BSc (Hons) Psychology
Explore human behaviour and mental processes on a BPS-accredited degree with research methods training and optional placement year.
Course overview
Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour, and our BSc (Hons) programme provides comprehensive coverage of core psychological disciplines. The degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), providing the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership required for professional psychology training.
You will study biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and individual differences. Research methods and statistics modules develop your ability to design studies, analyse data using SPSS, and evaluate psychological evidence critically.
Our academics conduct research in areas including health psychology, forensic psychology, and cognitive neuroscience. You may volunteer as a research assistant, contributing to published studies and building your CV for postgraduate applications.
Optional modules in final year cover clinical psychology, educational psychology, cyberpsychology, and psychopharmacology. A dissertation allows in-depth investigation of a topic of your choice under expert supervision.
Graduates pursue diverse careers in healthcare, education, HR, marketing, and research, or continue to postgraduate training in clinical, counselling, or occupational psychology.
Entry requirements
- A-levels
- BBB including a science subject or Psychology.
- International Baccalaureate
- 28–34 points including relevant higher level subjects at grade 5 or above.
- BTEC
- DDM–DMM in a relevant Extended Diploma, depending on the programme.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade 4/C or equivalent.
- Other routes
- GCSE Mathematics at grade 5/B required for statistics modules.
Modules
Year 1
Introduction to Psychology
20 credits
History, paradigms, and core areas of psychological inquiry.
Research Methods 1
20 credits
Experimental design, ethics, and descriptive statistics.
Year 2
Biological Psychology
20 credits
Brain structure, neurotransmitters, and biological bases of behaviour.
Cognitive Psychology
20 credits
Memory, attention, perception, and decision-making.
Year 3
Social Psychology
20 credits
Conformity, prejudice, group dynamics, and interpersonal relations.
Psychology Dissertation
40 credits
Independent empirical research project with written report.
Career opportunities
BPS accreditation enables progression to professional psychology training. Graduates enter roles in mental health support, HR, user experience research, education, and academia.
Many alumni complete MSc programmes before doctoral training in clinical or counselling psychology, a pathway taking approximately six to eight years from graduation.
Placements
Optional placement year with NHS trusts, charities including Mind, and research institutes provides applied experience. Shorter volunteering placements in schools and care settings are arranged through our community partnerships.
Facilities
The Psychology Research Suite includes eye-tracking equipment, EEG facilities, observation rooms with one-way mirrors, and psychometric testing materials.
Specialist software including E-Prime, OpenSesame, and NVivo supports experimental and qualitative research projects.
Frequently asked questions
- What A-level subjects do I need for Psychology?
- Entry requirements vary by programme, but most undergraduate courses expect relevant subjects at grade B or above. We also welcome applicants with BTEC Extended Diplomas, T Levels, Access to HE Diplomas, and equivalent international qualifications. If your combination differs from the published requirements, contact our admissions team — contextual offers may be available for students from widening participation backgrounds.
- Can I study part-time?
- Many of our postgraduate programmes offer part-time study over two to four years, allowing you to balance work and family commitments. Part-time undergraduate study is available on selected courses; contact [email protected] for current options. Part-time students have the same access to library resources, careers support, and student services as full-time students.
- Are there scholarships available?
- Luma University offers a range of scholarships including academic excellence awards, sports scholarships, and bursaries for students from low-income households. International students may apply for the Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship worth up to £3,000 per year. Visit our fees and funding pages or speak to our Student Finance team for personalised advice.
- What support is available for disabled students?
- Our Disability and Inclusion Service provides confidential support including exam adjustments, assistive technology loans, note-taking support, and specialist mentoring. We encourage you to disclose any disability or health condition early so we can arrange reasonable adjustments before you arrive. The campus is largely accessible, with step-free routes and accessible accommodation available.
- Can I transfer from another university?
- Transfer applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. You will need to provide transcripts and module descriptions so we can assess credit for prior learning. Transfers are typically considered for entry into Year 2, subject to space and matching module content. Contact [email protected] with your current programme details.
- Does this degree make me a psychologist?
- The BSc provides the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BPS, which is required for professional training. To become a Chartered Psychologist in areas such as clinical or forensic psychology, you must complete further accredited postgraduate training and supervised practice.