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Psychology at UEA
Find out more about studying Psychology at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBSc (Hons) Cognitive Psychology with a Year Abroad
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- C85A
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Start Dates
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14th
UEA is ranked 14th overall for research quality in Psychology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience
Times Higher Education REF 2021 Analysis96%
Of students were positive about the support provided by teaching staff
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024-25100%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcome Survey 2020Course Overview
Why Cognitive Psychology with a Year Abroad?
Cognitive psychology explores how we perceive the world, remember experiences, learn, communicate and make decisions. A year abroad strengthens your skills while developing your independence, adaptability and confidence.
Why choose UEA
- Specialist facilities: Your studies are supported by our BPS‑commended and nationally excellent specialist facilities
- Global choice: Choose from over 200 partner universities in over 40 countries for your year abroad
- Full support: Receive dedicated support, with pre-departure workshops, destination fairs and chances to meet students who’ve studied abroad
What is BSc Cognitive Psychology with a Year Abroad?
With BSc Cognitive Psychology with a Year Abroad, you’ll explore how the mind processes information through attention, memory, language and problem-solving. You’ll study how these abilities develop across the lifespan, why they sometimes fail, and how the brain shapes everyday experience.
The course is flexible, so you can switch to another specialised psychology degree or to BSc Psychology before the end of year two. In year one, you may also transfer to our Placement degree, subject to availability and academic requirements.
You’ll learn through a mix of lectures and small-group teaching, helping you build academic skills and confidence as an independent thinker. In year three, you’ll study abroad exploring your subject in an international context. A dedicated academic adviser will support you throughout your studies and your final-year project supervisor will be a specialist in cognitive psychology.
Beyond the classroom, you can take part in research, internships and volunteering or join student societies such as PsySoc. UEA is an inclusive and vibrant community, offering so much more than academic studies.
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Study Abroad
In your third year abroad, you’ll study psychology in a new academic and cultural environment. You’ll gain fresh perspectives and strengthen your skills for final year study.
Living abroad also gives you the chance to experience a new culture, meet people from around the world and build lasting friendships. You can choose from partner universities across Asia, Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.
To progress to the year abroad, you’ll need to achieve 50% overall in both year one and year two. Our degree is flexible, so you can transfer to the three-year course if your plans change. In year one, you can also switch to the Placement four-year degree, subject to available places.
For further details, check out study abroad. (Availability of spaces at our partner universities varies from year to year.)
Accreditations
This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)and meets the requirements for the requirements Graduate Membership (GMBPsS).
During your undergraduate studies on our accredited course, you're also entitled to Student Membership; your first year is free.
Careers
Career Pathways
With a degree in BSc Cognitive Psychology with a Year Abroad, you could launch a career as a:
- Research Assistant: Work on cognitive or neuroscientific research projects, helping design studies, collect data and analyse findings
- User Experience (UX) Researcher: Investigate how people think, perceive and interact with digital products, using psychological insights to improve design and usability
- Assistant Psychologist: Support qualified psychologists by collecting data, delivering structured interventions and contributing to assessments in clinical, educational or research settings
- Cognitive Rehabilitation Assistant: Support individuals with memory, attention or executive‑function difficulties, helping them develop strategies to improve everyday functioning
- Data Analyst: Use research and analytical skills to interpret data, identify patterns and support evidence‑based decision‑making
Career Support
You’ll build your employability throughout the degree through embedded careers activities and support from the school and the University’s Careers Service. You’ll have the opportunity to take part in the UEA Award, which helps you recognise your strengths and present them confidently to employers. You can apply for internships, paid placements and volunteering opportunities, including roles linked to research projects. You’ll also benefit from events such as the PITCH business training challenge and dedicated online resources highlighting opportunities as they arise. All our degrees are accredited by the British Psychological Society, supporting progression to postgraduate training in psychology.
Explore more at School of Psychology employability.
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
After the Course
You’ll graduate with strong analytical skills, research literacy and a deep understanding of how the mind works. It’s a powerful combination in a world shaped by human decision-making. You’ll be prepared for careers that involve people, thinking, learning, technology or behaviour. Opportunities span psychology and related fields such as research, data analysis, user experience, rehabilitation and behaviour-focused work. You’ll also have a strong foundation for postgraduate study in areas such as cognitive neuroscience, clinical psychology or human–computer interaction. Our support continues after graduation, with access to the University Careers Service for up to three years.
Study and Modules
Structure
In your first year, you’ll study one integrated core module that will provide a firm foundation for developing your understanding of psychological theory, research and its application. Our integrated approach emphasises how knowledge from different branches of psychology can be applied to give different perspectives on real-world issues. Teaching sessions are organised around themes and cover topics such as explaining behaviour, understanding yourself, applying psychology to the real world, questioning reality and constructing psychology. You’ll also discover specific methods for the study of psychology, as you begin developing research skills and a critical perspective.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
You’ll continue studying compulsory modules designed to develop your understanding of different branches of psychology. These include modules in research methods in which you’ll consolidate your knowledge of research design, qualitative analysis and statistics, which prepare you for your final year independent project.
Alongside this, you’ll have the opportunity to choose an optional module from a published list. This could be a psychology module or an option from outside the school which may be relevant to your career or other interests. For example, you could take a creative writing module or a module on physical activity and health (providing it fits in with your timetable, and you meet any module prerequisite criteria).
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year studying abroad at one of our partner institutions.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll complete a substantial cognitive research project, reflecting your intellectual interests and career aspirations. You’ll be supported by a cognitive supervisor with expertise in your area of research. They’ll help you use your research skills to plan and produce a project drawing on a specific form of data gathering and analysis. This could be focused on survey work and/or experimental design, in the laboratory and/or in applied contexts.
You’ll take a core cognitive module, and choose two further modules in your specialism, deepening your specialist knowledge. Your final optional module can be chosen from a wide range of psychology subjects, or an option outside the school.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
You’ll learn through lectures, seminars, workshops, small‑group activities and your own independent study, supported by hands‑on research experience. Our approach emphasises psychology as a science, underpinned by research methods and helps you grow into an independent, creative and critical thinker and problem solver. You’ll be taught by active cognitive and neuroscience researchers who bring current insights into your learning. Throughout your degree you’ll be supported by your individual academic advisor, the Learning Enhancement Team(opens in a new window) and the University’s Wellbeing Support Services(opens in a new window), ensuring you have guidance on study skills, academic development and personal support when you need it.
In year one, you’ll learn to question ideas, evaluate evidence and develop your academic voice through guided tasks and collaborative research activities.
In year two, you’ll deepen your understanding of core cognitive topics and broaden your knowledge through your optional module choice. You’ll develop your research skills from year one to prepare you for your independent research project in your final year. You’ll also take part in our employability-focused Psychological Insights and Teamwork Challenge (PITCH) day, applying psychological knowledge to real-world problems while developing teamwork, communication, problem solving and other professional skills valued by employers.
For year three, you’ll take modules at your host university, experiencing a variety of teaching and learning.
You’ll shape your final year through specialist cognitive modules and a supervised cognitive research project that reflects your interests. Your expert individual project supervisor will support you as you design a study that inspires you and builds your confidence as an independent researcher.
Assessment
Our assessments are designed to help you build a strong, transferable skillset. Formative tasks give you the chance to practice key skills and receive feedback before completing your marked assignments. Your academic advisor will support you throughout your degree, helping you use feedback to build confidence and develop your academic work.
Assessment types may include essays, research reports, proposals, case studies, reflective tasks, short presentations, evaluative conversations or briefing papers, depending on your module choices, as well as exams.
In year three, you'll undertake assessments set by the host institution.
In your final year at UEA, you’ll complete an independent research project and receive feedback to help you strengthen your final submission.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3
Contextual Offer: Pass Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and pass in 15 credits at Level 3
T levels
Obtain an overall Merit.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAABB or above
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC or above
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students(opens in a new window).
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre(opens in a new window) offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
English language at UEA International Study Centre(opens in a new window)
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- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £10,050
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International Students: £24,250
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships(opens in a new window) for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You’re eligible for reduced fees during your year abroad. Further details are available on our Tuition Fees webpage.
There will be extra costs related to items such as your travel and accommodation during your year abroad, which will vary depending on location.
Please see additional course fees for details of other course-related costs.
For further details, check out study abroad.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: