Psychology with Foundation Year

This course includes an additional foundation year at the start of the course which helps prepare you for full time undergraduate study at BSc level. It is a four year course and available to you if you didn't quite meet the entry requirements or want longer to prepare for full time study.

Are you curious about the science behind human thought and behaviour? Transform your interest into a rewarding career with our British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited BSc (Hons) Psychology degree at BNU.

Led by experienced psychologists, this degree offers an in-depth exploration of the human mind, what drives behaviour, how we think, and why we act the way we do. Through a dynamic blend of theoretical study and hands-on practical experience, you'll develop a strong foundation in psychological research and critical thinking.

What will I study?
Throughout your studies, you’ll develop a strong foundation in the analytical, communication, and research skills that are highly valued by employers. This degree is designed to equip you with in-demand, practical expertise that prepares you for both further study and a wide range of careers.

Some of the key areas you will explore include:

• Personality, development, sensation, and perception – examining how these psychological processes influence behaviour and everyday experiences.

• Biological and cognitive bases of behaviour – enabling you to understand complex issues such as mental health conditions, memory, learning, and even criminal behaviour.

• Social psychology – providing insight into how individuals interact with, and are influenced by, societal structures, cultural norms, and social roles.

• Research methods – with a focus on both qualitative and quantitative techniques, giving you the tools to design, conduct, and evaluate psychological research effectively.

With a wealth of opportunities to explore various branches of psychology, our programme offers an extensive selection of optional modules, allowing you to personalise your degree to align with your individual interests and career aspirations. Whether you are drawn to clinical, forensic, evolutionary, developmental, or social psychology, you can tailor your studies to deepen your expertise in the areas most relevant to your goals.

Each module is delivered by experienced, research-active psychologists who bring valuable real-world perspectives to their teaching. Their active engagement in cutting-edge research and professional practice ensures that your learning is informed by the latest developments in the field, providing both academic rigor and practical insight. This approach not only enriches your educational experience but also prepares you to make meaningful contributions in your future career.

Our BSc (Hons) Psychology degree is ranked in the top five in the UK for teaching quality (The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025), reflecting our commitment to delivering an outstanding student learning experience.

Cutting-edge facilities
At BNU, we believe that learning extends beyond the classroom. Our Psychology degree offers you the opportunity to develop practical, hands-on skills in state-of-the-art facilities, designed to support your growth as a confident and capable psychologist. Under the guidance of experienced lecturers and industry professionals, you'll engage with real-world tools and technologies that bring psychological theory to life.

Our specialist psychology laboratories are equipped with advanced resources, including virtual reality (VR) technology, an anatomage table, a dedicated counselling room with observation capabilities, tools for analysing group behaviour and reactions, Biopac systems for monitoring and measuring physiological responses, and industry-standard software such as SPSS for data analysis. These facilities allow you to apply your knowledge in practical settings, preparing you for both further study and professional practice.

Foundation Year
Core
Human Behaviour
Research Matters
Human Science – Dissecting the details
Human Communication
Exploring Intersections
Knowledge Unleashed

Year one
Core
Frameworks of Living Psychology
Applying Psychology
Researching Psychology
Nature and Nurture in Psychology
The Mind in Context: Cognitive and Social Psychology
Digital Minds: Exploring Personality and Cyberpsychology

Year two
Core
Personality and Development
Sensation, Perception, and Beyond
Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Qualitative Approaches in Psychology
Approaches to Positive Human Development

Optional Modules
The Therapeutic Process
Client Diversity and Therapeutic Spaces
Psychological Perspectives in Classifying Criminality
Employability and Professional Development
Inclusive Practice in Sport and Physical Activity
Approaches to Applied Sport and Performance Psychology

Year three
Core
Conceptual and Critical Social Psychology
Dissertation

Optional Modules
Police Psychology and the Legal Framework
Investigative and Forensic Psychology
Interpersonal Violence
Psychology of Physical Education and Youth Sport
Employability and Professional Development
The Therapeutic Process
States, Beliefs, Values: Psychology in Practice
Victimology
The Human Brain: Evolution, Cognition and Behaviour
Applied Psychology Pathways to Practice

This course integrates academic theory with practical experience to ensure your learning remains both relevant and engaging. Teaching is delivered through a blend of interactive lectures and seminars, hands-on laboratory work and simulations, as well as collaborative group projects and independent research.

Assessment methods are varied and thoughtfully designed to promote deep learning, self-reflection, and academic growth. These include:

exams
presentations
coursework
group assignments
research projects.
In your final year, you will undertake a psychology dissertation on a topic of your choosing, allowing you to explore an area of personal interest in depth.

To qualify for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), an essential milestone on the path to becoming a Chartered Psychologist, you must successfully complete designated core modules.

We recognise that psychology is an incredibly rewarding profession, but one that can also come with challenges. That’s why we place your wellbeing and development at the heart of our degree, equipping you with the support and guidance needed to grow into a confident, capable psychologist.

Some days may be personally demanding, which makes having a supportive environment essential. At BNU, we foster a close-knit, encouraging community where you can turn to both your peers and our dedicated teaching staff for support and reassurance through shared and individual challenges.

We take pride in truly getting to know our students. Throughout your course, you’ll benefit from personalised, one-to-one support from your tutors and the wider academic team.

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

• British Psychological Society