Psychology

Course summary

The mind is something intangible that exists within our brain. Why do we sometimes forget things the moment we walk out of a room? Can we make stress our friend rather then it being such a negative experience? And how do we explain why people develop things like phobias or OCD? Psychology offers students an engaging and stimulating course to discover insights into the reasons behind human behaviour, helping them to gain not only a better understanding of their own behaviour but of those around them too. Psychology has a big impact on all areas of life, particularly in informing education and teaching, directing medical and health support services with issues like depression and phobias, shaping businesses and advertising, and engaging with efforts to reduce and reform criminal behaviour. Psychologists help by applying scientific methods to obtain a better understanding of behaviour. This includes observing, measuring, testing and carrying out statistical analysis with individuals and groups to gain relevant information to support different situations. This enables psychologists to find solutions to problems in various settings. In the first year of study, the course includes areas such as: The scientific study of mental disorders and types of abnormality including phobias, OCD and depression How memory works including explanations for forgetting and factors that affect eyewitness testimony Practical understanding of the research methods psychologists used to investigate human behaviour In the second year of study, the course includes areas such as: Insight into forensic psychology including explanations for offending and how offender profiles are used to narrow down searches for criminals Why we get stressed and ways of managing stress Issues and Debates in psychology such as understanding the role of free will and determinism in behaviour, and the role of nature and nurture, as well as discussions on cultural issues,