BSc Psychology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BSc Psychology at the University of Exeter offers a comprehensive understanding of how people think, feel and behave through a blend of scientific research, practical learning and real-world application. Ideal for students with an interest in human behaviour, the programme allows you to customise your studies with a wide range of optional modules and offers the opportunity to extend your degree with a Professional Placement, Study Abroad or Data Science year.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year introduces the core principles of psychology while building the research and analytical skills needed throughout the degree. You'll study subjects such as Introduction to Biological Psychology, Introduction to Social Psychology, Cognition, Emotion and Development, Introduction to Statistics, and Introduction to Research Methods, with optional modules including Classic Studies in Psychology and Introduction to Behaviour and Evolution.

Year 2

In the second year, you'll develop a deeper understanding of psychological theories and gain hands-on research experience through practical investigations. Core modules include Social Psychology II, Personality and Individual Differences, Biological Basis of Behaviour, Development Psychology and Psychopathology, and Methods and Statistics in Psychology II, alongside practical options such as Cognition Practical I, Social Practical I, and Qualitative Methods and Interview Skills.

Year 3

Your final year gives you the opportunity to specialise in areas that match your interests while completing an independent research project. Alongside Psychology Research Project, Contemporary Issues in Psychology, and Methods and Statistics in Psychology III, you can choose from topics such as Psychology and Law, The Psychology of Gender, Work and Organisational Psychology, Virtual Reality and Psychology, and Studying Cognition and Emotion with Brain Imaging.

Optional Fourth Year

If you choose the four-year pathway, you can gain valuable experience through a Professional Placement, broaden your global perspective with a Study Abroad year, or strengthen your technical expertise with a Data Science year. The Data Science option includes modules such as Introduction to Data Science, Machine Learning, Programming with Python, and Computer Vision, helping you develop highly sought-after analytical and digital skills.

Focus Areas

Biological psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, clinical psychology, personality and individual differences, cognitive neuroscience, psychopathology, research methods, statistics, animal behaviour, psychological research, data science, professional placement, study abroad.

Learning Outcomes

Develop a strong understanding of the core areas of psychology, apply scientific research methods, analyse quantitative and qualitative data, design and conduct independent research, strengthen critical thinking and communication skills, evaluate psychological evidence, and prepare for careers or further study in psychology and related fields.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Students who graduate with at least a Lower Second Class Honours degree are eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Exeter is recognised for its research-led teaching, world-class psychology facilities, and strong graduate employability support through placements, employer partnerships, career development programmes and an award-winning Careers Service.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the BSc Psychology at the University of Exeter build practical research, analytical and professional skills from the start of the course through laboratory classes, hands-on research and independent investigations. As you progress, you'll move beyond learning research techniques to designing and carrying out your own psychological studies, culminating in a final-year research project that may even contribute to published research. You'll study in a research-led environment with access to specialist facilities, advanced equipment and expert academics, giving you valuable real-world experience throughout your degree:

Gain hands-on laboratory experience from Year 1 while developing practical skills in experimental methods, quantitative research and psychological data analysis.
Design and conduct your own psychological studies through practical modules covering cognitive psychology, social psychology, animal behaviour, qualitative research and interview methods.
Complete an independent final-year research project, with some student projects contributing to published psychological research.
Learn in specialist laboratories dedicated to cognitive psychology, social psychology, animal learning, cognition and evolution.
Use advanced research equipment to measure eye movements and brain activity during practical laboratory sessions.
Benefit from the Mood Disorders Centre, a specialist partnership with the NHS that supports teaching and research in mental health.
Access laboratories designed for interviewing brain-damaged and depressed patients, providing experience with clinically relevant research methods.
Take part in psychological research as both a participant and a researcher, developing a strong understanding of experimental design and ethical research practice.
Strengthen your statistical and research skills with support from the department's dedicated Statistics Helpdesk.
Choose the Professional Placement pathway to spend a year working with an organisation relevant to psychology, gaining valuable industry experience before graduation.
Opt for the Data Science pathway to develop practical skills in Python programming, machine learning, artificial intelligence, computer vision and data systems, and apply these techniques to psychological research.
Benefit from interdisciplinary collaborations with the University's Medical School, Business School and Law School, expanding your research and learning opportunities.
Learn from academics whose research partnerships with organisations such as the NHS, IBM, Microsoft and the Ministry of Defence ensure your teaching reflects real-world psychological research and practice.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A BSc Psychology degree from the University of Exeter equips you with scientific knowledge, practical research experience and transferable skills that are valued across many industries. Graduates go on to careers such as Clinical Psychologist (with further training), Research Assistant, Data Analyst and Marketing Professional, while others build successful careers in healthcare, education, business and the public sector. Throughout your degree, you'll receive dedicated career support to help you gain experience, develop professional skills and prepare for life after graduation:

Benefit from the University of Exeter's award-winning Careers Service, offering one-to-one careers guidance, employability workshops, networking events, mentoring opportunities and job application support.
Strengthen your employability through the Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award, which recognise skills gained through leadership, volunteering, work experience and professional development activities.
Attend psychology-focused careers events, including employer presentations, alumni panels, the annual Your Future in Psychology event and Careers in Healthcare sessions.
Gain valuable workplace experience through the optional Professional Placement pathway and Career Development module, with support in finding and securing placements.
Study on a course ranked 9th in the UK for Psychology graduate prospects by the Complete University Guide 2027, highlighting its strong graduate employment outcomes.
Build highly transferable skills in research, statistical analysis, critical thinking, ethical decision-making, communication and problem-solving that are sought after by employers across multiple sectors.
Benefit from the department's strong connections with organisations including the NHS, BBC, KPMG, Ipsos MORI, YouGov, Avon and Somerset Police, The Francis Crick Institute and VitaMinds, where recent graduates have secured employment.
Graduate with accreditation from the British Psychological Society (BPS), providing eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), an essential first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist in the UK, subject to meeting the required academic standard.
Recent graduates have progressed into roles such as Therapy Professional, Data Analyst, Project Support Officer, Teaching Professional, Marketing Associate, Business Research Professional, Police Officer and Software Development Professional.
Psychology graduates also build careers across healthcare, education, business, marketing, finance, charities, government and public services, demonstrating the versatility of the degree.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, you can continue your studies with postgraduate programmes in areas such as Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, Global Mental Health, Applied Data Science and Statistics, Forensic Mental Health or Psychological Research Methods. You could also pursue a PGCE for a career in teaching, undertake a PhD, or complete the accredited postgraduate training required to become a Clinical, Educational, Occupational, Health or Forensic Psychologist.