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The BSc Psychology degree offers a comprehensive understanding of human thought and behaviour, exploring internal mental processes, biological mechanisms, social influences, and clinical aspects. The course blends elements from related disciplines such as biology, philosophy, anthropology, and education, creating a broad and interdisciplinary foundation.
Following the British Psychological Society (BPS) guidelines, the degree ensures eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). In the final year, students can choose from a wide selection of modules, spanning areas such as behavioural neuroscience, cognition, social and developmental psychology, neurorehabilitation, health, and education. There is also the option to enhance the programme with a year abroad or a professional placement.
In Year 1, students focus on building foundational knowledge in biological, cognitive, social, and developmental psychology. They also begin developing essential skills in academic writing, research methods, and statistical analysis, while engaging with contemporary issues in the field.
In Year 2, the curriculum expands to include clinical psychology and individual differences, alongside continued development in research skills and advanced statistical methods. Students explore key theories and research in greater depth.
Year 3 centres on independent learning. Students undertake a dissertation research project under expert supervision and select from a wide range of specialised modules tailored to their interests and potential career paths. Topics may include mental health, forensic psychology, or evolutionary perspectives. These modules are led by active researchers, allowing students to engage with cutting-edge developments and align their academic work with future goals.
🔬 Research Opportunities
Final-Year Dissertation: Design and conduct your own supervised research project.
Research-Informed Teaching: Lecturers incorporate ongoing research into classroom discussions.
Participant Pools: Engage in studies led by staff and postgraduates to understand experimental methods firsthand.
🧠 Departmental Research Groups
Join research groups in areas such as:
Developmental Psychology
Cognitive Neuroscience
Social and Health Psychology
Neuropsychology
💼 Placement Year (Optional)
Extend your degree to 4 years with a Professional Placement Year.
Gain hands-on experience in research labs, mental health settings, educational institutions, or corporate environments.
🌍 Study Abroad Year (Optional)
Opportunity to study psychology internationally at a partner university.
Develop intercultural skills and experience diverse research methods.
🧪 Lab-Based Skills Training
Regular practical sessions in:
Eye-tracking
EEG recording
Behavioural testing
Statistical software and data analysis (SPSS, R)
💡 Research Assistant Roles (Competitive)
Apply to support academic staff on funded research projects, ideal preparation for postgraduate study.
🎓 Postgraduate Study Options
MSc in Psychology Subfields – Clinical, Forensic, Health, Cognitive Neuroscience, Educational, and Research Methods.
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) – A competitive and professional route for clinical practice.
PhD Programmes – For those pursuing careers in academia or advanced psychological research.
Conversion Courses – For branching into fields like counselling, law, or occupational therapy.
👩⚕️ Psychology-Related Career Paths
Assistant Psychologist
Wellbeing Practitioner
Behaviour Analyst
Mental Health Worker
Counsellor or Psychotherapist (with further qualifications)
Educational Psychologist (postgraduate training required)
💼 Non-Clinical Career Opportunities
Human Resources (HR)
Marketing & Consumer Insights
User Experience (UX) Research
Public Health & Policy Development
Teaching and Educational Support
🌍 Global and Sector-Wide Opportunities
Work with NGOs, government bodies, charities (e.g. Mind, NHS, UNICEF)
Opportunities in tech, healthcare, education, and corporate graduate schemes
🧠 Durham Advantage
Strong academic reputation enhances job and grad school prospects
Skills developed: research, data analysis, communication, critical thinking
Career & employability support through the university’s dedicated services
Triple-Strength Curriculum: Combines biological, cognitive, and social psychology with clinical and developmental insights.Collegiate System: Durham’s distinctive college life fosters a strong sense of community, support, and identity beyond academics.Optional Year Abroad or Placement: Boosts employability with global exposure or hands-on work experience in psychology-related settings.Highly Ranked University: Durham is consistently ranked among the top UK universities, enhancing the prestige of your degree. State-of-the-Art Research Labs: Access to specialist facilities including EEG, eye-tracking, and behavioural testing labs.BPS Accreditation: Ensures eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership – essential for most psychology careers.Expert-Led Teaching: Delivered by researchers engaged in cutting-edge psychological science across various subfields.Clinical PsychologistForensic PsychologistOccupational PsychologistEducational PsychologistCounseling PsychologistHealth PsychologistResearch Assistant / ResearcherHuman Resources (HR) or Recruitment ConsultantMarketing or Consumer PsychologistNeuropsychologistSocial WorkerPsychiatric Technician / Mental Health Support WorkerLife Coach or TherapistCriminal Justice or Law Enforcement RolesSports Psychologist
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Durham University
