Psychology 2023

We use a variety of teaching methods ranging from lectures covering the fundamentals of psychology to practical classes and methods workshops, in which you will conduct hands-on psychological research.

At the start of your course you will be assigned a personal tutor who you will be able to meet regularly in a small group. This is an opportunity for you to develop transferable skills such as essay writing, critical thinking and presentation skills.

In the first year, you will be introduced to the core areas of biological, cognitive, developmental and social psychology. You will also attend classes in research methods and statistics, which will cover research design, computer programming, data analysis and report writing.

The second-year follows on from the first year, tackling the same core topics in greater depth. Practical sessions will run in a series of five-week group projects and will encourage you to develop your skills as an independent researcher.

In the third year, you will be able to choose from a wide range of modules, which will allow you to tailor the course to your personal interests. You will complete a large scale independent research project, where you can take the initiative in designing and carrying out the research yourself with the help and guidance from your project supervisor.

Assessment

Our courses are assessed in a variety of ways, including written exams, coursework assignments, dissertations, essays, oral presentations, posters, and laboratory reports. 

The degree classification is based on marks gained from all but the first year of study. 

The course provides an excellent grounding for a research career or professional postgraduate training in areas of applied psychology. The analytical, methodological and communication skills you will develop will form a strong basis for many other careers, including management, social work, teaching, and marketing and advertising.

Professional recognition and exemption

While the single honours degrees are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as providing the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, the joint honours with philosophy, being only half psychology, does not meet the requirements for BPS accreditation.

75.3% of undergraduates from the School of Psychology secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £22,146.*

*HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Students on the BSc/MSci Psychology and BSc Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience courses have the unique opportunity to study abroad for a semester or a full year, while still completing within three years owing to our school offering the same psychology course on the University's Malaysia Campus.

Other destinations are available within a four-year course as part of the Universitas 21 initiative.

Further information can be found on our study abroad web pages.

Offers are usually made without an interview, but students with alternative qualifications, including mature students, may be invited to an interview.

For more information on the application process, including the University’s flexible admissions policy, alternative qualifications, key dates, and deadlines, please visit our how to apply pages.

Visit days for students offered a place are normally held in February-April.

For details of University-wide open days, please see our visiting us pages.