Psychology with Philosophy BSc (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Keele University

Program Overview

Psychology with Philosophy at Keele University combines the scientific study of behaviour with philosophical thinking about the mind, knowledge, and ethics. It is ideal for students who want to understand how people think and act while also exploring deeper questions about consciousness, decision-making, and human understanding.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you build foundations in both psychology and philosophy. Modules such as First Steps in Becoming a Psychology Researcher, Understanding People, and Introduction to Philosophy introduce core psychological perspectives alongside philosophical questions about knowledge, reasoning, and reality. You also begin developing research skills and learn how to evaluate arguments and evidence from different viewpoints.

Year 2

During the second year, you deepen your knowledge of behaviour and philosophical analysis. Through Next Steps in Becoming a Psychology Researcher and Understanding People in Depth, you expand your research and analytical abilities in psychology. You also explore philosophy modules such as Ethics, Philosophy of Mind, and Knowledge and Reality, examining topics like consciousness, moral decision-making, and the nature of human thought.

Year 3

In your final year, you focus on advanced topics and independent research across both disciplines. Modules such as Being a Psychology Researcher, Professional Skills for Researchers, and Grand Challenges in Psychology support your dissertation and critical thinking skills. You can also choose specialist options that explore cognition, mind and behaviour, ethics, and philosophical psychology in more depth.

Focus Areas

Human behaviour, philosophy of mind, ethics and morality, cognition and consciousness, critical thinking, research methods, knowledge and reality, decision-making, psychological science, philosophical reasoning, interdisciplinary analysis

Learning Outcomes

You will develop strong research and analytical skills, along with the ability to evaluate arguments and interpret evidence from both scientific and philosophical perspectives. The course also builds communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities that can be applied across a wide range of careers.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society, providing a recognised foundation for progression into professional psychology training and Chartered Psychologist status with further study.

Reputation (Employability & Recognition)

The combination of psychology and philosophy develops analytical thinking, research skills, and communication abilities valued across sectors such as business, public services, education, and mental health. The interdisciplinary structure of the course supports strong employability by blending scientific understanding with critical reasoning.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Psychology with Philosophy at Keele University gives you hands-on experience in both psychological research and applied philosophical thinking. You will take part in laboratory sessions, small research projects, and discussion-based learning that helps you investigate behaviour while developing strong reasoning and analytical skills. Practical learning is supported by specialist psychology facilities and interactive philosophy activities, allowing you to apply theory to real-world questions and debates.

As you progress, you will use dedicated facilities and take part in applied learning activities that strengthen both research and critical thinking skills:

Psychology laboratories for behavioural and cognitive research experiments
EEG equipment used to measure brain activity during psychology studies
Eye-tracking systems for investigating attention, perception, and decision-making
Virtual reality tools for immersive behavioural and perception experiments
Video observation suites for recording and analysing participant responses
Qualitative research spaces for interviews, discussions, and social research methods
Practical research workshops developing qualitative and quantitative research skills
Mini research projects that prepare you for your final-year dissertation
Interactive philosophy seminars focused on debate, argument building, and critical reasoning
Group-based discussions and collaborative learning activities to develop teamwork skills
Independent final-year research project using psychology laboratory facilities
Access to university libraries and digital databases supporting psychology and philosophy research

Progression & Future Opportunities

Psychology with Philosophy at Keele University prepares you for careers that value both analytical thinking and understanding human behaviour. Graduates often move into roles such as research assistant, human resources officer, counsellor, and education professional, supported by strong communication, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. The combination of psychology and philosophy helps you develop a versatile profile suited to people-focused and analytical careers:

Keele’s Careers and Employability team provides CV support, interview preparation, career coaching, networking events, and access to graduate opportunities
An Occupational Psychologist within the School supports students with career planning and employability skills development
Optional placement opportunities and work-based learning help students gain professional experience during their degree
Students develop transferable skills including critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and analytical reasoning valued across sectors
Graduates progress into areas such as education, social care, counselling-related roles, research, human resources, marketing, public services, charities, and business
Accreditation from the British Psychological Society provides a recognised foundation for further professional psychology training
Study abroad opportunities and interdisciplinary learning enhance global employability
Research projects and dissertation work help build confidence for graduate employment

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students often continue into postgraduate study in areas such as clinical psychology, counselling psychology, cognitive psychology, philosophy of mind, ethics, or social research. The programme also provides a strong foundation for master’s degrees, research-based study such as MPhil or PhD, and professional training in psychology, philosophy, education, or related fields.