical, pragmatic, cultural and legal issues related to research or advanced scholarship, and practice in psychological wellbeing and mental health. Implications of the module requirements for your personal development and your career goals will be reflected on.

The module focuses on changes to biological, social, emotional, and cognitive aspects of development across the life-span (children, adolescents, young adults, older adults), and is designed for graduates who want to expand their knowledge in several different areas of development while also acquiring a specialism in this area. This module suggests that developmental psychology must be viewed as something important and pervasive: All areas of the study of human existence can only be fully understood if a developmental perspective is adopted in the sense that all behaviour develops either by evolution (phylogeny) or during the lifespan of the organism (ontogeny). Furthermore, this module places developmental psychology in the wider context of studying the human condition by exploring conceptual and historical issues in Developmental Psychology. Consideration will be given to the research methodology underpinning the evidence based explored within the area this module explores by means of critical reviews of research papers. Implications of the module requirements for your personal development and your career goals will be reflected on.