Psychology BSc (Hons) | University of Nottingham

International student

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.

How you will learn

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

How you will be assessed

Assessment methods

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

Contact time and study hours

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 to 300 students. Laboratory classes typically include 30 to 60 students. Seminar groups and tutorial groups are usually made up of 10 to 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.

Modules

6 modules

Biological Psychology

An introduction to the neural and biological bases of cognition and behaviour. You will learn about the structure and evolution of the brain and the main functions of the different parts.

You will examine how the brain receives, transmits, and processes information at the neural level, as well as its visual pathways. The main scientific methods for investigating brain and behaviour will also be covered.

You will have two hours of lectures weekly.

Cognitive Psychology

This module will examine:

Perception, with particular emphasis on vision, but also hearing, taste, touch and smell;
The Psychology of Language, including linguistic theory, speech, parsing, word meaning, and language production
The Psychology of Reading, including word recognition, theories of eye-movement control, and reading multi-media displays
Human Memory, covering the basics of encoding, storage and retrieval with particular reference to real-world applications of memory research
Thinking and Problem Solving, including heuristics, biases, evolutionary perspectives on human rationality, and group decision making

Developmental Psychology

An introduction to the fascinating world of the developing child.

Lectures consider different theoretical, applied, and experimental approaches to cognitive, linguistic, and social development from early to late childhood.

Topics include the development of thinking, perception, drawing, understanding the mind, intelligence, attachment, language, and moral development.

You will have a one-hour lecture weekly.

Introduction to Research Methods and Analysis

This full-year module introduces you to basic aspects of research design, and to the statistical representation and analysis of data.

You will be trained in statistical analysis, using software such as the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

You will gain an understanding of the issues underlying experimental and correlational research designs.

You will have a one-hour lecture weekly.

Practical Methods: Labs and Workshops

You will address several different psychological topics using a range of investigative procedures, primarily based on the experimental method.

The module will enable you to critically assess previous research and to design, as well as conduct, analyse, and report on your own studies.

You will learn how to program and use computer software for research and will have the opportunity to be a participant in another person’s study.

You will have a three-hour practical class every other week, plus a two-hour seminar weekly.

Social Psychology

An introduction to the core topics in social psychology, which is concerned with trying to understand the social behaviour of individuals in terms of both internal characteristics of the person (e.g. cognitive mental processes) and external influences (the social environment).

Lectures will cover topics including how we define the self, attitudes, attribution, obedience, aggression, pro-social behaviour and formation of friendships.

You will have a one-hour lecture weekly.

10 compulsory credits in the Spring Semester.

2 modules

Addiction and the Brain

You will gain a broad overview of some key theoretical approaches in psychology, in the context of their application to therapy. Three fundamental schools of thought will be examined: the psychodynamic school, the humanistic-existential school, and the cognitive behaviour school, which have strongly influenced the development of contemporary psychological therapy. Lectures will examine the historical context and philosophical origins of a range of different therapies (e.g. psychoanalysis, person-centred therapy, rational-emotive therapy) which may be used in the treatment of common mental health issues (e.g. anxiety, depression, phobias). The theoretical basis of each approach will be addressed, with a consideration of how important concepts are applied in therapeutic interventions.

Psychological Approaches to Therapy

This module will provide a broad overview of some key theoretical approaches in psychology, in the context of their application to therapy. Three fundamental schools of thought will be examined: the psychodynamic school, the humanistic school, and the cognitive behaviour school, which have strongly influenced the development of contemporary psychological therapy.

Lectures will examine the historical context and philosophical origins of a range of different therapies (e.g. psychoanalysis, person-centred therapy, rational-emotive therapy) which may be used in the treatment of common mental health issues (e.g. anxiety, depression, phobias). The theoretical basis of each approach will be addressed, with a consideration of how important concepts are applied in therapeutic interventions.

11 modules

Advanced Developmental Psychology

Description to be confirmed.

Advanced Social Psychology

Description to be confirmed.

Cognitive Psychology 2

This module will examine:

Perception, with particular emphasis on vision, but also hearing, taste, touch and smell;
The Psychology of Language, including linguistic theory, speech, parsing, word meaning, and language production
The Psychology of Reading, including word recognition, theories of eye-movement control, and reading multi-media displays
Human Memory, covering the basics of encoding, storage and retrieval with particular reference to real-world applications of memory research
Thinking and Problem Solving, including heuristics, biases, evolutionary perspectives on human rationality, and group decision making

20 compulsory credits in the Autumn Semester.

Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology

You’ll learn about the scientific, historical, and philosophical underpinnings of psychology as a discipline, which will demonstrate the inherent variability and diversity in the theoretical approaches to psychology.

By the end of the module, you will have a good knowledge and critical understanding of the influences of history on psychological theories.

Neuroscience and Behaviour

This module will cover several issues in neuroscience and behaviour that are particularly relevant to understanding the biological bases of psychological functions. Among the topics to be covered are:

psychopharmacology
psychobiological explanations of mental disorders
dementia
sexual development and behaviour
methods of studying neuropsychological processes
the effects of brain damage on mental functioning including amnesias, agnosias and aphasias
introduction to classical and instrumental conditioning
theories of associative learning and memory
what forgetting might tell us about learning
topics in comparative cognition and cognitive abilities
can animals do anything apart from conditioning?

20 compulsory credits in the Spring Semester.

Personality and Individual Differences

You will explore psychological explanations of personality and individual differences. In particular, the major personality theories are considered in detail and the application of these theories to areas such as abnormal psychology, criminal behaviour, and health are discussed. IQ is also covered and the evolutionary bases of traits. Complementary and alternatives to trait approaches are discussed.

Practical Methods for Psychologists 1

The module develops practical skills in psychology research. It will give students hands-on experience with designing and running psychology studies, as well as analysing, interpreting data, and writing reports.

Practical Methods for Psychologists 2

This module builds on the development of practical skills in Psychology Research.

Research Methods and Analysis 1

Description to be confirmed.

Research Methods and Analysis 2

Description to be confirmed.

Social and Development Psychology

Examine theories and experimental studies of social processes and human development.

Topics relating to social processes will include:

social cognition and social thinking
conformity and obedience
intergroup behaviour
theories of attraction and relationships
prosocial behaviour and intrinsic motivation
self-determination

Human development topics are also explored in depth such as the:

development of phonology
importance of social referencing in early language acquisition
atypical socio-cognitive development in people with autism

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1 modules

Psychology Research Project

This module will give you the chance to carry out an extended piece of research based on your interests.

A member of academic staff will supervise you in designing, carrying out, analysing, and writing up your project.

The work will be either empirical or computational in nature to test a hypothesis which can be original, or you can extend or replicate an existing study.

14 modules

Altruism, Cooperation and Helping

The course will cover theories and models of altruism, cooperation and helping form the perspective of psychology, economics and evolutionary biology. Among the theories examined will be reputation-based, strong-reciprocity, warm-glow and crowding and altruistic punishment from economics; kin selection, reciprocity, coercion, mutualism, cooperative breeding from biology; and empathy, personality, sexual selection and situational constraints from psychology.

You will consider why people sometimes don't help and actively try to benefit from others and apply these models to anti-social behaviour, and how we cooperate to inflict injury on other groups. It will also examine not just models of helping others, but also why people ask for help. You will finally look at how charities implement some of these principles and if they are successful.

10 credits in the Spring Semester.

Applying Social Psychology to Societal Issues

This module will explore how Social Psychology is applied to societal issues. The module will take students through a series of examples, to include topics such as cyberpsychology, conspiracy theories, existential anxiety, justice and attitudes towards victims of injustice, environmental psychology, prejudice and discrimination and discuss how theories and evidence from social psychology can be used to address these in everyday life. Students on this module will consider how the evidence can be best communicated to a wider audience.

Clinical Psychology

An introduction to the concepts of clinical psychology and the application of psychology in clinical settings.

The module illustrates how psychological models are developed and how they are applied in developing interventions. You will examine theory and evaluation of interventions for a number of disorders/clinical issues.

During this module you will have two hours of lectures weekly.

10 credits in the Spring Semester.

Cognitive Development and Autism

You will cover modern version of nativist and empiricist theories of cognitive development.

This module will also give you an overview of current theories which have been proposed to explain Autism Spectrum Disorder. It will provide an evaluation of these theories using behavioural, clinical and neurophysiological evidence from a range of domains including drawing and musical skills (savant skills), scientific knowledge, maths, social learning (trust and imitation) and social motivation.

You will have two hours of lectures per week for this module.

Current Issues in Psychology: Debates and Applications

This module will allow students to understand how psychology relates to contemporary issues and debates.

Students will have the opportunity to specialise in one area and consider the deeper implications for the world and society. Topics may vary from year to year but may include topics such as health behaviours, the environment and climate change, psychology of women and others. Students will write an extended essay in the specified area, guided by an academic.

Developmental Dyslexia: Psychological and Educational Perspectives

This module explores psychological theories of developmental dyslexia and educational issues pertaining to this pervasive developmental disorder. It examines the cognitive characteristics and educational attainments of pupils with developmental dyslexia and addresses the ways in which individual educational needs might be met at both the classroom and whole school level.

This module should be of interest to you if you have an interest in developmental, cognitive, and/or educational psychology, and are wishing to pursue a career in child psychology, educational psychology, general teaching practice, and/or special needs education.

Some key questions to be considered are:

what criteria should be used to diagnose developmental dyslexia?
does developmental dyslexia reflect delayed or deviant behaviour?
what are the specific educational issues pertaining to the provision of educational policy and practice for pupils with developmental dyslexia?
how should pupils with developmental dyslexia be supported in the classroom?

Educational Psychology

This module provides an introduction to the contexts in which educational psychologists operate by examining the historical development of this profession within a set of major legislative and policy contexts, such as the recent drive to increase social inclusion. In particular, successes in, and barriers to, establishing a role as scientist-practitioners in educational settings will be explored.

The module will concentrate on assessment and intervention work with specific populations such as young people who display challenging behaviour in schools, vulnerable adolescents, and bilingual learners. Additionally, it will examine psychological approaches to group work with teachers and pupils as well as the application of system theory in helping transform aspects of schools and other organisations.

Forensic and Mental Health

The area of forensic mental health is extremely pertinent in both the criminal justice system and mental health services, and the integration of the two. It is a growing area of research in Psychology and it is an area in which students are increasingly wishing to work following their degree.

The module will concentrate on offending behaviours, typical categorisation of those who commit crimes or harm themselves, and standard interventions for offenders. The course will also examine the role of the UK criminal justice system (CJS) in dealing with individuals who offend and the impact of current psychological research and theory for the processes involved within the CJS.

Mechanisms of Learning and Psychopathology

Supported by lectures, seminars and tutorials, this module aims to provide you with an understanding of the mechanisms of learning and memory in human and non-human animals, and an analysis of pathological conditions involving these systems.

You’ll study topics that include:

perceptual learning
the contextual and attentional modulation of learning and behaviour
neuroscience-focused topics such as the role of the hippocampus in memory

Clinical topics include:

the acquisition of phobias
memory discords
the psychological side effects of cancer treatment
depression

There are two hours per week of lectures for this module.

20 credits throughout the full year.

Neuropsychology and Applied Neuroimaging

An introduction to the neural and biological bases of cognition and behaviour. You will learn about the structure and evolution of the brain and the main functions of the different parts.

You will have two hours of lectures weekly.

10 compulsory credits in the Autumn Semester.

Neuropsychology of Action: The Body in the Brain

This module examines the psychological and neural basis for the planning and control of human action. You will be introduced to scientific research through guided exploration of the neuropsychological bases for human action.

You will experience the multi-disciplinary nature of research into human behaviour and, by the end of the module, will understand how a single issue can be addressed from multiple perspectives including: experimental psychology, neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, neuropsychology, and functional brain-imaging.

Social Neuroscience Research

To provide students with an advanced understanding of current social and cognitive neuroscience topics, as well as an understanding of the methods and analyses required to test specific theories related to that topic, and guidance on the critical evaluation of research papers. Students will receive lectures on and study a specific social neuroscience issue in detail, and will devise ways to further research into that issue.

The course will provide an introduction to neuroscience methods and will focus on current research and theory behind various aspects of human social interaction, speech communication and body perception from a neuroscience perspective. Complementary evidence from different branches of behavioural and cognitive sciences will be integrated with current neuroscientific research.

The course will focus predominantly on the neural mechanisms thought to be involved in the interpretation of our own and others’ bodies, actions, faces, voices and emotions. The course will also provide advice on developing ideas for research as well as how to write for each assessment.

20 credits throughout the full year.

The Visual Brain: Evolution, Development, Learning and Adaptation

The central theme of this module is to explore how the architecture and function of the visual brain has been designed and shaped by experiences over a range of timescales. The innate properties of the eye and visual brain that are present at birth have been designed over millions of years of evolution. The brain continues to physically change it structure and function within a lifetime a property termed brain plasticity.

Over the years of development, brain plasticity is the driving force for the maturation of different visual brain functions. Even well into adulthood, plasticity is retained in the form of learning, which can optimise performance for certain visual tasks and be exploited for therapeutic uses. Another prominent form of plasticity in the visual brain is that caused by adaptation effects of visual experience over the preceding tens of milliseconds to minutes. The module will examine the consequences of evolution, development, learning and adaptation for visual brain function and perception.

Understanding Developmental Disorders

This module explores how psychologists study and understand disorders of cognitive development. The course focuses largely on disorders which include impairments in attention, memory and/or executive function. Disorders covered include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, reading disorders and Down Syndrome. List of lectures.

1. General introduction and research methods
2. Typical development of attention/memory and executive function
3. ADHD
4. Autism
5. Developmental Coordination Disorder
6. Fragile X Syndrome
7. Down Syndrome
8. Preterm Birth
9. Interventions
10. Revision

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Language study as part of this degree

Our Language Centre offers many languages, and you may start as a beginner or at a more advanced level and you may be able to choose to study a language as part of this degree.

Learning another language can open career opportunities around the globe and enriches your CV. It could also help you in your studies by being able to access learning materials in other languages. If you are planning to travel or work abroad it will help you to broaden your cultural understanding.

Find out more about learning a language as part of your degree.

Select student type

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2026 entry.

A levels

AAA

34 points overall

A level and GCSE requirements

Required subjects

Where science A levels have been taken, a pass in the practical element of science subjects is required if assessed separately.

Excluded subjects

General studies, critical thinking, citizenship studies, science and society, leisure studies, functional skills and global perspectives

GCSEs

GCSE English and maths at 5 (B) or above

IB requirements

IB score

34 points overall or 666 in 3 HL certificates

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower. If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ.

If you qualify for a contextual offer, your EPQ will be taken into consideration, and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer. Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your EPQ will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:

Access to HE Diploma
Advanced Diploma
BTEC HND/HNC
BTEC Extended Diploma

This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.

RQF BTEC Nationals

Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma D*DD
Pearson BTEC National Diploma RQF D*D plus A
Pearson BTEC National Extended Certificate RQF D plus AA

Access to HE Diploma

Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3. Of the Level 3 credits, 36 should be at Distinction and 9 credits at Merit.

Contextual offers

For home/UK fee status students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement at school or college:

AAB for Widening Participation students. Check your eligibility.
ABB for Realising Opportunities and Nottingham Summer School or Pathways participants. Check your eligibility.

Foundation progression options

If you are a Home applicant and do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry to this course, you may be interested in researching our Science with Foundation Year BSc or Science with Foundation Year MSci course. Students successfully completing and meeting the specific progression requirements of the Science with a Foundation Year course are guaranteed progression on to a selection of undergraduate courses. Please note progression to some courses may require meeting additional criteria such as a successful interview.

You can view all pathways and progression criteria in our progression table.

Mature students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Study abroad

On this course, you can apply to study abroad at one of our partner institutions or at University of Nottingham Malaysia.

If you are successful in applying to study abroad, you will get the opportunity to broaden your horizons and enhance your CV by experiencing another culture. Teaching is typically in English, but there may be opportunities to study in another language if you are sufficiently fluent.

You can choose to study similar modules to your counterparts in the UK or expand your knowledge by taking other options.

The school you are joining may also have additional study abroad options available. Please visit the school website for more information.

Please note

In order to study abroad you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet the selection criteria of both the university and the partner institution. The partner institution is under no obligation to accept you even if you do meet the relevant criteria.

Optional placement year

If your course does not have a compulsory placement, integrated year in industry or compulsory year abroad where there is already an opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of that experience, you may be able to apply to undertake an optional placement year. While it is the student’s responsibility to find and secure a placement, our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout this process. Contact placements@nottingham.ac.uk to find out more.

The school/faculty you are joining may also have additional placement opportunities. Please visit the school/faculty website for more information.

Please note

In order to undertake an optional placement year, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet any requirements specified by the placement host. There is no guarantee that you will be able to undertake an optional placement as part of your course.

Disclaimer

Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.

Tuition fees

2026/27 (UK undergraduate students)

This is the UK undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 25/26. It may increase for the academic year 26/27 and we will update our information once we have received confirmation of the fee from the UK Government.

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies.

Due to our commitment to sustainability, we don’t print lecture notes but these are available digitally. You will be given £5 worth of printer credits a year. You are welcome to buy more credits if you need them. It costs 4p to print one black and white page.

If you study abroad, you will need to consider the travel and living costs for the country you choose. This could include visa costs and medical insurance. If you do a work placement, any costs associated with travel or accommodation will need to be factored in.

An optional cost is incentives to encourage participation in project work, such as chocolate. Any costs incurred should be minimal.

Scholarships and bursaries

The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.

Home students

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.

A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2026 entry.

34 points overall

A levels

AAA

IB requirements

IB score

34 points overall or 666 in 3 HL certificates

A level and GCSE requirements

Required subjects

Where science A levels have been taken, a pass in the practical element of science subjects is required if assessed separately.

Excluded subjects

General studies, critical thinking, citizenship studies, science and society, leisure studies, functional skills and global perspectives

GCSEs

GCSE English and maths at 5 (B) or above

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Access to HE Diploma
Advanced Diploma
BTEC HND/HNC
BTEC Extended Diploma

RQF BTEC Nationals

Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma D*DD
Pearson BTEC National Diploma RQF D*D plus A
Pearson BTEC National Extended Certificate RQF D plus AA

Access to HE Diploma

Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3. Of the Level 3 credits, 36 should be at Distinction and 9 credits at Merit.

IELTS/English requirements

IELTS

6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

English language requirements

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.

For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

High school qualifications

Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

Foundation progression options

If you don't meet our entry requirements there is the option to study the science foundation programme. You may have the opportunity to progress onto the BSc programme, subject to your performance on the foundation programme. There is a course for UK students and one for EU/international students.

Mature students

Study abroad

On this course, you can apply to study abroad at one of our partner institutions or at University of Nottingham Malaysia.

You can choose to study similar modules to your counterparts in the UK or expand your knowledge by taking other options.

The school you are joining may also have additional study abroad options available. Please visit the school website for more information.

Please note

Optional placement year

The school/faculty you are joining may also have additional placement opportunities. Please visit the school/faculty website for more information.

Please note

Disclaimer

Tuition fees

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

Additional costs

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies.

An optional cost is incentives to encourage participation in project work, such as chocolate. Any costs incurred should be minimal.

Scholarships and bursaries

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

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

Psychology

Careers overview

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.

Graduate destinations

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

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.

Job prospects

Average starting salary and career progression

93.9% of psychology graduates were in sustained employment, further study or both one year after graduation (LEO data from 2022/23 tax year, published in 2025).

Careers 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.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain's leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top 10 in The Graduate Market in 2013-2024, High Fliers Research).

British Psychological Society

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). This provides the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, which is required for entry to many postgraduate professional psychology programmes.

Welcome to your campus

At University Park, nature, architecture and student life come together on one unforgettable campus. Explore beautiful green spaces, unwind by the lake and enjoy a vibrant sense of community. It’s the perfect setting for an extraordinary university experience where you can learn, grow and thrive.

Psychology - U6UPSYCH

Course overview

Teaching and learning

Modules

Core modules

6 modules

Biological Psychology

Cognitive Psychology

Developmental Psychology

Introduction to Research Methods and Analysis

Practical Methods: Labs and Workshops

Social Psychology

Optional modules

Core modules

11 modules

Advanced Developmental Psychology

Advanced Social Psychology

Cognitive Psychology 2

Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology

Neuroscience and Behaviour

Personality and Individual Differences

Practical Methods for Psychologists 1

Practical Methods for Psychologists 2

Research Methods and Analysis 1

Research Methods and Analysis 2

Social and Development Psychology

Core modules

1 modules

Psychology Research Project

Optional modules

Language study as part of this degree

Select student type

Entry requirements

3 years full-time

£9,535 per year

Entry requirements

3 years full-time

£33,000 per year

Careers

Accreditation

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