BSc (Hons) Psychology with Clinical 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 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

Foundations of Clinical Psychology
This is an introductory module to practice, research and theory in Clinical Psychology. The module will be separated into two blocks. Block 1 will focus on core issues in the practice of clinical psychology including historical developments, ethical considerations and debates, cultural and social influences on conceptualisation. Block 2 will focus on the generation of knowledge through clinical research methods, and provide an understanding of the epistemological strengths and limitations of each method of investigation. The aim of this module is to introduce undergraduates to the nature and scope of clinical practice, by debating some of the key issues in clinical practice and becoming familiar with research methods that are integral to clinical research.

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 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 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.

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).

Counselling Skills and Theory
This module has two aims:
1. To describe and evaluate a range of theoretical approaches to counselling
2. To help students understand the importance of basic interviewing and counselling skills and to assist them to develop communication skills in these areas. A Person-Centred approach to counselling will be used. An important aspect of this module will be the development of learning through self-reflection.

Approaches to Treatment and Therapy in Adult Mental Health
The module is in two blocks. In Block one, students will have an opportunity to develop their knowledge of problem formulation. Block two will examine in detail some approaches to treatment and therapy with an emphasis on adult mental health. It will consider traditional paradigms of treatment and therapy as well as examining some more recent innovations. Students will have an opportunity to hear practice issues from professionals working in mental health, as practitioners will deliver the majority of lectures.

Level Three Clinical Options
Students choose two elective modules to study from:

• Addictions
• Developmental Psychopathology
• Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: Theory and Practice.

The programme aims to produce graduate psychologists who are critical thinkers and independent researchers. This means that graduating students would be able to tackle psychological 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 provide them with an opportunity to gain an understanding of the scope of clinical psychology theory and practice.

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 students personal development and continue over the three years of the degree.

The programme offers specialist options in clinical psychology in the final year.

The Psychology teaching accommodation is located 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 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.

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 scope of clinical psychology theory and practice.

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

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.

An accredited degree in Psychology providing a strong foundation of knowledge and expertise within the subject, and a realistic appreciation of the work of clinical psychologists which might enhance your chances of gaining a place on a postgraduate clinical psychology training course. 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.

A keen interest in psychology as applied within clinical settings, and a lively and enquiring mind.

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 aims to equip graduates for postgraduate study and professional training in any area of psychology. However, it is especially suited to those considering a career in the Health or 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