Understanding mental health is key to working across a range of settings both within and outside of healthcare environments. Across this course, you can learn about diagnosing mental health disorders, examine factors influencing mental health and wellbeing across the lifespan, and understand vulnerability and resilience in the context of psychological and cognitive process. The course also explores approaches to treatment, looking at therapy and counselling skills and exploring the theory behind these
This degree aligns closely with the Psychology BSc (Hons) degree. The specialist elements of the programme are taught by a mix of experienced practitioners, researchers, and guest speakers from a variety of backgrounds such as working with those who have complex mental health needs. Areas of expertise within the teaching staff on the course, include psychobiological mechanism of mental health vulnerability, mindfulness in children, and models of wellbeing. There is also expertise in areas such as sleep, gambling, and eating disorders across the wider School of Psychology. These are offered as electives in the third year to enable further specialisation to complement the core mental health programme.
Understanding mental health is key to working across a range of settings both within and outside of healthcare environments. Across this course, you can learn about diagnosing mental health disorders, examine factors influencing mental health and wellbeing across the lifespan, and understand vulnerability and resilience in the context of psychological and cognitive process. The course also explores approaches to treatment, looking at therapy and counselling skills and exploring the theory behind these
This degree aligns closely with the Psychology BSc (Hons) degree. The specialist elements of the programme are taught by a mix of experienced practitioners, researchers, and guest speakers from a variety of backgrounds such as working with those who have complex mental health needs. Areas of expertise within the teaching staff on the course, include psychobiological mechanism of mental health vulnerability, mindfulness in children, and models of wellbeing. There is also expertise in areas such as sleep, gambling, and eating disorders across the wider School of Psychology. These are offered as electives in the third year to enable further specialisation to complement the core mental health programme.
Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)
Conduct research alongside our expert academic team
A range of optional modules
Specialist facilities including sleep, EEG, and psychophysiology labs
International study and work experience options
Depending on the level and topic of content, teaching takes place across lectures, seminars, and workshops. Most modules involve two hours a week timetabled teaching time, and you'll be expected to actively contribute to small group sessions and to undertake independent study. Course materials are posted to an online virtual learning environment to supplement face to face teaching and to support onsite and remote study.
There are dedicated Psychology Labs for student projects as well as the research labs that you may use as part of your final year research project.
Depending on the level and topic of content, teaching takes place across lectures, seminars, and workshops. Most modules involve two hours a week timetabled teaching time, and you'll be expected to actively contribute to small group sessions and to undertake independent study. Course materials are posted to an online virtual learning environment to supplement face to face teaching and to support onsite and remote study.
There are dedicated Psychology Labs for student projects as well as the research labs that you may use as part of your final year research project.
This module aims to introduce students to a wide range of topics outlining the structure and functions of the brain and nervous system, and the relationship between these brain structures and the behaviours, both covert and overt, resulting from them. The module serves as the foundation for the second year core module in cognition, and a number of elective modules expand on ideas introduced here.
This module considers the history of psychology, critical psychology, the criteria that we can use to determine whether theories in psychology are scientific or not, and the interaction between psychology and society.
This module provides an introduction to three major areas of psychological theory and research, Developmental, Social and Individual psychology. The topics are covered in Semesters A and B respectively and grouped thematically. Content across all topics is embedded in the context of major, relevant general, developmental, social and individual differences theories.
This module provides an introduction to mental health disorders with regard to their historical context, classification and aetiology. Based on established theoretical and research context, this course will critically examine a range of approaches to understanding the nature of mental health problems through the use of primary research sources, in order to broaden the students understanding regarding the complexity of this topic and current debate issues in the field.
The specific objectives of the modules are:
- Demonstrate an awareness of the historical development of the concept of abnormality and mental health disorder.
- Be familiar with some of the more prevalent psychological disorders, such as anxiety and mood related disorders and demonstrate an understanding of the stigmatising impact mental health diagnoses can have.
- Have an understanding of the current criteria necessary for a diagnosis of the major psychiatric disorders covered in this module and knowledge of the main diagnostic systems used in health and research settings.
- Describe the role that individual differences and contextual factors can play in mental health and disorder.
This module introduces students to some of the basic concepts underlying the qualitative and quantitative treatment of research data. The module aims to provide the foundations for research in psychology that students will be able to build on during their degree and beyond.
This module aims to build on the foundations of research methods and statistics from Research Skills I and works to prepare students for more independent and advanced study in Research Skills III and IV. The module provides an introduction to, and experience of, survey and qualitative methods in Psychology, covering study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation and reporting. Students are introduced to the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of non-experimental research and have the opportunity to consider practical applications.
This module aims to provide an in depth evaluation of mental health and disorder with regard the role of biological processes. Based on established theoretical and research context, this course will critically examine a range of biological theories regarding the nature of some of the most common and prevalent mental health problems such as schizophrenia and evaluate the role of the stress response in mental health more widely. This module will broaden the students understanding regarding the complexity of this topic and current debate issues in the field.
The specific objectives of this module are to:
Critically evaluate some of the main theories regarding biological psychopathology at the genetic, neurochemical and neuroanatomical level.
Apply an understanding of the role of physiological processes such as the stress response system and the immune system in the context of mental health and disorder.
Show detailed understanding of some of the mechanisms by which drug treatments used to treat disorders covered in this module are thought to work at the level of synapse.
Apply principles of drug design and clinical research to the evaluation of drug treatment efficacy in the treatment of specific mental health disorders.
Show a critical understanding of the role that individual differences and contextual factors can play on biological processes considered important to mental health and disorder.
The module extends the investigations of cognition that began in the first year. Areas critical to our understanding of cognition are considered in more depth, with consideration of both classic and current research into cognitive processes from both a cognitive and cognitive neuroscience approach.
This module aims to examine the concepts, theories, research methods and influencing factors in child development relevant to the period from birth to pre-adolescence.
The module aims to provide an introduction into psychological assessments using psychometrics, including questionnaires and scales. Based on the established theoretical and research context, this module will consider a range of assessment tools used in psychology to assess an individual’s behaviour or behavioural disposition, and provide an introduction into psychometric test development. The modules also aims to provide students with the opportunity to administer, score, and interpret psychological tests.
This module aims to build on and develop the experimental research skills that were acquired at Research Skills I. Students are introduced to a range of statistical and non-statistical topics. In parallel, a series of workshops are designed to teach the practical skills associated with experimental design and analysis, and students can also carry out a research project in small groups supervised by members of staff.
This module aims to build and develop non-experimental research skills that were acquired at Level 1 (Research Skills I&II). These will include research design, analysis and data handling. In lectures, students are introduced to a range of statistical and non-statistical topics. In parallel, a series of workshops will teach students practical skills associated with non-experimental design and analysis, and students will also carry out a research project in small groups supervised by members of staff.
This module seeks to explore 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.
This module aims to broaden the understanding of mental health to encompass psychological well-being. Based on the established theoretical and research context, this module will consider an additional range of psychological disorders in terms of their assessment, aetiology, research background, and impact on the individual’s functioning and the environment they interact in.
This optional, year-long module enables students to spend a year studying abroad at one of the University’s approved partner institutions. Eligible students must have completed their second year of study to a satisfactory standard and successfully completed the application process for the year abroad. During the year spent abroad, students share classes with local students and study on a suite of locally-delivered taught modules which have been approved in advance by the University. Upon their return, as part of the assessment for this modules, students are required to critically reflect upon their experience of living and studying in a different cultural environment and the skills acquired.
This module aims to create a valuable opportunity for students to gain important insights and improve their skills and prospects relevant to employment or further study (i.e. within psychology or related subject areas) by undertaking relevant work experience.
This module aims to develop an understanding of problem formulation used in clinical psychology with a view to undertaking a comprehensive assessment. Students can critically examine a range of psychological research and theories used in the treatment, therapy and support of people with mental health problems.
The module will cover the relevant evidence for working with different psychological interventions. It aims to develop an understanding of traditional paradigms of treatment and therapy as well as examining some more recent innovations. Students will have an opportunity to expand their knowledge of problem formulation.
This module aims to draw on aspects of cognitive and clinical neuropsychology to examine the consequences of brain dysfunction. A particular focus will be upon the interdependence of clinical and experimental neuropsychology, and it is within this context that the role of neuropsychology in research, diagnosis and patient management can be explored.
This module is designed to introduce students to counselling theories and aims to help to develop introductory communication and counselling skills. A Person-Centred approach to counselling skills will be used and an important aspect of this module will be providing students with the opportunity of development of learning through self-reflection.
Students will conduct their own research which will culminate in the production of a dissertation. This module is designed to test a student’s ability to identify an appropriate research question and to design and implement an appropriate study.
In this module you can explore addictive behaviours, substance abuse, and dependence in society and consider their prevalence and treatment strategies. Whether looking at individual disorders or commonalities across all disorders, you can understand the risk factors for addiction, examine the limitations of biological explanations for addiction, and evaluate the development of the field of psychological study of addictions.
The aim of this module is to provide a comprehensive introduction to advanced multivariate techniques. The module seeks to explore the theoretical rationale underpinning each analysis.
This module specialises in presenting the psychological scientific foundations of 'intervention science' in an organisational context. It covers the process of developing interventions to investigate and address key organisational problems.
This module aims to develop understanding of the major approaches used in contemporary coaching psychology with a view to identifying and applying appropriate coaching interventions in response to real world problems and examine critically a range of psychological research and theories used in coaching in a variety of contexts, such as education, business, sport and health. It is delivered in two sections. The first covers conceptual and ethical issues in the practice of coaching psychology, such as measuring coaching effectiveness, ethics in coaching, the neuroscience underlying coaching practice, and cross-cultural issues in coaching. The second section offers a comprehensive examination of many approaches currently operating in Coaching Psychology: Person-Centred/Humanistic Approaches, Behavioural Coaching, Cognitive-Behavioural Coaching, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Approaches, the Gestalt Approach, Narrative Approaches, and Positive Psychology Approaches.
This module provides a critical evaluation of the way the Organisational Psychology literature approaches common workplace issues.
This module aims to examine the developmental disability of Autism (and Autistic Spectrum Disorders). It aims to cover a range of approaches to understanding Autism, from diagnosis and etiology.
This module is designed to develop understanding of body image and eating disorders. This module will typically cover their aetiology, diagnosis, assessment, and treatment in diverse populations including children, men, BAME (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic)/POC (People of Colour) and LGBTQIA+. The module typically aims to give students an appreciation of the complicated and multi-determined field of body image and eating disorders; as well as the limitations of methodology both for clinical assessment and research paradigms. This module typically further aims to examine attitudes to eating, body shapes and sizes, their driving factors, and challenge the students to analyse and synthesise via exercises in seminars.
This module aims to build on the cognition of visual attention taught in year two. It aims to teach the developing understanding of the biological basis of visual attention. Features, i.e. lines, curve and areas are computed early in the visual system. This is not a passive process. Attention can be shown to influence, at a neurological level, the features that are computed. The module considers how this early processing leads to the representation of real world objects. The locus and functions of top down attentional biasing will also be examined.
This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to discuss concepts, theories and research methods in cross-cultural psychology, including analysis of psychological definitions of culture and cultural variables. Specific topics in social and developmental psychology are considered from a cross-cultural perspective, for example, cultural values, social roles and relationships, family organisation, and selected topics in child development.
This module aims to emphasise the importance of a developmental framework for understanding how children come to exhibit adaptive and maladaptive behaviour. The module will seek to address the changing nature of problems, influences and risk factors over the course of development.
This module aims to develop students' knowledge of the development, theory and applications of the Discourse approach, which is a growing field within psychology. The module aims to introduce the Discourse perspective, in which language is seen as a means for people to do social actions: from blamings and invitations, to the establishment and maintenance of social relationships.
This module explores contemporary research and understanding of the mind and brain through examining both molecular (neurotransmitter and drug function) and psychological (processes of sensation, memory, mood, consciousness) evidence.
This module aims to introduce students to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) theory and practice and help them develop introductory therapy skills. Students can learn about the evidence base for CBT for a number of presenting mental health difficulties such as depression and anxiety. The module also looks at the strengths and weaknesses of this therapeutic approach. It offers an introduction to the therapeutic process from the assessment of a person’s mental health difficulty, through to CBT formulations of the presenting problem, some initial insight into CBT interventions, and finally evaluating therapy.
Students are taught within the reflective scientist-practitioner framework, which informs undergraduate psychology degrees at the University.
The module aims to introduce some of the key areas in Forensic Psychology that occur during the pre-conviction stage of a criminal investigation. Specifically, the module will focus on the police investigation and courtroom stage of the criminal process. It will explore a variety of established theoretical work and research within these domains and consider how this knowledge can be used to inform several key areas of the criminal investigation. The module will highlight the applied importance of Psychology to significant issues in the real-world.
This module is designed to provide a broad overview of this sub-field, which can be divided into three main areas; job related issues, inter and intra psychological issues, and workplace psychology. Theories from mainstream psychology aim to form the basis for a detailed discussion of key topics in occupational psychology.
This module will introduce the background, theories, and techniques of alternative methods of studying human behaviour, and understanding patterns of action. Patterns of Action seeks to understand why humans behave as they do in a range of contexts (from health and wellbeing, to forensic and criminal). Taking a broadly Systems Theory approach, methods for studying real-world phenomena in a scientific and rigorous way will be outlined and students will have the opportunity to become experts in cutting edge techniques that can be applied to real-world scenarios, rather than laboratory-based approaches.
This module presents a broad overview of these findings and theoretical perspectives, and considers how they help us to deepen our understanding of visual art. Students critically evaluate scientific approaches to understanding art during seminar discussions, and are encouraged to find and bring relevant examples of visual art to the discussion.
This module aims to offer students the opportunity to develop a theoretical understanding of the psychodynamic/psychoanalytic movement and its clinical applications.
This is a module designed to help students to develop their knowledge of human interactions and responses to music. Students will consider the ways in which we engage with, listen to, perform, and learn about music. It will aim to provide a better understanding the role music plays in attachment, emotion regulation, social affiliation, the neurological overlap between music and language processing, and the development of humans as a species who enjoy music. Through explaining the research underlying the Psychology of Music we also aim to provide an understanding of how this field builds on and connects with other areas in psychology.
This module aims to explore the science behind the effects that drugs have on mood, sensation, thinking and behaviour. The history and actions of medications currently in use for the treatment of mental health disorders will be described along with an overview of the known actions and effects of illicit drug compounds.
This module is designed to give students the opportunity to develop a critical awareness and understanding of psychological issues typically related to the assessment, perception, communication, management and governing of risk as it affects professional practices in such areas as public health, politics, the environment, science and technology, corporate communication, and clinical/forensic psychology.
This module examines the potential benefits of sleep, focusing in particular on two areas. The role of sleep in memory and cognition will be explored in depth, followed by a wider examination of other benefits of sleep for well-being, which may include effects on mood, physical health and aspects of behaviour. Students will be introduced to the way in which sleep can benefit cognition and well-being and the experimental paradigms used to demonstrate this. The aims of the module are to consider in depth the potential role of sleep in both cognition and well-being, and develop the skills and knowledge that will enable the critique of the different approaches taken in this field leading to the ability to interpret and integrate current research findings and design original further research studies.
This module aims to build on the module, Brain Behaviour & Cognition. It applies that background knowledge to the topic of Sleep, Dreaming and Circadian Rhythms. The module aims to introduce students to the neurobiology of sleep and dreams. It also aims to integrate current understanding of key issues in sleep research such as the purpose of sleep and the role of dreams.
This module is designed to introduce the background, theories and techniques of Social cognitive neuroscience. SCN seeks to understand socioemotional phenomena in terms of interactions between the social (socioemotional cues, contexts, experiences, and behaviors), cognitive (information processing mechanisms), and neural (brain bases) levels of analysis.
This module provides an introduction to Solution Focused Coaching theories and practically trains you in basic implementation of Solution Focused Coaching skills. In addition, the module stresses the development of self-reflection, and experiential learning from practice. To this end the module describes and evaluates a range of solution focused coaching skills, and teaches the use and understanding of models of reflective practice applicable to professional coaching. The module will cover issues including contracting in solution focused coaching, the miracle question and constructing an agreed future, exception/instance finding and expansion, scaling techniques for coaching progress, concluding solution focused sessions, plus experiential and reflective learning models.
This module aims to represent advances in vision research through the research contributions made by staff delivering the module. Emphasis is placed on methodology and the results they generate and how these are used to in turn to both inform and challenge conventional theory.
Work experience is invaluable for undergraduate Psychology students as it has the potential to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world applications. This module will provide you with the opportunity to enhance your practical, graduate level employability skills and insights that are not typically developed in traditional classroom settings.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
This module aims to introduce students to a wide range of topics outlining the structure and functions of the brain and nervous system, and the relationship between these brain structures and the behaviours, both covert and overt, resulting from them. The module serves as the foundation for the second year core module in cognition, and a number of elective modules expand on ideas introduced here.
This module considers the history of psychology, critical psychology, the criteria that we can use to determine whether theories in psychology are scientific or not, and the interaction between psychology and society.
This module provides an introduction to three major areas of psychological theory and research, Developmental, Social and Individual psychology. The topics are covered in Semesters A and B respectively and grouped thematically. Content across all topics is embedded in the context of major, relevant general, developmental, social and individual differences theories.
This module provides an introduction to mental health disorders with regard to their historical context, classification and aetiology. Based on established theoretical and research context, this course will critically examine a range of approaches to understanding the nature of mental health problems through the use of primary research sources, in order to broaden the students understanding regarding the complexity of this topic and current debate issues in the field.
The specific objectives of the modules are:
- Demonstrate an awareness of the historical development of the concept of abnormality and mental health disorder.
- Be familiar with some of the more prevalent psychological disorders, such as anxiety and mood related disorders and demonstrate an understanding of the stigmatising impact mental health diagnoses can have.
- Have an understanding of the current criteria necessary for a diagnosis of the major psychiatric disorders covered in this module and knowledge of the main diagnostic systems used in health and research settings.
- Describe the role that individual differences and contextual factors can play in mental health and disorder.
This module introduces students to some of the basic concepts underlying the qualitative and quantitative treatment of research data. The module aims to provide the foundations for research in psychology that students will be able to build on during their degree and beyond.
This module aims to build on the foundations of research methods and statistics from Research Skills I and works to prepare students for more independent and advanced study in Research Skills III and IV. The module provides an introduction to, and experience of, survey and qualitative methods in Psychology, covering study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation and reporting. Students are introduced to the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of non-experimental research and have the opportunity to consider practical applications.
This module aims to provide an in depth evaluation of mental health and disorder with regard the role of biological processes. Based on established theoretical and research context, this course will critically examine a range of biological theories regarding the nature of some of the most common and prevalent mental health problems such as schizophrenia and evaluate the role of the stress response in mental health more widely. This module will broaden the students understanding regarding the complexity of this topic and current debate issues in the field.
The specific objectives of this module are to:
Critically evaluate some of the main theories regarding biological psychopathology at the genetic, neurochemical and neuroanatomical level.
Apply an understanding of the role of physiological processes such as the stress response system and the immune system in the context of mental health and disorder.
Show detailed understanding of some of the mechanisms by which drug treatments used to treat disorders covered in this module are thought to work at the level of synapse.
Apply principles of drug design and clinical research to the evaluation of drug treatment efficacy in the treatment of specific mental health disorders.
Show a critical understanding of the role that individual differences and contextual factors can play on biological processes considered important to mental health and disorder.
The module extends the investigations of cognition that began in the first year. Areas critical to our understanding of cognition are considered in more depth, with consideration of both classic and current research into cognitive processes from both a cognitive and cognitive neuroscience approach.
This module aims to examine the concepts, theories, research methods and influencing factors in child development relevant to the period from birth to pre-adolescence.
The module aims to provide an introduction into psychological assessments using psychometrics, including questionnaires and scales. Based on the established theoretical and research context, this module will consider a range of assessment tools used in psychology to assess an individual’s behaviour or behavioural disposition, and provide an introduction into psychometric test development. The modules also aims to provide students with the opportunity to administer, score, and interpret psychological tests.
This module aims to build on and develop the experimental research skills that were acquired at Research Skills I. Students are introduced to a range of statistical and non-statistical topics. In parallel, a series of workshops are designed to teach the practical skills associated with experimental design and analysis, and students can also carry out a research project in small groups supervised by members of staff.
This module aims to build and develop non-experimental research skills that were acquired at Level 1 (Research Skills I&II). These will include research design, analysis and data handling. In lectures, students are introduced to a range of statistical and non-statistical topics. In parallel, a series of workshops will teach students practical skills associated with non-experimental design and analysis, and students will also carry out a research project in small groups supervised by members of staff.
This module seeks to explore 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.
This module aims to broaden the understanding of mental health to encompass psychological well-being. Based on the established theoretical and research context, this module will consider an additional range of psychological disorders in terms of their assessment, aetiology, research background, and impact on the individual’s functioning and the environment they interact in.
This optional, year-long module enables students to spend a year studying abroad at one of the University’s approved partner institutions. Eligible students must have completed their second year of study to a satisfactory standard and successfully completed the application process for the year abroad. During the year spent abroad, students share classes with local students and study on a suite of locally-delivered taught modules which have been approved in advance by the University. Upon their return, as part of the assessment for this modules, students are required to critically reflect upon their experience of living and studying in a different cultural environment and the skills acquired.
This module aims to create a valuable opportunity for students to gain important insights and improve their skills and prospects relevant to employment or further study (i.e. within psychology or related subject areas) by undertaking relevant work experience.
This module aims to develop an understanding of problem formulation used in clinical psychology with a view to undertaking a comprehensive assessment. Students can critically examine a range of psychological research and theories used in the treatment, therapy and support of people with mental health problems.
The module will cover the relevant evidence for working with different psychological interventions. It aims to develop an understanding of traditional paradigms of treatment and therapy as well as examining some more recent innovations. Students will have an opportunity to expand their knowledge of problem formulation.
This module aims to draw on aspects of cognitive and clinical neuropsychology to examine the consequences of brain dysfunction. A particular focus will be upon the interdependence of clinical and experimental neuropsychology, and it is within this context that the role of neuropsychology in research, diagnosis and patient management can be explored.
This module is designed to introduce you to counselling theories and aims to help to develop introductory communication and counselling skills. A Person-Centred approach to counselling skills will be used and an important aspect of this module will be providing you with the opportunity of development of learning through self-reflection.
Students will conduct their own research which will culminate in the production of a dissertation. This module is designed to test a student’s ability to identify an appropriate research question and to design and implement an appropriate study.
In this module you can explore addictive behaviours, substance abuse, and dependence in society and consider their prevalence and treatment strategies. Whether looking at individual disorders or commonalities across all disorders, you can understand the risk factors for addiction, examine the limitations of biological explanations for addiction, and evaluate the development of the field of psychological study of addictions.
The aim of this module is to provide a comprehensive introduction to advanced multivariate techniques. The module seeks to explore the theoretical rationale underpinning each analysis.
This module specialises in presenting the psychological scientific foundations of 'intervention science' in an organisational context. It covers the process of developing interventions to investigate and address key organisational problems.
This module aims to develop understanding of the major approaches used in contemporary coaching psychology with a view to identifying and applying appropriate coaching interventions in response to real world problems and examine critically a range of psychological research and theories used in coaching in a variety of contexts, such as education, business, sport and health. It is delivered in two sections. The first covers conceptual and ethical issues in the practice of coaching psychology, such as measuring coaching effectiveness, ethics in coaching, the neuroscience underlying coaching practice, and cross-cultural issues in coaching. The second section offers a comprehensive examination of many approaches currently operating in Coaching Psychology: Person-Centred/Humanistic Approaches, Behavioural Coaching, Cognitive-Behavioural Coaching, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Approaches, the Gestalt Approach, Narrative Approaches, and Positive Psychology Approaches.
This module provides a critical evaluation of the way the Organisational Psychology literature approaches common workplace issues.
This module aims to examine the developmental disability of Autism (and Autistic Spectrum Disorders). It aims to cover a range of approaches to understanding Autism, from diagnosis and etiology.
This module is designed to develop understanding of body image and eating disorders. This module will typically cover their aetiology, diagnosis, assessment, and treatment in diverse populations including children, men, BAME (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic)/POC (People of Colour) and LGBTQIA+. The module typically aims to give students an appreciation of the complicated and multi-determined field of body image and eating disorders; as well as the limitations of methodology both for clinical assessment and research paradigms. This module typically further aims to examine attitudes to eating, body shapes and sizes, their driving factors, and challenge the students to analyse and synthesise via exercises in seminars.
This module aims to build on the cognition of visual attention taught in year two. It aims to teach the developing understanding of the biological basis of visual attention. Features, i.e. lines, curve and areas are computed early in the visual system. This is not a passive process. Attention can be shown to influence, at a neurological level, the features that are computed. The module considers how this early processing leads to the representation of real world objects. The locus and functions of top down attentional biasing will also be examined.
This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to discuss concepts, theories and research methods in cross-cultural psychology, including analysis of psychological definitions of culture and cultural variables. Specific topics in social and developmental psychology are considered from a cross-cultural perspective, for example, cultural values, social roles and relationships, family organisation, and selected topics in child development.
This module aims to emphasise the importance of a developmental framework for understanding how children come to exhibit adaptive and maladaptive behaviour. The module will seek to address the changing nature of problems, influences and risk factors over the course of development.
This module aims to develop students' knowledge of the development, theory and applications of the Discourse approach, which is a growing field within psychology. The module aims to introduce the Discourse perspective, in which language is seen as a means for people to do social actions: from blamings and invitations, to the establishment and maintenance of social relationships.
This module explores contemporary research and understanding of the mind and brain through examining both molecular (neurotransmitter and drug function) and psychological (processes of sensation, memory, mood, consciousness) evidence.
This module aims to introduce students to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) theory and practice and help them develop introductory therapy skills. Students can learn about the evidence base for CBT for a number of presenting mental health difficulties such as depression and anxiety. The module also looks at the strengths and weaknesses of this therapeutic approach. It offers an introduction to the therapeutic process from the assessment of a person’s mental health difficulty, through to CBT formulations of the presenting problem, some initial insight into CBT interventions, and finally evaluating therapy.
Students are taught within the reflective scientist-practitioner framework, which informs undergraduate psychology degrees at the University.
The module aims to introduce some of the key areas in Forensic Psychology that occur during the pre-conviction stage of a criminal investigation. Specifically, the module will focus on the police investigation and courtroom stage of the criminal process. It will explore a variety of established theoretical work and research within these domains and consider how this knowledge can be used to inform several key areas of the criminal investigation. The module will highlight the applied importance of Psychology to significant issues in the real-world.
This module is designed to provide a broad overview of this sub-field, which can be divided into three main areas; job related issues, inter and intra psychological issues, and workplace psychology. Theories from mainstream psychology aim to form the basis for a detailed discussion of key topics in occupational psychology.
This module will introduce the background, theories, and techniques of alternative methods of studying human behaviour, and understanding patterns of action. Patterns of Action seeks to understand why humans behave as they do in a range of contexts (from health and wellbeing, to forensic and criminal). Taking a broadly Systems Theory approach, methods for studying real-world phenomena in a scientific and rigorous way will be outlined and students will have the opportunity to become experts in cutting edge techniques that can be applied to real-world scenarios, rather than laboratory-based approaches.
This module presents a broad overview of these findings and theoretical perspectives, and considers how they help us to deepen our understanding of visual art. Students critically evaluate scientific approaches to understanding art during seminar discussions, and are encouraged to find and bring relevant examples of visual art to the discussion.
This module aims to offer students the opportunity to develop a theoretical understanding of the psychodynamic/psychoanalytic movement and its clinical applications.
This is a module designed to help students to develop their knowledge of human interactions and responses to music. Students will consider the ways in which we engage with, listen to, perform, and learn about music. It will aim to provide a better understanding the role music plays in attachment, emotion regulation, social affiliation, the neurological overlap between music and language processing, and the development of humans as a species who enjoy music. Through explaining the research underlying the Psychology of Music we also aim to provide an understanding of how this field builds on and connects with other areas in psychology.
This module aims to explore the science behind the effects that drugs have on mood, sensation, thinking and behaviour. The history and actions of medications currently in use for the treatment of mental health disorders will be described along with an overview of the known actions and effects of illicit drug compounds.
This module is designed to give students the opportunity to develop a critical awareness and understanding of psychological issues typically related to the assessment, perception, communication, management and governing of risk as it affects professional practices in such areas as public health, politics, the environment, science and technology, corporate communication, and clinical/forensic psychology.
This module examines the potential benefits of sleep, focusing in particular on two areas. The role of sleep in memory and cognition will be explored in depth, followed by a wider examination of other benefits of sleep for well-being, which may include effects on mood, physical health and aspects of behaviour. Students will be introduced to the way in which sleep can benefit cognition and well-being and the experimental paradigms used to demonstrate this. The aims of the module are to consider in depth the potential role of sleep in both cognition and well-being, and develop the skills and knowledge that will enable the critique of the different approaches taken in this field leading to the ability to interpret and integrate current research findings and design original further research studies.
This module aims to build on the module, Brain Behaviour & Cognition. It applies that background knowledge to the topic of Sleep, Dreaming and Circadian Rhythms. The module aims to introduce students to the neurobiology of sleep and dreams. It also aims to integrate current understanding of key issues in sleep research such as the purpose of sleep and the role of dreams.
This module is designed to introduce the background, theories and techniques of Social cognitive neuroscience. SCN seeks to understand socioemotional phenomena in terms of interactions between the social (socioemotional cues, contexts, experiences, and behaviors), cognitive (information processing mechanisms), and neural (brain bases) levels of analysis.
This module provides an introduction to Solution Focused Coaching theories and practically trains you in basic implementation of Solution Focused Coaching skills. In addition, the module stresses the development of self-reflection, and experiential learning from practice. To this end the module describes and evaluates a range of solution focused coaching skills, and teaches the use and understanding of models of reflective practice applicable to professional coaching. The module will cover issues including contracting in solution focused coaching, the miracle question and constructing an agreed future, exception/instance finding and expansion, scaling techniques for coaching progress, concluding solution focused sessions, plus experiential and reflective learning models.
This module aims to represent advances in vision research through the research contributions made by staff delivering the module. Emphasis is placed on methodology and the results they generate and how these are used to in turn to both inform and challenge conventional theory.
Work experience is invaluable for undergraduate Psychology students as it has the potential to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world applications. This module will provide you with the opportunity to enhance your practical, graduate level employability skills and insights that are not typically developed in traditional classroom settings.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, and contact hours.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, and contact hours.
The aims of the module assessments are to provide a measure of the development and attainment of course 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 course. The assessments at levels one and two aim to focus on the acquisition and understanding of knowledge and skills. In contrast, the level three assessments place far greater emphasis on the ability to apply, analyse, and evaluate knowledge.
The way you're assessed may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that may be used include coursework, such as written assignments, research reports, research diaries, research or clinical proposals, or dissertations; practical exams, such as oral and poster presentations, performances or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations, essay-based examinations, or in-class tests (including multiple-choice tests and short-answer questions).
The aims of the module assessments are to provide a measure of the development and attainment of course 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 course. The assessments at levels one and two aim to focus on the acquisition and understanding of knowledge and skills. In contrast, the level three assessments place far greater emphasis on the ability to apply, analyse, and evaluate knowledge.
The way you're assessed may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that may be used include coursework, such as written assignments, research reports, research diaries, research or clinical proposals, or dissertations; practical exams, such as oral and poster presentations, performances or observations; and written exams, such as formal examinations, essay-based examinations, or in-class tests (including multiple-choice tests and short-answer questions).
The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered membership (GBC) the first step towards becoming a chartered psychologist. The BPS is the main professional body representing psychology and psychologists in the UK.
You can choose to take a year out between year two and your final year of study. You'll be able to select one of the following options:
International Study
This option provides an opportunity to explore study in a new overseas culture and environment at one of the University's approved partner institutions. Choosing this option leads to (International Study) being added to your award title upon successful completion of the course. You can find out more on our Global Opportunities webpage.
A Study Abroad Tuition Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. No extra tuition fee is payable to the host university, but students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs. Travel grants and an overseas rate maintenance loan may be available for eligible students from Student Finance. The University’s Global Opportunities Team can provide further support and guidance.
Work Experience
This option offers the opportunity to enhance your personal and professional development by gaining experience in a real workplace setting, which could help develop the skills relevant to future employment or further study. Selecting this option leads to (Work Experience) being added to your award title upon successful completion of the course.
A Placement Year Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. Students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs.
New students can join groups within the school including those that support LGBTQIA+, disability, BAME, mature students, commuters, and carers. Students can also join DigiPsych, our on-line magazine run for students by students in the School of Psychology. DigiPsych publishes anything that may be of interest to psychology students including reviews of psychological and non-psychological articles, stories, and opinion pieces.
Moreover, we have a weekly programme of guest lecturers invited from all over the world. Previous speakers for our special Lincoln International Seminars include Elizabeth Loftus. In addition to our work experience opportunities, many modules include employer presentations and activities. Students can also meet employers at our annual Psychology Works careers fair.
Students are also encouraged to network with our alumni. We have approximately 100 graduates from Psychology, representing a variety of professional roles, offering networking, and mentoring to current students.
Our School aims to produce critical thinkers and independent researchers who are able to tackle psychological problems and issues using a systematic, critical, and analytical approach.
As part of this process, first year students undertake training in areas important to psychological research, such as using statistics software. In the second year, students may be able to utilise these skills by working alongside an academic supervisor to conduct an original research project. This culminates with students being able to undertake a substantial research study of their own for the dissertation component of their degree.
In addition to the taught components of research, students are encouraged to participate in the research culture of the School more broadly, with the opportunity to be involved as volunteers in research activities, such as our Summer Scientist programme, and to compete for paid studentships offered by the University of Lincoln and the British Psychological Society to conduct further research over the summer, typically in between the second and third year of the course.
We also have a number of active research groups within the school. These are conducting exciting research into areas such as mindfulness interventions in adults, the effect of dog-assisted interventions in school children, investigating the impact of calorie menu labelling on those with eating disorders, and neural entrainment of brain rhythms to aid sleep. You can read more on our Research webpage.
The University has invested £19 million in the Sarah Swift Building, a dedicated facility for the School of Psychology. Our range of specialist research laboratories allow you to gain practical experience. You will also have access to IT suites and technical staff who can offer support in the design and execution of experiments and assistance with specialist software.
The EEG lab allows our researchers to identify activation patterns in the cerebrum, in response to stimuli, to find out when and which parts of the brain respond to these.
Research in this lab investigates how visual cognition is shaped and influenced by our environment, experience and knowledge. Current research is examining how visual cues are processed in the brain.
Research here categorises conceptual development including speech perception, language acquisition - particularly word learning and grammar.
The Molecular laboratory houses a contained wet lab for chemical and biological analyses on site and stores samples from participants before, during, and after processing and analysis.
This programme provides Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and as such, you will be well-placed to consider further professional training in psychology. Graduates of this degree may wish to consider working in range of fields that relate to mental health as well as progressing to postgraduate study, working in healthcare or other settings related to mental health e.g. charity organisations. Students can also progress to develop further research expertise through conducting a MRes or PhD or use their transferable skills to contribute more widely outside of the area of mental health.
Lincoln is an extremely supportive and community driven university, with the interests and voice of its students at the heart of the Psychology department.
Lauren Chamberlain-Jones
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Mental Health
112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent qualifications.
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit.
T Level: Merit.
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points.
International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall.
GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English and Maths or Statistics. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.
We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
In addition to meeting the academic requirements, overseas students will also be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Please visit our English language requirements page for a full list of the English qualifications we accept. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/
Can we help? The University of Lincoln offer a dedicated support service for overseas students. If you have any questions about your qualifications, or would like assistance in submitting your application, please contact our https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/contactus/
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
104 to 120 UCAS Tariff points.
This must be achieved from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications. For example:
A Level: BCC to BBB
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction Distinction Merit
T Level: Merit Overall
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 104 to 120 UCAS points to be achieved from 45 Level 3 credits.
International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall.
GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English and Maths . Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit us in person. We offer a range of opportunities across the year to help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.
