BSc Psychology

Year 3 Dissertation Project
In the final year, students undertake an independent research project under the supervision of a faculty member. This experience enhances critical thinking, research methodology, and academic writing skills, and allows students to explore an area of psychology that truly interests them.

Research Assistant Experience Scheme (RAES)
Students can apply to work alongside academic staff as Research Assistants on live psychology studies. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain real research experience, including data collection, coding, and literature reviews, often a stepping stone to postgraduate study.

Manchester Living Lab Projects
Through the University Living Lab, students work on real sustainability-related challenges in collaboration with external organisations. These interdisciplinary projects allow psychology students to apply behavioural science insights to issues like environmental policy or public health.

Volunteering and Outreach
Students are encouraged to participate in Manchester’s many volunteering initiatives, including outreach with schools, mental health organisations, and charities. These experiences help build communication and empathy—skills valuable for clinical, educational, and social psychology careers.

Summer Internships and Vacation Schemes
The university supports students in securing summer internships within research labs or industry placements. These internships often involve hands-on data analysis, fieldwork, and exposure to professional psychological practice.

Psychology Employability Programme
Manchester offers workshops, employer events, and skill-building sessions tailored for psychology students. These include CV development, interview training, and career talks by alumni and professionals from diverse sectors including healthcare and business.

Peer Mentoring Scheme
Second- and third-year students can mentor incoming students, providing academic and pastoral support. This leadership opportunity boosts interpersonal and organisational skills while contributing to the university’s supportive learning community.

Workplace Experience via Placements
Some psychology students can undertake a placement year between Years 2 and 3. These placements are usually in mental health services, schools, or corporate HR departments, offering real-world exposure to psychology in action.

Data Skills and R Programming Projects
From Year 1, students receive training in R, a programming language used for data analysis. Through coursework and mini-projects, they apply these skills to psychological datasets, building analytical expertise required in both academia and industry.

Public Engagement and Science Communication
Students have the chance to get involved in public engagement activities such as Psychology Open Days, science fairs, and public lectures. These events help develop science communication skills—an asset for careers in education, media, and advocacy.