Introduction to core topics in Psychology

Module Identifier: PS10400
Module Title: Introduction to core topics in Psychology
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Semester: Semester 1 Taught over 2 semesters
Co-ordinator: Dr Heather Norris
Reading List: View on Aspire
Other Staff: Dr Saffron Passam; Miss Alexandra Brookes; Dr Eva Balgova

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Essay: 1000 Words	40%
Semester Exam	Semester 1 Exam: 1 Hours	30%
Semester Exam	Semester 2 Exam: 1 Hours	30%
Supplementary Assessment	Essay: 1000 Words	40%
Supplementary Exam	Semester 2 Exam: 1 Hours	30%
Supplementary Exam	Semester 1 Exam: 1 Hours	30%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of what distinguishes each sub-discipline in psychology and relate them to psychological processes.
Identify the major concepts or theories in the different psychological sub-disciplines
Examine and evaluate key studies that have contributed to the emergence of seminal findings in each sub-discipline of psychology
Evaluate the challenges of conducting research in the sub-disciplines

Brief description

The module examines the theoretical and evidence bases of several important sub-disciplines in psychology (social psychology, biological psychology, developmental psychology, individual differences, and cognitive psychology). Students are introduced to the key theoretical underpinnings of these disciplines and the ways in which human behaviours can be understood from each of these perspectives. The importance of empirical investigation will be examined across the module and students will start to learn and adopt some of the key skills required when studying Psychology at undergraduate level.

Aims

This module provides an introduction to psychology for the non-specialist and assumes no prior knowledge of psychology. It provides students with an overview of the central concepts, studies, and theories in the sub-disciplines of Psychology

Content

This module covers the core sub-fields in Psychology that follow British Psychological Society Curriculum including: Biological Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology and Individual Differences in Psychology.

Indicative content for Biological Psychology
1. Brain Structure & Function
2. Evolution and the Basics of Behavioural Genetics
3. Neuroscientific Methods & Applied Biopsychology

Indicative content for Cognitive Psychology
4. Learning & Memory
5. The Sensory Systems; Attention & Perception
6. Higher Order Cognition

Indicative content for Individual Differences
7. Personality
8. Personality Assessment
9. Intelligence

Indicative content for Social Psychology
10. Self and Identity
11. Attributions
12. Social Influence

Indicative content for Developmental Psychology
13. Lifespan development
14. Attachment
15. Aggression

Module skills

Skills type	Skills details
Adaptability and resilience	Adaptability and resilience are developed as students engage with the breadth of psychological theory and research traditions. Seminar preparation, independent reading, and managing challenging academic content foster the ability to stay organised, persist through difficulties, and adapt to different learning tasks and feedback.
Co-ordinating with others	Collaboration is encouraged through regular group discussions and seminar-based learning. Students contribute to shared debates, practise academic argument, and work with peers to explore different perspectives. These experiences build the interpersonal and teamworking skills needed in academic and professional settings.
Creative Problem Solving	Creative problem solving (being enterprising) is fostered through the application of psychological theories to case studies and hypothetical scenarios. Students are encouraged to think independently, use theoretical models to interpret behaviour, and creatively explore the implications of key psychological concepts for individuals and society.
Digital capability	Digital competency is developed through the use of online academic databases to locate and interpret peer-reviewed research. Students also submit work in digital formats, gaining fluency in standard academic technologies and developing responsible digital practices.
Professional communication	Professional communication is strengthened through seminar discussion, presentations, and written work. Students practise structuring arguments, refining ideas, and using appropriate language and tone for academic audiences, while becoming aware of inclusive and accessible communication practices.
Real world sense	Real world sense is developed by connecting foundational theories to everyday behaviours, social issues, and sustainability challenges. Students consider how psychological perspectives contribute to understanding real-life problems and support evidence-based interventions in communities and workplaces.
Reflection	Reflection (self-awareness) is supported through structured learning tasks that require students to evaluate their engagement with core ideas and identify areas for growth. By reflecting on their evolving understanding and learning processes, students begin to build their academic identity and confidence.
Subject Specific Skills	Subject-specific skills are embedded across the module. Students are introduced to key psychological perspectives, the scientific method, ethics in psychological research, and distinctions between quantitative and qualitative inquiry. They begin to develop a psychologically literate approach through reading, discussion, and critical engagement with research.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4