BSc Hons Psychology

• Independent Research Projects:
  In your final year, you'll have the opportunity to undertake an independent research project. This project allows you to explore a psychological topic that interests you and apply the research methods and theories you've learned throughout the course. It provides valuable experience in scientific inquiry, data analysis, and academic writing.

• Research Contributions:
  Throughout your degree, you’ll be encouraged to contribute to ongoing research projects within the department. These projects may cover areas such as mental health, autism, pain and addiction, and more. Being involved in research helps develop critical thinking, data collection, and analytical skills, which are essential for a career in psychology or other fields that require research expertise.

• Industry Placements:
  The course offers the opportunity to complete a placement year, allowing you to apply your academic knowledge in real-world settings. During your placement, you may work with clinical psychologists, schools, or community organizations. This hands-on experience enhances your professional skills, providing you with insights into how psychological theories are applied in practice, while building industry contacts.

• Collaborative Projects:
  You’ll engage in group projects with fellow students, allowing you to apply psychological concepts to practical, real-world problems. Working collaboratively helps develop skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, all of which are essential for future employment.

• Specialist Facilities for Research:
  The University provides access to state-of-the-art facilities such as the observation suite, eye-tracker equipment, and Babylab. These resources will allow you to gain practical experience in conducting experiments and observing psychological phenomena, providing hands-on learning in both research and practical applications of psychology.

• Guest Lectures and Workshops:
  Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to guest lectures and workshops by leading experts in psychology. These sessions provide valuable opportunities to learn about current trends in the field, research methods, and career pathways from experienced professionals.

1. Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC)

• Upon successful completion of the degree with a 2:2 or higher, students are eligible to apply for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society (BPS). This is the first step towards becoming a chartered psychologist in the UK.

2. Careers in Psychology

• Graduates can pursue various career paths within psychology, such as:

  • Clinical Psychology (further postgraduate training required)

  • Forensic Psychology (working in the criminal justice system)

  • Educational Psychology (supporting children and young people in educational settings)

  • Health Psychology (working on the psychological aspects of health and wellness)

  • Occupational Psychology (focusing on workplace behavior, human resources, and employee well-being)

  • Sport and Exercise Psychology (supporting athletes and teams in performance enhancement and mental well-being)

3. Further Study

• The BSc Psychology degree from Derby provides a solid foundation for postgraduate study, allowing graduates to pursue:

  • MSc in specialized areas such as Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Health Psychology, and Occupational Psychology.

  • PhD programs for those interested in academic or research careers in psychology.

  • Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) or Doctorate in Forensic Psychology (DForenPsy) for those wanting to pursue clinical or forensic psychology careers.

4. Research Careers

• Students interested in research can pursue a PhD or work in research institutes to investigate various psychological issues, including mental health, behavior, cognition, and neuroscience.

5. Counseling and Therapy

• Graduates can pursue further training in counseling or therapy to become counselors, therapists, or clinical supervisors in mental health services, offering support to individuals experiencing emotional or psychological issues.

6. Non-Psychology Roles

• Psychology graduates often work in fields outside of psychology due to the transferable skills gained. These include roles in:

  • Human Resources: Recruitment, training, and employee well-being.

  • Marketing and Market Research: Understanding consumer behavior and applying psychological principles to marketing strategies.

  • Social Work: Supporting vulnerable individuals and families in social and community settings.

  • Education: Teaching, student support, or working with special needs education.

7. Professional Development and CPD

• Graduates can engage in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to keep up-to-date with developments in the field and to meet requirements for professional accreditation (e.g., with the BPS).

8. Clinical and Health Settings

• Graduates can work in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, or mental health services, providing psychological support in roles such as psychological well-being officers, mental health support workers, or research assistants in health psychology.

9. Government and Policy

• Graduates may enter the public sector, working in government policy, social services, or public health, applying psychology to influence social, behavioral, and health policy.

10. Private Practice and Consultancy

• Psychology graduates can open their own private practice as counselors or therapists or work as consultants in business, healthcare, or education, applying psychological principles to improve mental well-being and organizational effectiveness.

11. International Career Opportunities

• The BSc (Hons) Psychology program is internationally recognized, offering opportunities for graduates to work abroad, particularly in countries with high demand for psychological services, such as the USA, Canada, and Australia.

12. Volunteering and Placement Experience

• The University of Derby provides opportunities to gain real-world experience through placements and volunteering. These opportunities help students build a strong professional network and improve employability by applying their knowledge in professional environments.

13. Careers in Teaching and Academia

• Graduates can pursue teaching careers at secondary or higher education levels, or become academic researchers at universities, contributing to the field through research and teaching.

14. Transferable Skills in Other Sectors

• Skills developed in the psychology program (such as critical thinking, data analysis, communication, and problem-solving) are highly transferable to other sectors, including business, media, law, and public relations.

15. Entrepreneurship

• Some graduates may choose to apply their psychological knowledge to entrepreneurial ventures, such as starting a private therapy practice, developing mental health apps, or consulting in corporate settings to enhance well-being and performance.