Psychology with Neuroscience BSc (Hons)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Sussex

Program Overview

Psychology with Neuroscience BSc (Hons) at the University of Sussex explores how brain function shapes thoughts, emotions and behaviour, combining core psychology with biological and neurological science. The course is ideal if you’re interested in understanding the mind from a scientific perspective while developing strong research, analytical and experimental skills for careers in psychology, neuroscience, healthcare and research.

Curriculum structure:

Year 1
In your first year, you build a foundation in both psychology and neuroscience. You study core modules such as Psychology as a Science, Individuals and Groups, and Cognition in Clinical Contexts, alongside biologically focused learning in Neuroscience and Behaviour and Psychobiology. You also develop research and analytical skills through Analysing Data, while Physiology and Disease and Psychology of Childhood introduce developmental and biological influences on behaviour.

Year 2
The second year develops your understanding of brain systems and psychological processes in more depth. You explore Cognitive Psychology, Social Psychology, and Developmental Psychology, while strengthening research skills through Discovering Statistics and Quantitative and Qualitative Methods. Neuroscience-focused modules such as Principles of Neuronal Function and Brain and Behaviour help you understand neural communication, cognition and behaviour.

Year 3
In your final year, you apply your knowledge to advanced topics and independent research. You complete a Research Dissertation while studying modules such as Structure and Function in the Brain and Drugs, Brain and Behaviour to explore neural mechanisms and mental processes. Optional modules including Cognitive Neuroscience and Biological Psychology of Mental Health allow you to specialise according to your interests.

Focus areas (in a string):
Cognitive neuroscience, brain and behaviour, neural mechanisms, psychobiology, developmental psychology, social psychology, research methods, statistical analysis, neuropharmacology, behavioural science

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Understand relationships between brain systems and behaviour, design and conduct neuroscience and psychology experiments, analyse behavioural and neural data, apply statistical and research methods, evaluate scientific evidence critically, develop laboratory and analytical skills, communicate scientific findings effectively, integrate biological and psychological perspectives

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society and provides eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, supporting progression into professional psychology careers.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Psychology at Sussex is ranked within the UK top 10 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026, reflecting strong research quality, teaching standards and graduate employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

You’ll build practical experience by working directly with neuroscience and psychology research methods, learning how to design experiments, analyse real behavioural and brain data, and interpret scientific findings. Teaching is strongly research-led, and you’ll be supported by specialist laboratories and academic experts who actively work in neuroscience and psychology. Alongside this, you can take part in independent research projects, optional placements, and study abroad opportunities, helping you apply theory in real-world contexts and strengthen your professional skills. This hands-on learning is supported through specialist facilities, tools, and applied academic experiences such as:

Access to dedicated psychology and neuroscience research facilities for studying cognition, behaviour, and brain function
Child development research suite used for behavioural observation and developmental studies
Human psychophysiology laboratory for measuring brain activity and physiological responses during experiments
Training in research methods, statistics, and programming for analysing complex psychological and neuroscience data
Final-year independent research dissertation based on original data collection and supervised academic guidance
Optional placement year to gain professional experience in psychology, healthcare, or research-related settings
Optional study abroad opportunity to gain international academic exposure and research experience
Laboratory-based teaching in core modules such as neuroscience, brain and behaviour, and neural systems
Group projects and collaborative research tasks within psychology and neuroscience modules
Access to extensive academic resources through the University of Sussex Library, including neuroscience and psychology databases
Learning within one of the UK’s largest psychology schools, providing exposure to diverse neuroscience research areas

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Psychology with Neuroscience BSc (Hons) at the University of Sussex develop a strong understanding of how brain systems influence behaviour, along with advanced research and analytical skills. This combination prepares you for careers in healthcare, research, data analysis, and psychology-related roles such as research assistant, clinical support worker, neuroscience technician, data analyst, or psychology assistant. The degree also supports entry into scientific and healthcare-focused environments where understanding both biology and behaviour is essential:

Dedicated Careers and Entrepreneurship support including Career Lab programmes, employer networking events, internships, and skills development workshops
One-to-one guidance from careers consultants for CV writing, interview preparation, and long-term career planning
Access to placement opportunities and work experience support in healthcare, neuroscience, and research organisations
Strong links with sectors such as the NHS, research institutes, and behavioural science organisations through university career networks
British Psychological Society accreditation supports progression into further professional psychology training
Graduates move into roles in healthcare support, neuroscience research, data analysis, mental health services, and academic research
Strong employability outcomes supported by research-led teaching and laboratory-based learning throughout the degree
Opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, research assistant roles, and voluntary placements

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can continue into postgraduate study such as Cognitive Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience, Psychology, Mental Health, Neuropsychology, or Data Science. It also provides a pathway into professional psychology training, including clinical, counselling, educational, or occupational psychology, as well as research-focused master’s and PhD programmes in neuroscience and behavioural science.