- Home
-
Study
Study
Interested in studying at Northumbria? With 31,500 students, Northumbria is one of the largest universities in the country, offering courses on either a full-time, part-time or distance learning basis.
Discover more-
Undergraduate
- Undergraduate Study
- Undergraduate Events
- Application Guides
- Northumbria University UCAS Exhibitions
- Foundation Years
- Undergraduate Fees & Funding
- School & College Outreach
- Continuing Professional Development
-
Postgraduate
- Postgraduate Study
- Postgraduate Research Degrees
- Postgraduate Open Days and Events
- Postgraduate Fees & Funding
- Flexible Learning
- Thinking about a Masters?
- Continuing Professional Development
- Change Direction
-
Student Life
- The Hub - Student Blog
- Accommodation
- Life in Newcastle
- Support for Students
- Careers
- Information for Parents
- Students' Union
- Northumbria Sport
-
-
International
International
Students from all over the world choose Northumbria University for many reasons; our academic excellence, and that they will benefit from a fantastic student experience.
Discover more-
Applying to Northumbria
- European Union
- Our London Campus
- Our Amsterdam Campus
- Northumbria Pathway
- International Events
- Northumbria and your Country
- Entry Requirements
- Agent Information
-
Northumbria Language Centre
- Faculty Requirements
- Acceptable English Requirements
- Pre-Sessional English and Study Skills
- Academic Language Skills Programmes (ALS)
-
International & EU Fees, Funding & Scholarships
- EU/International Undergraduate Fees
- EU/International Undergraduate Funding
- EU/International Masters Fees
- EU/International Masters Funding
- EU/International Postgraduate Research Fees
- EU/International Postgraduate Research Funding
- International Money Matters
-
Life at Northumbria
- International student support
- The Hub - Student Blog
- Careers
-
Study Abroad Erasmus and Exchange
- Study Abroad, Exchange and Erasmus
- Incoming Students
- Europe (Erasmus +) - including staff mobility
-
-
Business
Business
The world is changing faster than ever before. The future is there to be won by organisations who find ways to turn today's possibilities into tomorrows competitive edge. In a connected world, collaboration can be the key to success.
Discover more -
Research
Research
Northumbria is a research-rich, business-focused, professional university with a global reputation for academic quality. We conduct ground-breaking research that is responsive to the science & technology, health & well being, economic and social and arts & cultural needs for the communities
Discover more -
About Us
About Us
Northumbria University is based in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, which is regularly voted the best place in the UK for students who are attracted by our excellent academic reputation, our top 10 graduate employment record and our outstanding campus and sports facilities.
Discover more-
About Northumbria
- Our Vision
- Our Staff
- Our Partners
- Student Profiles
- Alumni Profiles
- Leadership & Governance
- Academic Departments
- University Services
- History of Northumbria
- Contact us
- Online Shop
-
-
Alumni
Alumni
Northumbria University Alumni Association ensures our graduates stay in touch with news from the University and fellow alumni. With membership of over 222,000 graduates in 176 countries worldwide; it doesn’t matter where you are located or what you are doing, YOU are our global alumni family. It's free to join for graduates of Northumbria University and our constituent colleges.
Discover more - Work For Us
What will I learn on this module?
You will learn about two key perspectives within the discipline of psychology and how they provide an understanding of how biological systems and social processes contribute to human behaviour. ‘Biological Psychology’: This component will cover the fundamentals of biological psychology and demonstrate the importance of biological systems in human behaviour. This will include knowledge of the biological systems of the body (the brain and nervous and endocrine systems) and communication between these systems via neurons, and hormones; the techniques used to assess brain structure and function; individual differences in their functioning and pharmacological interventions that can affect the functioning of these systems. ‘Social Psychology’: This component will provide you with an understanding of the human as a social being. Topics may include some of the most renowned studies in psychology regarding issues of conformity, aggression, prejudice and interpersonal relationships. Methodological and ethical issues related to the studies that inform social psychology will also be explored.
How will I learn on this module?
The module is delivered entirely online via our electronic learning platform (elp). You will interact with a range of materials on the module site. The module home page provides you with quick access to detailed information about the module in an interactive, easily accessible format. This is designed to broach new, and challenging information, and to provide breadth and depth of conceptual knowledge across topics in biological and social psychology. The teaching materials support your learning. Each session delivers flexible, interactive learning materials, accessible in a variety of formats such as audio and video presentations. Tasks to extend and test your learning are interspersed within the learning materials. A range of different tasks, with formative feedback, are aimed at supporting your learning. In addition to this you will be encouraged to utilise peer to peer support opportunities through the use of elp supported platforms for interaction. Each session is supported by directed reading from the core texts accessed through the electronic reading list.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be an autonomous, self-motivated learner within a supportive distance learning environment. You will be introduced to the module by the module tutor in an introductory video. The online module sessions and interactive tasks form the cornerstone for supporting you during your study. Academic support is available from the teaching team and each session includes a link to enable you to email a question directly to the tutor from within the session. Responses will be fed back either directly or via the module discussion board. In advance of each assessment a video presentation is uploaded to support you in your preparation for this session. This is followed by an online live question and answer session prior to submission of your assessed work. Focused academic support coupled with timely formative and summative feedback should enable you to meet your full academic potential within this module.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• MKU1: You will be expected to understand complex human behaviours from a biological and social psychology perspective.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MIPSA1: You will develop your skills in analysing different theoretical frameworks.
• MIPSA2: You will complete assessments which are applicable to real-world examples of biological and social psychology practice.
Personal Values Attributes:
• MPVA1: You will be able to understand the importance and key considerations when conducting ethical research within social and biological psychology.
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment:
Sample multiple choice questions will be provided for the biological and social components.
Summative assessment:
Biological Psychology is assessed via a multi-choice exam, and Social Psychology is assessed by a 3000 word assignment based on a real world problem. You will use relevant theories and approaches from social psychology to describe current knowledge in the area and plan an appropriate study to investigate the issue
(MKU1,MIPSA1 & 2 and MPVA1)
Written individual feedback will be provided on the assignment.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
The aim of this module is to develop your understanding of the human mind from both a biological and social psychology perspective. Both approaches are research-rich; utilizing historic, seminal work and up to date studies utilizing modern techniques and methods. Within ‘biological psychology’ you will learn about how the brain functions and interacts with behaviour. In ‘social psychology’ you will consider how psychologists apply social psychological theory and methods to solve real world issues.
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 2 years Part-Time Distance Learning
3 other options available
Department Psychology
Location Northumberland Building, Newcastle City Campus
City Newcastle
Start Upcoming Intakes - Academic Year 22/23: Oct 2022
Psychology MSc
- Psychology MSc - FAQs
- Meet Your Psychology MSc Academics
- What Is Studying Psychology Online Really Like? Suzanna and Claire
- What Is Studying Psychology Online Really Like? George’s Story
- What Is Studying Psychology Online Really Like? Oliver’s story
- Meet The Academic - Mark Moss
- Psychology in the Workplace: How Marketers Can Harness the Power of Psychology
- Psychology in the Workplace: Why Psychology Matters in Sales
- What Is The British Psychological Society And Why Is Accreditation Important?
- How to Become a Psychologist: The Three Steps You Need to Take
- A Conduit for Good: How Psychologists are Making the World a Better Place
- What Can You Do With a Masters in Psychology?
- What Is Psychology? And What Does A Psychologist Do?
- 5 lessons social psychology has taught us about the human mind
- 5 Ways Psychology Explains Our Changing Behaviour During the Covid-19 Pandemic
- Could just one hour of therapy cure insomnia?
- 7 Careers Gaining A Psychology Degree Could Lead To
Our Campus based courses starting in 2022 and 2023 will be delivered on-campus with supporting online learning content. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to adjust the delivery of our education accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
On-campus contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with any additional restrictions, which may be imposed by the Government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors. This could potentially mean increased or fully online delivery, should such restrictions on in-person contact time be required.
Current, Relevant and Inspiring
We continuously review and improve course content in consultation with our students and employers. To make sure we can inform you of any changes to your course register for updates on the course page.
Your Learning Experience find out about our distinctive approach at
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp
Admissions Terms and Conditions - northumbria.ac.uk/terms
Fees and Funding - northumbria.ac.uk/fees
Admissions Policy - northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy
Admissions Complaints Policy - northumbria.ac.uk/complaints