If you're exploring Psychology courses in Birmingham, the BSc (Hons) Psychology degree offers an exceptional, British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited programme—complete with the option to undertake a year-long industry placement.
This course provides a solid foundation in both core and specialised areas of psychology, helping you understand the complexities of human behaviour and mental processes. You’ll examine how brain function, cognitive processes, and social influences shape human experience, while gaining insight into how psychology contributes to solving contemporary issues.
Throughout the degree, you will apply scientific reasoning, evaluate behavioural patterns, and develop strong analytical skills. You'll also acquire highly sought-after transferable skills, such as communication, teamwork, and critical thinking—making you career-ready in psychology or other related sectors.
The curriculum introduces the six core areas of psychology, exploring the intricate connections between mind, brain, behaviour, and experience. You will also gain expertise in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, preparing you for independent research.
The teaching approach includes blended learning—combining lectures, interactive seminars, and online activities to enhance understanding and engagement. Lecturers bring practical and research-based insights from their areas of specialism, enriching your learning experience.
Assessment methods are varied and dynamic, including essays, presentations, case study analysis, quizzes, and examinations. The course’s emphasis on innovative and practical learning equips you with academic knowledge and professional competencies essential for graduate success.
Whether your goal is to pursue a career in psychology or a related field, this degree offers the flexibility and foundation to support your ambitions.
The BSc (Hons) Psychology degree at Birmingham offers a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and real-world application through a variety of experiential learning opportunities. From your first year, you’ll be introduced to research methods using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, and you’ll gradually develop the skills to design, conduct, and analyse your own psychological research.
A key feature of the programme is the final-year independent research project, where you'll work closely with a supervisor on a topic of your choice, applying all the theoretical and methodological tools you’ve developed throughout your studies. This is a chance to contribute to ongoing departmental research or pursue your own area of interest—whether in cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, health behaviour, or developmental psychology.
The course also offers the option of a year-long industry placement between the second and third year. During this year, students gain practical experience in professional settings such as the NHS, mental health charities, educational institutions, corporate HR departments, or research labs. This opportunity helps students build networks, strengthen employability, and apply psychological knowledge in real-world contexts.
Throughout your degree, you’ll benefit from seminars, workshops, and guest lectures featuring practicing psychologists, researchers, and professionals from related industries. There are also opportunities to volunteer in psychology labs or assist in faculty research projects, helping you develop advanced skills in data collection, analysis, ethical procedures, and report writing.
Postgraduate Study:
MSc/PhD in Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Mental Health, or Clinical Psychology
Conversion courses for specialized areas (e.g., Educational Psychology, Occupational Psychology)
Graduate Entry Medicine or related healthcare degrees
Teacher training (PGCE) for educational careers
Professional Routes (with further training):
Clinical Psychologist (via DClinPsy)
Counselling Psychologist
Educational Psychologist
Forensic Psychologist
Occupational or Health Psychologist
Neuropsychologist
Research & Academia:
Research Assistant roles in psychology labs
PhD opportunities leading to academic/research careers
Lecturing or teaching in higher education
Applied & Interdisciplinary Careers:
Human Resources (HR), organisational development
User Experience (UX) and Human-Computer Interaction
Marketing, market research, or consumer psychology
Behavioural data science and analytics
Mental Health & Support Services:
Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP)
Mental health support worker or therapist
Social care roles or life coaching
Public Sector & Policy:
Civil Service roles (e.g., health or education policy)
Work with NGOs and charities (e.g., mental health, youth support)
Local government, education, or justice sector
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