BSc Cognitive Psychology with a Placement Year

Key details

BSC COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY WITH A PLACEMENT YEAR

Start Year

2021

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Bachelor of Science

UCAS course code

C830

Entry Requirements

AAB

Duration (years)

On this British Psychological Society-accredited course, you’ll gain a strong grounding in key theories and research methods of cognitive psychology. You’ll study topics such as psychology and risk, psychology of language, brain, mind and machines, social and affective neuroscience, and applied neuropsychology.

In your final year, you’ll design and implement your own research project related to cognitive psychology. Past students have researched areas such as autism, face perception, visual perception and attention, and brain activity in relation to social and non-social stimuli.

If you’re interested in a career in mental and physical rehabilitation, neuroscience or clinical psychology, this course is ideal. Because you’ll learn to handle large data sets and gain expertise in human/computer interaction, product testing, human factors, and how we process information, you’ll also be well equipped to go into data or computer science. Alternatively the course will provide you with a firm base for further postgraduate study in cognitive psychology.

You’ll be able to choose from a range of psychology modules according to your interests, be they broad or specific. You’ll also have the chance to experience topics you may not have come across before. If you discover a new passion or interest during your first year, you’ll have the option to change to a different Psychology pathway, ensuring you’re on the right degree for you.

All of our programmes are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.

About

Cognitive Psychology is the study of the mental processes that inform human behaviour, such as attention, language, memory, perception. On this degree you'll master key theories and research methods of this fascinating field.

You’ll have access to excellent facilities and cutting edge equipment for teaching and research, and as you gain an in-depth understanding of human psychology you’ll develop a range of key skills valued by employers.

You’ll benefit from research-led teaching in a balance of small and larger groups.

In your third year, you’ll have the opportunity to get hands-on experience, build contacts, and explore potential roles and career routes by spending a year on a work-based placement.

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PsychX

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 2

You’ll be assessed across coursework, reports, essays, projects, presentations, timed tests and examinations.

Compulsory Modules

CONCEPTUAL AND HISTORICAL ISSUES AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES

Code PSY-5015Y

Credits 20

This module firstly considers individual differences and will explore and evaluate theories and findings, in the areas of differential psychology: scientific foundations of personality and intelligence, measurement and psychometrics. The module will build on the content from year 1 but will cover a diverse range of more advanced topics such as nature-nurture interplay, the biological basis of individual differences, emotional intelligence, personality and temperament and an insight into how Individual Differences is applied in real life settings. The spring semester we move onto an overview of the main ideas, people, approaches and methods that have shaped the discipline of psychology throughout its history. It will also help you to better understand contemporary psychology, its relationship to the sciences and humanities, as well as providing a context for the other modules that make up your psychology degree. The major schools of psychology and some of the key themes and debates that characterise the discipline will also be discussed (for example, the freewill-determinism debate, reductionism and the nature and limitations of scientific enquiry in psychology). We then move onto the consideration of individual differences and will explore and evaluate theories and findings, in the following area of differential psychology: scientific foundations of personality and intelligence, measurement and psychometrics.

SOCIAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

Code PSY-5016A

Credits 20

The module runs across two core themes of psychology, Social Psychology and Developmental Psychology. The Social Psychology theme will consolidate and expand your knowledge of core areas of social psychological theory and research, namely; Social Perception (including person perception, attitudes, attribution), Inter-group Processes (including prejudice, inter-group conflict, social identification), Small Group Processes (including norms, leadership, decision-making, productivity), Social Influence (including conformity, obedience, majority and minority influence, the bystander effect), Close Relationships (including interpersonal attraction, relationships). The Developmental Theme will consider a range of concepts, issues and debates concerning social, emotional and cognitive development during infancy, childhood and adolescence. You will be encouraged to think critically about some key theoretical and methodological approaches. Recurrent themes include the influences of genes and environment; thought and language; typical and atypical development; social context and communication with children; and the relative roles of the individual and culture in development.

COGNITIVE AND BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Code PSY-5017B

Credits 20

You will cover a wide range of core psychological topics on this module which are arranged into two distinct themes: Cognitive Psychology and Biological Psychology. Cognitive Psychology Theme: - Critically evaluate theories and discuss conflicting evidence within cognitive psychology. - Understand the practical implications of research in cognitive psychology. - Critically discuss recent progress in cognitive psychology. Biological Psychology Theme: - Describe and evaluate a range of methodological techniques which underpin the study of the human brain. - Demonstrate an understanding of the neurobiological basis of behaviour including vision, movement, language, learning, memory and emotion. - Critically discuss the neurobiological of some psychopathologies. By the end of this module you will have acquired advanced knowledge about how the mind is thought to be organised and how it operates (cognitive) and the neural systems that underpin the mind (biological).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND ANALYSIS II

Code PSY-5003Y

Credits 40

You’ll develop your understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods. The module will enhance your understanding of statistical methods for drawing valid conclusions from numerical data through examination of (i) techniques for data screening and exploration; (ii) statistical significance, power and effect size (iii) parametric and nonparametric tests; (iv) analysis of variance models; (v) multiple regression. It aims to develop your skills and confidence in using SPSS for the analysis of data. You’ll also be offers the opportunity to develop your skills in relation to qualitative research design and analysis. You will become familiar with the theoretical, philosophical and methodological dimensions of qualitative psychology, building interviewing skills and exploring meaning through the analytical processes of grounded theory, narrative and discourse analysis.

Applied Psychology (placement version)

Code PSY-5022Y

Credits 20

In the first semester the module is oriented around students gaining overall, holistic understanding of the application of psychology in different professional roles. Sessions will cover forensic, clinical, psychology in the workplace, motivation, presenting the challenges encountered by psychology professionals. The second semester is designed to allow students to make the most of their placement year experience. It is specifically oriented to prepare students for workplace issues common across different placement positions and to familiarize them with the psychology theory that informs workplace and recruitment practices. The semester is organized around the top professional skills expected in the workplace. Each will be analysed making reference to their importance for professional development, selection, and human resources (HR), and outlining relevant psychological processes. Each of the taught themes will include provision for specific requirements associated with university policies and procedures concerning learning in the workplace.

Admissions Live Chat

Virtual Open Day

Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.

Students will study no more than 70 credits in any semester.

Assessment for Year 4

You’ll be assessed across coursework, reports, essays, projects, presentations, and examinations.

Compulsory Modules

RESEARCH PROJECT

Code PSY-6002Y

Credits 40

This module offers you the opportunity to demonstrate your independent research capabilities and competence through the development, design and performance of an empirical research project. Building from a foundation of the research methods modules in previous years, instruction on this module is mainly linked to supervision. Supervisors will offer guidance on the delineation of a researchable question, an awareness of ethics relating to your project; a comprehension of the appropriateness of the research design, managing the data collection process and the writing up of a report. The area of research, methodological approach and research context will be negotiated and agreed through supervision.

Optional A Modules

(60-80 credits)

PSYCHOSOCIAL PERSPECTIVES ON RELATIONSHIPS AND FAMILY LIFE

Code PSY-6001A

Credits 20

In this module, you will consider the science of relationships and identify some of the critical factors that make and shape 'family' life. You will begin by deconstructing the concepts of 'relationships' and 'family' within their historical and cultural contexts. You will consider the different theoretical approaches utilised to understand and research relationships and family life. You will then explore specific topics such as relationships, parenting, marriage and divorce, before concluding with a consideration and evaluation of family and relationship research and policy.

COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

Code PSY-6003A

Credits 20

How do infants learn to think? How do memory and language develop? How do we get data from young children, and how can we understand them? In this module you will learn how the human mind develops during infancy and childhood using examples from language development, memory and other areas of cognition. This will provide you with an understanding of how cognition is shaped by our early experience, and how we can study learning in children. You will gain both knowledge of the current theories of development, as well as hands-on experience with state-of-the-art tools in this area. You will approach these topics with a mix of lectures, seminars and practical classes that guide you towards being able to understand how babies learn to think, and and design your own developmental research.

BRAIN AND COGNITION

Code PSY-6009A

Credits 20

In this module, you will undertake an extensive examination of various experimental approaches used in Cognitive Neuroscience. Using the examples of commonly studied cognitive functions, we will examine how they develop in infancy, how they are modified as we age, to which brain networks they are associated with, and how they are impaired by focal brain lesions. The goal of the course is to develop your critical thinking, research and presentation skills, enabling you to synthesize, evaluate, and debate current theory and data in the field.

SOCIAL PERCEPTION AND BEHAVIOUR: From Individuals to Relationships to Groups

Code PSY-6014A

Credits 20

THIS MODULE IS RESERVED FOR PSYCHOLOGY STUDENTS. The module aims to enable students to comprehend, evaluate and compare the core topics and major perspectives in social psychological theory and research. The module will: - Introduce you to topic areas related to social perception in the context of individual, interpersonal, and intergroup processes, and highlight how these topics relate to everyday behaviour. - Assist you in formulating an appreciation of the strengths and limitations of key theoretical approaches discussed in this class. - Encourage you to adopt a constructively critical and creative approach. - Nurture intellectual enthusiasm for the subject matter within a supportive learning environment.

PSYCHOLOGY OF GOOD AND EVIL

Code PSY-6019B

Credits 20

You will consider the psychological aspects of destructive and benevolent behaviour. Classic and contemporary research will inform the understanding of the psychological processes that underpin extreme detrimental and beneficial behaviours. You will examine empathy, altruism, anti-social and criminal behaviour on both the individual and group level, integrating social psychological theory with historical examples. 'Evil' elements such as cults, killing, power and control will be balanced by the second strand of the module concerning virtuous behaviour, compassion, empathy, solidarity and social change. Situational and personal factors that drive these behaviours will be considered.

PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING THROUGH THE LIFESPAN

Code PSY-6020A

Credits 20

What is psychological health and wellbeing? How might it change as we get older? How might it affect and be affected by the other areas of our lives? Throughout this module you will explore psychological health and wellbeing across the lifespan. You will consider a number of psychological perspectives, including critical and positive psychology approaches, to take a broad look at what we mean by psychological health and wellbeing, paying attention to cultural and historical context. You’ll start by discussing different theories and components of psychological wellbeing, and then link this knowledge to examples of functioning and application at different life stages. Past examples of this have included psychological health programmes in schools, the workplace, therapeutic interventions, and positive approaches to ageing and later life.

NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS

Code PSY-6022B

Credits 20

This module will develop your understanding of both typical and atypical development through a detailed introduction to theory and empirical research related to neurodevelopmental disorders. It will highlight how genetic, environmental, biological and cognitive factors interact to shape development and behaviour over time. You will be encouraged to critically evaluate classical and contemporary perspectives on the subject and invited to consider practical issues related to the identification of, and provision for, children demonstrating an atypical developmental trajectory.

FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

Code PSY-6023B

Credits 20

In this module we will explore areas of current interest and debate in the psychology of criminality, and in the relationship between psychology and the criminal justice system. We will consider the roles that psychologists play in understanding, detecting and treating criminal behaviour, and we will discuss the issues, methods, findings and implications of research in areas such as crime statistics, psychopathy, sex offending, serial murder, terrorism, offender profiling, eyewitness testimony, and the assessment and rehabilitation of offenders.

PSYCHOLOGY OF MENTAL HEALTH

Code PSY-6024A

Credits 20

This module is about the study of mental health from a biopsychosocial perspective. By the end of the module you will learn about: - Historical approaches to defining abnormality; - The biological, psychological and social treatments for psychiatric disorders; - The methods to assess and diagnosis abnormality and psychiatric disorders; - The research strategies used to gain knowledge of abnormality and psychiatric disorders.

PSYCHOLOGY OF GENDER

Code PSY-6029A

Credits 20

PSYCHOLOGY OF SLEEP

Code PSY-6030B

Credits 20

In this module you will gain an understanding of how and why we sleep, and the importance of sleep for good health and daytime functioning. We will consider biological, psychological and social factors relating to sleep, including the mechanisms of healthy sleep, changes in sleep across the lifespan, and how sleep interacts with physical and mental health conditions to affect our wellbeing.

ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

Code PSY-6031B

Credits 20

The environments in which we live not only shape and influence our lives, but human behaviours also have a profound impact on the natural environment. Drawing on psychological theories (e.g. from social and cognitive psychology), you will explore the interactions between humans and their environments in a range of specific contexts, such as navigating through cities, well-being in stressful environments, and everyday behaviours that relate to climate change. You will also consider how the application of psychology can help provide solutions to environmental problems, and how these solutions can be communicated with decision-makers in society.

SOCIAL BRAINS AND STRATEGIC MINDS

Code PSY-6032B

Credits 20

You will explore key topics at the cutting edge of human neuroscience. In this module, you will learn how neuroscience techniques can be used to answer key questions about how people think, feel emotions, and manage social interactions. You will examine topics including Philosophy of Mind, Computational Neuroscience, Artificial Intelligence, Emotion Regulation, Group Identity, and Pro- and Anti-Social Behaviour. These topics converge on the interaction between social psychology, cognitive science, and affective neuroscience. In this way, the module affords a unique understanding of current human neuroscience, and a view into the future of how our field can understand mental processing and even build interactive intelligent systems.

VISION AND LANGUAGE IN ACTION

Code PSY-6033A

Credits 20

In this module, you will develop knowledge of theories and research about human cognition, with a particular focus on vision and language. The first four lectures focus vision, which develops students' understanding of how we make sense of our visual and auditory world, how we put information together, and what we often miss. It will focus on how various regions of the brain interact, the type of information passed along different neural pathways, as well as the methods we use for investigations (fMRI, eye tracking, etc.). The second set of four lectures focus on language, which develops students’ understanding of basic theoretical research covering language comprehension and production. The final two lectures are taught by Professor Coventry focus on the interaction of vision and language.

Optional B Modules

(0-20 credits)

GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT

Code DEV-5001A

Credits 20

This interdisciplinary module will begin by exploring the various approaches to understanding gender and development, then introduces and explains a range of key concepts as the foundations of gender analyses. The module then applies these concepts in examining a selection of important relevant debates: gender analysis of economic growth, divisions of labour and incomes, land and property rights, environmental change, education and health policies, voice and empowerment, violence and religion.

EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

Code EDUB5012A

Credits 20

This module will provide you with an introduction to key areas of psychology with a focus on learning and teaching in education. By the end of the module you should be able to: - Discuss the role of perception, attention and memory in learning; - Compare and contrast key theories related to learning, intelligence, language, thinking and reasoning; - Critically reflect on key theories related to learning,intelligence, language, thinking and reasoning in the practical context; - Discuss the influence of key intrapersonal, interpersonal and situational factors on pupils learning and engagement in educational settings.

MEDIA, CULTURE AND LEARNING

Code EDUB6002B

Credits 20

You will critically consider the relationship between media and education, considering what effect the media has in shaping knowledge, what role education plays in supporting media narratives, and how media and education influence cultural and social issues. You will draw upon current social and cultural issues and explore how these issues are shaped and discussed through the intersecting narratives of media and education. You will consider and reflect on current topics that may include issues around gender, sexuality, religion, youth, class, and sport.

CREATIVE WRITING: INTRODUCTION (SPR)

Code LDCC5004B

Credits 20

Have you ever wondered what it means to write creatively? Or how you might articulate what Zadie Smith calls ‘your way of being in the world’? Together we’ll address these questions. You’ll explore the work of some of the finest writers in the world, while also receiving clear guidance on how you might bring shape to the promptings of your imagination. This module will get you writing prose fiction and/or poetry. While there is no single, authorised way to write, there are things worth knowing about. You’ll discover some of these things in class; others you’ll pick up through being alert to what you have read and the way in which it functions. The most important thing, however, is to discover your own way of doing things. What drives you to capture a certain moment, or tell a certain story in a certain way? That’s what we'll be aiming for. Along the way you’ll develop an understanding of the craft of writing – the technical nuts & bolts – while acquiring the disciplines necessary to being a writer - observation, drafting, and submitting to deadlines. You'll be guided through a series of themes and concepts that go to the heart of creative writing, from voice and structure, to imagery and form. You'll generate material throughout the course, both through guided exercises and private study. Very often you'll be asked to write about ‘what you know’, drawing on notebooks, memory, family stories, your sensory impressions. In prose you will go on to look at such things as character, dialogue, point-of-view, ‘showing’ versus ‘telling’, plotting, etc. In poetry, there will be an exploration of the possibilities of pattern and form, sound, voice, imagery, and rhythm. By the end of the course you’ll have developed a body of work to call your own and a sense of what it means and what it takes to write seriously.

Admissions Live Chat

Virtual Open Day

Important Information

Entry Requirements

A Levels

AAB or ABB with an A in the Extended Project.

BTEC

DDD Excludes BTEC Public Services, BTEC Uniformed Services and BTEC Business Administration

Scottish highers

AAAAA

Scottish highers advanced

BBC

Irish leaving certificate

4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3.

Access course

Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3.

European Baccalaureate

80%

International Baccalaureate

33 points

GCSE offer

You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.

Additional entry requirements

If you do not meet the academic and or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO University of East Anglia offers guaranteed progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:

Any International Foundation Course (for first year entry)

Alternative Qualifications

UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher Levels in addition to A Levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.

Students for whom english is a foreign language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):

IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list.

If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:

Pre-sessional English at INTO UEA

Academic English at INTO UEA

Interviews

Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.

Gap year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.

Intakes

This course is open to UK and overseas applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.

Admissions Live Chat

Forget Me Not

UEA Psychology researchers have been investigating a new type of memory that could help early diagnoses of dementia.

LEARN MORE >

PsychX

PsychX is a range of extracurricular activities which we coordinate to enhance opportunities for learning, create greater interaction between students, and provide a focus for career conversations.

LEARN MORE >

Course Reference Number: 1545193

BSc COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY WITH A PLACEMENT YEAR