Psychology

Course summary

Psychology is a highly academic discipline but one that is also part of our everyday life. Defined as the ‘scientific study of mental processes and behaviour’, it seeks to understand human behaviour and attempts to predict how people will react in a given situation. The course offers a fascinating, extensive and varied programme of topics, including the effects of society on behaviour, a detailed look at forensic and criminal investigations, and the origins and treatments of different psychological disorders like schizophrenia, OCD and depression. It applies both a rigorous and scientific approach to study, introducing students to the psychological research methods and the theories that underpin the subject. It develops students’ ability to formulate an argument by presenting and critically evaluating research which is a key skill for higher education and the world of work.