Psychology and Counselling - BSc/MSci

This module begins the process of self-development and self-awareness that is foundational to all counselling and psychotherapy practice, a process that remains key throughout the career of a professional counsellor or psychotherapist. As such it is highly experiential, and aims to link theory to practice on an on-going basis.  The module will identify some of the key theoretical and philosophical developments which underpin the psychology of self- development, self- awareness and the dynamics of human relationships. This will include an exploration of the informing theory and practice of mindfulness, presence, positivity, resilience and compassion based practices. Theoretically grounded concepts which aim to define and explain a therapeutic relationship will be explored, and where relevant applied to practical contexts.

This module explores the origins, developments and refinements in the study of modern-day Psychology, dating back to early philosophy. The module will ensure students will see how modern-day Psychology has evolved, not just in terms of the “big-names” but also by viewing the scientific, cultural and social movements and influences that were happening alongside the development of this new discipline.

This module focuses on current and historical understanding of personality and individual differences. We review the main theories of personality and use contemporary empirical evidence to explore the complex relationship between personality and behaviour. In-depth examples of the complexity of individual differences will be provided, and some lectures will focus of personality disorders and problems assessing and classifying such disorders.

The academic component of this module provides you with an experiential learning process that will further develop your understanding of the complex theoretical and conceptual issues involved in the measurement and assessment of personality and individual differences. In particular, the seminar component will provide you with the opportunity to experience projective and objective personality tests and to further explore the problems associated with diagnosing personality disorders.

This module introduces you to the process of conducting research, analysing data and evaluating the findings. The module will provide a conceptual understanding of reporting research, the core statistical principals and tests used. The module provides hands-on experience of conducting an experiment, using statistical software for carrying out analyses and writing up the experiment in practical workshops. This module will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills required to prepare you for future work, training or careers in an applied area of Psychology or research. This module will also identify how the skills and knowledge gained during this module are relevant to future modules that cover GBC competencies and training which are relevant to future work and studies in the area of Psychology.

This module will focus on the different aspects of non-verbal communication, including facial expression, tone of voice, gesture and body language from an evolutionary, cultural and neuro-biological perspective. The way non-verbal communication is perceived and processed, and contributes to the overall communication process will be explored from both a practical and a conceptual perspective. Rapport and relationship building based on the non-verbal communication skills and attunement will offer practical experience as a basis for integrating theory and practice.  The use of creative media as communication will contribute to a wider understanding of the range of ways in which therapeutic communication can take place. The module will also include a consideration of the role of non-verbal communication in the digital era

Introduction to Psychopathology, will introduce you to psychological disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, addiction etc. and how these psychological disorders have an effect on daily thinking, functioning and behaviour. The assessment and diagnosis process of a psychological disorder will play a central role in this module and this will be done by using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5; 2013). The DSM-5 (2013) is used by clinicians worldwide to assess and diagnose individuals with a psychological disorder. In this module the DSM-5 (2013) will be used to describe the key symptoms of psychological disorders which will help to enhance your understanding of key symptoms and criteria used by clinicians to diagnose a psychological disorder.

The parapsychology module focuses on exploring how Psychology is placed in the wider domain of “science” and through debates about the meaning and function of parapsychological belief, parapsychological research, and the social/historical relevance of parapsychology. Throughout the module you will be presented with a number of parapsychological topics (e.g., Alien abduction; Telepathy; Clairvoyance; Demonic possession) which will be underpinned by two broad perspectives: (i) believer and (ii) sceptic. You will be introduced to the methodological, theoretical and psychological problems in examining paranormal belief and experience in order to provide opportunities for the development of semantic learning and critical thinking skills.

The intention of this module is to bring aesthetic awareness in to the living space of students in order to demonstrate the fascinating and useful lens that psychology can provide in helping make sense and understanding of the immediate symbolic world that surrounds people in society. This module takes aspects of every day art, culture, design, architecture and creativity, and attempts to provide psychological commentaries which are novel, speculative, and above all, interesting. The focus is on seeing through images to the psychological fantasies and themes they portray, and the drives that animate the human condition.

This module explores the roots and informing principles of positive psychology, focussing on research and current developments internationally. Beginning with the seminal work of Martin Seligman, the module focusses equally on theory and practice, identifying the informing philosophy, the research base for the study area, and some practical strategies which aim to increase a sense of subjective well-being and positive mental health. The clinical value of the approach is explored via an integration of research, practical strategies and personal reflection.

This module builds on the learning of Non-verbal Communication and Self and Relationship by supporting the development of practical Counselling Skills based on an in-depth appreciation of underlying theory and process. By applying the self-awareness developed in Self and Relationship and building on understanding of non-verbal channels of communication, this module  provides an opportunity to learn about and practice active listening and to use the generic counselling skills as employed in all talking therapies. This will be grounded in a further appreciation of the elements that go to make up human relationships, and is a growing awareness of the differences between social and therapeutic relationships. The use and application of counselling skills will be considered through the lens of the main broad philosophical bases, namely the Humanistic, Cognitive Behavioural and Psychodynamic perspectives, while retaining a relational focus.  This module is taught in parallel with and strongly informed by its companion module Counselling Theory.

This module provides you with an overview of the purpose, design, and conduct of qualitative research in psychology. This module builds upon and complements research methods modules delivered in level 4 by providing students with grounding in the use of qualitative research methods and analysis techniques commonly used in psychology. All sessions are structured to facilitate both conceptual learning and the development of applied research skills. More specifically, this module aims to help you develop skills in research and inquiry and develop academic attributes such as being able to think critically about different methodologies and knowledge claims.

This is a companion module to Counselling Skills, and provides the solid theoretical foundation upon to build skill and competence in active listening and relationship building. The module will explore philosophical underpinnings as part of a more detailed exploration of the main counselling and psychotherapy theories. The broad approaches of Humanism, Behaviourism, Cognitive Behaviourism, Constructionism, Psychodynamic approaches, Existentialism and Transpersonal approaches will be explored from the perspective of human health, suffering and the possibilities of therapeutic change. Integration as an overarching approach will be included as part of this process, and students will develop basic skill in integrative case formulation from a theoretical perspective.

This module builds on the Research Methods and Psychology literacy module (Level 4), by providing you with the skills to master the process of designing and executing research using quantitative research methods, and analysing and evaluating the findings with quantitative data analysis techniques. The module provides hands-on experience of using computer software to build experiments and statistical software for carrying out analyses in the practical workshops. The module will enhance your skills in critically evaluating the strengths and limitations of published research papers and equip you with an advanced understanding of ethics in psychological research.

This module will continue to develop key transferable skills from level 4 such as group discussion and debate, critical evaluation and evidence-based reasoning. There will be research-led teaching which will explore key debates and methodologies used in neuropsychology and cognitive Psychology. The GBC area of biological Psychology and cognitive Psychology will be supplemented through this module.

The practical approach to this module will see you applying psychological theories to the real world via your experiences from work-based placements. This will allow you the opportunity to learn from your own experiences, but also experiences of your colleagues. This module will continue to develop key transferable skills such as group-work, critical evaluation and evidence-based reasoning contributing to the graduate attributes. This module has a strong link with professional development and will allow you to reflect on work placement experiences and the application of psychological theory. There is a strong integration of psychological theory and real world experiences across different domains, thus strongly supporting your continuing personal and professional development.

This module builds on the clinical and health-based modules on the programme by providing you with an in-depth and critical understanding of stress, which is one of the main risk factors for both psychological (e.g. anxiety, depression) and physical health outcomes (e.g. heart disease, cancer). In this module, you will learn about the biological, psychological and environmental influences on stress, as well as the interaction between them. Key literature on stress-related illness across a wide-range of disciplines will be critically appraised.

This module will explore how culture influences human thought, feelings, cognitive processes and behaviour in an applied context. The relations between culture and psychology are both complex and profound. We will be considering a number of difficult questions including: What is human nature? What happens when different cultures collide? How do various ways of thinking differ across cultures? How does culture influence how we view ourselves? How can we study culture in psychology? How do cultures change or persist over time? The goals of the module are to introduce you to the field of cultural psychology, stimulate critical thinking and analytic skills generally, and help you to think about your own values from a cultural perspective.

This module offers a clinically focussed specialisation extension of the principles and practice explored in Neuropsychology. In contrast to the informing philosophical and theoretical basis of Counselling and Psychotherapy practice  explored in modules Counselling Skills and Counselling Theories, this module draws on emerging findings from Neuroscience and Neuropsychology to develop an alternative, research informed basis for understanding and working with human suffering. The work of clinicians and researchers in the field such as Daniel Siegel, Allan Shore, Pat Ogden, Louis Cozolino, Bessel van der Kolk and others will be explored and considered against concepts from philosophically based clinical theories.  

This module focuses on the ethical and professional issues involved in the practice of counselling and psychotherapy. In addition to exploring the practical aspects of the profession such as contracting, referrals, managing boundaries, there will be a consideration of wider issues such as culture, belief systems, sexual orientation, risk assessment, collaborative working and the on-going role of supervision. A key aim of the module is to provide experience in ethical decision making through engaging in ethical discourse. The concept of vulnerability will be considered from the perspective of responsibility and power, and the current legal safeguarding framework and process for clinical practitioners will receive consideration.

This module aims to investigate human development throughout the lifespan focusing on changes to biological, cognitive, social and emotional elements of psychological functioning. The module will provide you with an understanding of the general principles and concepts, different theoretical perspectives, research methodologies, contemporary debates and areas of application of Lifespan Development. This module will enable you to develop skills in critical reading and analysis of theoretical and empirical issues related to Lifespan Development. In the context of contemporary societies and globalisation, the role of social and cultural context of development is explored.

Understanding research issues is an essential skill for psychologists operating in an evidence-based paradigm. The ability to produce an in-depth dissertation and present a logical argument using such research is a crucial skill for a successful psychology graduate.

This module builds upon learning at level 4 and level 5 in previous Psychological Research Methods modules. This module will encourage you to plan, execute and write up a research project which adheres to principles of the Psychology Ethics Committee. You should seek out research sources to produce an in-depth dissertation that answers your own identified research question or knowledge gap, making a contribution to the existing literature within your chosen topic area. This will be facilitated through critical evaluation of the sources you have selected and used. You will also be facilitated in using statistical and other specialist software, testing equipment and materials, as well as the use of the Psychology laboratories.

The applied social psychology module focuses on exploring how social psychological theory and research can be applied to real life. Throughout the module you will be presented with a number of contemporary social issues and will explore relevant theoretical models and examples to illustrate the impact that social psychological constructs, theories and research has had on informing applied interventions. Theoretical perspectives might include cross cultural psychology, individual differences, and critical social psychology. Contemporary social issues might include encouraging cooperation with authorities, understanding responses to terrorism, reducing prejudice, and promoting employee production.

This module integrates the learning in respect of counselling knowledge, skills and practice gained elsewhere on the programme in preparation for clinical placements for those planning to proceed on to further professional counselling or psychotherapy training. A critical appraisal of purist approaches versus eclecticism or more integrative approaches will enable you to begin to make decisions about your preferred approach to counselling. On-going practical application of counselling skills, self-reflection and peer-based feedback will support the consolidation of self-reflexivity essential for clinical practice.     

This module covers fundamental areas and phenomena of Intellectual and Developmental disabilities, exploring competing perspectives, contemporary debates and important areas of application. The module looks at Intellectual and Developmental disabilities pre-natal, post-natal and across the lifespan. The module will explore the types of research methods, theoretical perspectives and questions of value, culture and context. The role of brain functioning will be considered throughout this module. This module will also identify how the skills and knowledge gained during this module are relevant to GBC competencies and training which are relevant to future work and studies in the area of Psychology. This module will be of particular interest if you would like to explore a career as an educational or clinical psychologist.

This module equips you with the relevant skills, knowledge and training which are required for understanding the psychology of gender and sexualities. In undertaking this module, you will gain the relevant knowledge of psychological perspectives of gender and sexualities, including their conceptualisation and organisation in relation to cultural and historical circumstances. You will evaluate psychological theory and apply theoretical concepts and knowledge to develop arguments relating to gender and sexuality. Additionally, you will be encouraged to examine the relationship between theory and practice in psychology in order to identify the links between psychological knowledge and its application. As part of your learning, you will analyse the construction of sexuality and gender in society and will be encouraged to develop awareness around how such conceptualisations impact on various social groups and psychological practice.