BSc (Hons) Psychology

Level One

Research Skills 1

An appreciation of research methods is critical for an understanding of psychology. This module introduces students to some of the basic concepts underlying research and provides a practical introduction to conducting research in psychology.

Mind & Brain

This module offers an introduction to the biological substrates of mind. It introduces the philosophical issues that arise in relating mental to biological activity. It orientates the student to the basic structure of the brain and nervous system before moving on to study the building blocks of the brain – the neuron, its structure and functioning. It elaborates on how networks of neurons could plausibly produce behaviour that we can recognise as cognition e.g. recognition and memory

Development in Context

This module examines the influence of culture on human development, taking a lifespan approach. The aims of the module are to introduce the study of developmental psychology in cultural context, including an introduction to developmental theories that incorporate social and cultural variables. The module will focus on specific topics at key points in the lifespan such as childhood, adolescence, middle and older adulthood.

Current Research Issues in Psychology

In this module students begin to appreciate the range of methodologies and practices adopted by psychologists as they go about 'doing' Psychology.

Themes, Issues & Debates in Psychology

Psychology and the implications of psychological research/theory/practice have a controversial relevance to modern life. This module explores some of these controversies and in so doing highlights scientific, social and political themes through a series of lectures set up as debates.

Introduction to Cognitive Psychology

This module introduces students to the terminology, methodology and central issues in the study of core aspects of human cognition such as perception, memory, problem solving and language. The module also provides a foundation for the more widespread and detailed discussion of each area in other modules in Levels Two and Three.

Social & Individual Psychology

This module provides an introduction to social psychology and individual differences and to different approaches to the study of social phenomena and personality. Some consideration of the history of these various approaches and to the different analytical methods will be presented. Problems of disentangling the effects of genetic, environmental and social worlds will be explored along with consideration of the influence of cognitive functioning on social behaviour.

Level Two

Research Skills 2

The content of this module builds on the skills taught at Level One in the module Research Skills 1. Students will be introduced to ethical issues in research, followed by an introduction to univariate statistical procedures for analysis of complex experimental designs. In semester B, students will be introduced to methods and procedures for collecting and analysing survey and qualitative data. In parallel with the lecture program, practical research skills are taught in workshops, and students will be required to carry out a small group practical project under supervision of a member of staff in both semesters.

Social Psychology

This module builds upon the social psychology material covered in the Year 1 module Social & Individual Psychology. It explores some of the central issues of social psychology, including how people deal with social information, such as the causes of behaviour and social categories, and how groups function and interact

Developmental Psychology

This module examines concepts, theories, research methods and influencing factors in child development relevant to the period from birth to pre-adolescence. The syllabus is organised into four main blocks: foundations of development, development of cognition, development of representation, social and emotional development. General theories of nature and nurture will be discussed in the context of specific topics. Also, applications of developmental research and theories will be discussed relevant to specific topics.

Investigating the Individual

This module builds upon some of the individual difference material covered in the Level One module Social & Individual Psychology 1. It will explore concepts, techniques of measurement and theories that aim to produce a psychological understanding of what differentiates people (and groups) from one another. Drawing on theories of personality, differential psychology and psychopathology, the module will consider these sources of variation by looking at how and why people (and groups) are psychologically different.

Cognition

This module continues the investigation into cognitive processes begun in the first year in Introduction to Cognitive Psychology. It expands the range of cognitive functions considered by exploring current issues in areas such as Attention (in particular visual spatial attention) and Memory, Thinking and Language. Students will be introduced to competing theories/approaches and evaluations with the aim of providing students with an appreciation of the role of empirical evidence in guiding the formation of and assessment of the adequacy of different psychological theories.

Level Two Options

Students choose two elective modules to study from the following: Sleep, Dreaming & Circadian Rhythms, Perception, Evolutionary Psychology, Design in the Workplace, The Psychology of Pleasure, Social Theories & Applications, Brain & Behaviour, Primate Behaviour.

Level Three

Independent Study

This module requires students to carry out empirical research in an area of their own choosing, culminating in the production of a dissertation of, at the maximum 8,000 words. The Independent Study tests a student’s ability to identify an appropriate research question and their ability to design and implement an appropriate study. The role of the supervisor is to guide them through these processes.

Cognitive Neuroscience

This module offers an in-depth review of current literature on cognitive neuroscience, a scientific study of neural mechanisms underlying cognition, with a specific focus on the interactions of brain structures and mental processes and their behavioural manifestations. The course covers a range of topics (i.e. vision, attention, face and object recognition, memory and emotion) to illustrate how the concepts and modern methodologies are applied to the problems and issues which constitute the subject of cognitive neuroscience.

Conceptual Psychology

This module places the discipline and the subject matter of psychology under scrutiny. By this we mean to locate psychology in a historical context, to consider philosophical concepts that have shaped psychology and to reflect on some of the consequences (moral, political, exploitative, oppressive and/or liberating) that emanate from the practices of psychology. The module therefore includes three areas of focus in psychology – contextual (history of psychology), conceptual (philosophy of science, alternative paradigms, and key psychological concepts) and consequential (critical psychology).

Level Three Options

Students choose four elective modules to study from the following:

• Fantasy Neuroscience
• Vision
• Advanced Multivariate Statistics
• Cross-Cultural Psychology
• Spatial Language & Spatial Representation
• Developmental Psychopathology
• Organisational Psychology
• Sleep Memory and Cognition
• Discourse
• Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology
• Autistic Spectrum Disorders
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: Theory & Practice.

Teaching takes place in large lecture rooms, smaller seminars and workshops and in small groups, depending on the level and the topic. In addition, staff use the intranet to provide materials to support teaching and have regular drop in sessions for students.

Most modules involve two hours a week timetabled time. Students are expected to contribute to small group sessions and to undertake independent study.

There are dedicated Psychology Labs for student projects as well as the research labs that students may use as part of their final year research project.

The aims of the module assessments are to provide a measure of the development and attainment of course outcomes, including the attainment of high-level intellectual skills such as critical analysis and evaluation.

Accordingly, the nature of the assessment varies across the three levels of the course. The assessments at Levels One and Two focus on the acquisition and understanding of knowledge and skills. In contrast, the Level Three assessments place far greater emphasis on the ability to apply, analyse and evaluate knowledge.

Psychology teaching is based in the main University building, and provides well-equipped laboratories including two large PC-based teaching laboratories, an observation suite, a psychophysiology laboratory, a 'baby lab' and numerous specialist research and practical laboratories. There are three technical staff on hand to aid students in the production of experimental materials and software development

The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered membership (GBC) the first step towards becoming a chartered psychologist.

If students are looking for a course that allows them to tailor its contents to their own needs and preferences, while at the same time providing the basis for professional accreditation.

An accredited degree in Psychology providing a strong foundation of knowledge and expertise within the subject, and a high level of competence in a wide range of general and transferable skills, including time-management skills, team working skills and problem solving analytic skills.

The course aims to equip graduates for postgraduate study and professional training in any area of psychology. A programme of ‘Careers in Psychology’ seminars is run throughout the final year of the course.

The 2011 DELHE survey showed that over 60% of our 2010 graduates were in psychology graduate level employment or further study.

300 points from three 6 Unit Awards, one Science or Related, excluding Key Skills (Psychology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Geography or Economics acceptable) excluding General studies. 45 level 3 credits at merit or above from an Access to HE in science or social science. A2 & BTEC Applied Science accepted.  

Five GCSEs at grade C or above, to include English Language and Maths at grade C (or equivalent).  Key Skills L3 accepted, B1 or higher ordinary Irish Leaving certificate accepted.  Key Skills level 2 Numeracy and Communication  acceptable in lieu of Maths or English. GCSE Statistics GCSE @ C acceptable in lieu of Maths

Please see the UCAS website for equivalent qualifications.

For further information and funding your study please see our Fees & Funding pages.

Fees and Funding