Psychology with Child Development BSc (Hons)

This module is your introduction to social psychology. You will examine classic studies and theoretical models. We will introduce you to different research methods used in social psychology. As you learn about these methods, you will consider the ethical issues that can arise in psychological research. Topics you may look at include:

• Social influence
• Behaviours in groups
• Prejudice
• Bystander intervention
• Aggression

This module is your introduction to cognitive psychology. You will study its historical development and learn about the core theoretical models of the subject. We will look at the different research methods used in cognitive psychology including:

• Perception
• Attention
• Memory
• Language

On this module you will learn about biological psychology. You will start by exploring the historical development of the subject. You will then study the key concepts in structural and functional neuroanatomy, the study of the nervous system, and biological systems. We will also introduce you to the different research methods used in biological psychology.

On this module you will learn about experimental research design, including relevant methodological and ethical issues. You will also begin to develop practical research skills that will help you throughout your degree. This includes experiment programming and statistical analysis of quantitative data. In lab workshops you will be supported to run your own experiment and act as a participant in others.

On this module you will learn about the psychological research currently taking place at York St John University. Our staff will tell you about their research programmes, along with the philosophical assumptions and historical contexts underpinning that research. Current research topics may include:

• The cognitive neuroscience of language and memory
• Evolutionary psychology and aggression
• Neurodiversity and social interaction
• Children's cognitive development and educational psychology

This module is your introduction to developmental psychology. You will explore the history of the subdiscipline and its links to other areas of Psychology. We will look at the classic theories that aim to explain human development and the research methods that are used to study psychological change through childhood. You will also explore research methods that are used in study of developmental psychology and consider the ethics in the field.

This module is your introduction to the psychology of individual differences. You will learn about human variation through a focus on psychological concepts, including:

• Personality
• Intelligence
• Neurodiversity
• Mental health

You will explore alternative theoretical perspectives on individual differences as well as the research methods used in this field.

On this module you will continue your training in psychological research methods, developing the skills you need to undertake survey research. You will explore methodological and ethical issues relevant to conducting non experimental quantitative research. In lab workshops, you will further develop your statistical analysis skills and practise questionnaire and observational research design.

This module gives you practical experience of participating in ethically approved psychological research projects. You can choose to take part in lab-based and online studies run by final year dissertation students, postgraduate students and academic staff. This helps you gain an understanding of the processes involved in good research practice. If you choose not to participate in these research studies, you can provide an online research skills portfolio instead.

This module builds on your learning in Exploring Social Psychology. You will study advanced topics in social psychology, focusing on contemporary theory and research in the field. Topics you will explore include:

• Attitudes
• Social influence
• Interpersonal and romantic relationships
• Prejudice
• Social constructionism

Expand your knowledge of developmental psychology. On this module you will study contemporary research and theoretical perspectives on the psychological processes which take place from birth to 12 years. You will focus on aspects of children's development including:

• Language and cognition
• Gender and identity
• Socio-emotional skills
• Family, social and cultural contexts

Qualitative research allows you to collect and analyse non numerical data, such as interviews or texts, to gain in depth insights into a problem. On this module you will learn about theoretical perspectives underpinning qualitative research in Psychology, with a focus on thematic analysis and discourse analysis. In lab workshops, you will practise a range of qualitative research techniques and conduct a small-scale qualitative interview study in groups. You will consider ethical issues in qualitative research in Psychology and learn to write up your findings.

This module will take your understanding of individual differences to the next level. You will be introduced to psychometric theory and techniques, including the measurement of personality traits, attitudes and abilities. You will explore how assessment and measurement varies across general and diverse populations. Using the statistical skills developed through your degree, you will conduct and write up a psychometric analysis.

On this module you will explore advanced contemporary research on the biological bases of behaviour. You will study:

• Sleep and biological rhythms
• Comparative psychology and animal models
• Higher cognitive functions
• Addiction

Advance your understanding of cognitive psychology. You will investigate contemporary theory and research in the field. In lab workshops you will work in a group with a member of academic staff to design and conduct a cognitive experiment. Topics for your experimental project can include:

• Object perception
• Word reading
• Memory processes
• Cognitive interference

This module further develops your psychological research skills. You will learn a range of advanced quantitative research designs and statistical data analysis techniques, gaining practical experience in lab workshops. You will also be introduced to the open science movement and produce a pre-registered research proposal.

Develop practical, transferable skills while you study. This module gives you the opportunity to conduct 75 hours of paid or voluntary work. You will be supported to arrange this work experience by your tutors and our placements team. You could also choose to participate in ethically approved psychological research projects run by students and members of staff. This will help to develop your understanding of good research practices.

This module is your opportunity to conduct an independent research project on a psychological topic of your choice. You will start by reviewing relevant literature to generate research questions and hypotheses. Working closely with a member of academic staff you will design a study to address your research questions, obtain ethical approval for your study, and collect and analyse your data. Your final research paper will report the findings of your study.

On this module you will study the atypical developmental paths associated with the neurodevelopmental disorders like autism, dyslexia and ADHD. You will consider different explanations for these disorders, such as biological, cognitive, behavioural and environmental theories. You will also examine the medical model of these disorders and the neurodiversity movement. If your ambition is to work with children who have neurodevelopmental disorders this module will give you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed.

On this module you will explore how psychological theory and research can be applied to education. You will develop your knowledge of cognitive, developmental and social psychology and apply it to education. You will study theoretical models of learning and consider the connection between psychological research evidence and educational practice. Topics may include:

• Educational diversity: typical and atypical learners
• Intelligence, genetics and education
• Peer relationships and bullying
• Mental health in schools
• Classroom interventions
• The role of educational psychologists

Further your knowledge of research methods and statistics, focusing on statistical modelling techniques within quantitative psychology. You will engage with contemporary issues and develop skills that will support you in writing your dissertation. You may also study topics such as:

• Research ethics & integrity
• Publication bias
• Systematic reviews and meta-analysis
• Accessing secondary data
• Data management
• Disseminating findings
• Research impact

This module is your next step in advancing your cognitive psychology knowledge. You will examine the theory of memory and the history of memory devices known as mnemonics. Topics you may cover include:

• Ancient mnemonics
• Modern mnemonics
• Working memory training
• Mindfulness meditation

On this module you will consider biological and cognitive development during adolescence. You will also develop the skills to analyse psychological research and it’s application to everyday life. These are the skills you will need if you aspire to work with young people aged 10 to 25.

Discover how we learn to communicate and speak. On this module you will engage with theories and current research in language learning and development. You will also consider first and second language acquisition and the implications for educational practice. You will cover topics such as:

• The role of genetic and environmental factors in language learning
• Sound, word, and grammar learning
• Language and thought
• Literacy
• The neurobiological bases of language learning

On this module you will focus on how our cognitive abilities develop over time, from birth to old age. You will ask questions about our abilities and working memory, and how do these abilities decline with age. You will focus on typical development and explore disabilities such as autism, dementia and down syndrome.

This module is your introduction to the study of mental disorders, their causes, development and treatment. Build on your existing knowledge from previous modules while exploring social and cognitive psychology. You will also study mental processes such as thinking, memory and emotion which is known as biopsychology. Learn how to diagnose, assess, and treat children who have developmental disorders. This module gives you the skills to work in educational settings with children and adolescents who have diverse psychopathologies.

This module will introduce you to the connections between cognitive functioning, mental health, and future thinking. Build on your knowledge of cognitive psychology, think critically about scientific research in the field, and evaluate the clinical applications. Through this you will develop an understanding of the connections between cognition and mental health that will be useful if you are interested in a career in mental health settings.

Critically examine evidence relating to the similarities and differences between human minds and the minds of other animals. This module would be especially useful to you if you are interested in developmental, cognitive or evolutionary psychology fields.

On this module you will learn about processes in young children’s learning, with a focus on the role of the imagination. We will also talk about the techniques that enable developmental psychologists to reach conclusions about children’s thinking and learning, and discuss how research findings can be applied in the classroom. This will also include discussion of neurodivergent children’s learning and imagination. This module will be especially relevant if you are interested in a career related to child development and education, or to pursuing further study or research in developmental psychology.