BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling Bachelor's degree at Westminster

The module considers human psychology and behaviour from a biological perspective. The module assumes no prior knowledge and provides a basic introduction into the breadth of psychobiology, neurology, psychophysiology and related areas. This includes introductory level neuroanatomy and physiology, progressing to higher organisation of the nervous system and functional anatomy. Also introduced are basic physiology, the biological bases of behaviour and learning, nociception, control systems and t

The study of 'thinking' and how people process the world around them and interact with it forms a core topic in psychology, namely cognition. This module provides you with a broad overview of the key themes in Cognitive Psychology, including memory, attention, sensation and perception (including object recognition, imagery), learning theory, language and problem solving. Teaching will include both formal lectures and hands-on activities to provide insight into how research into cognition is carr

This module provides a broad-based, contemporary view of developmental Psychology taking a lifespan approach. It explores key topics such as attachment, language development and aging. The module includes the interacting contributions of biology and the environment to the developing person, and their social context throughout the lifespan.

Considers topics in the field of psychological individual differences, eg personality, psychological testing, intelligence, cognitive style, emotion, motivation, mood, mental health, gender and ethnicity. There is a focus on topics, models and issues currently seen as well supported by empirical evidence, important in the field, and for applied practice. Teaching and learning methods include lectures, practical workshops, seminars and independent study.

Introduction to: psychological research using methodologies drawn from qualitative and quantitative research; the principles underlying quantitative and qualitative data analysis; the ethical issues relating to research; use of statistical software; reporting psychological investigations. Data collected from investigations within the module and in other level 4 modules will be used to teach data analysis. The inherent variability and diversity of psychological measures will be made explicit.

This module provides a broad introduction to social psychology and the study of how individuals think, feel, and behave in a social context. Specific topics include an introduction to social perception (including the self-concept, elements of social perception, and stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination). You'll also learn about the impact of social influence (including conformity and obedience, attitudes and persuasion, and group influence) and social relationships (attraction and close rel

This module introduces the development and practice of counselling skills and personal reflection, which are at the heart of therapeutic work. As such, there is an emphasis on experiential and practice-based activities. The module builds upon a number of areas covered at level 4, including qualitative research methods, social psychology, and individual differences. There is also a reflective-teaching component, whereby the conceptual issues around counselling skills and reflection are discussed,

This module will give you a valuable opportunity to engage in 35 hours of work-based learning activities. Gaining practical experience for example, in a relevant work-based setting or equivalent offers you the opportunity to cultivate transferable skills for career success. Applied settings may include supporting individuals dealing with mental health issues, brain injuries, or dementia, working in hospitals, social services, the criminal justice system, or befriending and assisting children in

Taking this module will develop your competence in collecting and coding qualitative data by acquiring interviewing skills and by developing your skill in coding transcript data. You will also develop skills in designing, analysing, and interpreting the results of experiments with more than two conditions, and survey designs involving multiple predictors.

This module provides coverage of various approaches under the broad rubric of humanistic counselling and psychotherapy. The various humanistic approaches to therapy include person-centred therapy, existential therapy, Gestalt therapy, and transpersonal therapy. You'll also explore a range of concepts and principles that bind these approaches, such as self-development and self-actualisation, human givens of existence, and a holistic framework. The relationship between theory and practice will be

This module will introduce you to the theory and practice of two major psychotherapy approaches: psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). These approaches will be explored through applying them to personal experiences and case study material. Half of the module gives an overview of the history and development of psychodynamic psychotherapy. Some core clinical ideas and assumptions will be explored through literature and case studies. In addition, the module aims to enab

This module explores the psychological, developmental, and contextual factors underlining therapeutic work with children and young people (CYP). You will study key theories, creative approaches, ethical and safeguarding considerations, and contemporary challenges affecting CYP mental health and wellbeing. The module encourages applied understanding through the assessment, which is to design a Therapeutic Toolkit – a set of creative resources and activities suitable for CYP. You'll engage in semi

Emotions are not just a private matter. This module explores the centrality of emotions to interpersonal and social life such as love, shame and anger. It examines theories which challenge our assumptions that emotions are solely psychological cognitive states. It will offer alternative models which make the case that emotions emerge out of the social relations in which you are experienced, and are thus tied to social inequalities of gender, class and race. The module includes a reflective asses

This module provides an in depth understanding of the cognitive and neuronal mechanisms that underlie a range of mind-body therapeutic interventions, e.g. mindfulness, focusing, yoga, cognitive behavioural therapy, neurofeedback. You'll use an evidence-based approach to explain and evaluate how the connection between mind and brain can be modulated to bring about positive outcomes in specific conditions, groups and populations. While this will include a historical context and the traditional the

Climate change is both abstract and complex, and often feels like a problem our brains are hard-wired to ignore. Yet climate change is the result of human behaviours, and this places people and their actions at the centre of the crisis. This module will provide an interdisciplinary exploration of how people are conceptualising and responding to climate change. You'll examine this from the level of the individual, drawing on the psychology of attitudes, perceptions and behavioural change approach

This module focusses on understanding psychological differences from multiple perspectives and the value of diversity in