Therapeutic Psychology and Counselling

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: This module provides an in-depth exploration of various CBT models, including Cognitive Therapy, Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Schema Therapy. You will learn about the history, principles, and evidence-based applications of CBT for treating mental health conditions in psychotherapy and counselling. Key topics include the Cognitive and ABC Models, cognitive restructuring, behavioural activation, and mindfulness techniques, with an emphasis on adapting CBT for diverse cultural backgrounds.

How you'll learn: Innovative teaching methods will make your learning experience engaging and interactive. Practical exercises, reflection techniques, and collaborative group work will help you build a solid foundation in applying CBT. The course encourages a sustainable approach to professional development and self-care. Multimedia tools and digital resources will cater to different learning styles, allowing you to revisit materials outside of class for deeper understanding. You will also engage in comparative analyses of therapeutic models, enhancing your ability to critically evaluate and integrate CBT techniques.

Assessment: In this module, you will complete assessments to strengthen your understanding of CBT. You and a partner will role-play a CBT case scenario, demonstrating your knowledge of mental health conditions and cultural considerations. In the second assessment, you will analyse a CBT session video, applying techniques such as behavioural activation and experiments. These assessments offer real-world applications that enhance your professional skills, self-reflection, and critical analysis, preparing you for future work in psychotherapy and counselling settings.

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: This module aims to enhance your mental health literacy by providing a comprehensive overview of theoretical models that explore human distress. It will help you understand emotional and psychological struggles, extending beyond clinical disorders. You will learn to differentiate between models of care and cure, emphasising the continuum between distressing experiences and clinical conditions. For example, you will examine how anxiety differs from Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). This understanding will enable you to address psychological distress effectively, applying a nuanced approach to mental health care, essential for clinical, counselling, and psychotherapy professions.

How you’ll learn: Throughout this course, you will explore key theoretical models of mental health, including biomedical, psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive, and psychoneuroimmunological approaches, with a historical perspective on their evolution across different populations. You will learn how each model conceptualises various forms of psychological distress, including stress, anxiety, and trauma. The module will also cover the distinction between normal distress and clinical disorders like PTSD and Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). You will examine the impact of early adverse experiences on emotional regulation and attachment, and gain insights into the psychoneuroimmunological model, which integrates psychological processes with biological systems.

Assessment: The assessments for this module are innovative and based on peer review strategies to enhance learning outcomes. The first assessment involves exchanging a patchwork text with peers, covering a historical discussion, model conceptualisation, and counselling strategies for a chosen psychological distress. You will provide written feedback, which will be evaluated for quality and critical analysis. This feedback session prepares you for the second assessment, a comprehensive portfolio requiring critical examination of psychological distress from an intercultural perspective. Both assessments develop your analytical skills and offer opportunities for in-depth reflection and knowledge integration.

Module details: This module introduces you to key psychotherapeutic approaches within the programme. You will explore the theoretical principles of psychodynamic therapy, including psychoanalysis, and the influence of psychodynamic work on psychology and counselling. The module covers foundational theories such as drive theory, ego psychology, self-psychology, and object relations theory, with a focus on understanding personality and behaviour development. You will also examine contemporary models, such as mentalisation-based treatments and brief dynamic therapy, and their application in therapeutic contexts.

How you'll learn: You will engage in interactive lectures and workshops, where you will apply theoretical principles to real-life scenarios. Case studies will be analysed to identify individual difficulties and discuss treatment approaches. You will refine your skills through self-reflection, role-play, and case discussions, focusing on unconscious communication, transference, and countertransference. Additionally, workshops will help you learn how to set up and maintain a psychodynamic therapeutic frame and use interpretation to help clients gain insight into their behaviours and patterns.

Assessments: Assessment will involve practical application of psychodynamic concepts, such as interpreting unconscious processes and understanding transference and countertransference. You will be evaluated on your ability to conceptualise cases, apply psychodynamic techniques, and maintain a therapeutic frame. Through self-reflection exercises and small group discussions, you will demonstrate your understanding of psychodynamic theory. These assessments aim to prepare you for a successful career in psychotherapy and counselling, equipping you with the skills to manage therapeutic environments and endings effectively in mental health settings.

Module details: In this module, you will explore the dynamics of mental health care across various clinical and counselling settings, focusing on intervention strategies tailored to underrepresented communities. The module highlights the importance of creativity in therapeutic practices and the need for professional diversity in mental health. You will examine different therapeutic approaches for diverse populations, including children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly, while considering settings such as perinatal care and community-based interventions. This module prepares you to apply a wide range of skills and concepts in your future professional practice.

How you’ll learn: In this module, you will engage in a variety of learning activities designed to enhance your understanding and practical skills in clinical and counselling psychology. These include lectures, group discussions, and workshops focused on specific communities. You will explore real-world case studies to understand the complexities of working with diverse populations and settings. Practical exercises, role-playing, and reflective journaling will help you apply theoretical knowledge to real-life situations, fostering a holistic approach to mental health care and supporting your development through portfolio work.

Assessment: The assessments for this module are designed to provide real-world application and professional engagement. The Mental Health Worker Interview involves interacting with a mental health professional, offering insights into the field and helping you develop critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. The Intervention Plan assessment requires you to create a hypothetical client scenario and design a comprehensive treatment strategy, promoting creativity and problem-solving. Formative feedback throughout the module will support your skills development, helping you gain a deeper understanding of clinical and counselling practices, such as treatment goals and risk assessments.

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 focuses on your personal and professional development, preparing you for a career in clinical, counselling, and psychotherapeutic settings. It provides practical knowledge and skills needed to navigate professional structures, hierarchies, and workplace dynamics within UK mental health settings. You will develop strategies for effective collaboration in multidisciplinary environments and complete a minimum of 30 hours of voluntary experience in a mental health setting to boost employability. The module is open to various roles, ensuring experience in a helping relationship within mental health contexts.

How you’ll learn: In this module, you'll engage in both theoretical and practical learning to enhance your skills as a mental health professional. Through a combination of seminars, workshops, and online training, you’ll develop essential skills such as effective communication, leadership, and ethical decision-making. You’ll also explore different professional structures and settings in mental health, including NHS, private practice, and community centres. The module includes a voluntary placement where you can apply your learning in real-world contexts, gaining hands-on experience and reflecting on your interpersonal skills and workplace dynamics.

Assessment: Your learning will be assessed through a professional development portfolio, where you will document key skills and experiences essential for a successful mental health career. Regular formative assessments during seminars will support this process. The second assessment involves a reflective journal documenting your voluntary work in a mental health setting, including critical reflections on your personal and professional growth. You will also explore a key moment in your placement, enhancing your self-awareness and your ability to make sound ethical decisions in practice.

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.