Psychology and Coaching

Module details: This module offers deep insights into coaching psychology, covering various theoretical frameworks, models, and research. You will practise coaching using different approaches, developing your own style, skills, and coaching knowledge. Reflecting on each method, you will identify where and when they are most effective, creating your coaching map for future practice. The module also focuses on building safety and trust within the coaching relationship. It adopts an evidence-based approach and supports your application for EMCC Global practitioner accreditation.

How you’ll learn: This module combines lectures and seminars, with lectures covering core coaching psychology topics such as the humanistic, behavioural and existential approaches to coaching psychology. The interactive seminars allow you to apply lecture content, deepen your understanding of theory, and practise skills while receiving assessment support. During the seminars, you will work with models and techniques from six different coaching methods, taking turns to coach, be coached, and observe coaching in action.

Assessment: In this module, your ability to select and apply appropriate coaching approaches or models for a specific client will be assessed through a coaching design report. Your coaching skills and knowledge of coaching models will be evaluated during coaching placements, with opportunities for feedback. Additionally, your written communication skills will be developed through the coaching session plan and report, which will be valuable for the remainder of your degree and future career.

Module details: This module will develop your knowledge of key areas in psychology, including social psychology, developmental psychology, and individual differences. You will explore how social influences shape thoughts and behaviours, how cognitive, social, and emotional development occurs across the lifespan, and how individuals differ in these processes. By evaluating different explanations for human behaviour, you will consider real-life applications, such as the impact of social media, peer influences, neurodiversity, and identity formation. This knowledge is essential for further study on social and developmental psychology and is valuable for careers in education, healthcare, social care, and community settings.

How you'll learn: This module is delivered through lectures and seminars, covering conceptual, theoretical, cultural, and historical perspectives on behaviour, identity, and individual differences. Lectures will link content to current affairs, while seminars will include interactive activities such as quizzes, discussions, and practical research exercises. You will explore real-world applications, such as identity formation and intelligence testing, while developing teamwork and self-reflection skills. These transferable skills will benefit various career paths, and seminar activities will also support you in preparing for assessments.

Assessment: You will be assessed through a poster and a portfolio, which will enhance your skills in presentation design, communication, and the ability to summarise, synthesise, evaluate, and apply psychological knowledge. These skills are essential for further study and postgraduate education, as well as highly valued by employers, supporting your future career development.

Module details: In this module, you will expand your understanding of research approaches and data analysis methods in pPsychology and related fields. You will develop skills in advanced quantitative and qualitative analysis, including ANOVAs, regression, psychometrics, and qualitative methods like interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) and discourse analysis. This knowledge will be essential for your degree, particularly your independent research project in Year 3. More broadly, mastering research methods will enhance your ability to evaluate evidence throughout your studies. These skills are also highly valuable for postgraduate study and a wide range of careers that require data analysis and critical thinking.

How you'll learn: This module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and workshops, with lectures covering key concepts and theories in data analysis. In workshops, you will apply this knowledge by developing and conducting research studies, analysing data, and engaging in activities that support your assessments.

Assessment: You will be assessed through a qualitative and a quantitative research report, where you will describe the study's background and methods, analyse a dataset, and interpret the findings in the context of existing research. These assessments will enhance your research, data analysis, and written communication skills, which are essential for your degree, postgraduate studies, and a wide range of careers.

Module details: In this module, you will explore the fundamental processes underlying human cognition and the relationship between physiological functions and mental processes. Key topics include learning, perception, attention, memory, and language, alongside the neurobiological basis of psychological experiences. Using current neuroscience research, you will develop an understanding of how biological factors influence cognition. Through theoretical study and empirical research, you will gain essential knowledge for further study, postgraduate education, and careers in psychology, neuroscience, and related fields, enhancing your academic and professional development.

How you'll learn: In this module, lectures and seminars will explore conceptual, historical, and contemporary ideas in cognitive and biological psychology. Lectures will cover key concepts and theories relating to topics in cognition and neuroscience. Seminars will include practical activities to apply theories from lectures and provide support for assessments, encouraging critical engagement with the material.

Assessment: In this module, you will be assessed through a presentation and a portfolio, enabling you to further develop skills in effective communication, critical handling of materials, and scientific reasoning to explore alternative approaches and solutions—key competencies for your future studies and employment.

Module details: In this module, you will apply your knowledge of psychological research methods and data analysis to design, conduct, and report on an independent research project. You will formulate research questions, collect and analyse data, and interpret your findings in the context of existing literature, considering their implications. The available projects will cover various areas of psychology, allowing you to choose a topic of personal interest. The skills gained in planning, executing, and reviewing research are valuable for postgraduate studies and many careers.

How you'll learn: You will be supported by a supervisor with expertise in your chosen topic area, meeting regularly, typically in small groups. In addition to these meetings, lectures and workshops will help develop your research skills and support your work for the module, with lectures covering report-writing and data analysis methods, and workshops offering opportunities to apply these concepts to your own project. These sessions will provide valuable support for your assessments throughout the year.

Assessment: Whichever project you choose, you will need to write a project report and deliver a poster presentation, helping to develop your written and oral communication skills. Throughout the module, your work will also enhance your research and project management abilities, equipping you with a range of transferable skills that are valuable for postgraduate studies and various graduate careers.

Module details: This module offers key insights into group coaching, covering the skills, models, and techniques essential for effective practice. You will learn to manage group dynamics, understand the coach's role, and apply ethical guidelines for working with groups. The module focuses on creating a safe and trusting environment in group coaching, ensuring ethical practice is maintained. Using an evidence-based approach, it encourages critical reflection and evaluation. This module supports your application for EMCC Global practitioner accreditation as a coach.

How you’ll learn: This module combines lectures and seminars, with lectures covering key topics such as managing group dynamics, ethical conduct in group coaching and group coaching skills and models. The interactive seminars provide opportunities to apply lecture material, deepen your understanding of theory, and practise coaching skills, while offering assessment support. During the seminars, you will coach groups, experience being coached in a group, and observe group coaching in action.

Assessment: Your personal learning reflection will be assessed through a group presentation. Your coaching skills and understanding of coaching models will be evaluated during coaching practice, with opportunities for feedback. Additionally, your written communication skills will be developed through a written reflection, which will be valuable for the remainder of your degree and future career.

Module details: In this module, you will explore positive psychological theories, concepts, and research, critically examining their application in various real-world settings. You will study core topics such as happiness, wellbeing, resilience, optimism, flow, and flourishing. The module also introduces psychometric tools to assess constructs like personal strengths, resilience, and emotional intelligence. It will equip you with knowledge and skills applicable across diverse work environments, while helping you identify your own strengths, values, and motivations. This module is ideal for those pursuing careers in coaching, occupational psychology, or mentoring.

How you'll learn: Through weekly lectures and follow-up seminars, you will explore how different methods and techniques enhance performance in various settings, including educational, organisational, and personal contexts. You will critically examine psychological research on applied positive psychology and relate topics to your own experiences. Seminars will offer opportunities for small group work, personal development activities, and reflective practice, while dedicated sessions provide assessment support and feedback. Asynchronous digital resources will also be available weekly, allowing you to consolidate your learning at your convenience.

Assessment: The assessments for this module provide various ways to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding. You will complete an intervention proposal, where you'll critically evaluate a real-world issue, and a reflective audio diary, in which you'll reflect on your personal development and the broader application of positive psychological techniques. These assessments will help you develop key skills that will be valuable for postgraduate studies, a variety of workplaces, and your personal development.

Module details: This module provides an overview of coaching contexts and the psychological models and theories applicable to them. You will apply various psychological concepts, reflecting on their impact on clients, and practise coaching using different models and tools. This will help you develop your coaching style, skills, and knowledge. You will reflect on each method to identify where they are best suited, creating a coaching map for your future practice. The module uses an evidence-based approach, supporting your application for EMCC Global practitioner accreditation.

How you’ll learn: This module combines lectures and seminars, with lectures covering key topics such as coaching in professional contexts, managing the coaching relationships, and applying psychological models and theories to the coaching context. The interactive seminars provide opportunities to apply lecture material, deepen theoretical understanding, and practise coaching skills while receiving assessment support. In the seminars, you will take part in coaching, experience being coached, and observe coaching in action across different contexts.

Assessment: Your ability to communicate your coaching approach will be assessed through a public communication bio. Your coaching skills and understanding of models will be evaluated during placement coaching practice, with opportunities for feedback. Additionally, your written communication skills will be developed through creating a case study and designing public communication, which will be essential for the remainder of your degree and future career.

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs.

30 credits

You will develop your research, numeracy and information technology skills. You will investigate the difference between primary and secondary research, conduct your own research project and demonstrate your findings through data analysis. You will also develop your awareness of equality, diversion and inclusion in the UK, through a real-world issue; discrimination in the workplace.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

This module focuses on an in-depth exploration of applied psychology, drawing on foundational theories and models that explain human behaviour. You will engage with the issues and debates around some of the core psychological concepts, such as prejudice, stereotyping, group dynamics, and conformity, gaining a broad understanding of what influences human behaviours.

The module introduces the bio-psycho-social model within health psychology, providing a holistic framework for understanding health-related behaviours. You will gain a knowledge of how different psychological theories and models can be applied to understand the development of risky health behaviours and can be applied to design effective health intervention strategies.

You will learn the skill of collaborative group work, which is an integral part of the module, encouraging you to apply your knowledge of psychological theories to analyse and present a case study on risky health behaviour. You will also develop the skill of critical analysis, integrating various theories and models in psychology to explain risky health behaviour and suggest intervention programs.

Teaching and learning

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour seminar per week. You will learn through a blend of lectures and interactive sessions, case studies and group presentations.

There will be an additional 30 minutes of online support per week. This will consist of individual tasks such as quizzes, posting on discussion forums, watching videos and taking notes, and reading articles or chapters.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a written assessment and a group presentation.

50% - written assessment, composed of two parts; essay and self-reflection. You will write an essay on your knowledge of at least two psychological theories or models to explain why people develop risky health behaviours and propose and evaluate intervention strategies. You will reflect on your experience and learning journey as you prepared for and wrote the essay.

50% - group presentation, where you will apply knowledge from psychology theories to plan health interventions on risky health behaviour.

30 credits

This module focuses on the different perspectives available in psychology to explain human behaviour.

You will get the opportunity to explore methods of scientific thinking and reasoning within a Psychology context in an enquiry-based way. Problem-based learning and blended learning (combines online and face-to-face time) approaches will facilitate deep, experiential learning.

You will gain knowledge on what scientific thinking is, how to distinguish this from pseudoscience and how the scientific cycle enquiry can be applied to the various perspectives in psychology.

You will be encouraged to explore how different perspective in psychology can explain human behaviour, scientific argumentation and ethical working practices in relation to current scientific topics as reflected in news reports, recent academic publications and historical case studies. You’ll gain the skill of critical thinking and how to apply concepts from psychology to explain everyday behaviour, as well as poster presentation and public speaking.

Teaching and learning

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour seminar per week. Lectures will introduce the scientific basis of knowledge and research methodologies in the context of Psychology and empower you to distinguish between science and pseudoscience, while seminars will consist of individual and group activities on the weekly topics.

There will be an additional 30 minutes of online support per week. This will consist of individual tasks such as quizzes, posting on discussion forums, watching videos and taking notes, and reading articles or chapters.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a group poster presentation and written assessment.

40% - group poster presentation, you will compare and contrast any two perspectives on psychology.

60% - written assessment, you will write a critical essay on how pseudoscience differs from science.