Online BSc Psychology (Hons) - BPS accredited

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of psychological theory, methods and research findings as they relate to Cyberpsychology.
2. Identify current limitations, highlight relevant debates, and demonstrate knowledge of key issues in Cyberpsychology.

Module content

Indicative content:

• Psychology of human–computer interaction
• Internet and video gaming addiction
• Social networking
• Cyberbullying
• Identity on the internet
• The use of technology for learning and teaching
• The psychology of the internet

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1. Understand the principal areas and issues studied under parapsychology.
2. Appreciate the need for methodological rigour when conducting or assessing research into parapsychology.
3. Appreciate the empirical nature of this academic discipline by reference to research published in academic journals and texts..

Module content

Indicative content:

• Definition of parapsychology
• Methodological and statistical considerations
• Belief in paranormal phenomena
• Philosophical issues
• Experiences such as extrasensory perception, precognition, psychokinesis, altered experiences, near death experiences, poltergeists, mediumship and apparitional experiences
• How psychological theories and research inform understanding of such experiences.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. Analyse and apply an understanding of the theoretical foundations of the human relationship with the natural world.
2. Demonstrate the application of theory to a real-world problem involving the relationship between nature and psychology

Module content

Indicative content:

• Theoretical explanations for the human relationship with nature.
• Consideration of the benefits of nature for humans in terms of health and wellbeing and other ways in which these benefits might manifest.
• Exploration of the concepts of environmental psychology and conservation psychology.
• An applied focus on human-nature
• Developing understanding of practical applications supporting the human-nature relationship.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

1. Critically discuss contemporary literature relating to the biological and psychological analysis of a wide range of functional disorders
2. Explain the interaction between biological, psychological and social influences in the development of psychological disorders
3. Apply theory to practice in the area of abnormal psychology

Module content

This module introduces you to the area of abnormal psychology and examines a range of mental illnesses. The following are examples of indicative content:

• The development of the DSM
• Mood disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Personality disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Eating disorders

You will critically evaluate how psychological theories can be applied with the aim of protecting individuals from the risk of addiction or to help those already experiencing problems resulting from addictive behaviours.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate the contribution of psychology to the understanding of addictive behaviours
2. Critically evaluate the application of relevant psychological theories to prevention, harm reduction and/or treatment

Module content

Indicative content:

• Substance-use disorders as well as potential behavioural addictions, such as problem gambling and excessive online gaming
• Theories drawing on psychobiological, psychological and sociocultural perspectives applied to addictive behaviours
• Factors associated with initiation, escalation and recovery
• Prevention and treatment of addictive behaviours

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate the application of positive psychology approaches in different applied settings
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the approaches and research methodologies utilised to investigate aspects of positive psychology
3. Summarise and critically evaluate key research in the field of positive psychology through the synthesis of an appropriate research idea

Module content

Indicative content:

• Approaches to Positive Psychology and Research Methodologies
• Origins of Positive Psychology
• Positive Psychology Interventions
• Job crafting (employability skills) and Appreciative Inquiry
• Compassion, Mindfulness and Acceptance
• Pleasure, Kindness and Happiness
• Hope, Resilience and Self-efficacy
• Gratitude and Optimism
• Positive Psychotherapy, Health, and well-being
• Positive Body Esteem

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Apply performance psychology theories to real life examples, to include identification of issues and the implementation of interventions
2. Critically reflect on the process of data collection and the skills utilised in the development of your case study

Module content

This module will cover a range of topics including:

• Professional philosophy, frameworks and ethics
• Needs assessment and self-regulation
• Motivation and motivational climate
• Confidence
• Performance under pressure
• Mental skills interventions
• Burnout

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

1. Critically appraise the classification symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
2. Critically evaluate autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) research and theory

Module content

The module examines research and theory on ASD and ADHD and their application in the diagnosis and treatment of ASD and ADHD. Indicative learning content may include:

1. Historical background of the study of ASD and ADHD
2. The classification, diagnosis and epidemiology of ASD and ADHD, referring to current criteria and diagnostic practice in the UK and abroad
3. Symptoms and comorbidity of ASD and ADHD
4. Aetiology of ASD and ADHD, which may include genetic/biological influences, cognitive theories
5. Behavioural, cognitive, and pharmacological treatments for ASD and ADHD
6. Developmental outcomes

In this module you will develop an understanding of human behaviour and behaviour change. You will learn about key theories and models (e.g.; The Theory of Planned Behaviour, Stage Models of Change and COM-B) that relate to explaining behaviour, behaviour change and their application. You will develop knowledge of behaviour change interventions and their development and evaluation for different settings.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate the role of key behaviour and behaviour change theory and research in contemporary society
2. Applying theories and models of behaviour and behaviour change to propose a behaviour change intervention and evaluation suitable for a given settings

Module content

Module content may include:

• Defining behaviour and distinguishing behaviour from the determinants and outcomes of behaviour
• Use of key models and theories to explain behaviour
• Behaviour change intervention design and evaluation
• Considerations for maintaining behaviour change
• Application of behaviour change to contemporary society and sustainability challenges

You will explore a range of issues within the area of clinical psychology, health and wellbeing and will be introduced to the generic skills required of psychologists working in these areas. The use of psychologically based assessments, interventions and therapies appropriate to specific populations and clinical issues will also be examined.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of a clinically relevant issue
2. Demonstrate the application of relevant psychological theory to identify and address the psychological needs of a specific clinical population or client
3. Critically evaluate the utility of at least one psychologically based intervention or therapy to address a clinically relevant issue

Module content

Indicative content:

• Understanding the generic skill base of psychologists working in clinical contexts
• Exploring relevant issues within the areas of clinical psychology/health and wellbeing
• Applying psychologically based, assessments, interventions and therapies

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

1. Review and appraise psychologically oriented explanations of criminal behaviour and control
2. Apply psychological theories and research to evaluate police investigation and judicial processes
3. summarise and critically evaluate key research in the field

Module content

This module offers an insight into some of the practical applications of psychology, as well as the psychological explanations for offending behaviour and control.

Weekly unit titles:

• Development of Criminal and Antisocial Behaviour
• Mental Health and Crime
• Dealing with Offenders
• Violence and Aggression (the Case of Terrorism)
• Judicial Processes
• Offender Profiling
• Eyewitness Testimony and Cognitive Interviewing
• Psychopathy
• Victimology

This module looks at the biological and cognitive consequences of a number of conditions and analyses the knowledge we have at present and what that knowledge tells us about a functioning brain. The module will explore a number of conceptual issues within the context of neuropsychological disorders.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Critically evaluate conceptual issues, theories and research in neuropsychology
• Critically evaluate the applications of neuropsychology

Module content

Indicative content for the module:

• What is neuropsychology?
• Impact of ABI on survivors and families
• Language and communication disorders
• Executive functioning
• Perceptual disorders
• Memory and learning
• Diagnosis and neuropsychological assessments
• Therapies, treatments and rehabilitation

Through the module, you will learn about the main theoretical models of human communication and will be exposed to current research evidence in relevant fields. You will find out about current methodologies available to psychologists to study and support communication.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

1. Critically discuss and analyse theories and research about different aspects of human communication
2. Critically evaluate evidence-informed methods to support human communication across the lifespan

Module content

The module will cover a range of topics around human communication. Indicative content may include:

• Language development (typical and atypical)
• Neurobiology of language
• Psycholinguistic theories and methodology
• Communication as a social construct
• Verbal and non-verbal communication
• Effective and compassionate communication
• Conversational analysis

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate critical understanding of how psychological theory, research, and practices can be applied to education
2. Apply psychological analysis and explanation to educational topics and issues

Module content

The following are examples of indicative content:

• Special educational needs
• Innovative psychological interventions in education
• Psychology and specific subjects in education
• Educational transitions and contexts
• Psychology of learning/teaching
• Interdisciplinary approaches

Beginning with an introduction of the development of eating behaviour in infancy, the module will explore the biological, social, cognitive and emotional influences on appetite/food intake in both adults and children. It will also consider relevant interventions designed to support children and adults with their eating behaviours, with you being expected to evaluate and consider the application of these approaches.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the key theoretical approaches involved in the study of eating behaviours
2. Critically evaluate how relevant theory and research can be applied to behaviour change/psychoeducational approaches to influence eating behaviour

Module content

Indicative content:

• Eating in infancy and childhood (e.g., food neophobia, picky/fussy eating)
• Obesity and weight stigma, eating in older adults
• Biological, Cognitive, Social and Environmental perspectives on eating
• Behaviour change interventions to improve eating in children (e.g., fruit and veg promotion), and adults (e.g., calorie labelling), disordered eating prevention interventions and alternative therapies (e.g., nature connection)

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Explain the principle ways by which psychologists have studied the phenomena of pain
2. Critically evaluate the theoretical and methodological developments in research and practice applied to one particular area of the psychology of pain in an online presentation to an audience
3. Communicate relevant information relating to an area of pain in a written format suitable for use as a patient/practitioner information resource

Module content

The module content may include learning material covering the following areas:

• Experience of pain
• Neurobiology of pain
• Theories of pain
• Psychosocial influences on pain
• Investigating and measuring pain
• Interventions
• Issues in pain research

Throughout the module, we will draw upon a range of psychological theory and research. Specifically, the module will discuss some factors that contribute to the dynamic nature of parenting, taking a critical consideration of the literature in these areas. The module will also cover how factors associated with diversity may have an impact on the quality of parenting.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding on how psychological theory and research can be applied to parenting
2. Critically evaluate psychological theory and research on how factors associated with diversity may have an impact on the quality of parenting

Module content

The module will cover a number of areas associated with parenting. The following are examples of indicative content:

• Maternal and postpartum mental health
• Transition to parenting
• Diversity in parenting
• Quality of parenting
• Parenting self-efficacy
• Parenting and identity

You will evaluate psychological theory and apply theoretical concepts and knowledge to develop arguments relating to sexuality and gender. The module considers a number of areas where the psychology of sexuality and gender intersects with applied topics, in order to focus on the interaction between psychological knowledge and application.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate psychological research and theory relating to broad topics of human sexuality and gender
2. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of contemporary issues in human sexuality and gender based on psychological theory and research findings

Module content

The focus of this module is the psychology of sexuality and gender. The following are examples of indicative content:

• Theoretical perspectives on sexuality, gender and gender identity
• Conceptual and ethical issues
• Diversity in sexualities and gender identities
• The intersection of sexuality, gender and gender identity with applied topics – such as education, forensic settings and healthcare

Taking a broad focus the module will include applied elements such as the psychology of misinformation; consideration of behaviour change elements such as nudge theory; and the elaboration likelihood model. The module will also focus on the specific reference made to problem solving and/or metacognition within the area.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate empirical research and show detailed knowledge across psychology of thinking
2. Critically discuss theory and current debates within the psychology of thinking

Module content

Indicative content:

• Critical exploration of contemporary theories, research and debates relating to psychology of thinking and higher cognitive processes
• How heuristics, biases, beliefs and logic influence thinking
• Conscious and unconscious cognitive processes
• Individual differences in thinking
• Dual-process theories of thinking and reasoning
• Evolution of higher cognitive processes
• Critical thinking
• The normative/descriptive gap and the rationality paradox

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Specify a research issue or topic that is sufficiently bounded and defined to permit a comprehensive or near-comprehensive literature review, and consider any potential ethical issues
2. Use electronic and other data bases to conduct systematic searches of the published psychology research literature
3. Critically evaluate and interpret research methods and findings as reported in published papers
4. Synthesize contemporary research findings in order to evaluate current perspectives in the specified research topic or issue

Module content

Indicative content:

• Defining and refining a research study
• Largely defined by the scope and nature of the research question and its investigation
• Covers a wide range of areas of Psychology, limited only by the staff expertise available for supervision
• Reflecting on skills development

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

1. Critically review contemporary literature on psychological theories and research to examine a novel research question(s)
2. Design and plan a feasible and ethical empirical study to address novel research question(s) using appropriate methodologies
3. Conduct, analyse and interpret the findings of the study to form coherent conclusions about the research question(s)
4. Present a scientific report of the research consistent with prescribed professional and academic standards that demonstrates advanced scholarship in a chosen specialist area

Module content

Indicative content:

• Ethical considerations in research
• Risk assessment
• Defining and refining a research study
• Reflecting on skills development
• Research in a wide range of areas of psychology

Psychology’s claim to be an objective science is critically examined with an exploration of topics such as scientific racism and sexism. Key figures in psychology and related areas such as the eugenics movement will be discussed. Furthermore, this module explores the ways in which psychological theory and practice has been used to oppress marginalised groups within society.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the historical development of psychological thought
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the epistemological basis of psychological knowledge
3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the relationship between psychology and the wider social, political, historical and cultural context

Module content

Indicative content:

• Psychological testing and the political – the making of geniuses and monsters
• The psychologization of society and the everyday
• The psychological experiment – a melting pot of fantasy, desire and power
• A psychology for social justice – liberation, community and critical approaches
• Scientific sexism and racism

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

1. Apply health psychology theory and research to the maintenance of health, and experience of illness
2. Critically evaluate health psychology theory and its application to the maintenance of health and understanding of illness

Module content

Indicative module content may include:

• Health psychology in today’s society
• Health psychology theory and models
• Health promotion
• Illness experiences
• Patient-practitioner relationships
• Long-term conditions
• Women’s health