You will complete modules covering all core areas in psychology necessary to gain British Psychological Society accreditation. This includes research methods, cognitive, social, biological and developmental psychology as well as the study of individual differences and historical issues in psychology. You will also complete a final year dissertation, which will allow you to explore a topic of your choice in more depth by undertaking a research project. Additionally, you will learn about a range of developmental disorders; including Autism Spectrum Disorders, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia (or Developmental Coordination Disorder), Speech and Language Impairment and ADHD. This will include issues relating to understanding, assessment, and intervention and will be complemented by placement and classroom related activities.

You can also undertake a sandwich year placement, which provides you with the opportunity to spend a year working in a professional setting between the second and third year of your degree. This provides you with a fantastic opportunity to develop your employability skills while engaging with the community and building on the knowledge and experience of your degree.

Year One: Psychology with Developmental Disorders Degree

In Year One, you will study the core disciplines in Psychology (Developmental, Social, Cognitive and Biological), learn how we design research and analyse data in Psychology, and be introduced to the neurodiversity movement, with a focus on Autism, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Developmental Language Disorder, Developmental Coordination Disorder, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Critical Perspectives in Psychology 

This module enables a deep appreciation of key research that has shaped our current understanding of Psychology as a science, introducing the core BPS areas of cognitive, biological, social, and developmental Psychology. 

Investigating Methods and Evidence in Psychology*

You will be introduced to the process of conducting research in Psychology, including design, data analysis, and presentation of results, learning about both qualitative and quantitative approaches. 

Introduction to Developmental Disorders 

An introduction to the theory and research associated with a range of Developmental Disorders, specifically ADHD, ASC, DCD, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, and Developmental Coordination Disorder. 

*This module is available to study fully in Welsh

Year Two: Psychology with Developmental Disorders Degree

In Year Two, you will deepen your understanding of the core disciplines in psychology, learn advanced research methods used in Psychology, and have the opportunity to complete a placement and reflect on your professional development. In addition, you will learn the approaches used in screening and assessment of developmental disorders, with a focus on real-world application, including an immersive simulation activity in the Hydra Suite.

Screening and Assessment of Developmental Disorders 

We will look at the screening and assessment process for different Developmental Disorders, considering the collaborative work of different agencies and organisations to support this process for children and adults. 

Professional Practice and Employability 

The chance to obtain sector specific work-related experience and/or transferable employability skills linked to theory and research covered in other course modules, reflecting on the ethical and practical issues associated. 

Advanced Methods and Evidence in Psychology 

We will build on the knowledge from the first year of your course relating to research methodology, statistics, qualitative analysis, and ethics.    

From Cells to Consciousness 

You will develop a critical understanding of how behaviour relates to bodily processes and how the brain influences behaviour, contextualising this with reference to individual differences and historical debates. 

Lifespan Development in the Social Context 

You will develop a critical understanding of key theory and research in social and developmental Psychology, deepening your critical appraisal of the role that conceptual and historical issues play in current thinking. 

Year Three: Psychology with Developmental Disorders Degree

In Year Three, you will complete your research dissertation project, bringing together the knowledge and skills developed over your degree. Alongside this you will be able to choose two optional modules in those areas that most spark your interest, choosing from a range of applied modules. Finally, you will consider approaches to intervention and support when working with neurodivergent people, considering both changes to the wider environment, and support for the individual. This will include an immersive simulation activity, through participation in a mock multi-disciplinary meeting.

Psychology Dissertation 

An original piece of research where you will have the opportunity to collect and analyse data, assess the ethical issues of research, explore research methods, and report your findings. 

Health Psychology across the Lifespan (Optional) 

You will develop a systematic knowledge and critical understanding of a range of topics and issues in Health Psychology, placed in the context of lifespan development. 

The Psychology of Education and Work (Optional) 

You will learn to critically reflect on the theoretical and research perspectives that underpin educational and occupational psychology. 

Psychological Disorders and Therapeutic Interventions (Optional) 

We will evaluate theoretical models of psychological disorders and critically assess the efficacy of different therapeutic interventions. 

Applications of Social Psychology (Optional) 

You will develop a systematic critical appreciation of how social psychology can be applied in the real world; including the role that social identity plays in this process. 

Cognitive Neuropsychology and Neuroscience (Optional) 

We will look at the cognitive consequences of brain damage and disease and explore the current methods of investigating the structure and function of brain systems and regions. 

Forensic Psychology (Optional) 

We will explore the role that Psychology plays in all aspects of the criminal and civil justice systems and develop a critical appraisal of this. 

Applying Knowledge of Developmental Disorders to Practice 

We will look at real world application, using methods such as problem-based learning, to consider a range of perspectives when working with individuals with Developmental Disorders, building a range of key skills for employability. 

Management and Support of Individuals with Developmental Disorders 

We will critically consider the theory and research associated with different approaches to management and support of a range of Developmental Disorders, looking at the ethical and policy frameworks within the field.

Your course is delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops, and a range of group and independent study, with further opportunities to attend guest lectures given by academic staff from other institutions and psychologists from various fields of practise. Class activities are widely varied, and you will be supported to apply for a placement in your second year, enabling you to see how individuals with developmental disorders are supported in practice.

This specialised psychology degree allows you to experience a range of assessment methods, including essays, project reports, write ups of case study activities, and oral and poster presentations. You will also complete an independent research project in your final year, giving you an opportunity to research a topic that you are passionate about within the field.