Psychology Pathway


BSc (Hons) Psychology (Applied) Anglia Ruskin University


Qualification On successful completion of the programme you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) Psychology (Applied).


Awarding Body Anglia Ruskin University


Course Description Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. This programme introduces you to psychological theory and research and then develops your understanding of this fascinating subject area.


Psychology has a broad range of real-world applications in everyday life, ranging from stress, health, mental illness, artificial intelligence, to personal development, social interaction and the environment. A degree in psychology can provide access to a wide range of careers.


Psychology graduates are valued across many fields because of the diverse and highly sought after knowledge and skills that are acquired from a psychology degree. A successful psychology graduate can be expected to write coherent and logical reports, understand statistical and other forms of evidence and have a good understanding of human behaviour. Taken together, such skills are very appealing to a wide range of employers and not just those in specifically psychological areas.


Mode Online distance learning


Course Content (Modules) Comprises three stages, 120 credits in each stage:


Level 1 - (120 credits) Consists of 8 modules worth 15 credits each:


1. Key Skills for Psychology Part I This module will provide you with the basic skills to produce a research report from beginning to end including experimental design, statistical data analysis, the use of resources and software, writing and presentation skills, ethical issues and general study and research skills.


2. Key Skills for Psychology Part Il This module follows on from Key Skills for Psychology Part I, providing you with a vital grounding for psychology.


3. Social and Developmental Psychology This module will provide you with an


understanding of how certain behaviours and experiences can be shaped by different social contexts (the family, peers, society)


66 www.www.rdi.c.o.uk/achieve co.uk


and the impact of these on social and emotional development. Key areas within social psychology (attitudes, interpersonal communication, social influence, groups, identities and ethics) and developmental psychology (genetic and environmental influences, language, cognitive and emotional development and ethics) are covered.


4. Issues in Child Development and Social Psychology This module introduces you to more specific domains of child development and social psychology. This module carries slightly greater focus on developmental psychology. However, each topic covered builds on previously covered topics; ending with an overview of normal and non-normal developmental profiles. Similarly, each topic in the social part to some extent builds on earlier topics. These begin with applied social cognition, and will also consider social psychology in a court setting.


5. Theoretical Foundations in Psychology This module will provide you with an overview of the theoretical, philosophical and historical foundations of psychology. Often defined as the “science of the mind”, you will be made aware that there has been much debate as to how to define both “science” and “mind”. To illustrate these debates the module focuses on different approaches to psychology, for example: introspectionism, behaviourism, psychoanalysis, cognitive psychology, and artificial intelligence.


6. Introduction to Abnormal & Health Psychology


You will examine the way in which these disciplines apply psychological knowledge to an understanding of health and illness, and the interventions used to improve health or relieve the symptoms of illness. You will examine how concepts of health have changed over time, what is meant by normality and abnormality, and the different models that psychologists have used to understand the causes of mental ill-health. You will examine specific health problems, both physical and mental, including eating disorders, stress, trauma, and sexual disorders.


7. The Psychology of Everyday Life During this module you will look at a number of topical issues in order to demonstrate how psychology can provide insight into people’s behaviour, and how we benefit from a scientific psychological approach. Topics included will depend upon the interests and expertise of the academic staff involved in teaching this module and therefore may vary from time to time. However, questions which might be addressed include: Does criminal profiling work? Can we measure intelligence? Why do we sleep? Do dreams have meaning? Why do we forget things? How accurate are eyewitness accounts of crime?


8. Fundamentals of Cognitive Psychology Our experience of the world is an interpretation


Online-based distance learning


based on many cognitive processes being carried out by the brain. Because these processes are so automatic, and their outcome so convincing, people are often not aware that what they are experiencing is merely an interpretation, and as such can be inaccurate. This module will challenge you to think more clearly about this, and consider the ways in which the brain constructs its interpretation of the world, and the ways in which this interpretation can be misleading.


Level 2 - (120 credits) Consists of 8 modules worth 15 credits each:


1. Research Techniques for Psychology: Statistics This module develops a critical understanding of the principles of data collection for psychology, and considers the theoretical bases of various qualitative and quantitative methods. Theoretical, conceptual and ethical issues are covered; the emphasis is on ensuring that you understand the logic behind the techniques covered, so that you know when it is appropriate to use a particular approach, and how to interpret its output. This module will focus largely on quantitative data analysis techniques such as t-tests, linear regression and Analysis of Variance.


2. Research Techniques for Psychology: Methods This module follows on from Research Techniques for Psychology: Statistics.


3. Biopsychology Biopsychology introduces you to the physiological mechanisms that underlie all behaviour and cognition. Initially, the module introduces the philosophy that underpins biological psychology, and discusses issues such as determinism, reductionism and free will. The module then focuses on capture, communication and processing of information in the nervous system and looks in detail at the mechanics of these processes.


4. Personality, Intelligence & Psychometrics You will develop an understanding of key contemporary approaches to the study and assessment of personality and intelligence. In this module you will examine the assumptions behind theoretical approaches to personality and intelligence; the nature of personality and intelligence; the theory of psychometrics; the strengths, implications and limitations of different approaches; and the applications of theory. You will develop basic skills in understanding and using psychological tests.


5. Contemporary Social Psychology This module explores contemporary social psychology by examining a range of theoretical perspectives. The concept of “levels of analysis” is used to structure comparisons between theories and approaches. The module explores modern European forms of social psychology that arose as a critique to traditional social cognitive approaches, and place more emphasis


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