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Studying psychology gives you the power to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. The BSc (Hons) Psychology degree at the University of Portsmouth, accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), explores human behaviour, thoughts, and emotions—preparing you for a rewarding career in psychology or related fields.
Portsmouth ranks among the top modern universities for research quality in psychology (REF 2021), reflecting the strength and impact of its academic expertise. You’ll benefit from access to cutting-edge facilities including a psychophysiology lab, infant and toddler observation suites, and digital analysis equipment. These resources support hands-on learning and build your confidence in using psychological tools and techniques.
Throughout the course, you'll enjoy personalised one-to-one tutorials with experienced academics engaged in active research, including work from the Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology and the Dog Cognition Centre. The final year offers flexibility to tailor your studies through a wide choice of optional modules that match your interests and career goals.
You’ll also have the opportunity to enhance your employability by undertaking a year-long work placement or choosing to study abroad, gaining real-world experience in diverse psychological settings.
Graduates who achieve at least a 2:2 classification will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the BPS—an essential step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.
With 94% of graduates in work or further study within 15 months (HESA 2021/22), and Portsmouth ranking in the top 30 for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education 2024), this degree offers both academic excellence and real-world value.
1. Final-Year Research Project
Conduct an independent empirical research project under the guidance of expert supervisors.
Choose your own area of interest, from mental health to cognitive science, and gain hands-on experience in research design, data collection, and analysis.
2. Use of Specialist Labs & Equipment
Access advanced facilities such as:
Psychophysiology Laboratory – for brain activity and bodily response studies
Infant and Toddler Lab – for developmental psychology projects
Observation Suites – for behavioural and social experiments
Digital Video Analysis Suite – for analysing behaviour and responses
3. Study Abroad Option
Spend a semester or full academic year at a partner university overseas.
Gain cross-cultural insights into psychology and boost your global employability.
4. Optional Year-Long Work Placement
Take a professional placement between Year 2 and your final year.
Past students have worked in schools, mental health clinics, prisons, HR departments, and non-profits.
5. Involvement in Faculty Research
Join active research groups such as the Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology or the Dog Cognition Centre.
Gain experience working alongside academic researchers on ongoing studies.
6. Workshops and Careers Events
Attend CV-building workshops, guest lectures, and employer networking events.
Learn directly from practitioners in clinical, forensic, and occupational psychology.
Postgraduate Study & Specialisation
Progress to postgraduate degrees such as:
MSc Clinical Psychology
MSc Forensic Psychology
MSc Health Psychology
MSc Educational Psychology
Eligible for Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) or PhD if aiming for research or academic careers.
Opportunity for BPS-accredited postgraduate routes toward Chartered status.
Professional Psychology Careers
(With further training or postgraduate qualifications)
Clinical Psychologist – Diagnose and treat mental health issues.
Counselling Psychologist – Support clients with emotional and psychological concerns.
Educational Psychologist – Help children with learning or behavioural issues in schools.
Forensic Psychologist – Work in prisons or legal settings with offenders and victims.
Health Psychologist – Promote physical and mental wellbeing through behaviour change.
Other Career Pathways
Human Resources (HR)
Marketing & Consumer Research
Recruitment Consultant
Social Worker or Mental Health Support Worker
Youth Worker or Community Adviser
Criminal Justice or Law Enforcement roles
Life Coach or Therapist
Research & Academic Roles
Research Assistant / Researcher in universities, healthcare, or commercial organisations
Academic or policy research roles in areas like behavioural science or public health
Global & Transferable Opportunities
Apply psychology in business, education, health, or nonprofit sectors
Use skills in data analysis, communication, empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving in varied roles worldwide
BPS Accredited – The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), offering eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with a 2:2 or higherResearch Excellence – Ranked 5th among modern UK universities for Psychology research quality (REF 2021).Flexible Curriculum – In the final year, students can choose from a wide range of optional modules tailored to their interests.Experienced Faculty – Learn from research-active staff involved in innovative studies (e.g. Dog Cognition Centre, Comparative Psychology)Advanced Labs – Access specialist labs including a psychophysiology lab, infant observation suites, and digital analysis suites.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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University of Portsmouth
