A member of staff using a research measuring device on an undergraduate student

Psychology BSc

University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK

Course overview

Psychology is the scientific study of mental processes. You'll learn about the structure of the brain as well as the perceptions, thoughts, feelings and actions of people.

In years one and three, you'll have optional modules to choose from (which, in year one, can be from outside psychology, to explore other areas). This is your chance to explore the areas of psychology that you find interesting. As we have experts from across the spectrum of psychology, we are able to offer you a choice from many different areas in both theoretical and applied psychology. For example, you can explore topics including forensic or clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, neuroimaging and neuropsychology, or social, educational and developmental psychology. 

Our research is transforming lives. We want our students to be part of this. In your final year, you'll do your own research project. You'll have a wide choice of topics. These could be from behavioural to social psychology.

As a psychology student you will also be able to apply to our Pschology Insights project, which gives you the opportunity to work on a live brief with a local organisation. Hear from students who have taken part before and find out more about this career accelerating experience.

Indicative modules

Mandatory

Year 1

Biological Psychology

Mandatory

Year 1

Cognitive Psychology 1

Mandatory

Year 1

Developmental Psychology

Mandatory

Year 1

Introduction to Research Methods and Analysis

Mandatory

Year 1

Practical Methods and Seminars in Psychology

Mandatory

Year 1

Social Psychology

Optional

Year 1

Addiction and the Brain

Optional

Year 1

Psychological Approaches to Therapy

Mandatory

Year 2

Advanced Developmental Psychology

Mandatory

Year 2

Advanced Social Psychology

Mandatory

Year 2

Cognitive Psychology 2

Mandatory

Year 2

Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology

Mandatory

Year 2

Neuroscience and Behaviour

Mandatory

Year 2

Personality and Individual Differences

Mandatory

Year 2

Practical Methods in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience 1

Mandatory

Year 2

Practical Methods in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience 2

Mandatory

Year 2

Research Methods and Analysis 1

Mandatory

Year 2

Research Methods and Analysis 2

Mandatory

Year 2

Social and Development Psychology

Mandatory

Year 3

Psychology Research Project

Optional

Year 3

Altruism, Cooperation and Helping

Optional

Year 3

Applying Social Psychology to Societal Issues

Optional

Year 3

Clinical Psychology

Optional

Year 3

Cognitive Development and Autism

Optional

Year 3

Current Issues in Psychology: Debates and Applications

Optional

Year 3

Developmental Dyslexia: Psychological and Educational Perspectives

Optional

Year 3

Educational Psychology

Optional

Year 3

Forensic and Mental Health

Optional

Year 3

Mechanisms of Learning and Psychopathology

Optional

Year 3

Neuropsychology and Applied Neuroimaging

Optional

Year 3

Neuropsychology of Action: The Body in the Brain

Optional

Year 3

Social Neuroscience Research

Optional

Year 3

The Visual Brain: Evolution, Development, Learning and Adaptation

Optional

Year 3

Understanding Developmental Disorders

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About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Monday 12 August 2024. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Teaching is delivered through a mix of in-person and online methods. The majority of your teaching will be in-person. 

Teaching methods

  • Computer labs
  • Lab sessions
  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • Problem classes

Assessment methods

  • Coursework
  • Group project
  • Lab reports
  • Presentation
  • Research project
  • Written exam
  • Poster presentation

One credit is approximately 10 hours of work. You will spend around half of your time in lectures, seminars, laboratory classes and tutorials. You will complete the remaining time as independent study.

Lecture classes can be between 30-300 students. Laboratory classes typically include 30-60 students. Seminar groups and tutorial groups are usually made up of 10-12 students.

Modules are typically delivered by professors, associate professors or assistant professors, and teaching associates. PhD students may support laboratory demonstrations and report marking and feedback.

A degree in psychology gives you skills for a career in psychology as well as transferable skills that can be used in business, education, marketing and legal sectors.

Become a chartered psychologist

About 20% of UK psychology graduates become chartered psychologists. If you take this route, you could progress in fields such as clinical, forensic, educational or occupational psychology. Further study and work experience would be needed.

Read alumni stories of graduates who have gone on to work in these areas.

Previous graduate jobs

Our graduates have used their skills in roles such as:

  • mental health worker
  • therapy assistant
  • civil servant
  • accountant
  • HR adviser
  • recruiter
  • police officer
  • marketing executive
  • merchandising assistant

Jessica Fath, a psychology graduate, works for Rethink Mental Illness. They are training her to be a psychological wellbeing practitioner. Read about her experience in her blog. A degree in psychology opens up a wide range of career prospects. Read this blog from Sophie Hussain and Hannah Taylor who talk about their career journey and current work in health and wellbeing.

Further study

Many graduates choose to continue studying for a masters or PhD. This is a good option if you want to choose a specialism such as sport psychology or cognitive neuroscience. You then may decide to pursue a career in teaching and/or research at a university.

Other opportunities to help your employability

The Nottingham Internship Scheme provides a range of work experience opportunities and internships throughout the year

The Nottingham Advantage Award is our free scheme to boost your employability. There are over 200 extracurricular activities to choose from.

Average starting salary and career progression

86.40% of undergraduates from the Faculty of Science secured employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £27,834.

HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017-2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

 

University undergraduate student Cole Pearce studying in Nightingale Hall accommodation's library, University Park. November 5th 2021.

I chose to study at Nottingham because I would be able to study abroad during my degree. I went to the University of Newcastle in Australia. It was an amazing experience!

Karl Miller

BSc Psychology

Course data

Open Day June 2022