Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience

BSc Hons UCAS Code

Course overview

Cognitive neuroscience looks at how our brains support our thoughts, feelings and actions. On this course, you'll study core psychology modules with cognitive neuroscience practicals. You'll develop skills in brain imaging, behavioural measurement and physiological psychology.

In years one and three you'll have optional modules to choose from. This is your chance to explore the areas of psychology that you find interesting. As we have experts across the spectrum of psychology, we are able to offer you a choice from different areas. For example, the Neuropsychology and Applied Neuroimaging module covers the effect of brain damage. You'll learn how it can impair language, memory and motor control.

As a psychology student you will also be able to apply to our Pschology Insights project, which gives you the opportunity to work on a live brief with a local organisation. Hear from students who have taken part before and find out more about this career accellerating experience.  

Teaching and learning

Modules

Core modules

6 modules

Biological Psychology

An introduction to the neural and biological bases of cognition and behaviour. You will learn about the structure and evolution of the brain and the main functions of the different parts.

You will examine how the brain receives, transmits, and processes information at the neural level, as well as its visual pathways. The main scientific methods for investigating brain and behaviour will also be covered.

You will have two hours of lectures weekly.


Cognitive Psychology

This module will examine:

  • Perception, with particular emphasis on vision, but also hearing, taste, touch and smell;
  • The Psychology of Language, including linguistic theory, speech, parsing, word meaning, and language production
  • The Psychology of Reading, including word recognition, theories of eye-movement control, and reading multi-media displays
  • Human Memory, covering the basics of encoding, storage and retrieval with particular reference to real-world applications of memory research
  • Thinking and Problem Solving, including heuristics, biases, evolutionary perspectives on human rationality, and group decision making

Developmental Psychology

An introduction to the fascinating world of the developing child.

Lectures consider different theoretical, applied, and experimental approaches to cognitive, linguistic, and social development from early to late childhood.

Topics include the development of thinking, perception, drawing, understanding the mind, intelligence, attachment, language, and moral development.

You will have a one-hour lecture weekly.


Introduction to Research Methods and Analysis

This full-year module introduces you to basic aspects of research design, and to the statistical representation and analysis of data.

You will be trained in statistical analysis, using software such as the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

You will gain an understanding of the issues underlying experimental and correlational research designs.

You will have a one-hour lecture weekly.


Practical Methods: Labs and Workshops

You will address several different psychological topics using a range of investigative procedures, primarily based on the experimental method.

The module will enable you to critically assess previous research and to design, as well as conduct, analyse, and report on your own studies.

You will learn how to program and use computer software for research and will have the opportunity to be a participant in another person’s study.

You will have a three-hour practical class every other week, plus a two-hour seminar weekly.


Social Psychology

An introduction to the core topics in social psychology, which is concerned with trying to understand the social behaviour of individuals in terms of both internal characteristics of the person (e.g. cognitive mental processes) and external influences (the social environment).

Lectures will cover topics including how we define the self, attitudes, attribution, obedience, aggression, pro-social behaviour and formation of friendships.

You will have a one-hour lecture weekly.


Optional modules

Select student type

Entry requirements

3 years full-time

£9,535 per year

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One of the reasons why I chose to study psychology here was the opportunity to study at another campus overseas, which was one of the best decisions I have ever made!"

Sabrina Liew

BSc Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience

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