Psychology BSc

Course overview

Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour, covering a wide range of human thoughts, feelings and behaviour. The field of psychology has the potential for profound beneficial impacts on people and societies, such as how we make decisions about our medical care, how technology influences our lives or why many of us suffer with poor mental health. There are many unanswered questions and the need for new psychological research and knowledge is extensive.

By studying psychology at Leeds you will be engaged in a scientific approach to learning about human behaviour and the thoughts, feelings and motivations behind it. You’ll become absorbed by major psychological issues such as healthy living, childhood development, ageing, memory, and the practical applications of research-derived knowledge to real world problems.

Why Leeds?

• Psychology graduates are highly and diversely skilled, meaning they are well suited to a number of careers and are attractive to a range of employers. Our students go on to be involved in highly skilled roles in Business, Public Service, Forensics and Education.

• You’ll graduate equipped with skills, subject specific knowledge and motivation to tackle these issues in your lives and careers, creating a better and fairer future for everyone.

• At Leeds we want to turn you from keen learners to global citizens, ready to take on the challenges of the 21st century by equipping you with the skills, subject-specific knowledge and enthusiasm to apply everything you have learn to make a difference in your future career.

• Our dedicated personal tutoring system supports your personal and academic development to ensure you have the skills and attributes to impress potential employers and succeed on any path you choose. Personal tutorials offered by academic staff are an integral part of the pastoral and academic support for all students.

• You’ll be supported to develop as a critical thinking, independent learner and global citizen, shaped by the values of the University of Leeds. The School of Psychology is developing its delivery in line with the University’s digital transformation policy, utilising a range of online and in-person delivery methods designed to maximise your learning experience and fulfil your ambitions.

• We have a dedicated group of researchers studying every aspect of student life: content delivery, assessment and the learning community in which this takes place. This means research in the school directly impacts your experience.

• As a psychology student, you'll learn through a combination of teaching and engagement shaped by our School's cutting edge research.

• You’ll learn through different teaching methods, and you will be encouraged to take an active role in your learning.

• A Year in Industry is a fantastic opportunity to develop a range of new skills, put academic theory into practice, and develop your understanding of the world of work.

• A year abroad provides unique exposure to different ways of studying and applying psychology, as well as stimulating opportunities for personal development.

• You can apply now to study the 4years Mpsyc, BSc Advanced Psychology. This means that if you achieve a minimum of a 2:1 after 3yrs you will not have to reapply for a Masters, and you can choose one of our two prestigious masters programmes: 'Cognitive Development and Disorders' or 'Psychological Approaches to Health’.

• £10,000 total Psychology International Excellence Scholarships awarded to successful overseas applicants.

• Hear what our students have to say

Our facilities

We have over 70 members of academic, research and support staff, including 12 Professors. The School is renowned for high quality research, much of it in collaboration with government departments, research councils, the NHS and industry.

The School of Psychology has excellent facilities to support your learning and allow you to participate and conduct novel research. We have dedicated computer laboratories, EEG equipment for measuring the brain's electrical activity, the human appetite research unit with its state of the art facilities, and exceptionally well resourced libraries giving you access to contemporary research outputs within the discipline.

In addition to this there is a wide range of other specialised equipment to support research and teaching. We offer a lively learning environment with modern facilities for teaching and research and a comfortable student lounge. The size of the School and range of its activities combine to provide a varied and exciting environment in which to study and work.

Accreditation

Accredited by The British Psychological Society

All practising psychologists and Chartered Psychologist must have a British Psychological Society accredited degree and a postgraduate qualification and be registered with the Health and Care Professionals (HCPC). This course is your first step towards achieving these and having a rewarding career. Psychologists support people with all sorts of problems and apply their expertise and knowledge to help in many areas of society, including coping with bereavement, dealing with trauma and understanding psychosis and schizophrenia. Psychologists practise in a variety of roles including Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners, Clinical Associates in Applied Psychology, Assistant Psychologists and National Assessors.

Course details

The Psychology BSc offers rigorous training in all aspects of research practice. You’ll will graduate with exceptional understanding of the theoretical aspects of the discipline, and practical skills which will equip you for the world beyond university.

We emphasise research-based learning and you will have the opportunity to work closely with academics within their research groups. Giving you excellent experience of real-world, cutting-edge research, and opportunities to develop essential skills and attributes.

You’ll study classic psychological work, as well as contemporary research into the nature and determinants of human behaviour, from the neuronal level through to the level of society and culture. You will explore psychological processes underpinning everyday behaviour, such as social cognition, memory, language and appetite, and examine how psychology can be applied to improve people’s health, wellbeing and lives. You’ll learn how to conduct and evaluate high-quality psychological research and how to professionally communicate the outcomes to a wide range of audiences.

Year 1

In year 1 modules include developmental, social, cognitive, biological approaches to human and animal behaviour. You’ll also study research skills, which involves conducting and writing up psychological research. You’ll also have the opportunity to study a 10-credit elective module from any department within the University, including some in psychology.

Year 2

In year 2 you will progress to more advanced material, building on the knowledge and skills you acquired in Year 1. Modules in Year 2 include advanced developmental psychology, neuroscience, memory, language, perception, psychological disorders and advanced social psychology, as well as conducting lengthier pieces of research under supervision, but with increasing autonomy. You also choose a 10-credit elective module from any department within the University.

Year 3

In your final year, by working closely with a member of academic staff you will conduct a major piece of research in psychology, bringing together all of your knowledge of psychology and research design and analyses, producing a novel piece of research work. You will have a wide choice of optional modules, from which you must choose six. These modules are in three groups: Health/Social Psychology, Biological Psychology and Cognitive Psychology and you take modules from each group to ensure you retain the breadth of education required by the British Psychological Society.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Psychology BSc in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 2 compulsory modules

Year 3 compulsory modules

Learning and teaching

We use a variety of teaching methods. The course combines lectures, one-to-one and group tutorials, practical classes, seminars, workshops, presentations and online learning methods. The University has well-resourced libraries and online access to publications to support your learning.

As part of ongoing developments within the course we are increasing the level of co-creation within our modules, allowing you to focus on aspects of particular interest, supported by our academics. The School offers many opportunities for you to engage with contemporary psychology, including attending seminars by guest speakers and by volunteering for short-term research posts.

There are a number of volunteering opportunities to get involved in with such as our Peer Mentoring Scheme, PsychU (widening access for schools). Our School magazine “Psynapse”, course representation and the Leeds University Union Psychology Society. All these volunteering activities are HEAR (Higher Education Achievement Record) recognised meaning that a certificate is issued at graduation. Find out more about our societies.

PebbelPad is an online platform available to all taught undergraduate students at the University of Leeds. This platform supports personal and academic development to ensure you have all the skills and attributes to impress potential employers and succeed on any path you choose.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed through essays, practical class reports, examinations, both MCQ and essay based, presentations, evidence briefs, critical reviews and in advanced modules, systematic reviews, podcasts, reflective learning logs and case studies, with increasing emphasis on authentic, flexible and co-created assessments as we develop our course in line with the University of Leeds’s new strategy. This range of assessments is designed to assess your understanding of psychology, but also to develop your essential workplace skills, engage you with central aspects of the discipline, requiring you to analyse and synthesise contemporary research-based knowledge and present it in a coherent manner in a variety of formats. Using this range of assessment methods allows us to use tasks that are suitable for the learning outcomes of specific modules, and to keep you enthused and excited by the approaches employed.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA to include one or more of: psychology, geography, mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, geology, economics, statistics, environmental science or computing.

A-levels in critical thinking, citizenship studies and general studies do not typically form part of our offer but we welcome them as a fourth A-level. The Extended Project is welcomed but is not included as part of our offer. We do not accept any vocational qualifications. We do not accept Applied A-levels with the exception of Applied Science. We accept only one performance based A-level (eg photography, drama, art/design, music, media studies or PE), as we don't believe they give you the academic training and skills you need to become a successful student in the School of Psychology.

GCSE: 5 GCSEs or equivalent: English language at grade 4 (C) and mathematics at grade 5 (B) + one of the following at grade 5 (B): physics, biology and chemistry, science, additional science or science dual award.

Other course specific tests:

This course is also available as an intercalated course to students who have completed at least two years of a UK medical or dental degree (or international equivalent) and are normally ranked in the top 50% of their year of study. Read more at Intercalation.

Alternative qualifications

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer

BSc – A level: ABB to include one or more of: psychology, geography, mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, geology, economics, statistics, environmental science or computing.

GCSE: All 5 subjects at Grade 4 (C) including English, Maths and Science.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: £9,250 (per year)

International: £30,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

International Psychology scholarships

• £10,000 total Psychology International Excellence Scholarship awarded to successful overseas applicants.

UK Scholarships at Leeds

If your household income is less than £42,875 a year, you may be eligible to apply for a means-tested undergraduate scholarship (UK) which offers funding and support. Applications for 2022 entrants will open in Spring 2022. Please visit the University of Leeds Scholarships for full details on how to apply.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

Aswell as the institution code, you will also need the UCAS code listed in the key facts section.

All applications received by 31 January 2024 will receive equal consideration. The School of Psychology may consider applications submitted after this date if places remain.

Deferred entry

The School of Psychology will consider applications for deferred entry and encourages such applicants to make use of the personal statement section of the application form to explain your reasons for requesting a deferral.

If you wish to defer following the submission of your application, you must do so by 31 August 2024.

Transfers and advanced entry

The School of Psychology will consider applications from those who are seeking entry to the second year.

All applications must be made through UCAS by the deadline of 31 January 2024. To be eligible, you must demonstrate that you meet the following criteria:

• Meet first year requirements, as detailed on Coursefinder

• Have met the learning outcomes of year 1 of the relevant programme

• Have achieved a minimum 60% average in the first year of study of a British Psychological Society accredited degree

• Not be studying under a Student Visa.

Decisions on transfer applications are made by the Academic Admissions Tutor (or other academic lead).

Entry on to Level 3 of courses in the School of Psychology is not permitted.

The School of Psychology will consider applications from those who wish to transfer to year one internally from other programmes at the University of Leeds. Applicants are expected to meet the standard academic entry requirements, as detailed on Coursefinder, and the request must be received by the end of the second week of teaching.

Resits

The School of Psychology will consider applications from those who are re-taking examinations prior to entering the University.

Qualifications taken early or across more than two years

The School of Psychology recognises that some applicants may have studied a more flexible curriculum, where you have been able to progress through your educational development at an appropriate rate according to your ability. If you have taken a Level 2 (for example, GCSE) or Level 3 (for example, A Level) qualification ‘early’, your academic reference should include the reasons for this so that we can take them into consideration.

Alternative entry scheme

The School of Psychology will consider prospective students via the Alternative Entry Scheme run by the Lifelong Learning Centre. Where appropriate, applicants will be referred to the Lifelong Learning Centre for further advice.

International students

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Selection Process

Applicant assessment

Please note that meeting, or being predicted to meet, the academic entry criteria does not automatically result in an offer being made.

Personal statements

The personal statement that you include in your UCAS application form helps us to assess the nature of your interest in the academic subject and is an important part of the selection process. It is essential that you take this opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm and aptitude for Psychology. We assess the personal statement on how you illustrate:

• An accurate understanding of the nature of Psychology as a discipline and as taught within higher education

• A realistic understanding of what a degree in Psychology affords you in terms of possible careers

• Motivation to engage in and contribute to university life

• The capacity to excel in Psychology.

Interviews

Interviews do not form part of our standard admissions process.

Other assessment methods

Some applicants, such as mature students, may be requested to provide a piece of written work and/or undertake a test as part of the admissions process. Further details will be provided to such applicants if required.

Application decisions

We typically receive a high number of applications to our courses in the School of Psychology. The number of applicants exceeds the number of places available so, to ensure that we treat all applications fairly and equitably, we wait until after the UCAS equal consideration application deadline has passed before making a final decision on applications.

If we put your application on hold for review after the UCAS application deadline, we will send you an email to let you know. Although you may have to wait longer than usual to receive a decision, you will hear from us by mid-May at the latest, in line with the deadline that UCAS sets universities for making decisions on applications submitted by the January UCAS deadline.

Offer decisions are made based on an overall review of applications including predicted grades, breadth of knowledge demonstrated through qualifications, personal statement, extra-curricular and work experience, and contextual information. We look for enthusiastic and talented students who have the potential to succeed in their studies with us and contribute to our community.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Psychology

Contact us

School of Psychology Undergraduate Admissions

Email: psyc-admissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

As a Psychology student at Leeds, you'll gain a range of skills attractive to employers such as project and time management, negotiation and research design and analysis. Our graduates have been highly successful in gaining employment across diverse fields including:

• research and teaching

• media, marketing, and human resources

• opportunities in mental health and prison services

If you're interested in further study after your degree, there are a wide range of psychology options available to you including:

• clinical psychology and health psychology

• counselling, occupational psychology, and educational psychology

• forensic psychology

• sport psychology

The entry routes for these branches of psychology vary but include a range of further training and practical experience. Find out more about careers, education and training on the British Psychological Society website.

Careers support

The School of Psychology works closely with the University Careers Centre to provide students with information about careers, both in Psychology and in other areas to support them in choosing appropriately. You can attend drop-in sessions at the Careers Centre anytime to get additional support in tailoring your CV and advice on the application and interview process.

There is also the option of taking the industry and international variants of our Psychology degree. Every year we organise employability skills workshops, talks and presentations, with practical advice to improve your chances of success.

Personalised tutorials give you the opportunity to discuss your career/employability plans and how you can use your time at university to gain the skills, knowledge and experience to make you competitive in the employment market.

PebbelPad is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development, enabling you to record your skill development and tailor your job applications with evidence of your skills, how you acquired them, and how you have applied them.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

Our popular BSc Psychology (International) course is designed to provide students with unique exposure to different ways of studying and applying psychology, as well as stimulating opportunities for personal development.

Following successful study in Leeds for the first year of the BSc Psychology course, you can apply to transfer to the four year international variant of the Psychology degree course, which takes place between years two and three.

Past students have studied all over the world with us developing four exchange partners in Europe (Belgium, Germany, Norway and Spain) and over 200 outside Europe including Australia, Canada, Singapore and the United States.

Students who have completed their year abroad have often spoken about not only their academic development but their personal growth. From experiencing new cultures to learning new languages and new approaches to psychology.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

You’ll have the opportunity to undertake a work placement for one year during your degree (between Levels two and three). You then transfer onto the four year BSc Psychology (Industrial) variant of the course which offers an exciting opportunity for you to gain valuable work experience as part of your degree and enhance your employability.

Application for a work placement year is made once you have successfully completed year 1 of the course.

Level two students, who intend to take their third year as a work placement year can take the CSER8000 Work Placement Module (120 credits) in order to complete an undergraduate level work placement, building experience of, and confidence in, essential work place skills. This effectively extends the three year degree course to a four year course; consequently the title of the degree is altered to BSc Psychology (Industry).

There are six assignments to pass the module; Three non-assessed questionnaires and three assessed reports. These are staggered during the year and are on a Pass/Fail basis only.

Find out more at the Year in Industry.