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Are you curious about human behaviour and mental processes? If you're fascinated by why people think, feel, and act the way they do, Northumbria University’s BSc (Hons) Psychology could be the ideal undergraduate degree for you. This program offers the flexibility to follow a general psychology path or specialise in a specific area through a wide range of optional modules.
The course is delivered by an enthusiastic team of research-active lecturers, who combine academic knowledge with real-world insights. You'll explore essential areas of psychology such as cognitive processes, psychobiology, developmental and social psychology, gaining a solid foundation in both theory and application.
Northumbria’s commitment to experiential learning means you’ll benefit from practical lab sessions, where you'll build essential research skills using advanced psychological equipment and software. Throughout your studies, you’ll also have the chance to apply what you learn through an optional work placement, further enhancing your employability and real-world experience.
In your final year, you'll undertake an independent research project, allowing you to explore a topic that interests you while developing critical analysis and academic writing skills. To qualify for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS), you must achieve a 2:2 or higher and pass your empirical research project.
Whether you choose to continue into a postgraduate degree such as the MSc in Psychology, or step directly into a career, Northumbria’s program prepares you for success in a wide range of psychology-related fields.
Final-Year Independent Research Project: Students conduct their own supervised psychological research using real-world methodologies.
Access to Advanced Labs: Includes EEG labs, eye-tracking equipment, virtual reality systems, and observation suites for experimental work.
Research-Led Teaching: Modules taught by active researchers to ensure evidence-based, cutting-edge content.
Quantitative & Qualitative Research Training: Develop skills in statistical software (e.g., SPSS) and qualitative methods like interviews and thematic analysis.
Scenario-Based Learning: Simulations and case studies help apply psychological theories in practical contexts such as healthcare and forensic psychology.
Participation in Ongoing Research: Opportunities to assist academic staff on live research projects, gaining insight into professional research practices.
Optional Work Placement Module: Some students can undertake internships in settings such as schools, mental health services, or non-profits.
Peer Research Participation Panels: Collaborate on and provide feedback for fellow students' research projects.
Project-Based Assessments: Many modules use coursework-based evaluation through research reports, presentations, and case analyses.
Community Volunteering Projects: Psychology students may engage in outreach or support services, applying psychological knowledge to local needs.
Applied Lab Work: Frequent use of psychometric tools, cognitive tests, and behavioural assessments.
Study Abroad Opportunities: Students can study at a partner university abroad for a semester or year.
Summer Internships: Competitive research internship options available with faculty during summer breaks.
Independent Group Research: Students often work in teams to explore a psychological topic and present findings.
Real-World Case Integration: Modules include analysis of real psychological cases to build practical understanding.
Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC): Eligible graduates can pursue postgraduate training to become Chartered Psychologists via the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Postgraduate Study: Options include MSc in Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Health Psychology, or Psychological Research.
Doctoral Pathways: Graduates can progress to PhDs or Professional Doctorates in Psychology, often required for practitioner roles.
NHS Roles: Opportunities to work in mental health support, therapy assistance, or psychological wellbeing practitioner (PWP) roles.
Education Sector: Graduates may pursue careers in educational psychology, teaching, or special educational needs (SEN) support.
Health & Social Care: Roles in care coordination, mental health services, rehabilitation support, or community outreach work.
Human Resources: Application of psychological principles in recruitment, training, wellbeing, and organizational development.
Market Research & Data Analysis: Skills in statistics and research methods are valued in user research and behavioural analytics.
Forensic Settings: Opportunities in offender rehabilitation, probation services, or forensic psychological support.
Youth Work & Counselling: Some graduates enter roles in youth services, mentoring, or counselling (with further training).
Business & Marketing: Understanding of human behaviour supports work in consumer psychology, branding, and UX research.
Charity & NGO Roles: Involvement in social research, mental health campaigns, or advocacy work.
Police & Emergency Services: Some pursue roles in behavioural profiling, negotiation support, or wellbeing services.
Civil Service & Policy Roles: Research and advisory positions related to public health, justice, or education policy.
Academic Careers: With further qualifications, graduates can become lecturers or researchers in higher education.
Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC): Must complete the empirical project and achieve at least a 2:2 to be eligible.Optional Placement Year: Opportunities for work placements in real-world psychology settings (healthcare, education, NGOs).Final-Year Dissertation: A major independent research project is required to graduate and to qualify for BPS accreditation.BPS Accreditation: The degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) – vital for future Chartered Psychologist status.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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Northumbria University
