Psychology with Counselling BSc (Hons)

This module is your introduction to social psychology. You will examine classic studies and theoretical models. We will introduce you to different research methods used in social psychology. As you learn about these methods, you will consider the ethical issues that can arise in psychological research. Topics you may look at include:

• Social influence
• Behaviours in groups
• Prejudice
• Bystander intervention
• Aggression

This module is your introduction to cognitive psychology. You will study its historical development and learn about the core theoretical models of the subject. We will look at the different research methods used in cognitive psychology including:

• Perception
• Attention
• Memory
• Language

On this module you will learn about biological psychology. You will start by exploring the historical development of the subject. You will then study the key concepts in structural and functional neuroanatomy, the study of the nervous system, and biological systems. We will also introduce you to the different research methods used in biological psychology.

On this module you will learn about experimental research design, including relevant methodological and ethical issues. You will also begin to develop practical research skills that will help you throughout your degree. This includes experiment programming and statistical analysis of quantitative data. In lab workshops you will be supported to run your own experiment and act as a participant in others.

On this module you will learn about the psychological research currently taking place at York St John University. Our staff will tell you about their research programmes, along with the philosophical assumptions and historical contexts underpinning that research. Current research topics may include:

• The cognitive neuroscience of language and memory
• Evolutionary psychology and aggression
• Neurodiversity and social interaction
• Children's cognitive development and educational psychology

This module is your introduction to developmental psychology. You will explore the history of the subdiscipline and its links to other areas of Psychology. We will look at the classic theories that aim to explain human development and the research methods that are used to study psychological change through childhood. You will also explore research methods that are used in study of developmental psychology and consider the ethics in the field.

This module is your introduction to the psychology of individual differences. You will learn about human variation through a focus on psychological concepts, including:

• Personality
• Intelligence
• Neurodiversity
• Mental health

You will explore alternative theoretical perspectives on individual differences as well as the research methods used in this field.

On this module you will continue your training in psychological research methods, developing the skills you need to undertake survey research. You will explore methodological and ethical issues relevant to conducting non experimental quantitative research. In lab workshops, you will further develop your statistical analysis skills and practise questionnaire and observational research design.

This module gives you practical experience of participating in ethically approved psychological research projects. You can choose to take part in lab-based and online studies run by final year dissertation students, postgraduate students and academic staff. This helps you gain an understanding of the processes involved in good research practice. If you choose not to participate in these research studies, you can provide an online research skills portfolio instead.

This module builds on your learning in Exploring Social Psychology. You will study advanced topics in social psychology, focusing on contemporary theory and research in the field. Topics you will explore include:

• Attitudes
• Social influence
• Interpersonal and romantic relationships
• Prejudice
• Social constructionism

Expand your knowledge of developmental psychology. On this module you will study contemporary research and theoretical perspectives on the psychological processes which take place from birth to 12 years. You will focus on aspects of children's development including:

• Language and cognition
• Gender and identity
• Socio-emotional skills
• Family, social and cultural contexts

Qualitative research allows you to collect and analyse non numerical data, such as interviews or texts, to gain in depth insights into a problem. On this module you will learn about theoretical perspectives underpinning qualitative research in Psychology, with a focus on thematic analysis and discourse analysis. In lab workshops, you will practise a range of qualitative research techniques and conduct a small-scale qualitative interview study in groups. You will consider ethical issues in qualitative research in Psychology and learn to write up your findings.

This module will take your understanding of individual differences to the next level. You will be introduced to psychometric theory and techniques, including the measurement of personality traits, attitudes and abilities. You will explore how assessment and measurement varies across general and diverse populations. Using the statistical skills developed through your degree, you will conduct and write up a psychometric analysis.

On this module you will explore advanced contemporary research on the biological bases of behaviour. You will study:

• Sleep and biological rhythms
• Comparative psychology and animal models
• Higher cognitive functions
• Addiction

Advance your understanding of cognitive psychology. You will investigate contemporary theory and research in the field. In lab workshops you will work in a group with a member of academic staff to design and conduct a cognitive experiment. Topics for your experimental project can include:

• Object perception
• Word reading
• Memory processes
• Cognitive interference

This module further develops your psychological research skills. You will learn a range of advanced quantitative research designs and statistical data analysis techniques, gaining practical experience in lab workshops. You will also be introduced to the open science movement and produce a pre-registered research proposal.

Develop practical, transferable skills while you study. This module gives you the opportunity to conduct 75 hours of paid or voluntary work. You will be supported to arrange this work experience by your tutors and our placements team. You could also choose to participate in ethically approved psychological research projects run by students and members of staff. This will help to develop your understanding of good research practices.

This module is your opportunity to conduct an independent research project on a psychological topic of your choice. You will start by reviewing relevant literature to generate research questions and hypotheses. Working closely with a member of academic staff you will design a study to address your research questions, obtain ethical approval for your study, and collect and analyse your data. Your final research paper will report the findings of your study.

This module is your introduction to Counselling Psychology. Explore the history of counselling psychology and the philosophical ideas that underpin it. You will take the knowledge you have gained in your study so far and apply it to the specialist field of counselling psychology practice. We will cover the main approaches in counselling, the psychoanalytic and the psychodynamic. You will also study the concepts of mental health and diagnosis.

On this module you will begin to learn the foundational skills needed for careers in counselling and psychotherapy professions. Through weekly interactive workshops you will experience what it is like to be a client. You will practise core skills including:

• Active listening
• Advanced empathy
• Paraphrasing and summarising
• Using open questions

On this module, you will explore contemporary issues in Counselling Psychology. This may include telehealth, evidence-based practice and working within multi-disciplinary teams. You will also focus on cognitive behavioural therapy and third wave approaches to counselling practice.

This module builds on the skills you developed in Counselling Skills and Process 1. In weekly interactive workshops you will focus on skills relevant to cognitive behavioural therapies. These may include:

• Defining the problem
• Goal setting
• Exploring core beliefs
• Socratic questioning
• Motivational interviewing