Psychology

You’ll learn to use scientific methods and evidence to understand, measure and modify behaviour. It’s an incredibly diverse field, and you will enjoy a broad introduction to six core areas of psychology, including cognitive, developmental and social psychology. Later in the course you’ll focus your learning on the specialist areas that interest you. Crucially, you’ll learn how to think, write and critique in a scientific way, giving you the core skills you need to follow a career in the field.

In Year One you’ll learn the building blocks of classic and contemporary theory and research in psychology, and will look at the historical dimensions of the discipline as a whole. You can also select from optional classes in other disciplines, including Sociology and Physiology.

In Year Two you’ll move towards evaluation of the core domains of social, developmental, individual, cognitive and biological psychology through a variety of teaching and learning methods, including group work, skills practice, and problem-based learning. You’ll be encouraged to participate in and reflect on current research taking place in the Division of Psychology, Sociology and Education at QMU. You’ll also study another chosen subject for the first semester of Year Two.

In Year Three you’ll continue to critically reflect on the historical underpinning of psychology and progress your knowledge and critical awareness within the core areas. Your research skills will be further refined with the opportunity to gain experience of both quantitative and qualitative research, as well as the critical appraisal of research ethics and the identification of your Year Four dissertation project.

In Year Four you can choose modules that suit your interests and focus on real-world applications of psychology. For example, in the Contemporary Issues in Psychology module you will reflect on how you can use your psychology knowledge to approach current problems and issues in society. This year, now that you are immersed in the student research culture, you can carry out a research-based dissertation in a specific area.