Psychology BSc

Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and experience. It uses a wide range of empirical and statistical techniques to collect and analyse information.

Our course is accredited by the British Psychological Society and combines high-quality training in all aspects of research methods with a wide range of modules to study.

With a strong reputation in research and teaching, we're able to offer you a dynamic and inspiring learning environment for your studies. Due to our strong academic links with the British Psychological Society, we're able to collaborate on cutting-edge research worldwide at Leeds. This research when paired with student designed and managed research projects ensures Psychology at Leeds is always forward-moving, relevant and global.

Our modern, personalised learning environment supports employability and career development. You’ll develop skills attractive to employers, such as project and time management, negotiation, research design and analysis.

Course highlights

The School of Psychology is a large and thriving department, which has expanded rapidly over the last five years. We have over 70 members of academic, research and support staff, including 13 Professors. The School is renowned for high quality research, much of it in collaboration with government departments, research councils, the NHS and industry.

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

The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society, as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered membership, provided the minimum standard of a 2:2 is achieved.

This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

The Psychology BSc offers rigorous training in all aspects of research practice and you will graduate with exceptional skills in practical and theoretical aspects of the discipline.

We emphasise research-based learning and you'll have the opportunity to work closely with academics within their research groups, giving you excellent experience of real-world, cutting-edge research.

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’ll explore psychological processes underpinning everyday behaviour, such as social cognition, memory, language and appetite, and you’ll examine ways in which psychology can improve people’s wellbeing and health. You’ll learn how to conduct and evaluate high-quality psychological research and how to professionally communicate research outcomes.

Year 1

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

Year 2

In year 2 you’ll progress to more advanced material, including developmental psychology, neuroscience, memory, language, perception, psychological disorders and advanced social psychology, as well as conducting lengthier pieces of research under supervision. You also choose a 10-credit elective module from any department within the University.

Year 3

In your final year you’ll carry out a major piece of research in psychology worth 30 credits. You will have a wide choice of optional modules. These modules are in three groups: Health/Social Psychology, Biological Psychology and Cognitive Psychology and you take modules from each group.

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

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from the range of opportunities, expanding your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

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.

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.

LeedsforLife is an online platform available to all taught undergraduate students at the University of Leeds to support personal and academic development to ensure you have all the skills and attributes to impress potential employers and succeed on any path you choose. Personal tutorials offered by academic staff in the School of Psychology are an integral part of the pastoral and academic support for all students.

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 in a range of ways including practical work (such as designing, conducting and analysing research) and more traditional methods (such as writing essays and examinations).

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: 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

• Access to HE Diploma

  We accept science-based Access qualifications with 60 credits, including 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at distinction level plus GCSE Maths and Science at grade B and English Language at grade C.

  Depending on the science content of this qualification, we may accept GCSE Science at grade C.

• BTEC

  We accept science-based BTECs at Distinction. Where a non-science BTEC is taken alongside A levels, your A levels must include a relevant science subject (see above).

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3D3D3, or mixture of these and A-levels

• International Baccalaureate

  35 points overall, with no less than 5 awarded in any one subject. You must study a science at higher level and achieve grade 6 or above.

• Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  (Leaving Certificate): AAAAAA to include maths and science

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  AAA, including maths and science, in Advanced Highers. In some circumstances we would consider a mixture of Highers and Advanced Highers.

• Welsh Baccalaureate

  Unfortunately we do not accept the Welsh Baccalaureate as it does not match our entry requirements.

• Other Qualifications

  Read more about the range of international equivalent qualifications we accept for our undergraduate courses.

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 an alternative 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 alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer

BSc – A level: ABB

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

There are no subject specific requirements.

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.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU 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

The selection process in the School of Psychology is based on the whole of the application, including predicted academic performance. We consider your motivation and enthusiasm to study psychology, as well as your understanding of the scientific underpinning of the discipline. We’d expect to see evidence of this in your personal statement and references on your UCAS form.

Admissions policy

School of Psychology Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2021

Fees

UK: See fees section below

International: £24,500 (per year)

Undergraduate tuition fees for 2020 entry 
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2020, the fee for 2020/21 will be £9,250. 

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK and non-UK EU undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.

The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2020/21 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course.

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry 
For UK full-time students starting in 2021, the fee for 2021/22 will be £9,250.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.

EU students starting in 2021/22 
EU students starting their course in the 2021/22 academic year or later will now be classed as international students and so will need to pay the international student tuition fee.

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.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

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 about additional costs

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.

The School of Psychology offer a range of scholarships for UK, EU and International students. Find out more about our scholarships.

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 LeedsforLife 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.

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 at the Careers website.

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.

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.

You will 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.