Psychology

This course has a central focus on the psychology of identities. It engages students to explore the role of psychology in examining issues of race, class, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, etc. Theoretical concepts from liberation psychology, postcolonial psychology and feminist psychology are taught and discussed in relation to current debates in South Africa, and the African diaspora around identity differences. Tutorials may include practical exercises and case presentations. DP requirements: Completion of all coursework and attendance at tutorials as required. Assessment: Coursework (Tutorial assignments, group projects and individual written assignments) counts 100%. Course entry requirements: Students must have passed PSY1004F and PSY1005S and at least one 2000-level social science course. 

This course provides an overview of the Science of Emotion with a focus on the behavioral and neurobiological processes underlying emotional experience and regulation. The course discusses how dysregulations in these processes relate to common mental disorders. In addition, the course introduces the experimental approaches and brain imaging techniques used to study emotions and provides an overview on recent progress and challenges. The course combines theoretical lectures, interactive discussions, and application in student-centered educational approaches that emphasize active learning to facilitate a deep understanding of the topic. Prerequisites: PSYC2022 or PSYC2101.

This course introduce students to the basics of personality and social psychology. It starts with an introduction to key dynamic personality theories of Freud, followed by Jung. Students learn about theories and research on aggression, pro-social behavior, and conformity. In addition, key fundamental topics in social psychology, attitudes and values, are introduced, as well as cross-cultural psychology and leadership. Topics include selected dynamic personality theories (e.g., Freud), leadership, attitudes values, and cross-cultural psychology.

The course provides a grounding in core theories, models, and concepts within the field of individual differences psychology, and then relates these to key health and wellbeing outcomes.  A major topic within the unit is personality. Critical and historical perspectives on key theories, approaches to, and models of personality are presented, along with details of the methodological tools that have been used to measure personality. A critical examination of theories and data linking personality to physical and mental health is then presented. Additional concepts from individual differences psychology, such as mood, intelligence, and motivation, are also introduced, and then examined in relation to physical and mental health outcomes.

This seminar introduces  students to the style, structure, and content of the UCL BSc Psychology program. The seminars develop key academic skills relevant to the range of disciplines that are studied in scientific psychology: including cognition, perception, developmental psychology, neuroscience and health psychology. Students on the course learn academic skills that are required on UCL's program (in particular report and essay writing, and critical assessment of research papers) and which are particular to UK system in general and a British Psychological Society accredited BSc Psychology degree program in particular.

This course explores major theories of personality, including psychodynamic, trait, behavioural, cognitive, and humanistic approaches. Students learn to analyse, compare, and apply these theories to understand human behaviour, development, and individual differences.

The course covers the role of companion animals in promoting human welfare, with a focus on behavioral science and inter-species relationships. Students will explore ethology, comparative psychology, co-evolutionary processes, the behavioral patterns of canines and felines, their disorders, and the benefits of human-animal bonds.

This course provides a broad-based introduction to the study of behavior and mental processes. It provides students with an overview of contemporary psychological approaches to the study of human behaviors and its contribution to our knowledge of human functioning. Topics include learning, development, psychotherapy, the brain and states of consciousness, sensation and perception, memory, social behavior, personality, psychological disorders, coping and health, stress, and others. Emphasis will be placed on application of theories in everyday life.

This course introduces the history, evolution, and contemporary practices of clinical psychology. Students use the scientist practitioner model to study underlying theoretical frameworks and the skills and practices of clinical psychologists. Ethical and professional issues covered include classification and diagnosis, clinical research, assessment, case formulation and treatment planning, interventions, and prevention. The materials are discussed in the context of typical work settings of clinical psychologists (e.g. mental health, forensic or neuropsychological) and across varied client populations (e.g. children, adults, couples). The course requires students to take prerequisites.

This course offers a practical introduction to the study of human flourishing and well-being. Drawing on principles from positive psychology, including the PERMA model, the course explores positive emotions, engagement and flow, relationships, meaning, and achievement. Emphasis is placed on applying research findings through an individual well-being project that supports personal development and thriving.