Business Psychology BSc (Hons)

30 credits

This module builds on the introduction to research methods and inferential statistics offered in PS4001 Research Methods 1. It will cover more advanced research designs — involving multiple independent variables — and more advanced inferential statistics such as analysis of variance, regression analysis and factor analysis. It will also introduce students to qualitative research methods and data analysis. Students will learn to develop and implement multifactorial experimental designs through practical research exercises and a project. Students' scientific writing skills will be further developed on the basis of a series of lab reports.

30 credits

The module will cover a broad range of key theories and empirical research in social, individual and developmental psychology. This module will allow students to explore current theory and practice in psychology across range of topics that focuses on the person in psychology. In consideration of the social, individual (human abilities and personality attributes) and developmental areas of enquiry, the scientific approach and the notion of measurement is fundamental. 

30 credits

This module will cover major topics within the field of cognitive psychology, and will examine the relationship between brain function and our understanding of cognition and behaviour. The module will introduce key theoretical explanations proposed to account for human cognition and introduce students to some real-life applications of cognitive psychology. The module will also introduce students to the structure and function of the nervous system before examining the contribution of specialised brain structures to cognitive functions such as perception, attention, language, memory and decision making, and behaviours such as motivation, eating, emotion and sleep. Finally the module will examine the effect of hormones, drugs and neurological dysfunction on cognition and behaviour.

30 credits

This module considers the extent to which an efficient and effective management of human and financial resources can help organisations to achieve and sustain a competitive advantage. It examines key issues in human and financial resource management, using appropriate conceptual and analytical frameworks which can help to explain the choices available to organisations, and their likely reasons for adopting different approaches to the management of human and financial resources. The module examines key issues in strategic HRM. It demonstrates how various HRM policies and practices can be employed and intertwined to create an environment in which employees are satisfied and perform well. The module also explains the principles and construction of the key financial statements and prepares students to interpret financial information to make appropriate economic decisions and recommendations. In so doing, it provides opportunities for applied learning and professional development.

30 credits

This module will provide the opportunity to study and employ different methodologies in psychology by evaluating the strengths and limitations of different research designs. Students will execute an empirical research project on a topic agreed in consultation with a Psychology staff supervisor. Supervisory sessions with an academic supervisor will guide students to conduct a literature review, formulate a research question, design a research study, and consider research ethics relating to their study, culminating in data collection and writing up of a research report which satisfies APA guidelines.

30 credits

This module introduces a range of issues in contemporary occupational psychology within four key areas:

• Health and Well-being
• Selection and Assessment
• Leadership and Organisational Change
• Training and Development.

A variety of theoretical models of organisational behaviour are introduced and discussed. The empirical research within each area is described and critically evaluated, and students are encouraged to develop skills by applying their knowledge to business case study examples. Topics include stress and burnout, workspace design, bullying and harassment, motivation and performance, psychometric testing and selection processes, models of organisational change, leadership and management, personal development, and job design.

30 credits

This module provides students with the opportunity to address workplace issues that can benefit from input by psychologists. Students will gain an appreciation of the challenges of applying psychological research and knowledge in workplace settings. Students will complete 40 hours of work experience, and apply psychological research findings and knowledge to their chosen context, under the supervision of a workplace supervisor. Students are required to reflect on their experiences in the workplace and examine how knowledge gained from their course can be used in their setting.  

30 credits

In this module you will analyse the concepts and theories of leadership and its application to contemporary organisations. You will reflect on the nature of change and the leader's role in managing through change in today's complex and uncertain environment. You will also examine the role of leaders and managers in developing a social conscience and learn how to recognise and address ethical issues.

30 credits

This module is designed to introduce students to the latest techniques in data analytics from a business perspective. It aims to make students familiar with, and proficient in applying, the fundamental principles of data visualisation and "data mining" (discovering patterns within data), which are essential skills for data scientists and data analysts working in the modern world. A particular emphasis will be placed on developing student's ability to identify the key features and factors influencing businesses' Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in the context of large datasets, using appropriate software tools. Furthermore, the students will develop their communication skills and will be able to present their findings visually in a format suitable to be understood by people who may have had rather less training in scientific fields (managers, financial sponsors/clients, accountants, politicians or policy makers, the general public).

The module will be taught in a very practical way using an example driven approach to present applications of the theory, and subsequently interpretation and communication of the outcomes in a range of business contexts such as, but not limited to banking, car manufacturing, sales and healthcare. These have broad application in a range of careers and enhance the employability of graduates.

30 credits

This module explores the psychology of higher cognitive processes, such as thinking, reasoning, judgement and decision-making. You will be encouraged to evaluate critically whether human thinking is rational, and the normative models with which that rationality is measured. The module will also introduce you to quantitative models of these processes as well as applications of cognitive psychology research, especially in terms of judgement and decision making in areas such as politics, sports, economics and health.

30 credits

This module considers the development of the role of management in organisations, the importance of strategic analysis and decision making to enable sustainable development and the different contexts in which organisations might operate. You will develop an understanding of the environment in which organisations operate and how organisations use internal resources and competences to achieve competitive advantage. The module examines the role of culture and management in organisations, and the options for growth and development.