BSc (Hons) Psychology
Course options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- C800
- Entry Requirements
- ABB
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2023
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Why you should choose us
UEA is ranked 14th overall for research quality in Psychology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Course Overview
Discover the science of human behaviour and how the human mind works as you learn to critically evaluate the latest psychological theories and develop ideas of your own.
You’ll have access to excellent facilities and cutting-edge equipment for teaching and research, and as you gain an in-depth understanding of human psychology you’ll develop a range of key skills valued by employers.
You’ll benefit from research-led teaching in a balance of small and larger groups. UEA’s School of Psychology has been ranked 14th overall for research quality in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience in the Times Higher Education REF 2021 Analysis.
On this course, you’ll learn to understand how nature and nurture, biology and culture, and genes and the environment determine human thoughts, feelings and behaviours. You will explore a range of theoretical ideas and research evidence, learning to critically evaluate the latest psychological theories and develop ideas of your own.
Your course will bridge disciplinary boundaries, taking theories from the behavioural and social sciences and using them to shed light on real-world, practical situations. You’ll learn about both qualitative and quantitative approaches, from discourse analysis and quasi-experimental questionnaire design, through to neuroimaging techniques.
In your third year, you’ll enjoy access to our state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, including a fully-immersive virtual reality suite, electroencephalography (EEG), eye-tracking and motion-tracking equipment. You will also have the opportunity to demonstrate all you have learned by implementing an individual research project of your own.
You’ll be able to choose from a range of psychology modules according to your interests, be they broad or specific. You will also have the chance to experience topics you may not have come across before. If you discover a new passion or interest during your first year, you’ll have the option to change to a different Psychology pathway, ensuring you are on the right degree for you.
Accreditations
Study and Modules
Structure
In your first year, you’ll study one 120 credit module. This will provide a firm foundation for developing your understanding of psychological theory and research with a focus on how this knowledge is applied within the ‘real world’. Teaching sessions are organised into six key themes – exploring learning, explaining behaviour, researching social interaction, questioning reality, understanding yourself and applications of psychology. You will also discover specific methods for the study of psychology, as you begin developing research skills and a critical perspective.
Compulsory Modules
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
You’ll be taught in a combination of smaller and larger groups. You’ll be given the knowledge and skills to establish your own position on exciting and intriguing psychological matters. The modules you take will have been designed by the teaching team to provide coherent coverage of the psychological sciences. Our programmes promote psychology as a science and are all underpinned by a research methods route which runs throughout the course. You’ll be guided on pathways across the discipline rather than transported to a destination.
The first-year compulsory module is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, small group work, and workshops. You will also spend time carrying out independent study, researching in UEA’s state-of-the-art library, and carrying out research projects in small groups
Assessment
In the first year, your assessments will include a range of formative and summative tasks.
Feedback: You will receive detailed feedback from the formative tasks, which will help you improve your work before you submit your summative assessments. We strongly encourage you to carefully read your feedback to ensure that you fully understand the guidance and can ‘feed this forward’ into your next summative assessments.
Structure
You’ll continue studying compulsory modules designed to develop your understanding of different branches of psychology. These include an advanced module in research methods in which you’ll consolidate your knowledge of research design, qualitative analysis and statistics.
Alongside these, 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 our School that is relevant to your career or other interests. For example, you could take a business or creative writing module (specific module criteria may apply).
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)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
You’ll explore both compulsory and optional modules, developing a combination of breadth and depth, core knowledge and creativity. You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, small group work, and workshops. You will also spend time carrying out independent study, researching in UEA’s state-of-the-art library, and carrying out research projects.
Assessment
In the second year (depending on your module choices), your assessments may include a range of tasks such as formative work, short-answer essays, summative reports, case study analysis, and examinations.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll complete a substantial research project, reflecting your intellectual interests and career aspirations. You’ll be supported by a 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 interviewing, survey work and/or experimental design, both within the laboratory and in applied contexts.
You’ll also select a number of optional modules from a wide range of psychology subjects, giving you specialist knowledge or an integrative, cross-disciplinary perspective.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 60, Max Credits: 80)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)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
In your final year, you’ll complete a substantial research project, reflecting your intellectual interests and career aspirations. You’ll be supported by a 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 interviewing, survey work and/or experimental design, both within the laboratory and in applied contexts.
You’ll also select a number of optional modules from a wide range of psychology subjects, giving you specialist knowledge or an integrative, cross-disciplinary perspective.
Assessment
In the third year, your assessments will include your research project (which is 33% of your final year mark), and assessments linked to your module choices (which could be, for example, a research proposal, a briefing paper, an essay, or an examination).
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- ABB - If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer, if you achieve an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Acceptable subjects are: Health and Science
- BTEC
- DDM excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration
- Scottish Highers
- AAABB
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BCC
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
- 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
- International Baccalaureate
- 32
- GCSE
- You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- 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) for year 1 entry
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IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
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- Interviews
- Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- 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.
- Intakes
- This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
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.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
Important note
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your 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.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA 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:
International Foundation in Business, Economics, Society and Culture (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Foundation in Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Foundation in Pharmacy, Health and Life Science (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Year One in Psychology (for Year 2 entry to UEA)
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
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 for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
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:
Employability
After the Course
Psychology graduates pursue a range of careers in a variety of sectors. The theoretical and research components of your degree will also provide you with a strong foundation for going on to postgraduate study, if you wish.
Throughout your degree, you’ll meet and work with respected psychologists and business leaders in a variety of settings. You will also benefit from a range of additional training opportunities running in parallel with your degree programme. These are carefully designed to help maximise what you have to offer future employers. They include paid placement and internship opportunities, a business training residential event, and a range of career planning support mechanisms.
All our degree courses are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). This not only means they are respected by employers – it will also put you at an advantage if you choose to progress onto postgraduate study to become a psychologist.
Our graduates are able to successfully pursue careers across a wide range of employment sectors, including: human resources, teaching, media, research, communications, marketing and management, healthcare and criminal justice.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Career destinations related to your degree include:
- Psychology
- Legal and criminal justice
- Social work and health care
- Human resources and management
- Education, research and consultancy
- Marketing and advertising