Psychology BA/BSc

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. It explores how people think, feel and act, and applies this knowledge to areas such as health, education, business and social policy. A Psychology degree is ideal for students who are curious about human behaviour, enjoy research and want to apply psychological insights to real-world challenges.

Course Structure

Most Psychology degrees last three years full time, or four years with a placement year or study abroad. Many are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), which is essential if you want to pursue professional training after graduation.

Teaching combines lectures, seminars, lab classes, experiments, group projects and independent research. Assessment usually includes essays, reports, exams, presentations and a final-year dissertation.

Typical Modules

Year 1 – Foundations of Psychology

Introduction to Psychology

Cognitive Psychology (memory, perception, attention)

Biological Psychology (neuroscience, brain and behaviour)

Social Psychology (group behaviour, prejudice, relationships)

Developmental Psychology (childhood and lifespan development)

Research Methods and Statistics

Year 2 – Core Areas and Application

Personality and Individual Differences

Health Psychology

Educational Psychology

Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods

Psychology of Language and Communication

Optional modules in topics like forensic or sport psychology

Year 3 – Advanced Topics and Research

Clinical and Abnormal Psychology

Neuroscience and Cognitive Disorders

Social and Political Psychology

Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing

Dissertation or Independent Research Project

Specialist options such as occupational psychology, artificial intelligence in psychology, or evolutionary psychology

Useful A-Level or BTEC Subjects

Entry requirements vary, but helpful subjects include:

• A levels: Psychology (if available), Biology, Mathematics, Sociology or English Literature.

  
  

• BTECs: Applied Science, Health and Social Care, or equivalent qualifications may be accepted, sometimes alongside A levels.

  
  

• International Baccalaureate: Higher Level Psychology, Biology or Maths are particularly useful.

  
  

• Strong numeracy and essay-writing skills are both important.

What Makes a Strong Application

Universities look for students with curiosity about human behaviour and solid academic preparation. A strong application should include:

• Good grades in relevant subjects.

  
  

• A personal statement showing interest in psychological questions and awareness of psychology in everyday life.

  
  

• Evidence of wider engagement, such as reading psychology books, volunteering in schools, youth work, mental health charities or research projects.

  
  

• Demonstration of both scientific and critical thinking skills.

  
  

Transferable Skills You Will Develop

A Psychology degree provides both scientific expertise and professional skills, including:

• Research and analysis – designing experiments and interpreting data.

  
  

• Critical thinking – evaluating theories and evidence.

  
  

• Communication – writing clear reports and presenting ideas effectively.

  
  

• Problem-solving – applying psychology to real-world issues.

  
  

• Interpersonal skills – understanding people and group dynamics.

  
  

• Data handling – working with statistics and software such as SPSS or R.

Wider Reading: Recommended Books for Aspiring Psychology Students

Here are four accessible and engaging books:

“Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman – A best-selling book on how humans make decisions.

“The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat” by Oliver Sacks – Fascinating case studies from a neurologist.

“Opening Skinner’s Box” by Lauren Slater – A lively exploration of classic psychology experiments.

“The Psychopath Test” by Jon Ronson – A thought-provoking and humorous look at mental health and diagnosis.

Typical Pay After Graduation

Psychology graduates follow many different career paths. Starting salaries are typically £22,000–£28,000 in roles such as research assistant, HR, support work or graduate schemes. With further training (e.g. clinical, educational or occupational psychology), salaries can rise to £35,000–£50,000. Senior chartered psychologists in health, academia or consultancy may earn £60,000–£80,000+.