BSc (Hons) Psychology: Module Descriptions

The 4 Year Integrated BSc (Hons) begins with a Foundation year. You can access the module descriptions for the Foundation Course in Psychology here. The 3 Year BSc (Hons) will include the modules listed below:

Year 1, Semester 1 Modules

1.Research Methods

This module functions as an introduction to Research Methods, Statistics and Experimental design. No prior knowledge is assumed and as students acquire the relevant skills they will be able to apply them practically in Lab sessions. These sessions form part of the module in conjunction with lectures/classes that acquaint students with different areas and methods of research and the practical use of computers in applying the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, as well as acquiring IT and research relevant study skills such as report writing.

In this module students will become acquainted with the ethical standards that are today required of psychological investigation. Classes will introduce the nature of experimentation and experiment design, and the principles of research reporting. Importantly, students will also be introduced to statistics. Statistical analyses are a crucial part of psychological investigation and it is important that students are thoroughly prepared for applying statistical analyses to data.

Students carry out a series of pre designed short experiments and then research the area and analyse the data. They write up their work in the form of Lab reports. The Lab reports are very important as the marks awarded count toward the final grade for the module.

2. Society and the Individual

This module introduces social psychology and particular issues, both theoretical and practical, in relation to individual differences and personality. Individual behaviour (and difference/variation) occurs in a social setting; the module examines aspects of social influence such as conformity along with attitude formation and persuasion, as well as concepts relevant to the ‘self’. Further to this the module will focus on personality theories and the development and debate relating to IQ testing.

3. Life Span 1

Developmental theories and approaches are at the core of this module. Students will be introduced to various theories regarding human development. In addition students will be encouraged to think openly and critically about current issues related to development and Life Span such as childcare, attachment and family structures.

Year 1, Semester 2 Modules

4. Research Methods 2

This builds on and applies the skills acquired and assessed in the first semester in Research Methods 1. Students continue with lab classes, report writing, and the study and application of statistics and SPSS; as well as the design and analysis of short investigations.

5. Bio-Cognitive Psychology

This module presents students with a conceptual over view of cognitive psychology and introduces topics relevant to the study of human information processing as well as examining aspects of biological and comparative approaches to Psychology.

6. Conceptual, Cultural & Current Issues in Psychology

In this module students are given an insight into the history and development of psychology as an independent discipline. In addition this module examines a range of relevant conceptual issues from a critical and cross cultural perspective. The programme will also focus on current issues and debates relevant to the theme of psychology. In addition this particular module offers students the opportunity to engage with study skills and relevant learning aid techniques.

Year 2, Semester 1 Modules

7. Research Methods 3 & Mini Project

This module builds on the skills acquired in the previous two modules. More advanced statistical techniques and forms of experimental design are introduced. Students are prepared for and equipped with the necessary skills designing and analysing a short independent mini project. Students design, run and analyse a short experiment in small groups. They then independently write up the experiment in the form of a lab report. Support tutorials and facilities provided

8. Applying Social Psychology

This module follows on from ‘Society and the individual’ in Level 1, and not only aims to continue with its focus on fundamental topics in social psychology and theories and explanations relating to interpersonal social relationships, individual and group processes and the contexts in which these occur, but also to examine them from an applied perspective. Areas covered include social behaviour, discrimination and the physical environment.

9. Life Span 2

An overview of human development and changes that take place in psycho-social transitional periods from early years through adolescence, adulthood, mid-life to old age and death. Will also focus on matters such as quality of life, puberty, play, moral development and grand parenting.

10. History and Concepts in Therapies & Counselling Psychology

This 10 credit module introduces students to the theoretical background in Counselling Psychology. It will familiarise students with the four main approaches of psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural, existential and humanistic counselling. It will introduce leading figures in the field and consider how the various schools differ and whether or not they can be integrated. This will take a broad look at some of the main psychological problems that face counsellors in their day-to-day work with clients, and some of the issues that need to be considered in such a context.

Year 2, Semester 2 Modules

11. Research methods 4 – Mini Project

Students undertake a mini project as a method for honing the skills necessary for the final year research project.

12. Biopsychology

This module aims to develop an understanding of the biological substrates of behaviour. It focuses on the interrelation between the biological mechanisms and systems in both humans and other species. As such it introduces students to aspects of comparative and evolutionary psychology.

13. Applying Cognitive Psychology

The focus here is on a detailed analysis of selected major topics in cognitive psychology. Mental processes are examined as are the theories that account for these processes. Areas representative of this level are perception, face recognition, attention and memory theories and acquired memory problems.

Option (students choose ONE from the following):

14a Psycho-pathology

The aim is an introduction to and conceptual understanding of major psychological disorders such as anxiety disorders and schizophrenia, as well as the relationship of various personality theories to psychopathy, dis-inhibitory behaviours and the predisposition toward psychosis.

14b Psychology of Sport & Performance

This option offers students the chance to engage with this particularly varied and applied for of psychology. Performance is about ability, not only in sport, but in general. As such this module examines the concept of expertise and cognitive change linked to skill acquisition, as well as factors such as motivation, intensity, focus and visualisation in relation to sport and dance. The programme looks at relevant factors across the career span of the sports or performing individual and also features psychology in rehabilitation after injury, team building and career transition.

Year 1, Semester 2 Modules

Options - students choose 4 from the following (20 credits each)

15a Health Psychology

Issues pertaining to longevity and lifestyle present society with considerable challenges. Health psychology is one of the growing psycho social areas that many professions and official bodies now engage with. As such Health Psychology is concerned with the study of psychological processes in health, illness and health care. This module aims to give an overview of the discipline and introduce students to general psychological processes, which have particular relevance in health settings and promotion.

15b Psychology of Fashion, Fame & Identity

This innovative module option covers a range of material relevant to aspects of self concept, identity and gender from the point of view of fashion, celebrity/fame and beauty. The module begins with an overview of the various psychological approaches to explaining and understanding beauty and attractiveness; it then moves on to the integrated explanations along with aspects such as the Halo Effect, Impression formation & impression management as well as appearance anxiety, body dysmorphia and the role of cosmetics in self perception and well being.

The module then introduces various theories regarding the fashion process and how fashion may be understood or interpreted, including historic perspectives such as the theory of 'conspicuous consumption’, the work of Georg Simmel and the role of modesty and the psychoanalytic interpretation of Fashion change linked to sexuality. Other psychological factors considered include the personality traits of fashion leaders and innovators as opposed to those who follow, as well as psychological aspects of shopping addiction, and psychological factors at work ion successful fashion advertising.

Finally using the link of celebrity endorsement of fashionable goods and how the public react to these the module concludes with sessions devoted to fame and celebrity such as celebrity worship in adolescence, the ‘diva phenomenon’, para-social relationships and stalking of famous individuals.

16a Crime & Punishment

Crime and punishment are eternal topics of debate in the press and for governments. These issues affect everyone at some level or another and as such are matters that are of interest to anyone wishing to understand society and the role of psychology, or indeed how psychology is sometimes represented.. Forensic and Criminal Psychology involves the application of psychological knowledge to a legal and criminal justice system that often disappears into a veneer of governmental institutionalism, fading in and out of focus according to the last headlined crime. The module unpacks the theories, models, contributions and understandings that Psychology has developed in relation to contemporary issues played out in courts of law and played out in understanding psychological aspects of criminal behaviour.

16b Psychology of Music

Music has accompanied Human evolution and is present in some form in every culture and society. This module addresses question such as what comprises a musical experience, how we learn, perform and appreciate music, or why we are moved by music? The module approaches the material from various angles of Psychology- cognitive, applied, social and developmental.

17a Positive Psychology

Psychology has long been concerned with concepts of pathology in the human psyche but Positive Psychology seeks to redress the balance and understand life satisfaction, happiness and contentment in contemporary living. This module will examine how rising affluence does not necessarily account for increased life satisfaction in developed countries and how we can come to understand how psychological elements can positively contribute to individual subjective well-being. However, the module also moves to the societal/group level and examines how societies are able flourish with active citizenship, positive social well-being and individuals who engage in their community

17b Psychology of Film/Theatre

The power and efficacy of the moving image and the live performance are examined in this module. The aims of this particular module are to approach film and theatre and the audiences they play to from varied psychological perspectives. Clearly, film and theatre can be approached from the psychological point of view from a considerable number of different directions. One the one hand theatre, film and performance are representational media that are capable of symbolizing and communicating as well as eliciting an enormous range of human actions, emotions and behaviours. These represented actions are analysable from a variety of psychological perspectives.

18a Environment, Peace & Conflict Resolution

Humans are faced with different challenges, at micro and macro levels. Violence on a small domestic scale or full out war, ecological threats and disasters, and the consequences of these events often carried by the victims for generations as refugees and displaced persons. The module aims to introduce students to this relatively new area of psychology, and to encourage the application of psychology to these crucial issues. Students will be expected to choose a particular area of focus after the introductory sessions which they will research and present to their peers.

18b Psychology of Sexuality and Gender

A comprehensive module covering issues related to sexuality and gender from ‘cradle to grave’. The biological nature of sex and the social and personal aspects of gender and identity are considered. Adolescence, puberty, early relationships and sexual self awareness are considered. The course also examines matters relating to ageing and old age, gender orientation and sexuality in relation to gender transition. Other elements of the module touch on sexism, homophobia, sexual arousal, art, media, HIV and sexual Health, as well as fetish and cross cultural matters

19. Research Project (double module: 40 credits)

The research project is a substantial piece of independent empirical work which gives you the opportunity to study in depth an area of particular interest. This is a unique and important opportunity which is valuable for several reasons. First, it helps students develop the skills needed to become a competent individual researcher. Second, it gives further insight into how psychological research is conducted. Third, it prepares students for further study.

There are a number of different aspects to the project students will be required to undertake in order to successfully complete the piece of work. These elements include:

Conduct a critical review of the literature.
Develop a research question that is appropriate and suitable for empirical investigation.
Obtain the appropriate ethical clearance from the faculty ethical committee and then collect the data, whilst bearing in mind the ethical issues and associated methodological constraints.
Analyse the data using SPSS or other suitable statistical software.
Present your work to a small group of staff and students in a short presentation.
Write up your project in report format

Support Sessions will be run in conjunction with the Project process

Throughout the year there will be several sessions that are aimed to provide additional support statistics as well as report writing skills, and general advice and guidance. The number of sessions will depend logically on both the number of students undertaking a research project in a given year, and their level of need.

Page last updated 5/17/2012