BSc (Hons) Psychology and Social Policy

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 Cultural 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.

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 years 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.

Social Issues and Social Justice
The module examines a range of social issues which are currently on the policy agenda. It will consider new developments, which are suddenly highlighted by government or the media, such as anti-social behaviour, and also long-standing welfare concerns such as poverty and inequalities in health. Students will be introduced to how and why a social issue may become defined as a social problem, the form it takes within the social and political debate and be encouraged to make a critical analysis of the action, which is – and is not - taken. An introduction to some of the key social policy concepts will be incorporated into this analysis of real issues. The module also considers the concept of social justice, the extent to which social divisions and inequalities in society persist and the role governments play in promoting the former and combating the latter.

Level Two

Research Skills 2
The content of this module builds on the skills taught at level 1 in the module Research Skills I. Students will be introduced to ethical issues in research, followed by an introduction to uni-variate 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 Year 1 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.

Ideology into Practice
This module is concerned with the impact of ideology on the development of social policy. The module begins with a consideration of different perspectives on what constitutes ‘social problems’ and an exploration of the meaning and purposes of ‘social policy’ and ‘welfare’ and their relationship with ideology. It then moves on to consider the impact of ideologies on social policy in the post-war period, although the primary emphasis is on the period from the mid-1970s (and the onset of ‘crisis’ and the end of ‘consensus’) to the present day. Discussion then progresses to some of the key issues and ideological developments in social policy, including arguments about a ‘Third Way’ and the development of a broader approach to social policy which has wider interests and implications than the traditional concerns of the subject.

Diversity, Difference and Exclusion
This module examines the impact of difference and diversity in social policy, with a particular concern around social exclusion. It begins with an introduction to the concepts of ‘diversity’, ‘difference’ and ‘exclusion’ and then moves on to consider the relationship between social policy and a variety of forms of diversity and difference, particularly in the context of new thinking around social exclusion that has emerged since the 1990s.

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).

Understanding the Policy Process
The module focuses on the processes of policy making and implementation at both practical and theoretical levels. It introduces students to a variety of models of policy making and discusses the complexities of the distribution of power and decision making, primarily, but not limited to, the field of social policy. The module encourages students to develop an understanding of a range of ideas that can contribute to the ways in which we analyse policy, and to recognise that these perspectives are themselves contestable and changing. It begins with a consideration of the policy process and different ways of viewing it, including the impact of different approaches under governments from the 1970s, moving on to examine a variety of models of decision making and the range of actors involved in the making and implementation of policies.

Analysing the Policy Process
Building upon Understanding the Policy Process this module requires students not only to continue to develop their knowledge of a range of perspectives on the policy process but, in addition, to use these to analyse a case study relevant to their degree programme.
Where Understanding the Policy Process places its emphasis on important models and perspectives, this module explores a range of current ideas which have a significant impact upon the making and implementation of policy, such as the concept of partnership, notions of participation, and issues of accountability.

Community and Conflict I
This module is all about communities – in particular, communities that are poor, disadvantaged, isolated or ‘socially excluded’. The recent focus on community is often associated with a number of beliefs: for example, that it is better in principle for local people to ‘do it for themselves’; that the involvement of communities is essential if run-down areas are to be renewed or regenerated; and that neither market forces nor the state can on their own offer satisfactory long-term solutions to our social problems. This module will look critically at all these beliefs and come to conclusions about their validity.

Community and Conflict II
This module follows on directly from Community and Conflict I and focuses on the application of theory, concepts and perspectives developed in that module to particular areas of public policy making including policy implementation.

It is if you are looking for a course that provides the basis for professional accreditation, while at the same time providing an opportunity to gain an understanding of the key issues in Social Policy.

What Skills Will I Need?

Basic Maths and English, and some experience of project work involving the collection and analysis of data.

What Will I gain From the Course?

An accredited degree in psychology providing a strong foundation of knowledge and expertise within the subject, and a sound understanding of social policy issues. You will also gain 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.

300pts from 3 x 6 Unit Awards, 1 x Science or Related, ex Key Skills. (Psychology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Geography or Economics acceptable). Ex. 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.

The programme 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.

A tutorial system operates at level 1 which aims to provide a sound basis for transition to level two of the programme. The tutorial programme also includes a series of scheduled one-to-one meetings. These personal tutorials aim to support the student's personal development and continue over the three years of the degree.

The BSc Honours Psychology and Social Policy programme aims to produce graduates who are critical thinkers and independent researchers. This means that graduating students would be able to tackle problems and issues as independent researchers taking a critical and analytical approach. The programme also aims to engender in students an ability to reflect on the nature of human behaviour in an informed and systematic manner, and to combine the study of psychology with the study of social policy.

How You Are Assessed

The aims of the module assessments are to provide a measure of the development and attainment of programme 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 programme. The assessments at Levels 1 and 2 focus on the acquisition and understanding of knowledge and skills. In contrast, the Level 3 assessments place far greater emphasis on the ability to apply, analyse and evaluate knowledge.

The programme aims to equip graduates for postgraduate study and professional training in any area of psychology and/or social policy. However, it is especially suited to those considering a career in the Social Services. A programme of ‘Careers in Psychology’ seminars is run throughout the final year of the psychology courses

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

Fees and Funding