Psychology with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

London South Bank University

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Psychology with Foundation Year at London South Bank University is designed for students who are interested in understanding human behaviour but need an additional year to build academic skills before starting the full degree. It provides a supportive pathway into psychology, combining scientific understanding with practical application, and prepares students for progression into the undergraduate Psychology programme.

This course suits students who are curious about how people think, feel, and behave, and who want a structured route into psychology even if they don’t yet meet direct entry requirements.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year

In the foundation year, you are introduced to the core ideas that shape modern psychology. You study modules such as Foundations of Psychology, Foundations of Psychological Research, and Psychological Research Methods, which help you understand key theories, develop academic writing skills, and learn how psychological studies are designed and evaluated. This year is all about building confidence and preparing you for degree-level study in a structured and supportive way.

Year 1

In the first year of the degree, you start exploring psychology as a scientific discipline in more depth. You study modules like Introducing Psychological Approaches, Psychological Research Methods, and Exploring Real World Psychology, where you learn about cognition, behaviour, development, and how research evidence is gathered. This year helps you build a strong foundation in both theory and scientific thinking.

Year 2

In the second year, the course becomes more advanced and analytical. You study areas such as memory, perception, personality, and social behaviour, along with Psychological Research Methods 2 and 3 and Exploring Psychological Approaches. This stage focuses on developing your ability to design research, interpret data, and critically evaluate psychological theories in greater depth.

Year 3

In the final year, you move into specialist and applied areas of psychology. You can study topics such as Clinical Psychology, Neuropsychology, Psychology in the Workplace, Psychology of Addictive Behaviours, and Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy. Alongside this, you complete advanced research work and independent study, preparing you for postgraduate study or professional roles.

Focus Areas

Cognitive psychology, clinical psychology, neuropsychology, mental health, behavioural science, developmental psychology, social psychology, research methods, workplace psychology, applied psychology

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you will be able to understand and evaluate human behaviour using scientific methods, design and analyse psychological research, and apply psychological theories to real-life situations. You will also develop strong communication, analytical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that are valuable across many careers.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society, which is an important step for students who want to become chartered psychologists or continue into professionally recognised postgraduate training.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Psychology at London South Bank University is well regarded for its strong focus on employability and practical experience. It is ranked among the top modern universities in London for Psychology in the Guardian University Guide 2025, and students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, modern facilities, and career-focused learning opportunities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At London South Bank University, Psychology students gain practical experience from the very beginning of the Foundation Year, not just theoretical knowledge. The course is designed to help you understand how psychology works in real situations through hands-on experiments, lab-based learning, and applied research projects. You will regularly work with specialist equipment and psychological methods that mirror real professional practice, helping you build confidence as a future psychologist. Learning is also highly collaborative, with group projects and research activities that develop your ability to work in teams and apply psychological thinking to everyday behaviour and workplace scenarios.

This is where your learning becomes practical and career-focused:

Use of psychology laboratories equipped for behavioural experiments, including eye-tracking systems, EEG tools, and controlled observation rooms
Access to specialised facilities such as child development labs and simulated real-world environments used for studying human behaviour
Practical training in research design, data collection, and analysis using industry-standard software like SPSS
Group research projects that build teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills in psychological contexts
Opportunities for applied learning through optional placements in settings such as healthcare, education, policing, marketing, and social care
Development of strong research skills using established psychological methods and academic tools used in professional practice
Access to university learning spaces and academic resources that support independent study and scientific research

These facilities and learning experiences are designed to prepare you for real psychological work, whether in clinical settings, research roles, or further academic study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the Psychology with Foundation Year at London South Bank University are well prepared to move into careers that involve understanding people, behaviour, and mental health. Many go on to roles such as Assistant Psychologist, Mental Health Support Worker, Behavioural Research Assistant, or positions in areas like human resources, education, and social care. The course builds strong analytical and communication skills that are valued across both psychology-specific and wider people-focused professions.

Your career development is actively supported throughout the course:

LSBU’s CareerSmart service offers personalised CV guidance, interview preparation, and tools to improve job applications and career planning
Opportunities to gain real-world experience through placements and work-based learning in sectors such as the NHS, education, policing, marketing, and social care
The degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society, which is an important requirement for progressing toward chartered psychologist status
Strong focus on employability skills such as research methods, data analysis, teamwork, and applied psychology practice
Graduates often move into entry-level roles in mental health services, research support, education assistance, or graduate schemes in HR and business-related fields
Practical experience gained through projects and applied modules helps students become confident and workplace-ready

Overall, the programme is designed to make sure you leave with both academic knowledge and real professional readiness.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, students can continue into postgraduate study such as MSc Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Health Psychology, or Counselling Psychology. Many also progress to British Psychological Society-accredited conversion courses or continue toward professional doctorates like Clinical Psychology to become qualified practitioners.