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PS-D01
Research Project
The research module will involve constructing and executing a substantial research project, usually conducted in connection with a topic / theme relevant to the overall masters programme. Capitalising the on the links between the course and local services, there may be opportunities to conduct research within partner organisations (e.g. NHS trusts, mental health charities, forensic units) as well as undertaking research based on topics generated by academics based within the department of psychology. We also encourage students who come to the program with connections as a consequence of previous professional experience, to undertake projects that are linked to interests they have already established. For students on BPS accredited masters programmes, the dissertation will take the form of an empirical research project involving primary data collection and submission of an individual ethics proposal.
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PS-M008
From Synapses to Society
This module introduces the main topics and perspectives of social and biological psychology, and how they can help us understand human behaviour. It covers the basic concepts and methods of research in these fields, as well as some of their applications and implications. The module focuses on the biological bases of behaviour, such as the brain, hormones, genes, and evolution; and the social influences on behaviour, such as individual differences, attitudes, aggression, and prosocial behaviour.
The module aims to provide a comprehensive and critical overview of the theories, findings, and controversies in social and biological psychology, and to foster students' skills in evaluating and applying psychological knowledge. Importantly, the module will support students in contrasting and synthesising between theories in social and biological psychology; fostering their ability to integrate different psychological perspectives.
As part of the intervention assessment, students will demonstrate their understanding of professional conduct in relation to intervention design and professional practice.
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PS-M009
The Mind and its Development
The aim of this module is to provide an overview of the key topics and methods in both cognitive, and developmental psychology, with a focus on the lifespan changes and challenges in human cognition. The module will cover the main domains of cognitive psychology, such as perception, attention, memory, language, and reasoning, and how they are influenced by biological and environmental factors. The module will also examine the way that behaviour changes through (or is influenced by) different stages of development across the lifespan from infancy to old age, and the role of genes, brain, and culture in shaping cognitive abilities. By the end of the module, students will have gained a comprehensive understanding of human cognition across the lifespan and the factors that affect it. They will also have learned to critically evaluate the theories and evidence in cognitive and developmental psychology, and to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. Importantly, the module will support students in contrasting and/or synthesising between theories in cognitive and developmental psychology; fostering their ability to integrate different psychological perspectives.
As part of the intervention assessment, students will demonstrate their understanding of professional conduct in relation to policy briefing.
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PS-M010
The Process of Psychology
In conjunction with PS-M011 (The Practice of Psychology), this module provides students with the opportunity to engage with experts in various fields of psychology, to explore the discipline from different perspectives and contexts, and understand how psychologists approach real-world problems. Specifically, this module focuses on the application of psychology, turning psychological theory into practice.
The module will involve student-led activities such as seminars, workshops, debates, and case studies, where students will apply their knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems and to critically examine relevant policy and methodology in key areas where application of psychology occurs in practice. The module will foster the development of transferable and employability skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and ethical awareness.
In the first week of the module, students will be orientated in academic reflective practice, allowing them to reflect critically on the development of their knowledge and critical thinking skills on the module. In Weeks 2-9, students will attend a weekly ¿masterclass¿ from an expert speaker who will provide an overview of a contemporary research topic in psychology. The eight sessions will be divided equally among the four BPS core areas of social, biological,cognitive, and developmental psychology (i.e., 2 sessions each). Speakers each week will particularly focus on (a) the historical context of their topic, (b) real-world applications of this work, (c) controversies within the field and (d) the role of individual differences. During each masterclass, students will develop their critical thinking skills through scaffolded note taking and discussion with the speaker.
In the final two weeks of the module, sessions focus on reflection and synthesis as students prepare for their two assessments. The first is a reflective account of the development of knowledge and critical thinking skills during the module. The second is a ¿State of Psychology¿ synthesis ¿ a coursework assignment that critically discusses the masterclasses and highlights common themes across the module in relation to the applicability and generalisability of contemporary psychological understanding.
By the end of the module, students will have gained a deeper and broader understanding of psychology as a contemporary science and profession. They will have enhanced their confidence and competence in applying psychological principles and methods to diverse settings and situations.
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PS-M011
The Practice of Psychology
Continuing on from PS-M010 (The Process of Psychology), this module continues to provide students with the opportunity to engage with experts in various fields of psychology, to explore the discipline from different perspectives and contexts, and understand how psychologists approach real-world problems. Specifically, this module focuses on communicating psychological theory and research and evidence-based policy development.
The module will involve student-led activities such as seminars, workshops, debates, and case studies, where students will apply their knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems and to critically examine how psychological science is communicated, taught, and embedded in policy. The module will foster the development of transferable and employability skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and ethical awareness.
In the first week of the module, students will receive orientation in academic presentation and lesson planning. This preparation will not only equip them for the end-of-module assessment but also enable them to identify relevant elements during the masterclasses. This foresight will allow them to critically engage with the lectures in ways that are conducive to developing an effective classroom plan and presenting complex ideas in an accessible and engaging way.
In Weeks 2-9, students will attend a weekly ¿masterclass¿ from an expert speaker who will provide an overview of a contemporary research topic in psychology.
The eight sessions will be divided equally among the four BPS core areas of social, biological, cognitive, and developmental psychology (i.e., 2 sessions each). Speakers each week will particularly focus on (a) the historical context of their topic, (b) real-world applications of this work, and (c) controversies within the field, and (d) the role of individual differences. Du ring each masterclass, students will develop their critical thinking skills through scaffolded note taking and discussion with the speaker.
In the final two weeks of the module, sessions focus on reflection and pedagogical design as students prepare for their two assessments. The first is a reflective account of the development of knowledge and critical thinking skills during the module. The second is a classroom plan ¿ a coursework assignment that sees students design their own plan for delivering a ¿masterclass¿ on a contemporary topic in a BPS core area of their choosing. Incorporated into the classroom plan assessment will be an assessment of students understanding of professional conduct in relation to the teaching of psychology.
By the end of the module, students will have gained a deeper and broader understanding of psychology as a contemporary science and profession as well as an appreciation of the conceptual and historical issues underpinning it. They will have enhanced their confidence and competence in communicating psychological principles and research findings to diverse audiences.
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PS-M94
Data Analysis
This module provides a comprehensive overview of key qualitative and quantitative methods used in basic and applied research. The module examines the philosophy of scientific research, introduces students to central concepts of statistical significance, power, and saturation. It examines both nonparametric and parametric approaches to statistically analyse data, as well as providing techniques that can be used to analyse qualitative methods commonly used in psychology.
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PS-M95
Research Process
This module will provide the research methods skills necessary to understand, design and execute empirical experimental research in psychology, and to interpret and report the results, with a particular focus on practices that improve transparency and reproducibility. It will examine the process of causal inference, internal and external validity, construct validity, survey design and web-based data collection, ethics and fraud, statistical power and research reproducibility, and communicating research (e.g., writing principles, oral presentations, poster design, public engagement). The course will assess how students apply these skills in a) critical analysis and planning empirical research that aims to improve completed work, and b) communicating psychology research to a general audience.
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PSY319
Independent Research Project
Students conduct an independent research project under the supervision of a member of staff. The research topic is decided in conjunction with supervisors and Research topics. Students must design, conduct, analyse and write up a piece of research in order to achieve Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society (BPS). They must also complete an Ethical Considerations Form, showing that they have considered and resolved ethical issues relating to their project, and that they have implemented appropriate best practices for improving the reproducibility of their research.
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PSY319W
Prosiect Ymchwil Annibynnol
Mae myfyrwyr yn cynnal prosiect ymchwil annibynnol dan oruchwyliaeth aelod o staff. Penderfynir ar bwnc yr ymchwil ar y cyd â goruchwylwyr a phynciau Ymchwil. Rhaid i fyfyrwyr ddylunio, cynnal, dadansoddi ac ysgrifennu darn o ymchwil er mwyn cyflawni Sail Graddedig ar gyfer Siarter gyda Chymdeithas Seicolegol Prydain (BPS). Rhaid iddynt hefyd lenwi Ffurflen Ystyriaethau Moesegol, gan ddangos eu bod wedi ystyried a datrys materion moesegol sy'n ymwneud â'u prosiect, a'u bod wedi gweithredu arferion gorau priodol ar gyfer gwella atgynyrchioldeb eu hymchwil.
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PSY325
Independent Research Project - Joint Honours
Students conduct an independent research project under the supervision of a member of staff. The research topic is decided in conjunction with supervisors and research topics. Students must design, conduct, analyse and write up a piece of research in order to achieve Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society (BPS). They must also complete an ethical considerations form, showing that they have considered and resolved ethical issues relating to their project, and that they have implemented appropriate best practices for improving the reproducibility of their research.
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PSY325W
Prosiect Ymchwil Annibynnol - Anrhydeddau ar y Cyd
Mae myfyrwyr yn cynnal prosiect ymchwil annibynnol dan oruchwyliaeth aelod o staff. Penderfynir ar bwnc yr ymchwil ar y cyd â goruchwylwyr a phynciau ymchwil. Rhaid i fyfyrwyr ddylunio, cynnal, dadansoddi ac ysgrifennu darn o ymchwil er mwyn cyflawni Sail Graddedig ar gyfer Siarter gyda Chymdeithas Seicolegol Prydain (BPS). Rhaid iddynt hefyd lenwi ffurflen ystyriaethau moesegol, gan ddangos eu bod wedi ystyried a datrys materion moesegol sy'n ymwneud â'u prosiect, a'u bod wedi gweithredu arferion gorau priodol ar gyfer gwella atgynyrchioldeb eu hymchwil.
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PSY332
Contemporary Issues in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice
This module explores how psychological principles are applied to address contemporary challenges within the criminal justice system. It explores topics such as mental health, traumatic brain injury, neurodiversity, and psychopathy, focussing on their implications for offending, sentencing, and offender management. Broader societal issues, including cybercrime, online misogynistic ideology, radicalised communities, and wellbeing in custodial settings, are also addressed. By combining theoretical insights with real-world applications, the module equips students with critical knowledge and analytical skills needed to engage with evolving debates and practices in forensic psychology. Designed to remain flexible and responsive to emerging priorities, it provides a flexible framework for exploring the dynamic interplay between psychology and the criminal justice system.
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PSY332I
Contemporary Issues in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice (IST)
This module explores how psychological principles are applied to address contemporary challenges within the criminal justice system. It explores topics such as mental health, traumatic brain injury, neurodiversity, and psychopathy, focussing on their implications for offending, sentencing, and offender management. Broader societal issues, including cybercrime, online misogynistic ideology, radicalised communities, and wellbeing in custodial settings, are also addressed. By combining theoretical insights with real-world applications, the module equips students with critical knowledge and analytical skills needed to engage with evolving debates and practices in forensic psychology. Designed to remain flexible and responsive to emerging priorities, it provides a flexible framework for exploring the dynamic interplay between psychology and the criminal justice system.
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PSY334
Evolutionary Perspectives on Psychology
This module provides an exploration of human behaviour and relationships from an evolutionary perspective. Across a series of lectures and interactive workshops, students will learn broad and focused evolutionary theories such as natural and sexual selection, error management theory, and sexual strategies theory, and apply them to understand inform understanding of human social and romantic behaviours. Topics range from the principles of natural and sexual selection through to altruism, attraction, maladaptive behaviours, relationship dynamics, and biological signalling systems. Through examining questions like "Why do we find certain traits attractive?" and "How do evolutionary pressures shape helping behaviour?" students will engage critically with both foundational and emerging theories in evolutionary psychology. Students will also develop critical thinking skills around these topics through engaging in debate practice and analyzing real-world data, enabling them to evaluate and question evolutionary theories in depth.
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PSY364
Independent Research Project I
This module, in conjunction with ¿Independent Research Project II ¿ Conducting and Reporting¿, will see students design, conduct, analyse, and write-up a substantial piece of original psychological research under the supervision of a member of staff. In doing so, they will also consider the ethical issues posed by their research and resolve them and conduct their research in line with the principles of Open Science. Demonstrating these abilities is required to achieve Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
In ¿Independent Research Project I ¿ Planning and Development¿, students will begin the research process by:
1. Selecting a research topic in collaboration with their supervisor - typically in an area of the supervisor¿s expertise.
2. Formulating research questions and associated hypotheses/predictions.
3. Designing a research study to answer research questions and test hypotheses/predictions.
4. Considering and resolving ethical issues relating to the study.
5. Writing a Stage I Registered Report of the study consisting of Introduction, Methods, and Data Analysis plan.
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PSY364C
Independent Research Project I
This module, in conjunction with ¿Independent Research Project II ¿ Conducting and Reporting¿, will see students design, conduct, analyse, and write-up a substantial piece of original psychological research under the supervision of a member of staff. In doing so, they will also consider the ethical issues posed by their research and resolve them and conduct their research in line with the principles of Open Science. Demonstrating these abilities is required to achieve Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
In ¿Independent Research Project I ¿ Planning and Development¿, students will begin the research process by:
1. Selecting a research topic in collaboration with their supervisor - typically in an area of the supervisor¿s expertise.
2. Formulating research questions and associated hypotheses/predictions.
3. Designing a research study to answer research questions and test hypotheses/predictions.
4. Considering and resolving ethical issues relating to the study.
5. Writing a Stage I Registered Report of the study consisting of Introduction, Methods, and Data Analysis plan.
Translation to follow
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PSY365
Independent Research Project II
This module, in conjunction with ¿Independent Research Project I ¿ Planning and Development¿, will see students design, conduct, analyse, and write-up a substantial piece of original psychological research under the supervision of a member of staff. In doing so, they will also consider the ethical issues posed by their research and resolve them and conduct their research in line with the principles of Open Science. Demonstrating these abilities is required to achieve Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
In ¿Independent Research Project II ¿ Conducting and Reporting¿, students will complete the research process by:
1. Conducting a planned piece of original psychological research.
2. Analyzing the data generated from the research.
3. Writing a Stage II Registered Report of the study consisting of Abstract, Results, and Discussion.
4. Demonstrating in depth knowledge of their project and the research process via a viva voce.
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PSY365C
Independent Research Project II
This module, in conjunction with ¿Independent Research Project I ¿ Planning and Development¿, will see students design, conduct, analyse, and write-up a substantial piece of original psychological research under the supervision of a member of staff. In doing so, they will also consider the ethical issues posed by their research and resolve them and conduct their research in line with the principles of Open Science. Demonstrating these abilities is required to achieve Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
In ¿Independent Research Project II ¿ Conducting and Reporting¿, students will complete the research process by:
1. Conducting a planned piece of original psychological research.
2. Analyzing the data generated from the research.
3. Writing a Stage II Registered Report of the study consisting of Abstract, Results, and Discussion.
4. Demonstrating in depth knowledge of their project and the research process via a viva voce.,
Translation to follow
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PSY366
Independent Research Project for Joint Honours
This module, ¿Independent Research Project for Joint Honours,¿ spans two semesters and guides students through the entire research process, culminating in the production of a substantial piece of original psychological research under the supervision of a member of staff. The module is structured in two parts:
In Semester 1, students will begin the research process by selecting a research topic in collaboration with their supervisor¿typically in an area of the supervisor¿s expertise. They will formulate research questions and associated hypotheses, design a research study to test these hypotheses, consider and resolve ethical issues, and produce a Stage I Registered Report, including the Introduction, Methods, and Data Analysis plan.
In Semester 2, students will conduct their planned research, analyze the data generated, and write a Stage II Registered Report, consisting of the Abstract, Results, and Discussion sections.
The module emphasizes ethical research conduct and adherence to Open Science principles, both of which are necessary for achieving Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
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PSY366C
Independent Research Project for Joint Honours
This module, ¿Independent Research Project for Joint Honours,¿ spans two semesters and guides students through the entire research process, culminating in the production of a substantial piece of original psychological research under the supervision of a member of staff. The module is structured in two parts:
In Semester 1, students will begin the research process by selecting a research topic in collaboration with their supervisor¿typically in an area of the supervisor¿s expertise. They will formulate research questions and associated hypotheses, design a research study to test these hypotheses, consider and resolve ethical issues, and produce a Stage I Registered Report, including the Introduction, Methods, and Data Analysis plan.
In Semester 2, students will conduct their planned research, analyze the data generated, and write a Stage II Registered Report, consisting of the Abstract, Results, and Discussion sections.
The module emphasizes ethical research conduct and adherence to Open Science principles, both of which are necessary for achieving Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Translation to follow
