Psychological Research and Skills introduces you to the core methods and academic skills that underpin successful study in psychology. The module explores both quantitative and qualitative research approaches, examining how studies are designed, conducted and interpreted, alongside key ethical considerations. You will develop an understanding of how psychological knowledge is generated and evaluated, building confidence in engaging with research literature. Alongside this, the module supports the development of essential academic skills, including critical thinking, academic writing, referencing and independent learning. By integrating research training with study skills, you gain essential research and analytical skills to progress confidently through the degree.

Psychological Approaches introduces you to the core perspectives that underpin the study of mind and behaviour. Bringing together biological, cognitive, social and developmental approaches, the module provides a holistic foundation for understanding how psychologists explain human thought and action. You will explore the key theories, concepts and research associated with each perspective, as well as their historical development and ongoing influence within the discipline. The module also highlights the diversity of psychological approaches, encouraging students to consider how different perspectives offer complementary or competing explanations. By engaging with both classic and contemporary research, you will develop the ability to evaluate evidence critically providing essential knowledge for further study in psychology.

Introduction to Criminology offers you a comprehensive introduction to crime, criminal behaviour, and the social responses that shape justice systems. The module examines key theoretical perspectives, including classical, psychological, and sociological approaches, alongside contemporary ideas on environment, opportunity, and social control. You will explore how crime is defined, measured, and represented, developing critical awareness of the social, cultural, and political factors that influence both research and public perception. Practical elements, including digital crime mapping and analysis of publicly available data, enable you to apply theory to real-world contexts while developing essential skills in evidence-based reasoning, critical thinking, and digital literacy. By the end of the module, you will be prepared to engage confidently with criminological theory and research at higher levels.

Media and Crime explores the complex relationship between crime, criminal justice, and the media in contemporary society. The module examines how crime is constructed and represented across traditional news outlets, digital platforms, and entertainment genres, and how these narratives shape public perceptions, influence policy, and contribute to societal understandings of deviance and justice. You engage with key criminological theories, including moral panic, labelling, cultivation, and framing, alongside critical perspectives such as feminist, Marxist, postmodern, and cultural criminology. The module also considers the role of race, gender, and class in media portrayals, digital media influences, and ethical issues such as sensationalism. Through critical analysis, you develop media literacy and the ability to evaluate the wider social and policy implications of crime representations.

Well-being and Human Flourishing introduces you to the study of health and positive psychology, exploring the factors that contribute to everyday wellness, happiness, and human potential. The module examines key theories, historical developments, and research methods that explain how behaviours, choices, and social environments influence quality of life. You will consider practical applications for maintaining physical, psychological, social, and emotional well-being, including healthy lifestyle habits, stress management, and relationship dynamics. Through reflection and experiential activities, the module encourages you to apply psychological knowledge to your own lives and appreciate the interaction between individual behaviours, personal environment, and social influences. By the end of the module, you will have developed understanding of core principles for understanding the science of flourishing and the promotion of lifelong wellness.

Research Participation gives you first-hand experience of psychological research by actively engaging in ongoing studies. The module allows you to observe how research is designed, conducted, and analysed, while considering key ethical principles such as informed consent and confidentiality. By taking part in a variety of studies, you develop practical skills in research methodology, data collection, and digital literacy. The experiential nature of the module also encourages critical reflection on research processes, fostering an understanding of how empirical evidence informs psychological theory and practice. Participation supports the development of self-organisation, collaborative working, and professional communication, while providing insights that can guide the design and focus of your own future research projects.

This module applies the principles of biological and cognitive psychology to quantitative research, building on your prior study of psychological approaches and research methods. You will explore key theories, concepts, and contemporary debates in areas such as memory, perception, emotion, language, and decision-making, while developing practical skills in experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis. Emphasis is placed on ethical research practice, reliability and validity, and the interpretation of findings using statistical software. By integrating theoretical knowledge with applied quantitative methods, you gain the skills to design, conduct, and report quantitative studies, critically evaluate methods and findings, and communicate results in line with professional scientific standards.

This module applies social and developmental psychology to qualitative research, building on your prior study of psychological approaches and research methods. You will explore key theories, concepts, and contemporary debates in areas such as social influence, stereotyping, aggression, life-span development, and developmental social psychology. Emphasis is placed on qualitative research methods, including interviews, focus groups, visual data, and social media analysis, alongside ethical and reflexive considerations. You gain practical experience using analytical software to interpret data, and develop skills in designing, conducting, and reporting research. By integrating theory with applied qualitative methods, the module equips you to critically evaluate evidence, communicate findings effectively, and undertake rigorous research in social and developmental psychology. 

Social Theory introduces you to the historical development and contemporary relevance of key social theorists and theoretical traditions. The module examines classical thinkers such as Marx, Weber, Durkheim, Simmel, and Du Bois, alongside influential mid-20th-century and contemporary theorists including Goffman, Foucault, Butler, Bourdieu, and Bauman. You explore the conceptual foundations of social theory, its evolution across different intellectual traditions, and its application to contemporary social, cultural, and political issues. Emphasis is placed on critically evaluating competing perspectives, engaging with complex debates, and developing the ability to apply theoretical insights to analyse modern social life. The module fosters independent thought, analytical rigour, and the capacity to interrogate social phenomena through the lens of social theory.

Medical Sociology explores the social, cultural, political, and economic factors that shape health, illness, and medicine. The module examines how biomedical approaches dominate understandings of the body and disease, and considers alternative perspectives, including public health, epidemiology, and social determinants of health. You engage with key sociological theories and concepts, critically evaluating the role of institutions, health policy, and patient experience in shaping healthcare and outcomes. The module also addresses contemporary issues such as medicalization, digital medicine, health inequalities, and the influence of media and narratives on perceptions of health. By integrating theory with real-world contexts, you develop the skills to analyse and critically reflect on patterns of health and illness across historical, national, and global perspectives.

Research Participation gives you first-hand experience of psychological research by actively engaging in ongoing studies. The module allows you to observe how research is designed, conducted, and analysed, while considering key ethical principles such as informed consent and confidentiality. By taking part in a variety of studies, you develop practical skills in research methodology, data collection, and digital literacy. The experiential nature of the module also encourages critical reflection on research processes, fostering an understanding of how empirical evidence informs psychological theory and practice. Participation supports the development of self-organisation, collaborative working, and professional communication, while providing insights that can guide the design and focus of your own future research projects.

Psychology Project enables you to plan, conduct, and report an independent empirical research project, integrating the skills and knowledge gained from previous modules. The module develops advanced competence in research design, methodology, data analysis, and ethical practice, while fostering autonomy, project management, and critical reflection. You communicate your findings through a structured research report and a poster presentation, building professional and transferable skills in scientific communication. By undertaking a substantial project, you enhance your ability to formulate research questions, synthesise literature, select appropriate methods, analyse data rigorously, and evaluate findings in the context of theory and practice, preparing them for postgraduate study and research-focused careers.

Pathways to Psychopathology introduces you to the theories, research, and assessment methods used to understand and classify human characteristics and behaviour. The module critically examines the distinction between “normal” and “abnormal” traits, exploring historical and contemporary perspectives on the origins of psychopathology, individual differences, and the effectiveness of specific interventions. You engage with psychometric testing, theoretical paradigms, and research evidence to evaluate how human behaviour is conceptualised, measured, and applied in real-world contexts. Through critical reflection, you develop the ability to analyse and interpret theoretical and empirical developments, considering the ethical, scientific, and practical implications for individuals and society.

Gender and Sexuality explores the social and political construction of gendered and sexual identities across historical, cultural, and global contexts. The module critically examines key theoretical frameworks, including feminist, queer, intersectional, postcolonial, and decolonial perspectives, to understand how institutions, policies, and cultural representations produce, regulate, and resist gendered and sexual norms. You analyse lived experiences, inequalities, and activism across diverse social positions and life stages, while engaging with empirical research and contemporary case studies. The module develops your analytical, research, and communication skills, enabling evidence-based evaluation of academic and real-world issues relating to gender and sexuality.

Globalisation explores the social, economic, political, and cultural processes that shape the contemporary globalised world. The module critically examines competing definitions, theories, and perspectives on globalisation, considering historical developments and contemporary debates about its benefits, challenges, and possible reversal. You engage with multidimensional analyses of economic, political, social, and cultural globalisation, using empirical evidence to evaluate patterns of trade, governance, migration, identity, and cultural exchange. The module develops critical, analytical, and evaluative skills, enabling you to assess the significance and impact of globalisation on individuals, societies, and institutions in a nuanced and evidence-based manner.

Technology and Artificial Intelligence explores the transformative role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in contemporary society. The module examines how AI and other technologies reshape social structures, human agency, and everyday life, while critically engaging with embedded values, biases, and power dynamics. You explore a range of theoretical perspectives, including technological determinism, social constructionism, actor-network theory, and critical AI studies, alongside practical ethical digital literacy. Through hands-on experience with AI tools, you develop the skills to responsibly engage with emerging technologies as citizens, researchers, and professionals.

Environment explores the political, sociological, and applied dimensions of environmental change, with particular focus on climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainability. You will critically examine how different political ideologies and sociological perspectives shape understandings of the environment, and will explore applied approaches to responding to environmental challenges, including activism, policy interventions, and corporate social responsibility. Emphasis is placed on developing professional and graduate-ready skills, including environmental communication, strategy development, and public engagement. Through case studies, you will analyse the social, economic, and ethical implications of environmental issues, and consider how individuals, communities, and organisations can act to address these challenges. The module equips you to engage critically and effectively with contemporary environmental issues in both academic and practical contexts.

International Law and Human Rights explores the principles, sources, and structures of international law, with a particular focus on international human rights. You will critically examine the roles of states, international organisations, and legal actors, including the United Nations and international courts and tribunals, in governing global relations and protecting human rights. The module considers key human rights treaties, enforcement mechanisms, and accountability frameworks, enabling you to analyse how legal principles are applied in practice. Through case studies and critical discussion, you will evaluate the effectiveness of international law in promoting justice, safeguarding human rights, and addressing global challenges. The module develops analytical, research, and applied skills necessary to engage with international legal and human rights issues in both academic and professional contexts.

Work Placement provides you with practical work experience and structured career development, integrating placement opportunities with guided reflection and professional skills development. You engage with organisations in commercial or community sectors, observing and participating in workplace practices to understand organisational structures, functions, and social responsibilities. The module emphasises digital fluency, professional communication, and employability skills, including CV and LinkedIn development, interview preparation, and mock interviews. Through reflective practice and career planning, you critically evaluate your strengths, values, and areas for development, connecting experiential learning with personal and professional goals. By combining practical experience, critical reflection, and career-focused skills, the module equips you with the knowledge, adaptability, and professional awareness necessary for lifelong employability and successful progression in contemporary work environments.

Drugs and Society explores the social, political, and philosophical dimensions of drug use and policy, critically examining how drugs are constructed, governed, and debated in contemporary society. You analyse national and international drug strategies, considering the tensions between criminal justice, public health, and education responses, and the implications of policy for individuals, communities, and social control systems. The module encourages critical engagement with key debates, including harm reduction, criminalisation, legalisation, and social inequalities shaped by class, race, and gender. Through application of theoretical perspectives and policy analysis, you develop skills in critical thinking, communication, and applied evaluation. By situating drug issues within wider societal and interdisciplinary contexts, the module equips you to assess the coherence, consequences, and ethical dimensions of drug policy and practice.

Psychological Research and Skills introduces you to the core methods and academic skills that underpin successful study in psychology. The module explores both quantitative and qualitative research approaches, examining how studies are designed, conducted and interpreted, alongside key ethical considerations. You will develop an understanding of how psychological knowledge is generated and evaluated, building confidence in engaging with research literature. Alongside this, the module supports the development of essential academic skills, including critical thinking, academic writing, referencing and independent learning. By integrating research training with study skills, you gain essential research and analytical skills to progress confidently through the degree.

Psychological Approaches introduces you to the core perspectives that underpin the study of mind and behaviour. Bringing together biological, cognitive, social and developmental approaches, the module provides a holistic foundation for understanding how psychologists explain human thought and action. You will explore the key theories, concepts and research associated with each perspective, as well as their historical development and ongoing influence within the discipline. The module also highlights the diversity of psychological approaches, encouraging students to consider how different perspectives offer complementary or competing explanations. By engaging with both classic and contemporary research, you will develop the ability to evaluate evidence critically providing essential knowledge for further study in psychology.

Introduction to Criminology offers you a comprehensive introduction to crime, criminal behaviour, and the social responses that shape justice systems. The module examines key theoretical perspectives, including classical, psychological, and sociological approaches, alongside contemporary ideas on environment, opportunity, and social control. You will explore how crime is defined, measured, and represented, developing critical awareness of the social, cultural, and political factors that influence both research and public perception. Practical elements, including digital crime mapping and analysis of publicly available data, enable you to apply theory to real-world contexts while developing essential skills in evidence-based reasoning, critical thinking, and digital literacy. By the end of the module, you will be prepared to engage confidently with criminological theory and research at higher levels.

This module applies the principles of biological and cognitive psychology to quantitative research, building on your prior study of psychological approaches and research methods. You will explore key theories, concepts, and contemporary debates in areas such as memory, perception, emotion, language, and decision-making, while developing practical skills in experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis. Emphasis is placed on ethical research practice, reliability and validity, and the interpretation of findings using statistical software. By integrating theoretical knowledge with applied quantitative methods, you gain the skills to design, conduct, and report quantitative studies, critically evaluate methods and findings, and communicate results in line with professional scientific standards.

This module applies social and developmental psychology to qualitative research, building on your prior study of psychological approaches and research methods. You will explore key theories, concepts, and contemporary debates in areas such as social influence, stereotyping, aggression, life-span development, and developmental social psychology. Emphasis is placed on qualitative research methods, including interviews, focus groups, visual data, and social media analysis, alongside ethical and reflexive considerations. You gain practical experience using analytical software to interpret data, and develop skills in designing, conducting, and reporting research. By integrating theory with applied qualitative methods, the module equips you to critically evaluate evidence, communicate findings effectively, and undertake rigorous research in social and developmental psychology. 

Social Theory introduces you to the historical development and contemporary relevance of key social theorists and theoretical traditions. The module examines classical thinkers such as Marx, Weber, Durkheim, Simmel, and Du Bois, alongside influential mid-20th-century and contemporary theorists including Goffman, Foucault, Butler, Bourdieu, and Bauman. You explore the conceptual foundations of social theory, its evolution across different intellectual traditions, and its application to contemporary social, cultural, and political issues. Emphasis is placed on critically evaluating competing perspectives, engaging with complex debates, and developing the ability to apply theoretical insights to analyse modern social life. The module fosters independent thought, analytical rigour, and the capacity to interrogate social phenomena through the lens of social theory.

Medical Sociology explores the social, cultural, political, and economic factors that shape health, illness, and medicine. The module examines how biomedical approaches dominate understandings of the body and disease, and considers alternative perspectives, including public health, epidemiology, and social determinants of health. You engage with key sociological theories and concepts, critically evaluating the role of institutions, health policy, and patient experience in shaping healthcare and outcomes. The module also addresses contemporary issues such as medicalization, digital medicine, health inequalities, and the influence of media and narratives on perceptions of health. By integrating theory with real-world contexts, you develop the skills to analyse and critically reflect on patterns of health and illness across historical, national, and global perspectives.

Research Participation gives you first-hand experience of psychological research by actively engaging in ongoing studies. The module allows you to observe how research is designed, conducted, and analysed, while considering key ethical principles such as informed consent and confidentiality. By taking part in a variety of studies, you develop practical skills in research methodology, data collection, and digital literacy. The experiential nature of the module also encourages critical reflection on research processes, fostering an understanding of how empirical evidence informs psychological theory and practice. Participation supports the development of self-organisation, collaborative working, and professional communication, while providing insights that can guide the design and focus of your own future research projects.

Psychology Project enables you to plan, conduct, and report an independent empirical research project, integrating the skills and knowledge gained from previous modules. The module develops advanced competence in research design, methodology, data analysis, and ethical practice, while fostering autonomy, project management, and critical reflection. You communicate your findings through a structured research report and a poster presentation, building professional and transferable skills in scientific communication. By undertaking a substantial project, you enhance your ability to formulate research questions, synthesise literature, select appropriate methods, analyse data rigorously, and evaluate findings in the context of theory and practice, preparing them for postgraduate study and research-focused careers.

Pathways to Psychopathology introduces you to the theories, research, and assessment methods used to understand and classify human characteristics and behaviour. The module critically examines the distinction between “normal” and “abnormal” traits, exploring historical and contemporary perspectives on the origins of psychopathology, individual differences, and the effectiveness of specific interventions. You engage with psychometric testing, theoretical paradigms, and research evidence to evaluate how human behaviour is conceptualised, measured, and applied in real-world contexts. Through critical reflection, you develop the ability to analyse and interpret theoretical and empirical developments, considering the ethical, scientific, and practical implications for individuals and society.

Gender and Sexuality explores the social and political construction of gendered and sexual identities across historical, cultural, and global contexts. The module critically examines key theoretical frameworks, including feminist, queer, intersectional, postcolonial, and decolonial perspectives, to understand how institutions, policies, and cultural representations produce, regulate, and resist gendered and sexual norms. You analyse lived experiences, inequalities, and activism across diverse social positions and life stages, while engaging with empirical research and contemporary case studies. The module develops your analytical, research, and communication skills, enabling evidence-based evaluation of academic and real-world issues relating to gender and sexuality.

Globalisation explores the social, economic, political, and cultural processes that shape the contemporary globalised world. The module critically examines competing definitions, theories, and perspectives on globalisation, considering historical developments and contemporary debates about its benefits, challenges, and possible reversal. You engage with multidimensional analyses of economic, political, social, and cultural globalisation, using empirical evidence to evaluate patterns of trade, governance, migration, identity, and cultural exchange. The module develops critical, analytical, and evaluative skills, enabling you to assess the significance and impact of globalisation on individuals, societies, and institutions in a nuanced and evidence-based manner.

Technology and Artificial Intelligence explores the transformative role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in contemporary society. The module examines how AI and other technologies reshape social structures, human agency, and everyday life, while critically engaging with embedded values, biases, and power dynamics. You explore a range of theoretical perspectives, including technological determinism, social constructionism, actor-network theory, and critical AI studies, alongside practical ethical digital literacy. Through hands-on experience with AI tools, you develop the skills to responsibly engage with emerging technologies as citizens, researchers, and professionals.

Environment explores the political, sociological, and applied dimensions of environmental change, with particular focus on climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainability. You will critically examine how different political ideologies and sociological perspectives shape understandings of the environment, and will explore applied approaches to responding to environmental challenges, including activism, policy interventions, and corporate social responsibility. Emphasis is placed on developing professional and graduate-ready skills, including environmental communication, strategy development, and public engagement. Through case studies, you will analyse the social, economic, and ethical implications of environmental issues, and consider how individuals, communities, and organisations can act to address these challenges. The module equips you to engage critically and effectively with contemporary environmental issues in both academic and practical contexts.

International Law and Human Rights explores the principles, sources, and structures of international law, with a particular focus on international human rights. You will critically examine the roles of states, international organisations, and legal actors, including the United Nations and international courts and tribunals, in governing global relations and protecting human rights. The module considers key human rights treaties, enforcement mechanisms, and accountability frameworks, enabling you to analyse how legal principles are applied in practice. Through case studies and critical discussion, you will evaluate the effectiveness of international law in promoting justice, safeguarding human rights, and addressing global challenges. The module develops analytical, research, and applied skills necessary to engage with international legal and human rights issues in both academic and professional contexts.

Work Placement provides you with practical work experience and structured career development, integrating placement opportunities with guided reflection and professional skills development. You engage with organisations in commercial or community sectors, observing and participating in workplace practices to understand organisational structures, functions, and social responsibilities. The module emphasises digital fluency, professional communication, and employability skills, including CV and LinkedIn development, interview preparation, and mock interviews. Through reflective practice and career planning, you critically evaluate your strengths, values, and areas for development, connecting experiential learning with personal and professional goals. By combining practical experience, critical reflection, and career-focused skills, the module equips you with the knowledge, adaptability, and professional awareness necessary for lifelong employability and successful progression in contemporary work environments.

Drugs and Society explores the social, political, and philosophical dimensions of drug use and policy, critically examining how drugs are constructed, governed, and debated in contemporary society. You analyse national and international drug strategies, considering the tensions between criminal justice, public health, and education responses, and the implications of policy for individuals, communities, and social control systems. The module encourages critical engagement with key debates, including harm reduction, criminalisation, legalisation, and social inequalities shaped by class, race, and gender. Through application of theoretical perspectives and policy analysis, you develop skills in critical thinking, communication, and applied evaluation. By situating drug issues within wider societal and interdisciplinary contexts, the module equips you to assess the coherence, consequences, and ethical dimensions of drug policy and practice.