Online MSc Psychology (Conversion) - BPS Accredited

Social Psychology, Development and Difference

In this course you will cover the main British Psychological Society taught content in terms of social psychology, developmental psychology, and individual differences. The module takes a lifespan developmental approach that considers brain, cognitive and social development from infancy through to old age, as well as theories of human psychological development, normative changes, atypical development, sources of individual differences, and influences of different social contexts. You’ll have the opportunity to apply academic knowledge to real world issues via case studies and problem based learning.

Brain, Body and Mind

Brain, Body and Mind draws heavily on psychobiology, neuroscience, individual differences and evolutionary approaches to provide a critical understanding of mind and behaviour. The module will provide you with a comprehensive and critical synthesis of how biology and evolutionary theory underpin human and animal behaviour before examining cognitive and individual difference models of the mind and behaviour. You’ll be challenged to analyse areas of human psychology from multiple perspectives and to show an integrated understanding of the area. The module is largely topic based, and you’ll address key areas of psychology from a variety of perspectives: Current cognitive theory, the biological underpinnings, evolutionary and genetic perspectives, individual differences and clinical issues. Topics will include areas such as perception, learning, memory, language, problem solving & decision making and consciousness and meta-cognition, intelligence and social cognition.

Research in Action: Qualitative Methods and Psychology in Principles

Research is key to psychology. Here you will learn the qualitative methods in psychology, looking at the design, collection, and analysis of qualitative data and key aspects of a qualitative approach, such as reflexivity and epistemology. You’ll collect and analyse qualitative data and use this to formulate research questions.

Research in Action: Statistical Thinking

Psychology requires you to develop a critical understanding of the principles of quantitative data collection and analysis, whilst considering the theory behind various methods. You’ll cover theoretical, conceptual, and ethical issues during lectures, with emphasis on the logic behind the techniques you are learning, enabling you to see when it’s appropriate to use a particular approach. The ideas covered in your lectures are brought to life using associated practical and computer examples, helping you to understand how the research choices you make affect your data analysis options and the power of your statistical tests. You will get hands-on experience with data analysis, gaining skills in using and interpreting output from statistical software.

Into ARU

Entering third level education is exciting; but it can also be a daunting experience. At ARU, we want all students to make the most of the opportunities Higher Education provides, so they reach their potential, become lifelong learners and find fulfilling careers. However, we appreciate that the shift from secondary education, or a return to formal education is quite a journey. This module is designed to ease that transition. You’ll be enrolled on it as soon as you receive an offer from ARU so you can begin to learn about university life before your course starts. Through Into ARU, you’ll explore a virtual land modelled around ARU values: Courage, Innovation, Community, Integrity, Responsibility, and Ambition. This innovative module is designed as a game, where you collect knowledge and complete various mini tasks. You’ll proceed at your own pace, though we expect you to have completed the Into ARU exploration by week 6. If you, for whatever reason, are unable to complete it by that date, you’ll be signposted to existing services so that we can be confident that you’re supported.

Contemporary Issues in Psychology

The aim of this module is to explore the unique solutions and approaches that psychologists and psychological research can bring to analysing contemporary real-world problems. For example, issues such as welfare, climate change, political conflict, behaviour in a health pandemic, and the effects of social media, are all public policy issues that psychologists can contribute to. Many current concerns of environmental and social welfare are strongly influenced by psychological factors and could benefit from psychological analysis.

The module will provide you with a grounding in key skills and research that address considering people, and their psychology, in relation to issues of contemporary concern and policy making. There are two strands to these skills: (a) critical understanding of psychological research methods and ethics, and (b) specific psychological knowledge and approaches relevant to policy making. Regarding the latter, some examples would be knowledge about the roles of self-regulation, motivation, identity, emotion, and culture.

The specific topics of the module vary depending on issues of contemporary concern, but some examples would be identity politics, wellbeing economics, political populism, disaster preparedness, social media, nationalism, conspiracy theories, and pandemic behaviour. In summary, the module looks at several topics of contemporary relevance and examines how psychologists can contribute to our understanding of them and what practical advice psychologists could give to policy makers.

Diagnosis and Formulation in Mental Health

You’ll be introduced to diagnosis and formulation in mental health, as well as a variety of mental health problems including anxiety, depression, psychosis and post-traumatic stress disorder. You’ll develop your knowledge of diagnostic classification of mental health problems and establish an understanding of theoretical explanations of mental health problems through formulation. You will also review current knowledge of aetiological factors in mental health problems, including biological, psychological and sociocultural factors. You’ll be taught the importance of understanding the individual beyond diagnosis, through applying formulation to case studies.

Psychology Dissertation

This module requires you to undertake a research project in the chosen field of study and to present the results of that research in a thesis prepared to the highest scientific professional standards. The research will normally be based on preparatory work undertaken in modules: Issues in Psychological Research and either The Research in Action modules or Essential Research Methods. The topic may be drawn mainly from a selection of suggested topics related to school research groups. A professional subject of interest will be considered provided that a strong case is made, and suitable supervision is available. These suggested project topics will be assessed for suitability. You’ll be assigned a supervisor, or, if appropriate, a supervisory team. You will be expected to make regular reports documenting progress. These reports will normally be in a written format suitable for incorporation into the final thesis.

Modules are subject to change and availability.