Module Information

Module Identifier
PS10420
Module Title
Introduction to core topics in Psychology
Academic Year
2026/2027
Co-ordinator
Dr Valerie Todd
Semester
Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

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