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BSc (Hons) Psychology (Applied)Anglia Ruskin University

QualificationOn successful completion of the programme you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) Psychology (Applied).

Awarding BodyAnglia Ruskin University

Course DescriptionPsychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. This programme introduces you to psychological theory and research and then develops your understanding of this fascinating subject area. Psychology has a broad range of real world applications in everyday life, ranging from stress, health, mental illness, artificial intelligence, to personal development, social interaction and the environment. A degree in psychology can provide access to a wide range of careers. Psychology graduates are valued across many fields because of the diverse and highly sought after knowledge and skills that are acquired from a psychology degree. A successful psychology graduate can be expected to write coherent and logical reports, understand statistical and other forms of evidence and have a good understanding of human behaviour. Taken together, such skills are very appealing to a wide range of employers and not just those in specifically psychological areas.

This is a recognised Bachelor’s Degree, ideal for those with an interest in psychology and the wide range of careers available with elements in the area. This course does not have BPS (British Psychological Society) accreditation. However that does not affect the status of the degree and BPS accreditation can be obtained by studying a conversion course following completion of the degree.

ModeOnline distance learning

Course Content (Modules)Comprises three stages, 120 credits in each stage:

Level 4 - (120 credits)Consists of 8 modules worth 15 credits each:

1. Key Skills for Psychology Part IThis module will provide you with the basic skills to produce a research report from beginning to end including experimental design, statistical data analysis, the use of resources and software, writing and presentation skills, ethical issues and general study and research skills. 2. Key Skills for Psychology Part IlThis module follows on from Key Skills for Psychology Part I, providing you with a vital grounding for psychology.

3. Social and Developmental PsychologyThis module will provide you with an understanding of how certain behaviours and experiences can be shaped by different social contexts (the family, peers, society) and the impact of these on social and emotional development. Key areas within social psychology (attitudes, interpersonal communication, social influence, groups, identities and ethics) and developmental psychology (genetic and environmental influences, language, cognitive and emotional development and ethics) are covered. 4. Issues in Child Development and Social PsychologyThis module introduces you to more specific domains of child development and social psychology. This module carries slightly greater focus on developmental psychology. However, each topic covered builds on previously covered topics; ending with an overview of normal and non-normal developmental profiles. Similarly, each topic in the social part to some extent builds on earlier topics. These begin with applied social cognition, and will also consider social psychology in a court setting.5. Theoretical Foundations in PsychologyThis module will provide you with an overview of the theoretical, philosophical and historical foundations of psychology. Often defined as the “science of the mind”, you will be made aware that there has been much debate as to how to define both “science” and “mind”. To illustrate these debates the module focuses on different approaches to psychology, for example: introspectionism, behaviourism, psychoanalysis, cognitive psychology, and artificial intelligence. 6. Introduction to Abnormal & Health PsychologyYou will examine the way in which these disciplines apply psychological knowledge to an understanding of health and illness, and the interventions used to improve health or relieve the symptoms of illness. You will examine how concepts of health have changed over time, what is meant by normality and abnormality, and the different models that psychologists have used to understand the causes of mental ill-health. You will examine specific health problems, both physical and mental, including eating disorders, stress, trauma, and sexual disorders.7. The Psychology of Everyday LifeDuring this module you will look at a number of topical issues in order to demonstrate how psychology can provide insight into people’s behaviour, and how we benefit from a scientific psychological approach. Topics included will depend upon the interests and expertise of the academic staff involved in teaching this module and therefore may vary from time to time. However, questions which might be addressed include: Does criminal profiling work? Can we measure intelligence? Why do we sleep?

Do dreams have meaning? Why do we forget things? How accurate are eyewitness accounts of crime?8. Fundamentals of Cognitive PsychologyOur experience of the world is an interpretation based on many cognitive processes being carried out by the brain. Because these processes are so automatic, and their outcome so convincing, people are often not aware that what they are experiencing is merely an interpretation, and as such can be inaccurate. This module will challenge you to think more clearly about this, and consider the ways in which the brain constructs its interpretation of the world, and the ways in which this interpretation can be misleading.

Level 5 - (120 credits)Consists of 8 modules worth 15 credits each:

1. Research Techniques for Psychology: StatisticsThis module develops a critical understanding of the principles of data collection for psychology, and considers the theoretical bases of various qualitative and quantitative methods. Theoretical, conceptual and ethical issues are covered; the emphasis is on ensuring that you understand the logic behind the techniques covered, so that you know when it is appropriate to use a particular approach, and how to interpret its output. This module will focus largely on quantitative data analysis techniques such as t-tests, linear regression and Analysis of Variance.2. Research Techniques for Psychology: MethodsThis module follows on from Research Techniques for Psychology: Statistics.3. BiopsychologyBiopsychology introduces you to the physiological mechanisms that underlie all behaviour and cognition. Initially, the module introduces the philosophy that underpins biological psychology, and discusses issues such as determinism, reductionism and free will. The module then focuses on capture, communication and processing of information in the nervous system and looks in detail at the mechanics of these processes. 4. Personality, Intelligence & PsychometricsYou will develop an understanding of key contemporary approaches to the study and assessment of personality and intelligence. In this module you will examine the assumptions behind theoretical approaches to personality and intelligence; the nature of personality and intelligence; the theory of psychometrics; the strengths, implications and limitations of different approaches; and the applications of theory. You will develop basic skills in understanding and using psychological tests. 5. Contemporary Social Psychology This module explores contemporary social psychology by examining a range of theoretical perspectives. The concept of “levels of analysis”

Online distance learning

Health and Psychology faculty

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is used to structure comparisons between theories and approaches. The module explores modern European forms of social psychology that arose as a critique to traditional social cognitive approaches, and place more emphasis on social and collective processes (for example, social constructionism).6. Learning, Memory and PerceptionUnderlying all psychological functioning is the ability to perceive, remember, and alter our behaviour in response to information in the world. These basic psychological processes of perception, memory and learning were the first areas of study for empirical psychology and this module examines both the historical development of these areas as well as the current state of knowledge in each area.7. PsychopathologyThis module will introduce you to the various psychological disorders, as well as their aetiology and treatment. This module will also look at models of psychopathology, as well as its classification and diagnosis. Broad theories of the development of the various psychological disorders will be touched on, drawing from psychodynamic, cognitive, and neuroscience perspectives, as well as social factors.8. Lifespan DevelopmentThis module will provide you with an overview of human development across the lifespan, including how childhood experiences affect later development. Different approaches to human development will be discussed and compared, including: attachment theory, behavioural genetics, psychodynamic theories, and biopyschosocial approaches. Different domains of human development will be covered, e.g. cognitive, social, emotional, and moral development across the lifespan.

Level 6 - (120 credits)Consists of the dissertation worth 30 credits plus 6 modules worth 15 credits each:1. Psychology DissertationYou will produce a non-empirical psychology project, i.e. a project that does not involve the collection of original data, but which is in the form of an extended evaluative literature review.2. Clinical PsychologyIn this module you will develop a critical awareness of the issues and debates involved in understanding deviant behaviour. It examines the psychological, social, cultural and biological influences and predispositions upon general definitions of abnormality and specific disorders. Particular categories of disorder will be studied in order to illuminate controversies concerning the value of models, methods of classification and diagnosis. Specific syndromes addressed include: major depression and mania, schizophrenia, substance-related disorders, disorders of ageing/cognition, and suicide.3. Language and ThoughtThis module provides an introduction to key themes, theories, research programmes and methods to understand processes underlying human language and thinking within the domains of cognitive psychology and cognitive neuropsychology. Intact and impaired processes involved in spoken language, reading and spelling will be explored in different languages with a special interest in whether

these processes are universal or language specific. 4. NeuropsychologyThis module introduces you to major neuropsychological syndromes following brain damage. The most frequent syndromes in clinical practice such as aphasia, amnesia, agnosia, dementia, epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease are discussed. You will be introduced to a variety of different tests and assessment procedures applied in clinical neuropsychology and for each of the clinical syndromes, relevant neuropsychological and psychiatric symptoms will be outlined. 5. Psychological TherapiesThis module provides you with an introduction to some of the main methods of psychological interventions used by clinical, counselling and health psychologists in therapeutically helping people. This module will cover some of the core theoretical principles and techniques used in various psychological interventions, when working with individuals (both children and adults) as well as with families and groups. 6. Atypical DevelopmentThis module will introduce you to a variety of developmental disorders including Downs syndrome, Williams syndrome, dyslexia & autism. It will include an analysis of the biological, cognitive & social profiles of each. You will gain an insight in to the main symptoms of each clinical condition and the prognosis for people with these disorders. The module also covers the effects of early brain injury and the problems working with children with learning difficulties. 7. Consumer PsychologyThis module introduces you to a selection of issues in the area of consumer psychology. It will explore how theories within social, cognitive and developmental psychology can help explain consumption behaviours. The module will address issues related to positive and negative influences of a consumer society upon individual’s psychological process and functioning. It will also look at how aspects of consumption can influence development at an early age as well as affect behavioural outcomes in later life.

AssessmentAssessment is via a mixture of examination, essays, research reports and a dissertation. The dissertation comprises a 1,500 word annotated bibliography followed by an 8,000 word literature review.

Duration of ProgrammeThis course is expected to be completed within 4.5 years. However, our online distance learning students have flexibility in setting their own pace of study, which means that the course can be completed in a minimum period of 3 years.

Entry RequirementsThe standard entry requirements are as follows:

• Two A levels passes or equivalent (at Grade E or above). Plus 3 GCSEs in other subjects including Maths and English at Grade C or above.

• English language ability equivalent to one of the following:

- IELTS 6.0 - TOEFL 550 paper based (213 computer

based or 80 internet based) - TOEIC 660 - Cambridge FCE Grade C+ or CAE Grade C/ FCE A/B - C & G Pitman Intermediate or Higher Intermediate - IGCSE Grade C

Applicants whose educational qualifications do not meet the entry requirements will be considered on an individual basis.

What’s IncludedRDI’s virtual learning environment ilearn is used to deliver all resources for this course including:

• Study materials - Access electronic copies of your learning materials and important information, such as assessment instructions, whenever and wherever you are.

• Tutor support - Tutors use live chats and forums to stimulate discussions, request input and highlight external sources.

• External resources - Links to external sources can include key journal articles, your university’s online library, sites of topical interest, etc.

• Discussion with other students - Forums allow students to come together, share thoughts and ideas and you can initiate topics that you want to discuss with your fellow students.

WorkloadWe recommend an average of 15-20 hours study time per week for this programme.

ExemptionsFor this qualification, we may allow you to count credit for relevant study you have already done elsewhere. Exemptions are considered on an individual basis when you submit an application form.

Enrolment DatesOctober, January, April and July

How to ApplyIn addition to the completed application form:

• Copies of your relevant certificates and/or transcripts

• Two suitable references. Please note we can only accept academic and/or professional work references.

• Copy of your CV detailing your work history (covering the last five years)

• Proof of English language ability (IELTS or TOEFL), if English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English.

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