BSc Psychology

In this course, we’ll tackle some of the most fascinating questions about emotions, such as: What are emotions, and why do we experience them? How can we measure emotions in real-life situations and in the lab? How many emotions are there, and are they the same for everyone? Are emotions something we’re born with, or do we learn them through experience and culture? How do emotions connect with our bodies—such as facial expressions, voices, and movements? What role does thinking play in feeling, and how do emotions influence the way we think? We’ll also explore how emotional experiences can change in challenging circumstances, such as when mental health is affected or when the brain or body is injured.

Throughout the course, we’ll connect scientific research with major theories of emotion to help you understand how researchers investigate these big questions. By studying these topics, you’ll gain a clearer picture of how emotions shape our everyday lives and how this knowledge can help improve emotional well-being. 

The unit aims to deepen your understanding of emotion science by exploring how emotions work, how they can be studied, and how different theories and methods help us explain emotional experiences. You’ll learn how scientific findings from various approaches contribute to improving emotional well-being and gain the skills to evaluate and discuss research critically. Through a mix of independent and group work, you will develop your ability to communicate ideas effectively, both in writing and through discussions. 

This unit is divided into modules, each exploring a key aspect of emotion. In each module, you’ll start by watching online lectures that introduce important theories and research studies. Each week, you’ll complete an independent study task by reading a research paper. This prepares you for a collaborative learning activity where you’ll work with peers to share what you’ve learned and apply it to a thought-provoking question

The collaborative activities have two formats. Some weeks, you’ll take part in in-person workshops, where you’ll critically evaluate research methods and ideas as a group. In other weeks, you’ll engage in written debates on an online discussion board. This "jigsaw" approach means you’ll each read different materials but come together to achieve a shared outcome. These activities help you practise verbal and written communication of scientific knowledge and improve your collaborative problem-solving skills

You’ll receive individual written feedback at the end of each module to support your development throughout the course. The first module includes a summative opportunity to practise the collaborative learning activities before formative assessments in later modules. The unit concludes with a dedicated support session to help you prepare for the final assessment. 

• Define and describe key theories and concepts in the scientific study of emotion.
• Compare and contrast the strengths and limitations of major theoretical frameworks for understanding emotion.
• Identify and explain how multidisciplinary methods are used to elicit, measure, and interpret emotional experiences. 

• Apply theoretical frameworks and empirical findings to analyse contemporary questions in emotion science.
• Organise and synthesise research findings from diverse sources to construct coherent arguments about emotion science.
• Evaluate the empirical evidence supporting different theories of emotion and assess the validity of research conclusions.
• Interpret and critique the role of culture, biology, and cognition in shaping emotional experiences.
• Design a theoretically informed response to a question in emotion science and integrate evidence from multiple methodologies. 

• Collaborate with peers to discuss, debate, and refine ideas on emotion science topics.
• Present reasoned arguments and interpretations of research both orally and in writing, using clear and accessible language. 

• Critically appraise how emotion science research contributes to understanding and improving emotional well-being.
• Demonstrate independent research skills by gathering, analysing, and organising material to address complex questions in emotion science.
• Engage with digital tools and collaborative platforms to analyse, discuss, and evaluate academic research in emotion science. 

See Assessment Methods

References will be provided during the teaching sessions