Psychology BSc

Course overview

This course aims to provide you with a well-rounded education in the principles of psychology. It is intellectually challenging and coherent, and benefits from the strong research ethos of the School. The teaching programme provides a solid understanding of psychological theories and concepts, and the knowledge, analytical tools and skills needed to assess and conduct empirical research.

Year one 

You are introduced to the core areas of biological, cognitive, developmental and social psychology, and personality and individual differences. Lectures and tutorials on these core areas are accompanied by lectures in statistical methods and practical classes, teaching you to plan, conduct and report psychology experiments.

Year two

Psychology modules follow on from the core first-year courses, tackling similar topics in greater depth and dealing with more advanced theoretical problems. You will develop an increasing independence in your practical work, which comprises a series of five-week group projects.

Year three

One third of your credits come from a year-long research project. In this you will design and carry out the research yourself with supervision from a staff member. You will choose further credits from a range of advanced specialist modules in both applied and theoretical topics, one of which may also be developed into a dissertation.

Entry requirements

A levels:  Candidates with at least one A level in a science (which includes A level psychology) will be asked to attain AAB or equivalent. Candidates without a science A level may be asked to achieve AAA. General studies and critical thinking not accepted. Also grade B in GCSE maths.

English language requirements 

IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

TOEFL iBT 87 (minimum 19 with 20 in speaking)

Alternative qualifications 

For details see alternative qualifications page

Foundation year - a foundation year is available to international applicants for all our courses 

Flexible admissions policy

We consider applicants’ circumstances and broader achievements as part of the assessment process, but do not vary the offer from the grades advertised as a result of these.

Notes for applicants 

Scholarships - for details of scholarships available to international students please see www.nottingham.ac.uk/psychology

Modules

The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result, may change from year to year. The following list is therefore subject to change but should give you a flavour of the modules we offer.

Typical year-one modules

• Introduction to Social Psychology
• Practical Methods in Psychology
• Introduction to Developmental Psychology
• Statistical Methods 1
• Cognitive Psychology 1

Typical year-two modules

• Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology and Individual Differences
• Social and Developmental Psychology
• Neuroscience and Behaviour
• Cognitive Psychology 2
• Practical Methods 2

Typical year-three modules

• Research Project

Typical optional modules

• Psychology of Digital Technology
• Advanced Visual Perception
• Mind and Brain
• Cognitive Development and Learning
• Forensic and Mental Health
• Clinical Psychology
• Altruism, Cooperation and Helping
• Social Psychology of Exercise and Sport
• Neuropsychology of Action: The Body in the Brain
• Learning and Technology

Careers

The course provides you with the practical and theoretical knowledge needed to understand, conduct and report empirical research in psychology. You will also graduate with transferable skills including the ability to communicate effectively, to problem solve, to develop and sustain a reasoned argument, to collect and analyse data, and to study and think independently. The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society which is essential for those intending to pursue a professional career in psychology.

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited by the 

providing the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.

Average starting salary 

The average starting salary for 2010/11 full-time graduates of the School of Psychology was £16,630.*

*Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time, 2010/11.

Careers Support and Advice

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.  

KIS