Advanced Psychology MPsyc, BSc

This innovative course accredited by the British Psychological Society gives you the chance to differentiate yourself from others by studying psychology to an advanced level.

Following successful completion of the BSc Psychology course, you'll progress to a specialised Masters-level year of study. During this year you'll experience learning with individual supervision, as well as in small groups and take part in varied training activities led by leaders in their specialised fields.

Once you've graduated, you'll be able to pursue a career in clinical, health, occupational and educational psychology or another specialty, while maintaining the versatility of a psychology degree.

For International students there is a £10,000 total Psychology International Excellence Scholarship on offer. Home students can access our Psychology Excellence Scholarship.

Student Finance England loans

This integrated undergraduate and Masters programme secures Student Finance England loan funding for four years.

The School and facilities

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.

We've spoken to some of our international students to hear their reflections on their time spent studying with us. Watch our video below to hear more about their experiences of our teaching and support, as well as their thoughts on settling in on campus and becoming part of our welcoming global community.

Accreditation

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

We hope that learning within a vibrant research environment inspires our students to develop to their full potential. To support this we emphasise research-led teaching and you have the opportunity to work closely with academics within their research groups, giving you excellent experience of real-world, cutting-edge research.

At Leeds, 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

• Appetite

• How psychology can improve wellbeing and health

You’ll also learn how to conduct and evaluate high-quality psychological research and how to professionally communicate research outcomes.

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.

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.

In your final year, you’ll carry out a major piece of research in psychology worth 30 credits. You’ll have a wide choice of optional modules. These modules are in three groups: Health/Social Psychology, Biological Psychology and Cognitive Psychology and you must select one 15-credit module from each group.

In your final Masters-level year you’ll study core modules on theory, research, and application in psychology along with advanced research methods. You’ll also have the choice between two subject pathway:

1. Cognitive Development and Disorders (including three modules on typical and disordered child development, ageing and dementia, and neuropsychology and neuroscience)

2. Psychological Approaches to Health (with three modules on predicting and changing health behaviour, patient safety, and theory and intervention in food and nutrition).

In addition, you will have the choice of either conducting a major research project or a systematic research review on a dedicated topic and a Masters-level elective module selected from a range of disciplines allied to psychology.

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 Advanced Psychology MPsyc, BSc in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand 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 a mix of lectures, 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.

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:

• reviewing research literature

• designing, conducting and analysing research

• 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: GCSE 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.

• 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 and 15 at merit, 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, including a science as indicated above.

• International Baccalaureate

  35 points overall with a higher level science subject at grade 6 or above. You must also satisfy the English and Maths GCSE or equivalent requirement.

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  (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

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.

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 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 2022

Fees

UK: See fees section below

International: £25,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee 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 the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £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 the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.

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 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.

Psychology scholarships

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

• Psychology Excellence Scholarship available for home students.

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.

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

• marketing, media, 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:

• counselling, clinical and health psychology

• sport, occupational and educational psychology

• forensic 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 industrial 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 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 MPsyc Advanced 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 can find out more at Study Abroad Leeds.

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.

We offer students the opportunity to undertake a work placement for one year during their degree (between Levels two and three). Students then transfer onto the four year MPsyc Advanced Psychology Industry variant of our programme which offers an exciting opportunity for them to gain experience of working life as part of their degree. This will further enhance the employability prospects of our graduates. This course allows students to take advantage of the available work experience opportunities offered and it is administered between the School and by the Careers Service. Application for a work placement year is made once students are on the MPsyc Advanced Psychology programme and have successfully completed Level one.

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 four year degree course to a five year course; consequently the title of the degree is altered to MPsyc Advanced Psychology (Industry).

There are two assignments to pass the module: A work placement year report with an interview and a presentation.

Find out more at the Year in Industry.