Year One
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.
Entry year
2027/28
Psychology BSc (Hons)
- Typical Annual Fee Scholarship & Discount eligibility may apply
- Modules
- Entry Requirements
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Mode of Study
3 years Full Time or 4 years with optional study abroad year
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UCAS Code
C800
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Start Date
September 2027
Psychology at Northumbria
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.
Year Two
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.
Optional Study Abroad or Placement
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.
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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Year One
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.
-
Year Two
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.
-
Optional Study Abroad or Placement
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.
-
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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Learning & Assessment
Learn through lectures, lab sessions, seminars, and workshops. Assessment spans written assignments, oral and poster presentations, and examinations, culminating in an independent final year research project.
During your time at Northumbria, there are lots of opportunities to apply your knowledge in real-world settings. We call this experiential learning. Our Real-World Learning hub provides more information about how at Northumbria, learning goes beyond lectures.
During your time at Northumbria, there are lots of opportunities to apply your knowledge in real-world settings. We call this experiential learning. Our Real-World Learning hub provides more information about how at Northumbria, learning goes beyond lectures.
- School of Psychology
- City Campus, Northumbria University, Newcastle
Module Information
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
Year Two Core Modules
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.
Year Two Optional Modules
Optional modules may include:
- Unilang - Languages for all - Level 5 Placeholder
- Eating Disorders
- Parapsychology
- Positive Psychology
- The Creative Mind
- Psychology Placement
- Business Psychology
- Technology for Experiments
- Psychology Study Abroad
- Research on Human Nature
- Sleep and Health
- The Psychology of Leadership
- Theoretical Frameworks in Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Plants, Diet and the Brain
- Lifestyle Interventions
- Philosophy of Science
- The Psychology of Hoarding Behaviours
- Psychological Perspectives on Crime
- Investigative Psychology and the Criminal Justice System
- Electrophysiology in Psychology: EEG Skills
- Conceptual Issues in Mental Health
- Student Tutoring
Entry Requirements 2027/28
Standard Offer 112 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 96 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
Fees and Funding 2027/28 Entry
The UK tuition fee for 26/27 is £9,790 and is set in line with the UG 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 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.
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.
*if your course is longer than one year
* 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.
Students can complete a placement option module. Travel to/from the placement can incur a small cost to the student. Some placement providers have in the past paid this, others require no travel costs (e.g. close to university or online).
Discover More about Fees, Scholarships and other Funding options available for UK and International applicants for 27/28 entry.
Apply Now
Start your application
To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.
Home & EU applicants
Apply through UCAS using course code C800.
International applicants
Apply directly to Northumbria using our international application.
Why Study Psychology?
Ranked for Research Excellence
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)
Top 10 for Student Experience
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)
Your Accredited Psychology Degree
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.
Specialist Pathways
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.
Study Abroad Opportunities
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.
This carousel contains 5 slides. Use the Previous and Next buttons to navigate.
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Ranked for Research Excellence
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)
-
Top 10 for Student Experience
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)
-
Your Accredited Psychology Degree
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.
-
Specialist Pathways
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.
-
Study Abroad Opportunities
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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5
slides
Accreditations & Partnerships
Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), this course provides Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) upon achieving a 2:2 or above and completing your final year research project. GBC is the recognised first step towards chartered psychologist status, and is a requirement for those wishing to progress to postgraduate training in applied psychology.
Career Prospects
A Psychology degree from Northumbria opens pathways into a wide range of sectors and roles. Graduates of this course can aspire to advance into careers in clinical, health, forensic, educational, occupational, and sport and exercise psychology, as well as roles in human resources, marketing, education, and social care.
British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation provides Graduate Basis for Chartership for graduates who achieve a 2:2 or above and complete their final year project, supporting progression towards chartered status. Transferable skills in data analysis, critical reasoning, and communication are valued across many industries. Postgraduate study in specialist psychology disciplines could also be a natural next step for many graduates.
British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation provides Graduate Basis for Chartership for graduates who achieve a 2:2 or above and complete their final year project, supporting progression towards chartered status. Transferable skills in data analysis, critical reasoning, and communication are valued across many industries. Postgraduate study in specialist psychology disciplines could also be a natural next step for many graduates.
Student Projects
Research is embedded throughout this course, giving you practical experience from your first year. You will conduct both qualitative and quantitative studies in lab settings, progressing to more autonomous research design in your second year.
Potential student projects could span topics such as sleep and circadian rhythms, body image, forensic interviewing, how the brain shapes behaviour, or the psychology of leadership. In your final year, a 40-credit self-directed project allows you to pursue a question of your own choosing, supervised by a staff member whose expertise aligns with your area of interest. Competitive summer research internships are also available between second and final year.
Potential student projects could span topics such as sleep and circadian rhythms, body image, forensic interviewing, how the brain shapes behaviour, or the psychology of leadership. In your final year, a 40-credit self-directed project allows you to pursue a question of your own choosing, supervised by a staff member whose expertise aligns with your area of interest. Competitive summer research internships are also available between second and final year.
Facilities
Northumbria's psychology facilities support research-active learning at every stage of the course. Specialist teaching laboratories enable hands-on experimental work in psychobiology, cognition, and individual differences, with rooms available for both supervised sessions and independent project work.
The Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, the Northumbria Sleep Research Laboratory, and the Psychology and Communication Technologies Laboratory (PaCTLab) provide specialist research environments. An extensive psychological testing library includes current editions of widely used group and individual assessment instruments.
You can now experience Northumbria University from the comfort of your own home. Our immersive virtual tours and interactive 360 images allow you to explore our vibrant campus and dynamic learning spaces, all from anywhere in the world.
The Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, the Northumbria Sleep Research Laboratory, and the Psychology and Communication Technologies Laboratory (PaCTLab) provide specialist research environments. An extensive psychological testing library includes current editions of widely used group and individual assessment instruments.
You can now experience Northumbria University from the comfort of your own home. Our immersive virtual tours and interactive 360 images allow you to explore our vibrant campus and dynamic learning spaces, all from anywhere in the world.
Teaching Staff
Learn from research-active staff whose expertise spans cognitive neuroscience, sleep science, evolutionary psychology, health and wellbeing, and forensic psychology. Staff contribute to three active research clusters: Cognition and Neuroscience, Evolution and Social Interaction, and Health and Wellbeing.
Any Questions?
Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help. They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901.
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