The BSc Psychology programme at King’s College London provides a comprehensive introduction to psychological sciences, exploring their application to modern-day challenges. Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), the course is praised for its research-led teaching, practical employability-focused modules, and exceptional placement and internship opportunities through the world-renowned Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN).
Offered as either a three-year or four-year programme (with a placement or study-abroad year), students can decide whether to pursue the extended option during their second year. For international applicants, choosing the four-year code from the outset ensures the appropriate visa arrangements. The programme combines academic learning with hands-on experience, enriched by the IoPPN’s cutting-edge interdisciplinary research and close clinical links with South London and Maudsley Hospital (SLaM).
Teaching is delivered by experts in clinical and health psychology, with real-world learning integrated throughout all years. Students benefit from a personal tutor system praised by the BPS, which supports their academic and personal development through scheduled guidance sessions. Further assistance is provided by King’s extensive student services, offering resources for mental health, career advice, accommodation, and financial support.
The course includes the opportunity to complete a professional placement or a year abroad, offering valuable experience and international exposure, contingent on academic performance. Ranked among the top ten institutions globally for psychology (THE, 2025), King’s College London provides an exceptional environment to study, grow, and prepare for a wide range of psychology-related careers.
Third-Year Dissertation Project
All students complete an independent research project in their final year under the supervision of a faculty member. This capstone experience allows students to apply psychological theory to real-world issues and develop skills in data collection, analysis, and academic writing.
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) Research Access
Students benefit from studying within one of the world’s leading centres for interdisciplinary psychological research. Many can get involved in ongoing projects related to mental health, neuroscience, and cognitive psychology, often leading to conference presentations or publications.
Clinical Placement Opportunities at SLaM NHS Trust
Thanks to partnerships with the South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, students may access voluntary placements or shadowing experiences in clinical settings, offering firsthand exposure to patient care, mental health services, and multidisciplinary teams.
Professional Placement Year Option
Students may opt into a fourth-year placement programme, gaining year-long professional experience in research labs, NGOs, hospitals, or policy institutions. This helps bridge academic knowledge with practical experience and boosts post-graduation employability.
Year Abroad Programme
High-performing students can study abroad in their third year at a partner institution, gaining international exposure and experiencing different psychological research methods, cultural perspectives, and academic environments.
Research Assistantships
Opportunities are available to work as a research assistant on faculty-led projects. This includes conducting literature reviews, running experiments, and analysing data—offering a real taste of postgraduate-level research.
Summer Research Internships
King’s offers summer internships within IoPPN labs, allowing students to gain paid or credited experience during the break. These internships often focus on mental health, addiction, developmental disorders, and neuroscience topics.
Public Engagement and Psychology Events
Students can take part in psychology outreach events, including the King’s Festival of Science or public lecture series. These help develop science communication skills and promote research to a broader audience.
King’s Undergraduate Research Fellowship (KURF)
Selected students can join the KURF scheme, where they collaborate with academic mentors on funded summer research projects, often culminating in presentations and networking with the wider research community.
Living Psychology Modules
Some modules include practical components like designing experiments, behavioural observations, or conducting surveys. These "living lab" experiences are embedded into coursework to help students practice applying theory to real-life psychological problems.
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