Psychology

Our BSc (Hons) Psychology is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). The course will equip you with the transferable skills and analytical abilities that top employers are actively looking for in their graduates.

Why QMU?

• We offer a stimulating environment in which students can develop the intellectual and professional edge needed for working with 21st century society, and in which our staff work on outward-facing, innovative and cross-disciplinary research.

• Our course is student-focused and research-informed. It offers students the opportunity to work closely with staff on current, real-world projects and collaborations.

• Our class sizes are smaller compared with some universities, so you have closer and more personal support and guidance from our staff.

• We came top amongst UK universities for 'overall student satisfaction in social sciences' in the National Student Survey 2021.

On this course you will:

• Learn the valuable skills needed to think critically and scientifically and you will engage in empirical research throughout your degree.

• Learn across six core areas of psychology (cognitive, biological, historical, developmental, social and individual differences)

• Gain extensive practical training in research methods.

• Learn to use scientific methods and evidence to understand, measure and modify behaviour.

• Crucially, learn how to think, write and critique in a scientific way, giving you the core skills you need to follow a career in the field.

• Enhance your broad psychological knowledge by specialising in your choice of dissertation topic and elective modules.

Why do humans think, feel and behave the way we do? As a psychology student you will find answers to some of the most fundamental and fascinating of questions. When you graduate with a 2:2 honours degree or better, you will be able to join the BPS as a graduate member, an essential step on the journey to becoming a professional psychologist.

Year One

• Introduction to Psychology 1
• Foundations of Psychology: Core Concepts and Practices
• Introduction to Psychology 2
• plus 60 credits from another topic
  Optional modules may be in sociology, biological sciences or education. Please note that optional modules may vary year on year and may not always be available.

Year Two

• Social and Developmental Psychology
• Exploring Research in Psychology
• Biological and Cognitive Psychology
• Individual Differences, Wellbeing and Ethical Practice
  plus 20 credits from another topic.
  Optional modules may be in sociology, biological sciences or education. Please note that optional modules may vary year on year and may not always be available.

Year Three

• Social Psychology and Social Justice
• Psychobiology in Context
• Historical Perspectives in Psychology
• The Skilled Researcher
• Developmental Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology

Year Four

• Psychology for Contemporary Issues
• 60 credits from dissertation research and a module on contemporary psychology.
• plus three modules from a range of options.
  Provision varies on a year-by-year basis but examples include: Memory: Origins and Structures/Cognitive Science of Belief/Evolutionary Psychology in the Modern World/Eyewitness Psychology/Happiness and Wellbeing/Psychology of Pain/Peer Relations in Childhood and Adolescence/Political Psychology

The modules listed here are correct at time of posting (Feb 2024) but may differ slightly to those offered in 2025. Please check back here for any updates.

You will be taught in lectures, seminars, practical workshops and laboratories. Outside these timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning through self-study. You will be assessed by essays, case studies or group projects and written exams.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• British Psychological Society

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS