Artificial Intelligence in Psychology

By choosing this course you can develop an understanding of how natural cognition can be understood with the help of artificial cognition, and how psychological phenomena arise in artificial cognition. You will learn how to apply this understanding of human psychology in the complex programming of AI technology.

Psychologists have the unique perspective to consider the ethics and impact of AI on human beings. Scientists are examining how much AI is shaping our world, changing our daily lives and interactions, and creating a new reality.

Be prepared to tackle large challenges

AI is perhaps the future modern forum for individuals, companies, and even countries. The psychologist who can understand, interrogate and navigate this technology and its impact will be integral to our future at all levels in society.

There are many positives to be gained from AI. It can analyse huge amounts of data swiftly, provide therapy services, it can help doctors predict health challenges in groups and patients earlier and create automated bespoke treatment plans.

Through a commitment to your studies, you will graduate with the skills to tackle some of the biggest challenges in the study of the human mind and machine behaviour, whilst applying your knowledge to offer future focused solutions.  This course can position you at the cutting edge of this graduate job market where you could apply your skills, knowledge and expertise to maximise the opportunities that this new technology will provide.

This course will help you learn the mathematical foundations of AI and how to construct AI systems and models. Dealing with data is one of the biggest challenges that society faces – but it also offers huge opportunities. Combining this expertise with psychological theories means you will have an advantage in understanding the human mind, behaviour and how this influences AI.

On this course you will:

• Demonstrate an understanding of theory and research in social, developmental, cognitive and biological psychology
• Understand the principal areas and issues studied under parapsychology and cyberpsychology. Appreciate the empirical nature of psychology and the need for methodological rigour when conducting or assessing research into psychology
• Explore the application of relevant psychological theory to identify and address the psychological needs in clinical and educational settings
• Critically evaluate the use of psychologically based interventions in clinical and educational settings

Specialist Facilities

Our facilities are used for both teaching and research. They include computing labs with specialist software for designing experiments and research. You will use a range of psychological recording equipment such as the latest eye-tracker equipment for analysing eye movement and our Babylab for ethical research with babies and young children.

Research-active academics

Our teaching team is working on a range of projects that are having real, positive impacts on our society. You will be taught by expert staff who are conducting influential studies into areas of psychology such as:

• mental health and wellbeing
• compassion and mindfulness
• autism
• maths anxiety
• nature connectedness
• paranormal beliefs
• pain, anxiety and addiction

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

Our teaching methods consist of:

• lectures
• seminars
• practical sessions
• group working
• visits to exhibitions, trade fairs and companies
• research projects
• internships and/or placements
• case studies, briefs, projects or scenarios from real workplaces

Learners will encounter a carefully designed interdisciplinary programme, which will allow for truly interdisciplinary debates in the applied core modules. Learners from all AI pathways will come together to debate and explore the opportunities and risks of using AI.

How you will be assessed

Modules are normally assessed through a mixture of:

• assignments
• examinations
• workshops
• class tests
• practical labs
• coursework
• portfolios
• assignments
• case studies
• oral and graphic presentations
• teamwork projects
• computer testing
• examinations

The Individual Project module encourages students to use and apply research and innovation tools and approaches in a practical context. Sustainability thinking is integral to several modules.

After graduating from this course, you can be at the forefront of this exciting discipline and a future thought leader in what is an ever-growing area of impact.

Artificial Intelligence careers include:

• machine learning engineer
• data scientist
• business intelligence engineer
• robotics engineer
• AI research

Studying psychology opens doors to many different sectors and professions - anywhere an understanding of people is valued - so your career options will be broad. Our Psychology graduates have gone on to successful roles in sectors such as:

• psychological research
• scientific or clinical research
• charity leadership
• mental health support and management
• health services and therapeutic care
• probation service and police
• human resources
• health psychology
• educational psychology
• occupational psychology
• forensic psychology
• clinical psychology
• teaching

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to

Additional costs and optional extras

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.