Psychology and Counselling

Foundations Of Psychology

This module will introduce you to the key areas within psychology; individual differences (personality and intelligence), social, developmental, cognitive and biological psychology. The basic principles, theories and concepts will be introduced to inform your understanding of the multiple perspectives that can be used to understand and evaluate real life situations. For example;How does learning and memory influence our everyday lives? What influences child development? Why do people behave differently in groups? What influences our attitudes?Why do people encounter prejudice? What is intelligence?

Module code: PSYC40641

Perspectives In Psychology

A range of different psychological approaches (for instance, social, biological, evolutionary, developmental, cognitive) will be explored, in order to promote debate about how psychological topics are researched and understood. In this way the module will develop your ability to compare and contrast models of human behaviour which may complement or conflict with one another.A series of `real world' issues (eg. alcoholism) will be addressed in lecture and seminar sessions. Research will be presented and discussed which uses different psychological approaches to explore these issues. You will further explore the application of various psychological approaches to contemporary real world issues in a series of group enquiry based learning tasks and mini-presentations which will contribute to one of the assessments. Personal tutorial sessions are integrated into the workshops, and will develop skills based learning in areas such as group working, critical thinking, presentation skills, information search skills etc.

Module code: PSYC40642

Introduction To Research Methods In Psychology

This module aims to provide you with an introduction to, and development of, a variety of research methods commonly used in the investigation of psychological phenomena. The qualitative focus will introduce methods such as interviewing, designing interview studies, coding of interview data, and thematic analyses, including content and discourse analysis and their appropriate use. Quantitative approaches will focus on the nature of descriptive statistics and significance testing which will be developed through looking at both differential and correlational designs and analysis through appropriate inferential statistical methods, based on parametric and non-parametric data. The importance of effect size and power will also be emphasised. There will be discussions surrounding the associated ethical considerations of each approach. Throughout, you will focus on the application of appropriate methods (qualitative, quantitative or both) in order to address specific research questions. You will also develop their practical skills in the collection and reporting of psychological data as part of a group, and gain familiarity with statistical software. During the semester, in further applied practical sessions, you will be instructed in the use of Psychology-based resources, such as blood pressure monitors, voting/decision making software, and the Observation lab.

Module code: PSYC40643

Growing And Changing

The module will introduce aspects of development over the life-span. You will explore key developmental stages for example infancy and adolescence and will consider some of the issues that arise from current psychological research in this field. Sessions will focus on cognitive and social development in childhood, adulthood and old age. You will be introduced to appropriate methodologies in developmental psychology.

Module code: PSYC40644

Core Counselling Skills

This module offers an opportunity for you to develop core counselling skills and personal awareness. There is an introductory lecture, exploring `what is counselling?' Subsequent sessions use experiential exercises in large and small groups to explore self awareness and ethical dimensions. You will work in small groups to develop your skills and reflective practice. Some sessions will involve recording interactions within the counselling facilities.

Module code: PSYC40660

Cognitive And Biological Determinants Of Behaviour

This module will allow you to develop your knowledge about theories, debates and research findings and to develop research skills in cognitive and biological psychology.Examples of aspects of cognition that will be covered are: attention, perception, memory, thinking and reasoning, and consciousness. Examples of aspects of the biological underpinnings of behaviour that will be covered are: learning and memory, motivation, emotion, and psychiatric disorders. Historical and conceptual issues in cognitive and biological psychology will also be covered.

Module code: PSYC50672

Psychology Research Assistantship

This module provides the opportunity for you to gain experience working in research in psychology. In this module you will: - work in conjunction with a named supervisor on a suitable psychology research placement opportunity, engaging in research design, literature searching and/or data collection, as befits the research opportunity. - undertake the equivalent of a one-week full-time individual work placement

Module code: PSYC50742

Voluntary Work Experience - Applications Of Psychology

The module will enable you to gain valuable volunteer work experience as part of their university degree, and to apply psychological knowledge to their experience within the voluntary role. You will complete a voluntary work experience placement and reflect on the voluntary activity and the extent to which the experience can be illuminated through psychological knowledge and research. You will explore the role of psychology in the workplace and the contribution of psychological research towards understanding relevant work related concepts and issues such as the nature of volunteering, community, relationships, interactions in groups and teams, motivation, and authority. You will also explore the extent to which this psychological research can be applied to practice, and how that application can be related to careers and career enhancement, and the development of the Staffordshire Graduate Attributes. Alongside scheduled classes, online learning will include exercises in reflection and self-development, reflective writing and employability skills identification and enhancement.

Module code: PSYC50788

Understanding The Social World

This module brings together theory and research methods, to explore how social psychological notions and individual differences are conceptualized. The module will examine historical and conceptual issues, identifying how assumptions underpinning psychological theories shape the way research is conducted. The module will examine how concepts such as social identities, attitudes, personality or intelligence, among others, are theorized and investigated, and how their understanding is informed by context, (eg. social, historical, economic, cultural and political). The module will give you practical experience of conducting two types of research methods (e.g. psychometric assessments and thematic analysis) to investigate social psychological phenomena and individual differences.

Module code: PSYC50673

Counselling Theory, Ethics And Personal Development

This module provides you with an opportunity to explore basic theories and concepts in counselling, to consider professional and ethical issues and the opportunity to reflect on your personal development through development of self-knowledge and self-acceptance.A number of theoretical models will be explored, for example humanistic, cognitive behaviouraland psychodynamic approaches. You will begin to place counselling in a social context and will consider ethical and professional issues. Attention will be given to the applications of theories to counselling practice.The `self' will be explored in terms of others - including beliefs and prejudices and their possible impact in terms of counselling. Consideration will also be given to how individual beliefs can influence perception and behaviour. You will explore the ability to develop personal goals and will undertake a critical evaluation of self whilst challenging your own personal assumptions and attitudes.

Module code: PSYC50678

Further Research Methods In Psychology

The module will address the ethics, design, conduct, analysis, interpretation and reporting of empirical research in psychology.This will start by introducing designs which include one independent variable with at least three levels. The nature of the hypotheses which are associated with such a design will be explained. The method of conducting, interpreting and reporting the initial analysis will be explained. The types of follow-up analysis and how to analyse and report them will be covered. Designs including more than one independent variable will be explained, including how they extend the complexity of the research questions which can be dealt with. The initial analysis and necessary follow-up analysis will be covered along with the interpretation and reporting of such analysis.

Module code: PSYC50803

Psychology Of Crime

This module will explore some of the major psychological contributions towards understanding crime and criminal behaviour. Developmental, social and genetic contributions towards understanding the psychology of criminality and the individual experience of crime will be considered. Also included will be critical evaluations of the methodologies adopted by researchers in the field and the contributions of this psychological research towards understanding contemporary and key issues such as juvenile offending and violent offending.

Module code: PSYC50677

The Psychology Of Social Perception

Several key areas and effects which have been studied using experimental social psychological methods will be considered. The theories and research pertaining to these areas will be examined and evaluated. The main areas covered will be impression formation, impression management, self-perception, social norms, attribution, social influence, and intergroup perception. For example, you will be introduced to various research techniques utilised in experimental social psychology and the key theories of impression formation and attribution. You will also learn about the importance of the information we convey to others about ourselves and how we believe we are perceived by others.

Module code: PSYC50790

Psychological Interventions

The Psychological Interventions module explores with students some of the main approaches to interventions designed to help people cope with psychological difficulties. This module will build on a critical approach to research evidence which is at the forefront of knowledge in this field. You will be expected to engage in critical discussion and debate. Included in the module content are developments in:-Cognitive-behavioural therapies -Positive psychology interventions -Counselling traditions such as integrative, psychodynamic/systemic and person-centred approaches-Self help groups-Health Psychology interventionsResearch methodology particularly pertinent to psychological interventions, such as single case designs, will be reviewed.

Module code: PSYC60648

Psychology Of Oppression And Empowerment

The module will consider a number of contemporary socio-political issues at national and global level and will evaluate the contribution of psychological theories, research and practice towards addressing and influencing such issues, including those of oppression and empowerment in society. The areas/issues may vary from year to year, according to socio-political developments, but will include mental health, poverty, gender/sexuality, war, politics and law, in a variety of contexts such as the workplace, media, education, welfare, or health. The module will address issues of representation, theorisation and research in psychological applications to these areas and will evaluate the ethical and professional consequences and implications thereof, as well the impact of these challenges on professional and discipline development in psychology.

Module code: PSYC60789

Typical And Atypical Development

This module takes a life-span perspective covering a range of typical and atypical developments (e.g., physical, biological, cognitive, social, emotional, health and clinical) within the following periods of development : pre-natal, infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and older people. Each lecture will consider atypical variants to typical patterns, with exception of childhood onset disorders that will focus on the atypical. Furthermore, historical and conceptual issues relating to development will be addressed.

Module code: PSYC60684

Advanced Research Methods In Psychology

The method of reviewing literature via Meta-Analysis will be covered. An overview of multivariate designs and their analysis will be presented. A selection of multivariate analyses will be covered in greater depth: looking at the designs they are appropriate for, how to conduct them using statistical software and how to interpret and report their results.

Module code: PSYC60654

Psychology Project

This module provides you with the opportunity to conduct, under supervision, independent psychological research in one of a broad range of areas.

Module code: PSYC60685

Health Psychology

This module provides you with an overview of the core issues and debates within health psychology theory, research and application. As well as covering different models and theories of health behaviour, sessions may include topics such as long-term conditions, communication issues and applications of health psychology, for example, behaviour change and health promotion. Topics such as health across the lifespan and critical health psychology may also be included.

Module code: PSYC60792

Behavioural Medicine

This module provides an historical background of the origins of contemporary Behavioural Medicine. Key theories and concepts that address the relationships among behavioural, physiological and psychosocial processes and health and disease in humans will be explored and critically analysed. In addition, you will consider the different methodological approaches and methods used by behavioural scientists to inform behavioural medicine. Further, you will also review the emotional aspects of illness, human coping behavioural patterns, personality and behavioural styles and their role in health and illness. Topics will include: Social, Cultural and Psychological influences on behaviour and health; biological pathways to disease; determinants of illness and illness patterns; psychosocial interventions and stress management. These topics will be illustrated through the application and evaluation of biopsychosocial approaches to health and disease across the lifespan and you will appraise the extent to which the essence of being human lies in the interrelationships among biology, behaviour, cognition, environment, society, and culture.

Module code: PSYC60647

Neuropsychological Disorders

Neuropsychology studies the structure and function of the brain as they relate to specific psychological processes. Neuropsychology integrates many disciplines such as cognitive neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience, neurology and cognitive neuropsychiatry. The various techniques (e.g. patient studies, fMRI, MRI, PET, ERPs) used in neuropsychology will be described in relation to current research. The neuropsychological topics discussed will include disorders of: body perception (e.g. eating disorders), perception and awareness (e.g. delusional misidentification syndromes), movement (e.g. Parkinson's disease), reality (e.g. delusions and hallucinations), and memory (e.g. dementia). You will be required to attend lectures and student-led seminars to gain the theoretical and practical knowledge related to neuropsychology.

Module code: PSYC60650

Cyberpsychology

Cyberpsychology examines how we interact with others using technology, how our behaviours are influenced by technology, how technology can be developed to best suit our needs, and how our psychological states and cognition are affected by these technologies.The module will bring together psychological theory and research methods to explore contemporary issues in the field of Cyberpsychology. This module will allow you to develop your knowledge about theories, debates, and research findings in the field, and to develop research knowledge and application in the fields of cyberpsychology, cognitive, and applied psychology. Topics will include Gamification and Serious Games (Theory and applications), Virtual Reality (the psychology of VR and its applications in research), Internet (Online research, attention and distraction online). The module will also consider applied research from the core area of cognitive psychology (e.g. attention, executive functions, memory) and its relationship with cyberpsychology.Classes will bring together theory and method in the study of cyberpsychology, and illustrate various challenges in this particular field, through the practical observation and application of the theoretical and methodological concepts discussed.

Module code: PSYC60790

Children And Pictures

The module examines children's making and understanding of pictures, as well as relating the research findings to more general developmental, cognitive, clinical, aesthetic, educational and cross-cultural issues in child development. Examples:Development: The developmental pattern of children's drawings of realism and expression, and factors that explain such developments.Cognitive: The relationship between production and comprehension, understanding the dual nature of pictures, drawings as measures on internal representations, drawings as memory aids.Clinical: Can drawings be used to assess maladjustment?Aesthetic: Children's expressive drawings and their understanding of expression in drawings and art.Culture and Education: Differences in drawings and art teaching programmes across cultures.

Module code: PSYC60652

Personal And Professional Perspectives In Counselling

This module provides you with the opportunity to become more self-aware and practice counselling skills to the level required for safe use of counselling skills in voluntary settings and employment (not professional counselling). Using knowledge of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy’s Ethical Framework, the module will focus on the development of core counselling skills grounded in awareness of self and others, and will draw upon a critical evaluation of origins, theoretical underpinnings and limitations of counselling theories to facilitate this. Counselling skills practice and self-awareness are located in awareness of professional settings, client issues, ethical considerations theoretical traditions and research evidence. The module focuses on increasing self-awareness hand in hand with self-acceptance. The emphasis is on personal learning within the group and focuses on increasing ability to process and enhance development of self.

Module code: PSYC60744

Psychology Placement Year

Module code: PSYCP0001

Voluntary Work Experience: Solving Organisational Problems

This module provides the opportunity for students to gain experience working in a voluntary role, and to apply psychological research and knowledge to problem solving within that experience.You will work in conjunction with a named academic supervisor to identify an issue or problem experienced during the voluntary work which is amenable to psychological analysis. Issues can range from those directly affecting you (eg. Working in teams, communication problems, motivation issues) through to those directly affecting an organisation (eg. Organisational culture, management systems, volunteer recruitment issues). Once the issue has been agreed with the academic supervisor, you will independently (under supervision) identify and review the appropriate psychological literature which will enable analysis of that issue. Again, working with the supervisor, you will then work towards identifying a set of solutions or recommendations for that issue to be addressed.

Module code: PSYC60791