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Psychology (with a Foundation Year) BSc (Hons)

Start date

September

UCAS code

C801

Duration

4 years

UCAS points

48 - 72

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The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023: Top 10 for Student ExperienceThe Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023: Top 5 for Teaching Quality

Investigate the developing mind, apply social psychology to current events, and develop a scientific understanding of human experience with our BSc Psychology course

Explore human psychology, from behaviour to emotions and brain development with our BSc Psychology course. On this course, you will learn how psychology applies to the individual, institutions, and even to politics.

Our psychology programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society. By successfully completing this course you will be eligible for the Graduate Membership with the British Psychological Society (BPS).

A supportive community

We are smaller than many other universities. This means the psychology department can foster a community that provides you with support from staff and peers. Our BSc Psychology student, Maya, tells us their teachers were “warm and friendly, committed to providing amazing opportunities for all of their students”.

Exceptional teaching from research-active staff

We rose 42 places in the Complete University Guide (2023). Our student, Lara, explains that the teaching on the psychology degree is “to the highest standard” and that “the lecturers are incredibly knowledgeable”.

Our staff also actively contribute to research, covering:

  • non-traditional romantic relationships
  • intergroup relationships
  • attentional biases associated with anxiety
  • intergenerational relationships within family contexts
  • decision making
  • visuomotor processing.

Attend talks on key developments

With our Student Psychology Society, you can attend exciting talks hosted by guest speakers, so you keep up to date with pressing issues and key developments.

Work placements: build professional experience

During your Psychology course, you may also undertake a paid work placement. Our Workplace Learning Team will help organise this and will make sure yours is in a convenient location.

Previous students have worked with:

  • charities
  • schools
  • hospitals
  • care settings
  • businesses.

About the Foundation Year

Our four-year degree programmes (including a foundation year) provide an alternative route to undergraduate study at university if you do not have the grades to access higher education in the traditional way.

Dr Carolina Sciplino

Course Lead - Psychology BSc (Hons)

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Course content

Modules

These modules are the modules that were available to students in the 2023/24 academic year and are illustrative of what may be offered for 2024/25. 

Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.

Introduction to Coaching Process Development

Anatomy and Physiology

Introduction to Research Methods and Individual Project

Introduction to Psychology

Principles of Health and Wellbeing

Entry requirements

72 - 48

UCAS points

We understand that sometimes barriers you can't control get in the way of academic achievement. You are more than just your grades. We'll consider your application as a whole, taking into account things like:

  • subjects studied at Level 3
  • your GCSEs (or equivalent) profile
  • non-academic achievements you mention in your personal statement
  • your references and motivation.

UCAS Personal statement support

Create your UCAS personal statement through our online builder and we'll email you a copy of your completed version at the end.

Further Information

For more information about entry requirements please email apply@stmarys.ac.uk.

Fees & funding

Tuition fees

Home

£9,535

International

£17,100

*Please note: these fees are annual and may increase as detailed in our tuition fee variation disclaimer.

Information about tuition fees, student loans, and funding your studies can be found within our fees and funding section.

Additional costs

Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme.

Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.

For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage

Scholarships

Find out more about our range of scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students .

Living costs

A guide to your living costs has been created by our Student Funding Team.

Accommodation costs vary depending on whether you opt for an en suite room and on-site catering. Take a look at our accommodation options and the prices you can expect to pay.

How the degree is taught

Contact time - 45%

Independent study - 55%

*Contact time includes 25% of guided learning

Teaching methods

You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.

Our aim is to help you develop as an independent thinker, able to work individually and in a team, and capable of managing your workload. Innovative teaching methods are delivered within traditional settings such as lectures and seminars, or within more contemporary settings such as virtual learning environments. You will also engage in workshops and practical tasks that develop your research skills.

In year one, class sizes range from 70 to 80 students in lectures. In year two, class sizes range from 65 to 70 students in lectures as you choose your optional modules, and seminar sizes throughout all three years ranges from 30 to 35 students.

Psychology Laboratory Resources

In the psychology department, we have two laboratories used for staff and student research. One of the labs has four separate cubicles with individual computers that contain a number of computer programmes. These include; SuperLab, E-Prime, DirectRT and MediaLab. We also have access to Bristol online, which is used to develop and collect data via the web through questionnaires.

In the second lab, we have an EEG, TMS and eye tracker, including software to support these systems. We also have access to video cameras and laptops that belong to the psychology department, which students can have access to.

Assessment methods

Courses are assessed through a variety of methods including examinations, presentations, essays, research, practical reports and case studies.

Feedback

We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within 15 working days.

Career opportunities

With our Psychology BSc, you will build highly valued transferrable skills like communication, analytical skills, and project management.

Please contact our Career Services at careers@stmarys.ac.uk for further information on jobs and postgraduate opportunities.

Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates of undefined include:

counsellingclinical workeducationmental health work

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Open Days

Open Days are a fantastic opportunity for you to meet academic staff. You'll also be able to look around the campus, speak to current students and find out more about services such as Accommodation and Student Wellbeing.