PL1S128 - Theoretical Approaches to Psychology 01 Aug 2018 - 31 Aug 2026 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: PL1S128
Module Title: Theoretical Approaches to Psychology
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Psychology
Faculty Sub Group: Youth and Community
Module Leader: Shakiela Davies
Module Team: Charlotte Reynolds, Dawn Latham, Leigh Webber, Amy Lewis, N Michael
First Intended Intake: SEP 2018 Final Year of Intake: 2023
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100497 - psychology
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 01 Aug 2018
Valid To 31 Aug 2026

Module Aims

To provide students with an understanding of the main approaches to psychology. These include the psychodynamic, behavioural, cognitive and humanistic approaches.

Content Summary

The module will enable students to further their knowledge and understanding of the psychology of human behaviour. This module will consider key approaches within psychology including Social, Psychodynamic, Behavioural, Cognitive and Humanistic perspectives. Students will learn how these different approaches impact our understanding of current issues in psychology and the ways in which these theoretical perspectives may be applied in different contexts.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 24
Seminar 24
Independent Study 92
Directed Study 55
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 5
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Describe key theoretical perspectives in psychology.
LO2 Discuss the strengths and limitations of different theoretical approaches and how these may be applied in the context of work.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Assessment Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1 A written test (could be MCQ), administered within the timetabled teaching session, which is time constrained to not more than two hours, takes place under controlled conditions and is not invigilated. 120 N/A 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Classroom Test - Time Constrained (Onsite) 1

Reading List

Barker, M. (2003) Introductory Psychology; History, Themes and Perspectives, Learning Matters.

Gross R. (2015) Psychology, The Science of Mind and Behaviour, (7th ed.), Hodder.

Lowry-Lehnen T., (2015) Psychology: Theoretical Approaches and Application in Practice. CreateSpace

Tyson, P.J., Jones, D. and Elcock, J. (2011). Psychology in Social Context. John Wiley and Sons

Plus journal articles as appropriate to the topic of study drawing mainly on journals such as:

Annual Review of Psychology

American Psychologist

The Journal of Psychology

New Ideas in Psychology