Module content will primarily be delivered using the Blackboard VLE. This will be supported through a combination of lectures seminars and workshops. Each of the core areas (eg. Social psychology, cognitive psychology and individual differences (intelligence)) begins with an introductory lecture giving students an overall picture of that area of psychology. The lectures are directly linked to the corresponding content on Blackboard, which students will then use to explore the basic theories and concepts highlighted within these core areas.

Students will also attend weekly classes, some of which are group or individual personal tutorials and some of which are seminars and workshops supporting Blackboard content. Seminars and workshops will use activities, debates and discussions to reinforce material learned from Blackboard. In tutorials the emphasis will be placed on the identification and development of key skills and the production of a personal development plan.

This module will introduce students to some introductory key issues in social psychology, cognitive psychology and the psychology of individual differences (intelligence). Examples of topics covered using the Blackboard VLE include the psychology of attitudes, groups, and prejudice, principles of perception, learning, memory and problem solving, theories and concepts of intelligence, it's definition and measurement.

Blackboard VLE
PC with web browser
Library facilities

Hogg, M.A., Vaughan, G.M. (2008): Social Psychology (5th Edn). Harlow, Essex, Pearson Education Ltd.
Carlson, N.R., Martin, G.N. & Buskist, W (2007): Psychology (3rd Edn). Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd.
Eysenck, M & Keane M.T. (2005): Cognitive Psychology; A Student's Handbook. Hove, UK: Psychology Press

Be registered on a Psychology award

Summative assessment

(i) A group poster using some key social psychological concepts and issues to illustrate an observed social event (learning outcomes 1 and 2) 40%
(ii) Short-essay answers to questions addressing research and theory in cognitive and intelligence psychology (max 2000 words overall) (learning outcomes 1 and 3) 40%
(iii) A key skills activity using information resources, search strategies and reflection on a topic from either social psychology, cognitive psychology or intelligence. (learning outcome 4) 20%


Formative learning
Formative learning and feedback opportunities will be provided through a series of tasks and activities on Blackboard. In seminars and workshops formative learning and feedback will be achieved through class based activities and discussions. One of these activities will be a social psychology observation task which will be discussed in class, and formative feedback given.

Seminar time will also be given to practising writing short essays.