Psychology BSc (Hons) at Northumbria gives you the knowledge, research skills, and career focus to stand out in one of the most versatile disciplines in science.
Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), upon graduating with a 2:2 or above, this course provides Graduate Basis for Chartership, your essential first step towards becoming a chartered psychologist. Shape your degree through specialist pathway options, spanning health, clinical, forensic, business, experimental, and sport and exercise psychology, or follow the general route for maximum flexibility.
Put theory into practice through hands-on lab work and real research participation, build your academic and professional skills throughout each year of study, and bring everything together with a self-directed final year project on a question of your choice.
Depending upon which route you choose to take, the following awards are potential outcomes of this course:
This extended degree offers an alternative route into higher education if you don't meet the standard entry requirements. Your foundation year covers psychology and its various disciplines, including health, occupational, organisational, and sport and exercise, and you can gain the fundamental knowledge and academic skills needed to pursue your degree.
Explore the core areas of psychology: cognitive, biological, social, and developmental, whilst getting hands-on in the lab learning to design, conduct, and report real research studies.
Next, you choose your specialist pathway and take on more advanced research. By the end of second year, you’ll be equipped to design and lead original studies independently, ahead of your final year project.
Your optional study abroad year places you in an international academic environment, broadening your perspectives and cultural awareness. You'll return with sharper independence, stronger communication skills, and a global outlook for your final year.
In your final year, everything comes together as you lead a self-directed research project in your chosen area. By the end of this year, you'll be equipped to think critically, reason scientifically, and take your next steps with confidence.
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This extended degree offers an alternative route into higher education if you don't meet the standard entry requirements. Your foundation year covers psychology and its various disciplines, including health, occupational, organisational, and sport and exercise, and you can gain the fundamental knowledge and academic skills needed to pursue your degree.
Explore the core areas of psychology: cognitive, biological, social, and developmental, whilst getting hands-on in the lab learning to design, conduct, and report real research studies.
Next, you choose your specialist pathway and take on more advanced research. By the end of second year, you’ll be equipped to design and lead original studies independently, ahead of your final year project.
Your optional study abroad year places you in an international academic environment, broadening your perspectives and cultural awareness. You'll return with sharper independence, stronger communication skills, and a global outlook for your final year.
In your final year, everything comes together as you lead a self-directed research project in your chosen area. By the end of this year, you'll be equipped to think critically, reason scientifically, and take your next steps with confidence.
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
On this module you will learn about several of the key concepts and studies that have influenced our formative understanding of Psychology as a subject and importantly how we research psychological processes today. You will cover classic studies in a range of different areas such as behavioural psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, evolutionary psychology and cognitive psychology. In addition to this, you will learn about the development of neuroimaging, discuss ethics in psychological research, and look at classic studies in applied domains such as eyewitness memory.
Psychology is a relatively new discipline, and is still developing its identity as a science. On this module you will learn about some of the questions that excite researchers right now: what are the boundaries of knowledge and the big questions in areas such as perception, neuroimaging, culture, and consciousness, and which directions are currently being explored?
On this module you will learn academic skills that will assist your learning and development on this programme and your future degree. The skills you acquire will also be transferable to enhance your employability.
You will be introduced to the learning resources that are available to support you. Using these resources you will learn how to conduct effective bibliographic searches and how to evaluate the credibility of the sources. You will learn about the sections of a journal article and how to read journal articles effectively. You will explore what it means to be a critical thinker and begin to learn how to evaluate information. You will focus on writing skills – essay writing and writing for different audiences – and learn the processes involved including referencing and how to avoid plagiarism. You will be introduced to the University’s Assessment for Learning policy and how assessment criteria and feedback can be used to help you develop your skills. Integrated within this you will develop your understanding of research by learning and reading about research, taking part in research studies and reflecting on research activities.
The Psychology for Life module will primarily focus on developing your knowledge of how psychology is applied in the real world, and supporting you in making longer term decisions about your career. You will be introduced to different chartered routes in psychology, as well as broader professions, in which psychology can be readily applied. This knowledge in the application of psychology will help you to develop your understanding and self-efficacy when it comes to making career-related decisions. In-class discussions will also enable you to develop transferable skills valued by employers, such as communication skills and the role of teamwork.
You will have access to specialist input from the Careers and Employment Service in how to begin your journey in psychology, looking at securing relevant work experience, reflecting on your own skills and interests, CV writing, and interview support. Making use of this service will ensure that you are building your employability from the early stages of your journey in psychology.
Within the department of psychology, we also run invited speakers’ programmes for you to network with a range of practitioners and academics from outside of the university.
On this module you will learn basic techniques for collecting and managing different types of data. You will learn to differentiate between qualitative and quantitative data and to understand how these types of data are used by psychologists. In taught sessions, you will gain practical experience of collecting both qualitative and quantitative data (e.g., through interviews, questionnaires and experiments). You will then learn how to collate and describe these data by identifying themes or calculating appropriate summary statistics, using appropriate software where appropriate. Towards the end of the module you will be introduced to the concept of inferential statistics, which allow us to make inferences about the wider population based on data from a sample of that population.
On this module you will learn research skills that will assist your learning and development on this programme and your future degree (e.g., how to read a journal article, how to find psychological literature, how to form a research question, how to design a psychology study, and how to interpret and communicate results). The skills you acquire will also be transferable to enhance your employability.
You will be introduced to the learning resources that are available to support you. You will learn how to conduct research and how to best report your findings. You will work individually and in groups to test your own abilities. You will explore the psychological theories behind the psychological phenomena and relationships that you investigate. Integrated within this you will develop communication skills by learning how to present information using posters, PowerPoint slides, and learn how to give confident oral presentations. In teaching session discussions, you will develop group working skills and enhance your understanding of the role of teamwork.
You will develop your understanding of academic conventions in UK higher education aligned to your level of study, including expectations around critical analysis, structure, argumentation, evidencing, and referencing. The module focuses on developing communication strategies that will help you express your ideas clearly and coherently in written assignments and spoken activities. You will also reflect on your current academic and language skills and develop strategies for development ahead of your assessments.
This module will introduce you to four key perspectives of psychology: social, biological, developmental and cognitive psychology.
In the social component you will learn how we navigate through our social world. This will include theories relating to impression formation, persuasion, and social influence. These theories will be exemplified with real-world examples to help demonstrate their practical implications.
The biological psychology component will introduce you to the key biological processes, for example, genetics, nervous, hormone and neurotransmitter systems that underpin psychology and behaviour. You will also learn about conditions that can occur when these how biological processes become faulty.
In the developmental psychology component you will learn how people develop across their lifetime. This component will discuss theories relating to attachment, intelligence, and developmental disorders and psychopathology. You will be provided with real-world examples to help you develop your understanding of how these theories can be applied.
The cognitive component will discuss key topics in this area, including memory, language, and perception. You will learn the basic aspects of cognition that are used in everyday life. You will also learn about psychological conditions associated with cognitive processes.
This module will provide you with an introduction to quantitative data analysis, i.e. statistics. You will gain an understanding of fundamental concepts and principles in statistics. These include levels of measurement; standardised effect size measures; sample distributions, standard errors and confidence intervals; and statistical significance testing and the problems it causes.
In addition to basic principles, you will learn about a range of frequently used techniques for data analysis using the programmes SPSS and ESCII. For each of the techniques you will learn to identify when it is suitable to use; how to run the analysis; how to report its results to experts and lay people; and how to use these result to inform your critical judgement about your own research and that of others. The techniques you will learn about include descriptive statistics; the estimation of standardised effect sizes; t-tests and their non-parametric alternatives; chi2 to analyse proportions; meta-analysis; correlation; linear regression; and ANOVA.
The module is designed to introduce you to the basic principles of qualitative research skills.
On this module you willl learn about qualitative research methodologies, written and verbal communication skills and other transferrable skills within Psychology. You will plan, conduct and report qualitative research studies in both formative and summative assessments. In addition, you will learn about research ethics, good practice in research and demonstrate a range of transferrable skills including communication skills and an understanding of the role of teamwork.
You will learn how to design, conduct, and report psychological research using quantitative methodologies. You will also learn how a healthy research culture contributes to the progression of psychological science through engaging in the research process as both a researcher and participant, and how to handle data and present research findings through scientific reports and oral presentations. Finally, you will discuss and evaluate ethical considerations in psychological research and learn how to write ethics documents in accordance with current conventions.
On this module you will learn about the basic principles involved in the study, investigation and explanation of personality and health psychology.
You will be introduced to the major theories and models of personality and health psychology. You will learn about the core issues and debates involved in the study of personality and health psychology through the understanding of the historical and contemporary development of the concepts and an evaluation of theories.
You will explore methods of measuring personality and problems you might encounter in doing so. You will also explore the relationship between society and health by focusing on health promotion campaigns, doctor-patient communication, social class, gender, culture, and lifespan issues.
In workshop discussions you will develop communication skills and begin to understand the role of teamwork.
You will also learn how knowledge of personality can be used and applied in the real world by health, clinical, occupational and forensic professionals. From this you will begin to be aware of and develop career interests. Similarly, as you begin to understand the role of health promotion campaigns the module will provide you with insight into real world career opportunities.
On this module you will learn about the study and practice of clinical psychology, including mental health and mental illness. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) is the most well known approach to classification of mental disorders. This manual will form the basis of the module. You will be introduced to a case study film clip each week illustrating the clinical presentation of a mental disorder ‘cluster’. A lecture will introduce the diagnostic criteria and basic aetiology and treatment protocol for each disorder. Workshop sessions will give you the opportunity to explore how theory may relate to practice and reflect on issues surrounding practice as a clinical psychologist.
The module will result in a broad debate around notions of mental illness and ‘clinical’ psychology. On completion of the module you will be able to demonstrate conceptual knowledge of theories of mental illnesses and the treatment of illnesses included in the DSM. You will also be able to demonstrate knowledge of the symptoms, epidemiology, aetiology and treatment of the disorders introduced in the lectures.
You will develop your understanding of academic conventions in UK higher education aligned to your level of study, including expectations around critical analysis, structure, argumentation, evidencing, and referencing. The module focuses on developing communication strategies that will help you express your ideas clearly and coherently in written assignments and spoken activities. You will also reflect on your current academic and language skills and develop strategies for development ahead of your assessments.
On this module you will learn about the more common advanced qualitative research methodologies and associated analyses employed in psychological studies. You will also learn how to design psychometric survey instruments and the process this involves. The module aims to provide practical skills in research design and operationalisation, the analysis of data and the interpretation, evaluation and subsequent reporting of research findings. In addition, you will have the opportunity to apply these research skills to the core areas of social and developmental psychology and psychopathology.
You will learn about the psychobiological basis of human behaviour, memory and cognition, and individual differences, covering conceptual and historical development of the area as well as contemporary literature and debates. You will apply basic concepts of biological psychology to complex human behaviours like drug addiction, stress and aggression. You will also learn about a range of theoretical and applied topics within cognition such as learning, memory, and attention, as well as memory disorders and applied cognitive research. In addition, the module will cover the nature and dynamics of intelligence, the reasons why people differ in intelligence and personality, and where individual differences in intelligence and personality originate.
These three perspectives will be contextualised through the use of case studies and/or expert opinion embedded into the lecture series which will form the basis for points of discussion in the lectures. Towards the revision stage of the module you will be provided with guidance on literature searching, critical thinking skills and essay writing skills.
On this module you will learn about the more common advanced quantitative research methodologies and associated analyses employed in psychological experiments. The module aims to provide practical skills in research design and operationalisation, the analysis of data (using a computer package where appropriate), and the interpretation, evaluation and subsequent reporting of research findings. In addition, you will learn about research ethics, and have the opportunity to apply these research skills to the core areas of psychobiology, cognitive psychology and the study of individual differences.
On this module you will learn about core theories and approaches used, and issues in social and developmental psychology and psychopathology. The relationship between psychopathology, society and development will be explored by focusing on context and culture. In addition you will learn about different methods and approaches used to investigate and report problems from a social, developmental and psychopathological perspective, and relate theory to practice by providing you with knowledge of different research techniques.
Optional modules may include:
Optional modules may include:
You will develop your understanding of academic conventions in UK higher education aligned to your level of study, including expectations around critical analysis, structure, argumentation, evidencing, and referencing. The module focuses on developing communication strategies that will help you express your ideas clearly and coherently in written assignments and spoken activities. You will also reflect on your current academic and language skills and develop strategies for development ahead of your assessments.
The module is designed to introduce you to theory and empirical research into the study of neuropsychology and advanced cognitive science.
You will learn how traditional behavioural methods and neuroscience methodologies can be used in tandem to explore key issues and concepts . You will learn to consider and evaluate theory and develop an understanding of the strength and weaknesses of a variety of methodologies and evidence. Importantly, you will explore and develop knowledge related to the application of neuropsychological and cognitive research to a range of psychological processes.
For the neuropsychology component the module will sample from the following topics: neuroimaging, face and object recognition, emotion processing, hemispheric lateralisation, attention deficits, language disorders and developmental neuropsychology. For the cognitive science component the module will sample from the following topics: methods of studying cognition, language learning and comprehension, the evolution of language, emotional processing, social cognition, concepts and categorisation, reasoning and problem solving, artificial intelligence, decision making, cognitive modelling, musical cognition and consciousness.
On this module you will rationalise, develop and execute an original piece of research. You will, through reading, understanding and critically appraising relevant psychological literature, select and implement research methodologies and statistical techniques appropriate for answering your research question. You will, as part of applying for ethical approval for the proposed research, consider relevant ethical issues associated with your research, and you will highlight ways of addressing these issues. The module will allow you to develop a range of generic skills such as effective use of computers (i.e., for data entry, analysis and word processing), effective oral and written communication skills, evidence-based reasoning and problem solving, self-management and timekeeping, as well as liaising and engaging in dialogue with other people related to your research (e.g., your supervisor and, where necessary, outside organisations).
On this module you will learn about why it is important to synthesize evidence from multiple studies, how to synthesize evidence (e.g., using techniques such as meta-analysis), which factors are claimed to play a role in the development of mental health problems (e.g., social adversity, cognitive biases, neurobiological changes) and how well our evidence base supports those claims, and which interventions (e.g., cognitive behaviour therapy, medication) are claimed to be effective treatments for mental health problems and how well our evidence base supports those claims. You will learn about these topics with reference to several different mental health problems (for example, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and psychosis).
Optional modules may include:
Standard Offer 72 UCAS Tariff Points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Contextual Admissions 56 UCAS Tariff points
Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions and we understand that every applicant’s circumstances can be different, which is why we take a flexible approach and assess your individual circumstances and potential when reviewing your application.
To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
GCSE Requirements:
Applicants will need Maths, Statistics, or Physics and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or equivalents.
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.
If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language Requirements:
International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
The UK tuition fee for 27/28 is £10,050 and is set in line with the UK Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase this fee in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect.
The remaining fees for 27/28 are to be confirmed and relate to the International Soccer Academy and accommodation fees. Accommodation fees may increase in subsequent years. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of the re-issuing of tenancy agreements.
The University may increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift, as decided by the UK Government, up to the maximum amount for fees permitted by UK law or regulation for that academic year. To give students an indication of the likely scale of any future increase, the UK government has suggested that increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments). If the University intends to exercise this right to increase tuition fees, notification will be communicated with all students affected by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which we intend to exercise that right. Student fee loans have risen in line with the level of uplift decided by the UK Government.
Extended Degrees: Students will pay the applicable Foundation Year fee in Year 0. Tuition fees will follow the Year 1 (Level 4) cap in the first year of Undergraduate study, with tuition fees in subsequent years increasing as per the above information.
* Fees subject to annual increases over the course of the period of study. Students will be liable for payment of any/all tuition fees which are not sponsored by their employer or other third party.
This is the tuition fee for your first year of study. You should expect to pay tuition fees for every year of study. The University may increase fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect.
Tuition fees in the academic year 2027/28* will be £10,050. Fees are set in line with the UK Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase fees in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Increases will be linked to inflation. For example, increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments) Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect. Student fee loans rise in line with the tuition fees cap.
This is the programme fee for your first year of study. The programme fee includes the international tuition fee, International Soccer Academy and accommodation fees. Accommodation fees may increase in subsequent years. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of the re-issuing of tenancy agreements.
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To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.
Learn from staff whose research in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience is ranked 15th in the UK for research power, bringing the latest findings directly into every session. (REF, 2021)
Psychology at Northumbria is ranked in the top 10 in the UK for Student Experience, reflecting the quality of teaching, support, and learning you can find here. (Times Good University Guide, 2026)
Graduate with a 2:2 or above and a completed final year project to gain BPS Graduate Basis for Chartership, your first step towards becoming a chartered psychologist in clinical, health, forensic, or occupational practice.
Choose from health, clinical, forensic, business, experimental, and sport and exercise psychology pathways to shape a degree that truly reflects your interests and future career direction.
Take an optional semester or full year abroad at a partner university, building cultural confidence, international academic experience, and a stronger profile for graduate employment.
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Learn from staff whose research in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience is ranked 15th in the UK for research power, bringing the latest findings directly into every session. (REF, 2021)
Psychology at Northumbria is ranked in the top 10 in the UK for Student Experience, reflecting the quality of teaching, support, and learning you can find here. (Times Good University Guide, 2026)
Graduate with a 2:2 or above and a completed final year project to gain BPS Graduate Basis for Chartership, your first step towards becoming a chartered psychologist in clinical, health, forensic, or occupational practice.
Choose from health, clinical, forensic, business, experimental, and sport and exercise psychology pathways to shape a degree that truly reflects your interests and future career direction.
Take an optional semester or full year abroad at a partner university, building cultural confidence, international academic experience, and a stronger profile for graduate employment.
Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help. They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901.
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