PY0420 - Personality and Health Psychology

What will I learn on this module?

On this module you will learn about the basic principles involved in the study, investigation and explanation of personality and health psychology.

You will be introduced to the major theories and models of personality and health psychology. You will learn about the core issues and debates involved in the study of personality and health psychology through the understanding of the historical and contemporary development of the concepts and an evaluation of theories.

You will explore methods of measuring personality and problems you might encounter in doing so. You will also explore the relationship between society and health by focusing on health promotion campaigns, doctor-patient communication, social class, gender, culture, and lifespan issues.

In workshop discussions you will develop communication skills and begin to understand the role of teamwork.

You will also learn how knowledge of personality can be used and applied in the real world by health, clinical, occupational and forensic professionals. From this you will begin to be aware of and develop career interests. Similarly, as you begin to understand the role of health promotion campaigns the module will provide you with insight into real world career opportunities.

How will I learn on this module?

On this module you will learn through a combination of lectures, workshops and tutorials, along with independent study.

You will attend a series of lectures to learn about the core theories and isssues in personality and health psychology, these will be recorded to support your learning. Workshop sessions will be held in the specialist psychology labs, in these sessions you will conduct practical tasks and interpret practical and empirical exercises to illustrate principles and methods relating to personality and health psychology. By doing this you will learn how to relate theory to practice and and you will gain experience of different research techniques.

In workshops you will also learn through group discussions and you will learn how to communicate your ideas and findings in a group setting, showing sensitivity to the perspectives of others. You will learn to develop effective oral and visual communication skills through workshop tasks.

You will be expected to undertake independent study and reading lists will be provided to guide your reading. You will also be provided with study questions and topics for you to complete independently. This independent learning of skills and your reflection on the role and value of those skills will prepare you for career development learning.
Tutorials will be available to provide you with an opportunity for you to discuss issues related to the module with a member of staff.

Together, the learning from lectures, workshops, directed and independent study will develop a breadth and depth of conceptual knowledge of the topic areas and illustrate the range of paradigms and methods that can be used to investigate it.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported academically by your module tutors who will make a variety of resources linked to the lectures series, workshops and assessments available on the e-learning portal (e.g. powerpoint slides, lectures handouts, revision tasks, reading lists, mock exam paper) along with links to websites to encourage further exploration of personality and health psychology. A discussion board on the e-learning portal will be available for students to pose and respond to questions among peers and to module tutors. This enhances collegiality and also means that support is available to all students. Technology enabled learning will be implemented through the use of Panopto lecture recording.

Tutorials can provide an opportunity for students to discuss issues related to the module with a member of staff.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MK1: You will be expected to demonstrate understanding of core conceptual knowledge by identifying definitions and concepts central to the major theories of personality and health psychology, the properties of different theories, and the historical development of these fields.
• MK2: You will be able to recognise the major issues and topics of debate in personality and health psychology.
• MK3: You will be able to recognise the inherent variability and diversity of perspectives by understanding ther major theories and models within personality and health psychology.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
•

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment:
Self-assessed formative assessment is provided through the use of self tests via the eLP and mock MCQ questions.
Mock MCQ exam: MK1, MK2, MK3

Summative assessment:
A breadth of knowledge is essential at this level therefore a MCQ assessment will be utilised in this module. The MCQ will be a two hour multiple-choice examination at the end of the module. The MCQ exam will comprise of 100 questions (50 questions from each of the domains).
MCQ exam: MK1, MK2, MK3

Feedback
Feedback is provided via the e-learning portal. Cohort mean, standard deviation and distribtuions of marks for the whole exam and also separate personality and health components are provided so students can compare their performance with that of their cohort.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

On this module you will be introduced to the basic principles involved in the study, investigation and explanation of personality and health psychology. You will learn about the major theories of personality and health, and this will incorporate an understanding of the historical and contemporary development of those theories. You will learn through a combination of lectures, workshops and tutorials, and you will be expected to do independent study. Workshops will allow you to perform and interpret practical exercises such as methods of, and problems encountered when, measuring personality; the relationship between society and health, and you will look at health promotion campaigns.
Your learning will be supported by a variety of e-learning resources and lecture capture and you will be assessed by a two hour multiple-choice examination at the end of the module. By taking part in group work in workshops you will develop your communication skills and teamwork skills.

Course info

UCAS Code C800

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with optional study abroad year

School Psychology

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

 

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

 

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

 

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies. 

 

Useful Links

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms
Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees
Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints