Overview
Study the mind and human behaviour systematically and scientifically with our BSc (Hons) Psychology programme.
You’ll develop a strong understanding of core Psychological concepts and practices, the professional applications of psychology, and specialist areas such as:
- psychobiology and neuroscience
- qualitative and quantitative research methods and data analysis
- cognitive, developmental, social and forensic psychology
You’ll be able to design and carry out investigations in our psychology laboratories, and will undertake a research project in your final year.
We offer clear Master’s and PhD progression routes from this BSc (Hons) programme. Entry to areas such as clinical, occupational, forensic, counselling, health or educational psychology requires a postgraduate qualification following a first degree in psychology which is accredited by the British Psychological Society.
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as conferring eligibility for Graduate Membership of the Society with the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, provided the minimum standard of qualification of Second-Class Honours is achieved and the empirical psychology project is passed. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist and/or Practising Psychologist.
Entry requirements
Typical offer – 112 UCAS tariff points.
We take into consideration a number of factors when assessing your application. It’s not just about your grades; we take the time to understand your personal circumstances and make decisions based on your potential to thrive at university and beyond.
A levels
There are no specific subject requirements.
BTEC Extended Diploma
DMM — there are no specific subject requirements.
Applicants on Access Programmes
Meet UCAS Tariff of 112 — there are no specific subject requirements.
International Baccalaureate requirements
112 UCAS tariff points to include at least 80 points from 2 HL subjects. Plus HL 3 or SL 4 in English Language and Literature A or English B.
Plus minimum of
GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C or 4 (equivalents accepted).
English language requirements
Minimum IELTS at 6.0 or the equivalent.
If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, you can take a University of Bradford pre-sessional English course.
CIFS entry requirement
If you are an International student and do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry onto this course you may be interested in our Certificate of International Foundation Studies
80 UCAS points or equivalent (see individual country pages for details) plus Maths equivalent to GCSE Grade C. UKVI approved IELTS of 5.0 overall with no sub-test less than 5.0.
CIFS modules to be taken
Students study the four core modules plus:
- Introduction to the Social Sciences
And ONE additional module from the following:
- Global Business Environment
- Foundation in Human Biology
- Foundation in Chemistry
- Foundation Mathematics 2
Progression requirements for degree programme
An overall average of 50%
Course Content
All module information is subject to change.
First year
Core
Brain and Behaviour (PSY4009-B)
Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology (PSY4006-B)
Thinking Psychologically at Bradford (PSY4011-B)
Critical and Philosophical Issues in Psychology (PSY4005-B)
Understanding Social Development (PSY4010-B)
Applications of Professional Psychology (PSY4007-B)
Second year
Core
Cognitive Psychology (PSY5008-B)
Social Psychology (PSY5010-B)
Quantitative Research Methods and Data Analysis (PSY5011-B)
Methodological Issues and Qualitative Research (PSY5012-B)
Developmental Psychology (PSY5013-B)
Psychobiology and Neuroscience (PSY5009-B)
Final year
Core
Research Project in Psychology (PSY6009-D)
Option
Abnormal Psychology, Health and Intervention (PSY6002-B)
Advances in Child Development in Education Contexts (PSY6008-B)
Advanced Issues in Neuropsychology (PSY6003-B)
Forensic Psychology (PSY6001-B)
The Psychology of Health and Eating (PSY6005-B)
Psychological Life Skills and Employability (PSY6011-B)
University Elective
Career support
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.
Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.
Career prospects
We have always had an excellent graduate employment record, which reflects on important aspects of our courses that are highly valued by employers, namely: the ability to examine issues in depth and to make constructive judgements on them; and the capacity to work in groups to resolve problems, or research issues.
The courses are the first step towards entry into areas such as clinical, occupational, forensic, counselling, health or educational psychology which would require a further postgraduate qualification.
However, our courses are also suitable for those interested in psychology as a subject without being committed to a career as a Psychologist. The course provides key transferable skills relevant to a variety of careers including social work, personnel management, market research, advertising, teaching, broadcasting, nursing, the police and the Armed Forces.
There are also opportunities for further study and research for MPhil and PhD. The Faculty has been working at the cutting edge of research for more than 40 years. The Psychology research groups focus predominantly on the areas of health psychology and behaviour change. The Applied Health and Social Psychology Group has an increasing national and international reputation, receiving Economic and Social Research Council and NHS funding for research.
Employment statistics
92% of our 2017 graduates in BSc (Hons) Psychology found employment or went on to further study within six months of graduating.*
Salary expectations
The average starting salary for our 2017 Psychology graduates was £13,500.*
*These DLHE statistics are derived from annually published data by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), based on those UK domiciled graduates who are available for employment or further study and whose destinations are known.
Learning and assessment
The teaching, learning and assessment strategy aims to develop active learning and takes into consideration the need for you to take greater responsibility for your own learning as you progress through the programme. You will be exposed to a variety of different learning and teaching approaches and activities. Please see the appendix for further details. Specifically, knowledge and understanding as well as transferable skills will be developed through:
- lectures
- laboratory/workshops
- seminars (e.g. problem/discussion based)
- tutorials
- projects/dissertations
- directed and self-directed study
- assessment-based learning (formative and summative)
- problem based learning
- collaborative learning and group work
- peer mentoring
Our approach is underpinned by research-led teaching which includes being exposed to the specialist research interests and practices of our academic team as well being informed by educational research.
Study support
We have a commitment to strong pastoral care for all of our students, which includes a Personal Tutor for all students, regular contact hours for tutor groups and our supportive student service teams who are always ready to help with any questions and provide the advice that you need.
In addition to standard study support through taught sessions, our Virtual Learning Environment allows students to access resources, participate in group work and submit work from anywhere in the world 24/7.
University central services are rich with support teams to assist students with every aspect of their journey through our degree programmes.
From our Career and Employability Service, through our strong Students’ Union, to our professional and efficient Student Finance team, there are always friendly faces ready to support you and provide you with the answers that you need.
Research
Academics in the Division of Psychology at the University of Bradford are involved in an exciting and innovative range of research at the cutting edge of psychology.
Our research expertise focuses on the application of psychology to understanding health and well-being; cognition and brain research including neuropsychology, perception and developmental psychology, and the connections between identity, social constructionism and narrative.
We have two active research groups:
Applied Health and Social Psychology Group
The work of this group draws upon psychological principles and theory to research how a range of issues impact upon health and wellbeing.
Our work has an applied focus and explores the link between subjectivity and the social world in relation to health and well-being, as well as the relationship between biological and psychological processes. The group includes links with a number of researchers from across and outside the University.
Bradford Cognition and Brain Group
This group is a collaboration between the Division of Psychology and the School of Optometry and Vision Science.
It promotes alliance and the sharing of research across the University of Bradford (and beyond) among anyone interested in Cognitive Psychology, or any type of brain functioning or behaviour.
Regular seminars allow individuals to present their research to the rest of the group and encourage discussion of potential research links, including funding opportunities.