Introduction to Developmental Psychology and Social Psychology
Psychology of Human and Animal Behaviour
School of Health and Society
Full-time
Three year
September 2023
In a nutshell
This exciting new programme aims to give you a thorough grounding in psychology and the behaviour of both human and non-human animals.
This is an applied programme and you will be investigating how a better understanding of animal behaviour can contribute to the health and wellbeing of humans, and how a knowledge of human behaviour can help us understand animal behaviour.
You will:
- Gain in-depth knowledge of a wide range of psychological concepts and will be able to use these to analyse human and animal behaviour from a variety of perspectives
- Learn valuable research skills including quantitative and qualitative methods
- Have access to outstanding animal facilities offered by the Animal Management Centre at Salford City College
- Have field trip opportunities including Knowsley Safari Park and Chester Zoo
students accepted
Course accreditations

This is for you if...
You are interested in what separates humans from animals
You want to understand how you can improve the well-being of humans through animal therapy
You are curious about the range of human behaviours
You have strong written skills and an aptitude for research
You have a desire to explore all areas of psychology
You are able to think fast on your feet
All about the course
In your first year, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of psychology and human-animal interaction. This year will set the scene for your degree in Psychology of Human and Animal Behaviour.
In your second year, you will start to look at the core aspects of human and animal psychology. You will be given a thorough grounding in a range of skills, including statistical analysis and research design methodology. You will also study aspects of animal welfare and primate conservation.
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.
Your third year will allow you to tailor your studies to your area of interest. Modules include Animal Therapy, Animal Cognition, Brain and Behaviour, Psychology of Mental Health and many more, including an opportunity to undertake a work placement. You will also complete an in-depth study of human and animal behaviour for your research project (dissertation).
You will be introduced to key factors in human development including social, emotional, cognitive and biological foundation. Within social psychology, you will look at how individuals perceive, influence and interact with others.
Introduction to Human and Animal Interaction
This module will provide a theoretical and practical understanding of human and animal interaction and the factors that influence human attitudes towards animals and the roles animals play in different human cultures.
Research Methods
An introduction to statistics and research methods used in psychology
Introduction to Biological and Cognitive Psychology
You will be introduced to the basic biological processes and cognitive principles necessary for understanding human psychology.
Introduction to Individual Differences
An introduction to the study of personality, intelligence, gender and mental health.
Introduction to Animal Behaviour
Students will make visits to different institutions to assess the animal behaviour in the real world, for example, a Zoo, a Farm, and Wildlife Park (to see deer during the “rutting season”). During these visits, students will be asked to carry a range of tasks related to animal behaviour measurement, assessment and interpretation. Following each visit, the students will have classroom-based feedback sessions to discuss the merits of different methods for practically assessing animal behaviour.
Further Research Methods
You will develop the skills learned in year one, designing, carrying out research and analysing your results.
Further Bio-pscyhology and Cognition
You will explore the links between biological and cognitive processes and examine how this relationship influences performance in real-world contexts.
Animal Evolution
The aim of this module is to provide a theoretical and practical understanding of animal and human evolution. Students will learn about mechanisms of evolution, how this influences animal diversity, and the consequences for humans in terms of co-operation and conflict among societies.
Developmental and Social Psychology
Study the influences of nature and nurture on human developmental and gain practical experience of conduction social psychological research.
Individual Differences
Explore the latest theories and research in personality and intelligence, gender differences, and mental health.
Primate Behaviour and Conservation
This module will provide students with knowledge of the structure and evolution of primate societies. It will inform students about primate distribution and the conservation priorities for primate species.
Dissertation
You will carry out a research project on a topic area of your interest. 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 valuable any workplace.
Animal Cognition and Social Complexity
This module provides students the opportunity to critically evaluate concepts in animal cognition. to learn research methodologies and complex scientific issues relating to the evolution of animal intelligence using a range of primary and secondary information sources.
Animal Therapy (Assisted and Individual
This module on animal therapy will look at how psychologists might be involved in the treatment of animals with behaviour problems. Conversely, the modules also look at how animals are used in animal-assisted therapy for the treatment of human psychological and physical health problems.
You will then choose two modules from a range that might include:
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.
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, aphasia/alexia, organic brain disorder, and mental health.
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.
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.
Environmental Psychology
This module will introduce you to the field of Environmental Psychology, exploring current and seiminal research in key areas of human-environment interrelationships. Topics may include:
The psychological significance of place; climate change denial and activism; psychologically informed architecture; media, politics and the environment.
Evolution, Development and Adaptation
This module looks at the way evolution has shaped both the development and adaptation of groups of animals to their environments.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Psychology of Mental Health
Explore conceptualisations of mental health, explanations of mental health., the legal and social ramifications of mental ill health, the range of conditions treated within psychiatry and different therapeutic modalities and agencies.
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.
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 help us retain our strong focus on real-world issues.
Facilities
Psychology Laboratory
You will have access to dedicated psychology laboratory cubicles, private interview rooms, and a dedicated social learning space. You will also be able to carry out a range of psychological experiments using:
- An observation suite with a two-way mirror
- A video game analysis laboratory where you can analyse the psychological and physiological effects of different media
- Desk-mounted and remote eye-trackers to monitor conscious and unconscious gaze in a range of tasks and situations
- A brand new cognitive neuroscience laboratory including fNIRS, TMS, EEG, and VR equipment
Animal Management Centre
The brand new Animal Management Centre at Salford City College offers outstanding facilities including a farm and zoo zone, outdoor small mammal enclosures, wildfowl area, a natural British wildlife enclosure with hedgehog rehabilitation facilities. Inside the centre, there is a large aquarium, nocturnal room, invertebrate collection, a well-stocked exotic collection and a small mammal room.
In addition to the substantial animal collections, the department also has three science labs, a microbiology lab and a brand new veterinary nursing suite which have all been created to industry standards.
What about after uni?
How do I become a qualified psychologist?
All practising psychologists must have postgraduate qualifications which means there isn’t a fast track route to a career in psychology. To become a chartered psychologist, you need to gain Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership by completing a BPS accredited degree. You can then look at further training in your specific field of interest. An undergraduate degree in psychology is typically the first step on the ladder for those wanting to become a psychologist. It generally takes around six years to become fully qualified, usually including a full three-year degree and three years of postgraduate training.
Further study (generally 1 - 2 years) will also be required for areas such as teaching, HR and counselling.
You can find more information about careers in psychology on the BPS website.
The University's careers and employability staff work across campus throughout the year to provide students with access to useful resources. You can ask questions at drop-in sessions, get expert help with your CV and job applications and more.
FURTHER STUDY
- MSc Applied Psychology (Addictions)
- MSc Applied Psychology (Therapies)
- MSc Psychology of Coercive Control
- MA Social Work
- MSc Media Psychology
Career Links
This course responds to the needs of industry in developing subject expertise and transferable skills appropriate to a wide range of careers.
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.
Because of our close links to industry, you will have the opportunity to go on several fieldtrips which may include visits to Chester Zoo, South Lakes Wild Animal Park, Knowsley Safari Park, Blackpool Zoo, Twycross Zoo, Dudley Zoo and Martin Mere (Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust). In addition, staff from some of these institutions contribute lectures to the course bringing more real world examples to your learning.
The programme has a work placement module that allows you to make use of existing employees as a work placement, if appropriate. In addition, we will be working with Noah’s A.R.T. a progressive, innovative and therapeutic service developed by an experienced mental health nurse – Sharon Hall (University of Salford alumnus).
Careers & Employability staff work across campus throughout the year to provide students with access to useful resources. You can ask questions at drop-in sessions, get expert help with your CV and job applications and more.
What You Need To Know
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.0 with no element below 5.5. We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the Pre-Sessional English course to gain entry onto this degree.
GCSE
GCSE Maths, English & Science (science preferred) C/4 or above, equivalents accepted
You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below.
UCAS tariff points
112 points
If applying to start from September 2024, you will need 112-120 UCAS points.
A-Levels
112 points
BTEC National Diploma
DMM
T-Level
If applying to start from September 2024, you will need T Level - Merit
Foundation Degree
60% pass mark
Access to HE
112 points
Scottish Highers
112 points BBBCC
Irish Leaving Certificate
112 points
International Baccalaureate
31 points
European Baccalaureate
Pass in Diploma of at least 65%
International Students
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from those 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.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
How Much?
Type of study | Year | Fees |
---|---|---|
Full-time home | 2023/24 | £9,250per year |
Full-time international | 2023/24 | £16,380per year |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for international students
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships.
Explore our International Scholarships.