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Psychology - BSc (Hons)

Currently viewing course to start in 2025/26 Entry.

Looking for Birmingham psychology courses? Our BSc (Hons) Psychology degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society and allows you to take a year-long industry placement....

  • Level Undergraduate
  • Study mode Full Time/Part Time

This course is:

Available with Professional Placement year

Open to International Students

Overview

[00:00:09] Luke The fact the Birmingham City University psychology courses are accredited by the British Psychological Society is really important to me because not only does that mean that I know the course has a very high standard of quality, but it also means I know that if I ever want to look for a psychology related jobs after my degree, I can do so due to the accreditation of the course has.

[00:00:30] Rachael One of the things that stood out about a psychology course here was the modules. They modules such as health psychology, which was beneficial for my career, but there were interesting modules such as parapsychology, which I didn't see other universities doing so it was something that stood out to me.

[00:00:46] Luke Birmingham City University's facilities for psychology are absolutely amazing, you know, from software packages like SPSS and AR that allow me to do my data analysis to the best of my ability, to hardware like eye tracking facilities that allow me to do experiments that other universities may not allow me to do. It gives me the opportunity to do my research and do absolutely everything that I'm doing here at my university to the best of my ability.

Looking for Birmingham psychology courses? Our BSc (Hons) Psychology degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society and allows you to take a year-long industry placement.

Make sense of the real world through gaining a deep understanding of how the core and specialised areas in psychology contribute to our understanding of contemporary issues, as well as looking at the role of brain function across multiple psychological perspectives.

You’ll apply scientific reasoning and evaluate patterns of behaviour, gaining key transferable skills in communication, teamwork and problem-solving. This versatile course provides the opportunity for you to embark on a Psychology career or bring those skills to wide variety of other career paths.

This course is open to International students.

What's covered in this course?

You will explore scientific approaches to understanding the mind, brain and behaviour. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the scientific underpinnings of the discipline of Psychology and how these underpinnings change across the core curriculum topic areas.

Explore how the six core areas in Psychology can explain factors that influence the mind, brain, behaviour and experience, and of the complex interactions between these. You will develop knowledge and understanding of Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods. During your degree you will be given a range of optional modules to choose from allowing you to tailor your degree to your interests.

We use a blended learning approach, where we teach the core topics and theories in lectures; to explore the topics further we have interactive and activity-based seminars and then to enhance your learning we provide you with online activities and resources. The staff teaching on the course are experts in the areas and topics they teach on, which further enhances your learning experience, as they bring with them their practice or research-based knowledge.

We use a variety of assessment methods, this includes essay and report writing, presentations, using real life examples such as analysing case studies, online based quizzes linked to lecture materials and exams. Our focus on contemporary and innovative learning practices will help you gain key employability skills, such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving, as well as key skills in two innovative, intriguing disciplines.

Professional Placement Year

This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.

If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.

Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.

Accredited By

This course is accredited by:

  • The British Psychological Society

Why Choose Us?

  • We have a strong focus on employability and through placement opportunities and our links with local businesses, we aim to ensure you graduate not only with your degree but also with the skills and knowledge needed to embark on your chosen career.
  • We aim to infuse learning with exposure to real-world experiences. Through participation in the Social Impact Hub, we give students the chance to work on real-life projects. These offer a unique opportunity for students to gain this invaluable experience while they study.
  • This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and gives you Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) when you pass the course.
  • Our staff are research active, allowing research-informed teaching and learning activities. You will be given the opportunity to learn and participate in a number of research projects throughout the year and we hold regular academic research seminars, which are recorded for our online students.
  • We are dedicated to fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry in the realm of psychology, and our state-of-the-art facilities reflect this.

Open Days

Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation.

Next Open Day: 19 October 2024

Book your place

Entry Requirements

These entry requirements apply for entry in 2025/26.

All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.

Essential requirements

112 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points.

Please note: If you qualify for our BCU Accelerate scheme, you could receive an offer that is two grades below our normal entry requirements. Find out more about BCU Accelerate.

If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.

Fees & How to Apply

Please select your student status to view fees and apply
  • UK Student
  • International Student

UK students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: BSc (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2025

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • £1542 per 20 credits
  • Year 1 - 80 credits
  • Year 2 - 80 credits
  • Year 3 - 80 credits
  • Year 4 - 80 credits
  • Year 5 - 40 credits

Fees for Part-time students

This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year.

International students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: BSc (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2025

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • Full Time
  • 3 Years
  • £17,690 in 2025/26

Access to computer equipment 

You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the university or use one of our shared computer rooms. 

Printing 

You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment. 

Field trips 

All essential field trips and associated travel costs will be included in your course fees. 

Access to Microsoft Office 365 

Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation. 

Key software 

You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research. 

Key subscriptions 

Subscriptions to key journals and websites are available through our library. 

Excess printing (optional) 

Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet. 

Personal stationery and study materials (optional) 

Based on the past experience of our students, you might find it helpful to set aside about £30 for each year of your studies for your personal stationery and study materials. 

Placement expenses (optional) 

If you choose to undertake a placement, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst living or working away from home. 

Field trips (optional) 

This course includes the option of additional trips that may enhance your experience, at extra cost. 

Books (optional) 

All module key texts will be in the University library, but in limited numbers. You may choose to purchase a copy. We suggest budgeting approximately £10-45 per module for this. 

Memberships (optional) 

You may wish to join a union or professional body related to this course, such as BPS at a cost of approximately £31.68 for student membership.  

Accommodation and living costs (optional)

The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.

Guidance for UK students

UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.

Applying through UCAS

  1. Register with UCAS
  2. Login to UCAS and complete your details
  3. Select your course and write a personal statement
  4. Get a reference
  5. Pay your application fee and submit your application

Guidance for International students

There are three ways to apply:

1) Direct to the University

You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.

2) Through a country representative

Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.

3) Through UCAS

If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.

Personal statement

UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*

The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.

Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:

  • Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
  • Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
  • Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
  • School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
  • Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.

You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.

Worried about Personal Statements?

If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.

Get personal statement advice

*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.

Course in Depth

First Year

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits):

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules:

Second Year

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 60 credits):

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete at least 60 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules:

Professional Placement (Optional)

In order to qualify for the award of BSc (Hons) Psychology with Professional Placement Year you must successfully complete the following module.

Final Year

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits):

In order to complete this course you must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules. 

Download course specification

Download now

How you learn

At the start of your learning journey, we will manage your transition into university by introducing you to core psychological knowledge and promoting the development of intellectual, research, employability and independent learning skills.

In your second year, you will refine these skills and develop critical thinking.  The final stages of your degree involve application of these skills in research, real-world and employability contexts, ensuring that you are a well-rounded, employable graduate that can easily adapt to the continuing societal changes presented in the 21st century. 

Over the course of your degree, there will be increased emphasis on practical and transferrable skills. You will collect, comprehend and examine data effectively, becoming increasingly computer literate in a number of statistical packages and experimental equipment.  As you progress, you will also learn more advanced areas of qualitative and quantitative psychology.  You will then be able to apply these skills in your final year as part of your Integrative Psychology Project, in which you will address a novel problem in a research area of your choice.

Examples of formative activities include essays, research proposals, semi-formal debates, individual group presentations, multiple choice questionnaires, quizzes, online forums and mock exams.  We also offer scheduled one-to-one meetings and office hours for more detailed feedback if required. The formative activities will help you complete your summative assessments with a clear focus and confidently.  

Trips and Visits

Previous trips have included visiting the Science Museum in London, getting to see some of the museum’s acclaimed science exhibitions, and learning first-hand key processes and information.

Student stories

Kimberly Stuart

Having previously worked with people with disabilities, Kimberley Stuart was keen to gain more background understanding of why people act the way they do. She arrived from the USA to study at Birmingham City University and now has plans to continue her education at Master's level.

Mandip Kaur Narewal

I chose to study Psychology at Birmingham City University mainly because the course had been accredited by the BPS. Not only that, the university received accreditation after its first inspection, and is the only post-1992 university to have done this. It had also received great reviews from the previous year which really influenced me. Even better, since I lived locally, all this was offered on my doorstep.

This course is accredited by:

The British Psychological Society
The British Psychological Society

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society, which not only demonstrates the high quality of our teaching provision, but also ensures our course remains cutting-edge, fresh and relevant.

The Society and its members develop, promote and apply psychology for the public good. They enhance the efficiency and usefulness of psychologists by setting high standards of professional education and knowledge, and cover all areas of psychological research and practice.

Find out more about British Psychological Society accreditation.

Employability

Enhancing your employability skills

Our graduates will not only gain a degree with some of the most diverse career options, but also the transferrable skills to support this.

Importantly, all content is underpinned by active learning - degree content and assessment not only meet the criteria for our accrediting body, but allow flexibility of the learning process, which can be tailored to career goals. Specific modules dedicated to employability skills and creation of impact within the local community will further support this.

International

Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.

The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.

Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:

Facilities & Staff

Our Facilities

We are constantly investing in our estate and have spent over £400 million on new learning facilities.

Psychology Labs

Explore the cutting-edge psychology labs, their resources and spaces that support our quest to unravel the complexities of the human mind and behaviour.

Learn about the Psychology Labs

Curzon with Millennium Point and Parkside

The Curzon Building

This course is based at our City Centre Campus – and specifically The Curzon Building, alongside other social sciences, law and business students.

The £63m building offers students a unique social learning space, including a dedicated student hub incorporating student support services, in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside development.

Realistic, simulated environments include two mock court rooms, a Magistrates' and Crown Court, and an interviewing suite. We’re also exploring the use of virtual environments as a way to develop case study analysis.

For those studying on the BA (Hons) Professional Policing or BA (Hons) Criminology, Policing and Investigation degrees, you’ll experience simulations of police interviewing environments for both suspects and witnesses, with access to tape recording and video playback analysis.

Crime investigation files are prepared using computer-based technology, and the crime data analysis requirements of the degree are supported by appropriate statistical and analytical software.

Psychology students can look forward to using state-of-the-art equipment as well, including the latest in eye-tracking software, and our new EEG machine, all geared towards giving you true hands-on experience with tools you’ll be using in your later career. You will also benefit from facilities across the wider campus including the Parkside and Millennium Point buildings.

The Curzon Building also features:

  • An impressive library with access to over 65 million full text items and stunning views of Eastside City Park
  • Your Students’ Union which is located in a beautifully restored 19th century pub, The Eagle and Ball
  • A modern 300-seat food court with space to study and socialise
  • Accessible IT facilities with full Office365 for all students for free
  • Shared facilities with the wider campus including the Parkside Building and Millennium Point

Our staff

Dr Athfar Akhtar

Associate Professor in Applied Psychology

Prior to coming to BCU, Athfah Akhtar was a researcher working alongside clinicians in primary and secondary mental health services for 7 years. Her PhD was on an area within occupational psychology, specifically well-being in Trainee Teachers.

More about Athfar

Dr Deborah Earnshaw

Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Course Lead for BSc (Hons) Psychology

Dr Deborah Earnshaw has been a lecturer in Psychology with BCU since December 2017, and taught at the University of Derby both on-campus and online during her postgraduate degrees.

More about Deborah

Dr Keeley Abbott

Associate Professor

Keeley's career to date has been characterised by an interest and awareness around issues related to equality, diversity and inclusivity. This is based on her research focus related to sexualities, sexual health and sex education, specifically relating to themes of inequalities, social exclusion and social justice.

More about Keeley

Dr Aaisha Connor

Senior Lecturer in Psychology

Dr Aaisha Connor (nee Farooqi) is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology, with an interest in mental health and well-being. She completed her industrial-based PhD at the University of Nottingham, and now enjoys working in academia. She is currently the Deputy Course Lead for the Psychology with Foundation Year course.

More about Aaisha

Dr Nazli Akay

Lecturer in Psychology

Dr Akay is a developmental psychologist with a background in clinical psychology. She is mainly interested in parenting, family dynamics and child well-being/psychopathology. Dr Akay currently serves as a Student and Early Career Council member and International Affairs Committee member at the Society for Research in Child Development. She is an...

More about Nazli