Introduction to Research Methods
Psychology (First Year Taught at Salford City College)
School of Health and Society
Full-time
Three year
September 2024
In a nutshell
Psychology is about people - the study of the human mind and behaviour. As such, psychology graduates are well sought after in many workplaces.
The first year of your course is delivered in smaller classes at Salford City College before you transition to the University of Salford main campus for years two and three of study. Find out more about the benefits of studying at a partner college here.
You will:
- Learn about the core areas of psychology; biological, cognitive, developmental, social and individual differences
- Learn to be a critical thinker, able to consider a problem, develop a research plan and execute that plan
- Be able to choose from optional modules, allowing you to explore areas of particular interest to you
Course accreditations

This is for you if...
You would prefer to get used to the demands of university study in a smaller, supportive environment
You have a desire to explore all areas of psychology
You are curious to discover more about the range of human behaviours
You have strong written skills and an aptitude for research
You are good at solving problems
You are creative and flexible
All about the course
This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) – if you achieve a lower second class degree or above, Graduate Basis for Registration is awarded. This is the first step to becoming a chartered psychologist.
You will initially be introduced to the key areas of psychology, then explore these in detail at year two, then in year three, you have optional modules in which you can explore areas of interest to you.
To find out more about this course, please visit the Salford City College website.
The first year of this course is taught at Salford City College. Please check their website for details of upcoming Open Days.
During the second year you will also have the opportunity to apply for a sandwich year which will be taken between the second and third year of your programme, to either study abroad or gain professional experience. Please note, there is a limited number of placements available and therefore a place on the sandwich year isn't guaranteed.
This module introduces the methods which are used in psychology and related fields. Statistical concepts and the quantitative methods which they underpin are taught alongside qualitative methods. The module builds knowledge which is important in interpreting the research papers you will read over the course of your degree as well as providing the foundation for skills which you will need in order to conduct your own research projects.
Introduction to Developmental and Social Psychology
You will be introduced to key factors in human development including social, emotional, cognitive and biological foundation, as well as how children learn to talk. Within social psychology you will look at how individuals perceive, influence and interact with others, including through verbal and non-verbal communication.
Psychology in Contemporary Contexts
Provides a clear understanding of the relevance of psychology in the contemporary world with opportunities to consider applications of core psychological principles across a range of areas in a range of contemporary contexts. The module aims to develop your ability to evaluate and problem solve in a real world context using a range of research and analysis skills.
Introduction to Individual Differences
This module introduces the study of personality, intelligence, gender and mental health. Understanding these differences can be applied later in your studies to understand, for example, why some children learn language faster than others, or why men’s and women’s language use is sometimes so different.
Introduction to Biological and Cognitive Psychology
You will be introduced to the basic biological processes and cognitive principles necessary for understanding human psychology. Language is a key cognitive skill, and this module covers topics such as reading and listening, automatic word identification, resolving linguistic ambiguities, and aphasia.
The Science of Psychology
You will explore methodological principles in psychology, through scientific enquiry and practice.
Further Research Methods
This module extends quantitative and qualitative research methods training to more complex designs and forms of analysis. You will build on the skills developed in year one; designing, carrying out research, and analysing your results. You will also spend time looking at discourse and discursive analysis for analysing speech.
Biological Psychology
You will explore the role of biological psychology and neuropsychology in explaining daily functions, such as sleep, learning and emotion, and mental illness.
Cognitive Psychology
You will examine a variety of cognitive functions in humans (for example perception, memory, language and consciousness) and learn how this knowledge can be applied in real-world contexts such as media, driving and education.
Developmental and Social Psychology
Building on your knowledge from year one, you will examine the influences of nature and nurture on human development. You will learn how to critically evaluate historical and contemporary theories. Your assignments will provide you with the opportunity to examine the implications of research for education, policy and clinical practice.
Individual Differences
Building on study of this area in the first year, the module invites you to explore the latest theories and research into personality and intelligence, gender differences and mental health. Understanding individual differences will enable you to think about differences in language use and language acquisition.
Social Psychology
You will have the opportunity to apply relevant theory to explaining and researching everyday social behaviour. You will be assessed for the module by means of a poster and participation in a psychology poster exhibition.
Dissertation
You will carry out a research project on a topic of your interest, which may include aspects of English language as well as psychology. Recent dissertation topics have included the influence of parent-child interaction on child language acquisition, and the relationship between bilingualism and social anxiety. The range of skills you develop as you navigate the process of research design, completing an ethics form, recruiting participants and carrying out your research, performing appropriate analysis and writing up your work, will be invaluable in all workplaces.
Optional modules - choose four from the below:
Occupational Psychology
A practitioner based module which will provide you with a tour of relevant theories and topics (including stress, selection techniques and change at work), as well as an assessment opportunity to apply these in real-world settings, including your own experience in the workplace.
Brain and Behaviour
This module examines in detail the relationships between behaviour and the nervous system. You will explore these relationships through the consideration of key topics in the field of neuroscience, including learning, psychopharmacology, brain damage, organic brain disorder and mental health.
Forensic Psychology
An applied module which will introduce you to offender profiling, lie detection techniques and psychological theories of criminal behaviour; guest speakers have included a serving chief investigating officer, a forensic psychologist and a probation officer.
Psychology and Health
This module aims to introduce you to the concepts, theory, methods and applications of health psychology. It is concerned with the psychological aspects of physical illness, their treatment and management as well as what it is that keeps people healthy and well.
Educational Psychology
Develops your understanding of the relevance of psychology to education and provides opportunities to apply psychological theory and principles in the field of education and professional practice.
Psychology of Global Issues in the 21st Century
A new module which considers the role of psychology in a global context. You will have the opportunity to use your psychological knowledge to explore the issues of the day.
Media Psychology
This module explores the effects that exposure to media has on people, as well as how people process information from media. It looks at advertisement, persuasion, news journalism, social media and internet use, including the use of metaphors in the media. It also covers conversation analysis and discursive psychology.
The Psychology of Mental Health
You will explore conceptualisations of mental health, explanations of mental health, legal and social ramifications of mental ill health, the range of conditions treated within psychiatry, and therapeutic modalities and agencies. You will also think about the language used in the field, such as the shift from talking about ‘abnormal psychology’ to less stigmatising terms, and also the linguistic origins of the terms used to describe mental health conditions.
The Psychology of Children in Need
development including autism spectrum disorders; fetal alcohol spectrum disorders; attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, etc. It also covers interventions for these disorders.
Effective and Affective Thinking and Processing
During this module, you will learn to apply theories and methodologies from cognitive psychology to real-world behaviour. You will explore the influence of emotional processing on human cognition and performance and reflect on the optimal conditions for thinking and decision-making.
Psychology of Ageing
Explore positive models of ageing and lifespan development in the 21st Century including: identity, physical and mental health, and the psycho-social implications of ageing.
The Psychology of Extreme Violence
The psychology of serial homicide, mass shooting, and terrorism. The module also explores the neurodevelopmental and psychosocial risk factors in serial killers and mass shooters, the pathway to intended violence in such extreme cases of violence and the neuropsychodynamics of individuals who commit serial homicide and single homicide.
Work Placement
You have the opportunity to undertake a work placement where you will be able to put what you've learnt into practice.
Child Language Development
This module will develop your knowledge of how children learn language, from sounds, words and grammar, to the complexities of human communication. You will explore data from real children to increase your understanding and test out the theories discussed in class.
Atypical Child Development
This module explores what it’s like for children growing up with various conditions like autism spectrum disorder, Down’s syndrome, deafness, and developmental language disorder, and well as the impact on development of growing up in adverse environments such as poverty.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
School of Health and Society
We are focused on enhancing the health and wellbeing of patients, service users and athletes and our commitment to public involvement helps us retain our strong focus on real-world issues.
Facilities
We provide a comfortable and friendly environment for you to carry out a wide range of psychological testing. These include:
- Eye-tracker laboratory – we have Tobii T120 and Tobii X2-60 eye-trackers to monitor conscious and unconscious gaze movements from a range of displays including smartphones and tablets
- Observation suite - with a two-way mirror, this laboratory allows for the observation of behaviour in adults and children
- Psychophysiology laboratory – includes functional near-infrared spectroscopy brain imaging equipment, heart rate monitors, and galvanic skin response recorders
- A dedicated computer suite that allows access to a range of psychological programs such as ERTSLab and E-Prime.
- You will also have access to Psychology laboratory cubicles, Private interview rooms and a Social learning space
For more details on the facilities available at Salford City College, please visit their website.
What about after uni?
You will be equipped to work in a number of environments, such as health and social care, business and education. You will also be able to continue your study at postgraduate level. If you go on to become a chartered psychologist, you may specialise in clinical, forensic, educational, health or occupational psychology.
Our graduates have taken a range of jobs within a variety of fields. Following graduation you may decide to continue your studies with us on the MSc Applied Psychology (Therapies), MSc Applied Psychology (Addictions), MSc Media Psychology or a vocational course such as MA Social Work.
Some graduates have gained employment as an assistant psychologist, mental health support worker or within drug and alcohol services or have gone on to pursue a career as a chartered psychologist. Alternatively you may take a role within advertising, marketing or retail. Whatever direction you choose, the key skills within this degree ensure that you will be both accomplished and imaginative in your career.
Career Links
The British Psychological Society (BPS) accredits this course - if you achieve a lower second class degree or above, Graduate Basis for Registration is awarded. This is the first step to becoming a chartered psychologist.
FURTHER STUDY
What you need to know
This course isn’t suitable for international students. If you are an international student and interested in studying a foundation year, please visit our International Foundation Year course page.
The first year of this course is taught at Salford City College. Please check their website for details of upcoming Open Days.
APPLICANT PROFILE
Your application will demonstrate a good understanding of the discipline of psychology. You will have strong written skills and an aptitude for research, together with a desire to explore all areas of psychology and enthusiasm to discover more about the range of human behaviours.
GCSE
GCSE subjects at grade C/grade 4 or above, including maths and English.
UCAS tariff points
104 UCAS points
A level
BBC
BTEC National Diploma
DMM
T-Level
If applying to start from September 2024, you will need T Level - Merit
Access to HE
45 credits at level 3 (30 at merit) and level 2 in numeracy
AVCE Double Award
BB and A level C, plus GCSE in maths, English and science
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
The University offers two routes for entry under the scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. For more information, please click here.
How much?
These are the fees you will pay whilst studying at the college, you will pay the standard tuition fees for the period when you are studying at the main University of Salford campus.
Type of study | Year | Fees |
---|---|---|
Full-time home | 2024/25 | £7,500.00per year |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.