Course overview
Psychology is a broad and fascinating discipline, covering everything from behaviour and personality to mental health. You explore the five core areas of the British Psychological Society (BPS) curriculum: cognitive, social, developmental and biological psychology, and individual differences.
Consider the historical and cultural context of theory and research in psychology, using it to inform your understanding of key concepts. If you are interested in the reasons behind actions, attitudes and thinking and you want to have a positive impact on people, this course is for you.
This course is delivered 100% online, so you can study in a location that suits you around your personal and professional commitments. You are connected to other students through our virtual learning environment, learning and working together in a supportive and helpful community.
The psychology sector is growing, with increasing opportunities for employment. This course acts as an initial introduction to the field and provides you with the foundation for careers working with children, supporting the elderly, counselling opportunities and more.
Top reasons to study this course
- Accredited: this course is accredited by the BPS and allows you to gain the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), an essential steppingstone for recognised psychological work in the UK.
- Flexible learning: your course materials are all online and can be accessed at any time, so you choose when and where you study.
- Supportive environment: find your voice as a member of our online community, with support specific to your needs from professional and personal tutors who can provide feedback and guidance about the subject, and beyond.
- Expert teaching: this course is taught by research-active staff with decades of experience and expertise across the field.
- Maximised value: gain all the benefits and prestige of a master’s in psychology at a competitive cost, making the most out of your money.
- No psychology qualifications needed: we welcome applications from those who have undergraduate psychology degrees, but you don’t need one to be eligible for the course (if you meet the entry requirements).
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
Applied Qualitative Research Methods
In this module students will develop the requisite skills needed to analyse, conduct and assess qualitative research within the applied psychology setting. It will also provide students with an understanding of key theoretical approaches in designing qualitative research projects as well as practical experience in transcribing and analysing qualitative data.
Students will examine the philosophical roots of qualitative methods and how these can be used to collect psychological evidence. At the end of the module students will be in a position to carry out a major research project using qualitative methods.
Biological and Social Psychology
The module is divided into two halves: biopsychology and social psychology. Biological, neurological and social explanations for a series of identified psychological topics are explored, as well as introducing the concept of evolutionary explanations for human behaviour and the scientific approach to the study of our social behaviour.
Development, Cognitive Processes and Disorders
This module introduces students to key concepts and theories in development and cognitive psychology and is delivered in two parts. In the first half, competing perspectives, contemporary debates, historical perspectives and applied topics within developmental psychology will be studied using a lifespan perspective.
In the second half, a range of cognitive processes will be discussed in relation to both healthy and disordered functioning, drawing evidence from experimental psychology, neuropsychological case studies and cognitive neuroscience perspectives.
Introduction to Psychology: Classics to Contemporary
Psychology is a fascinating discipline and covers a broader range of topics than many people realise, from language through personality to mental health and wellbeing and even what love is. Despite the breadth it is a relatively new science and still, as a result, leads to there being many misconceptions amongst the general public.
In this module you will learn about the discipline from its conception to current knowledge and how to dispel some of these myths. The module will cover the breadth of psychology to underpin more in-depth study of psychology. It covers the five core theory areas of the British Psychological Society curriculum; cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, biological psychology and individual differences, in addition to historical and conceptual issues.
The module is divided into sections devoted to each of these areas and has an additional section introducing the history of the discipline. It provides you with a solid level of psychological literacy for you to develop further and will teach you about the foundations of the discipline.
This module considers the principles of evidence-based practice and facilitates the development of research skills, project management and writing up for publication. In this module students will conduct a self-initiated research project which will be allocated a research supervisor.
Psychopathologies and Individual Differences
You develop your knowledge of psychopathologies and individual differences in psychology, and an in-depth, critical understanding of these areas along with the necessary skills to distinguish between theories and critically evaluate them. In addition, the module also develops your understanding of and skills with psychometric tests.
Quantitative Research in Psychology
This module focuses on building confidence and competence in designing psychological research using a range of methodological techniques. Students will examine the philosophical roots of quantitative methods, consider psychological research as a process, discuss practical, ethical and methodological issues in research and engage in practical exercises to foster skills in empirical data analysis, interpretation and report writing.
The goal of this module is to provide students with the applied methodological and statistical proficiency required to effectively evaluate the research of others and produce rigorous research of your own.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
You engage in the course remotely through our TUOnline virtual learning platform at a pace that suits you. Lecture recordings are broken down into conceptual components and are tied to your weekly assignments and reading. You also have access to weekly virtual sessions with your module tutors and regular sessions with your personal tutor to support your learning.
Research training is a core component of the programme and is embedded throughout the curriculum. It underpins module content and you are taught specific research methods and analysis to help you develop the skills to succeed as a psychologist. Cross-cultural understanding is also promoted and embedded in core modules to support your understanding.
Technology enhanced learning is supported through the University’s virtual learning environment. Modules include electronic submission, assessment and feedback. A range of learning resources are also provided by our Student & Library Services.
How you are assessed
You are assessed by a range of methods including multiple choice exams, essays, critical reviews, research proposals and reports.
Reflective practice is also encouraged to allow you to identify progress, achievements, and areas for future development.
Modules include informal assessments which provide feedback you can use to develop your formal assessments. You engage in and receive informal feedback on activities completed during classes each week.
Entry requirements
You should have a minimum of a 2:2 honours undergraduate degree or the equivalent in any discipline and a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 6 in each component (or approved equivalent).
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
Employability
Career opportunities
The skills and knowledge you develop on this course are particularly suited to further postgraduate training to become a chartered psychologist in any area of psychology.
You can enter a broad range of careers including health and social welfare, the probation service, the prison service, the police, voluntary organisations and the public sector, as well as more business related roles.
You also have access to our award-winning careers service which works with regional and national employers to advertise graduate positions, and provides post-graduation support for our alumni.
Learning platform
Our virtual learning environment (VLE) is the platform you use to access your online course
Teesside University online learning courses are delivered through the Brightspace Learning Environment.
Here are some of the benefits.
- You can use it on your smartphone, tablet and computer.
- And you can use it anytime, so that you can plan your learning to fit your own schedule.
- It's easy to use and navigate.
- Modules are set out by topics and themes. You can use the progress bar to understand where you are in your modules, and appreciate your achievements.
- We support you to become familiar with your VLE, helping you to start learning quickly.
- You get feedback, help and guidance from tutors throughout your course through the VLE, and you can ask questions at any time.
- Our tutors use a live activity feed to keep you updated about your course.
- You can create a student profile, collaborate with other students and take part in online discussion forums.
