Mankind faces great challenges. What are the big challenges that are brewing for the future? At an introductory level, this unit is aimed at exposing students to key areas in which psychology is likely to play a fundamental role in the future and to topics that could attract considerable attention from psychologists, both in terms of providing a theoretical understanding and delivering solutions.

Communication is changing in the digital age. Technological advances are revolutionising the way in which psychological and mental health interventions will be delivered in the future. 

Advances in artificial intelligence and brain‐computer interfaces offer future opportunities for psychologists to design intelligent devices to support our increasingly complex life. Challenges associated with chronic illness and chronic disease will continue to pose significant challenges in the area of health management, particularly in the mental health sector. Sedentary life and poor nutrition compromise the life and mental health of large populations, so what are the long‐term effects of modern lifestyles and what do we need to do to keep a healthy brain in a healthy body? With increases in life expectancy, one of the greatest challenges is to ensure that we age well to preserve our cognitive capacity. This unit will provide coverage of some of the challenges informed by current and future psychological research and the opportunities psychology needs to capitalise upon to contribute effectively to human progress.