Ideas and concepts from psychology influence the way we think about and interact with each other in the modern world. What we know today about human minds and behaviour is the result of extensive analysis and research stretching back to the early twentieth century and before. Its contribution to our everyday language and ideas means that a psychological perspective has become central to our thinking. Psychological discoveries shape many of our institutional practices, from criminal justice to educating our children, from managing emotional distress to social inclusiveness in our multicultural society. What is the nature of the psychological research and practice that underpins these ideas? In this course, key studies and clinical practice will be examined, debated and future directions explored. Scientific psychology remains under development it is a debate, not a fait accompli! Join us in contributing to that debate.
This course challenges you to question your old pattern of thinking. Focusing on divergent thinking and stepping outside our usual habits and behaviours. Using a structured approach this course aims to boost your creative skills to increase your creative confidence in idea generation, exploration and development. Creative problem-solving is increasingly recognised as the most sought-after skill in business. Entrepreneurs, employees, managers, and leaders are all required to find valuable opportunities, generate and develop new ideas and then trial and implement innovative solutions. By the end of the course, you will have a broad understanding of the application of creative approaches, processes and tools. You will develop confidence in your creative skills, and in your ability to improve those skills.
This course aims to develop your understanding of the benefits of 'right brain' approaches to bettering yourself and others. Activating your brain through mental stimulation and activities has been shown to increase vitality and potentially generate new brain cells. This stimulation helps your mind stay sharp. People who do not have enough mental stimulation could be more prone to Alzheimer's disease. Mental exercises that stimulate your brain help to improve cognitive function, reduce anxiety and depression risk, and improve sleep and quality of life. This course will review psychological research into areas such as mindfulness, hypnosis, art therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy, to identify if they are effective treatments for addressing many psychological health claims.
Brain function and behaviour differences are part of normal variations in the human population. This course introduces the premise of neurodiversity to discover how individuals with Autism, ADHD or specific learning disorders (dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia) experience, interact with and interpret the world in unique ways. This course examines neurodiversity both talents and challenges and asks if these variations are advantageous or disabling.