Students will be introduced to individual differences within psychology and to key approaches, including Humanism, Behaviourism and the Psychodynamic approach. Topics will include, understanding and treating disorders e.g. phobias and OCD and measuring differences e.g. personality. To inform understanding of these approaches students will be introduced to classic and contemporary research studies. The module will cover qualitative research methods, including, case studies, interviews and observations. Students will discuss debates and issues including, mental health from a historical perspective and the ethics of human and animal research. Links will be made to areas of clinical psychology, in these areas students will apply the knowledge of key approaches to real-life situations, including behaviour modification techniques, treatment for phobias, and counselling and clinical psychology. Links to employability will be made through considering the professional skills required to work as a psychologist. In order to provide students with key skills and to prepare for level 4 study, students will undertake study skills sessions, including, plagiarism and referencing. Independent study time will be spent engaging in wider reading and formative assessment.

Podcast (LO 1 & 3) – 5-minute individual podcast introducing one of the approaches covered on the module and a debate of one of the current issues in psychology.

Portfolio (LO 2 & 4) - Reflect on own progress and skill development from the beginning of the course through the use of a reflective diary. Demonstrate an understanding of personal and professional skills within clinical practice. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how to conduct a qualitative research study and the appropriate analysis methods.

Portfolio to include:
Reflective log – students to keep a reflective diary from the start of the course. Students to provide self-analysis of personal and professional strengths and weaknesses, skills possessed and skills which require improvement.

A 500-word analysis of the professional skills required for psychologists who work in clinical practice/counselling psychology.

The analysis and write up of a qualitative piece of research e.g. naturalistic observation or unstructured interview and content or thematic analysis.¿

Formative assessment¿
Formative learning for the portfolio will consist of group discussions and in-class questioning in order to determine knowledge. Teacher feedback will be provided on the reflective log.

In order to prepare for the podcast presentation students will take part in a paired debate on an issue in abnormal psychology. Formative learning will also take the form of teacher and peer feedback on the paired debate.

Lectures / workshop sessions (135 hours). Lecture content will provide a basic framework of concepts, theories and research. Classes also include interactive learning activities, such as workshops, group discussion, web based activities, practical demonstrations and tests, oral presentations, and written formative and summative assessments. In their own private study time, students will be expected to complete wider reading and consolidation of the topics and concepts

Describe the basic concepts, key issues and relevant research relating to the psychological approaches covered in this module.
Knowledge & Understanding, Learning

Demonstrate introductory understanding of qualitative research methodologies and appropriate methods of data analysis.
Analysis, Enquiry, Psychology Research Skills

Discuss and communicate some key debates within psychology.
Communication

Provide an analysis of the professional skills required of a psychologist, including a self-reflection of your own personal and professional skills.
Reflection

Library access to relevant textbooks, journals, ebooks

Internet access to relevant websites and online databases

Gross, R. (2020). Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour (8th Edition), Hodder Education, London

Hayes, N. & Tomley, S. (2021). Instant Psychology: Key Thinkers, Theories, Discoveries and Concepts. Welbeck

On this module you will learn the basic concepts concerning individual differences, Humanism, Behaviourism and the Psychodynamic approach. You will study topics including understanding and treating disorders such as phobias and OCD, and measuring differences between individuals for example in their personality. To illustrate these concepts, you will be introduced to classic and contemporary research studies, alongside current issues and debates, including the history of mental health and the ethics of human and animal research. You will apply the knowledge you have learnt in this area to real-life situations including behaviour modification techniques, treatment for phobias, and counselling and clinical psychology. You will learn the basic concepts of qualitative research methods, study skills and the professional skills required to be a psychologist and you will demonstrate an awareness of the development of your own personal and professional skills.