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Psychology

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These fee-paying OU Courses are organised in collaboration with police partners, into categories of interest for all police officers and staff. All courses, except the short course, are credit bearing, which when combined form part of an OU qualification.

Select the duration of study below and you will be taken to resources that match that duration

9 months (part time)

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9 months (part time)

Death and dying

This is a revolutionary module in which you’ll engage with real issues based on the experiences of dying people, bereaved people, those who work with them, and their careers, both lay and professional.  This module will be of interest for anyone who works with dying people and their families or students who want to find out more about death, dying and bereavement, and what these mean in different contexts.

Course code: K220

Credits: 30

Introducing the social sciences

This level 1 module provides an introduction to the social sciences – psychology, social policy and criminology, geography and environment, politics and international studies, economics and sociology. You’ll explore a wide range of topics which shape the nature of contemporary UK society; from questions of identity, inequalities and differences to consumerism and environment, and issues of social order, disorder and governance.

Course code: DD102

Credits: 60

Introduction to childhood studies and child psychology

This introductory module offers a fascinating insight into the lives of children and young people. It brings together approaches from anthropology, sociology and psychology, to provide an account of some of the complex influences that shape children’s experiences. You will investigate topics central to the lives of children from birth to 18 years, and explore their emotional, physical, intellectual, social and cultural development.

Course code: E102

Credits: 60

Investigating psychology 1

Drawing on a wide range of studies and some classic pieces of psychological research, this level 1 module provides an accessible and engaging introduction to the study of psychology. You will explore the different ways in which psychologists investigate the human mind and behaviour, and find out how psychological research addresses real-life issues with an opportunity to conduct a psychological study of your own.

Course code: DE100

Credits: 60

Investigating the social world

This multidisciplinary module uses a range of learning technologies to help you understand the social world. Drawing on the subjects of criminology, social policy, economics, environmental studies, geography, international studies, politics and sociology. Through the module’s investigative approach you’ll learn the methods, perspectives and tools of the social sciences, further developing your analytical and evaluative skills.

Course code: DD103

Credits: 60

Issues in research with children and young people

This module examines the research process through studies with young children, children and young people carried out in the fields of education, health and social care. It explores topics central to the research process such as ethics, diversity, power and the responsibilities of researchers. This is a project-based module with no exam and it will help you to develop your own research and analytical skills.

Course code: EK313

Credits: 60

Living psychology: from the everyday to the extraordinary

In this module you will learn how psychologists have studied both practical and theoretical issues, such as nationalism or sexuality, with a particular emphasis on understanding and solving problems that directly affect people’s lives. You will also develop your understanding of psychological research methods, along with other useful academic and employability skills.

Course code: DD210

Credits: 60

People, work and society Access module

This access course covers a broad range of subject areas, including children and young people; health; law; management; psychology; and social science to prepare you for a range of qualifications. You’ll study four themes: Individuals; Families and relationships; Organisations and communities; and Society. It will also gently introduce you to computing and online learning; and essential study skills needed for higher education.

Course code: Y032

Credits: 30

Psychology of childhood and youth

This module explores key themes in the development of children through the early years, middle childhood and into adolescence, covering attachment, identity, emotions, representation and communication. The module integrates a range of approaches from developmental psychology and childhood studies, and makes extensive use of audio and video material, including a number of specially made documentary films.

Course code: E219

Credits: 60

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News

Can a virtual reality courtroom be a useful learning tool?

Dr Ahmed Kadry and Simon Hull, who both work in the Department for Policing at The Open University (OU), have recently finished a project that evaluated OU policing apprentice's experiences of learning in a virtual reality (VR) courtroom.

4th December 2023
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Upcoming Events

Dec 7

Membership Group Meeting

Thursday, December 7, 2023 - 10:30 to 12:30

Jan 15

Research Priority workshop

Monday, January 15, 2024 - 11:00 to 13:00

The Open University, Milton Keynes

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