Psychology

Our BPS-accredited BSc Psychology degree is a flexible course consisting of compulsory and optional units both within and outside of psychology, preparing you to work in a wide range of professions and sectors. When you finish the degree, you’ll be eligible for Graduate Membership of the BPS, a key step if you want to train as a professional psychologist.

In your first two years, you’ll cover the essential topics needed for accreditation, such as:

• how the brain functions (biological psychology);

• how we think and learn (cognitive psychology);

• how we grow and change throughout the lifespan (developmental psychology);

• why people differ in their personalities, traits, and behaviours (individual differences).

You’ll also explore:

• how people interact and influence each other (social psychology);

• how psychological research is conducted (research methods);

• the major concepts and historical developments in the field (conceptual and historical issues in psychology).

Our course focuses on applying psychology to real-world challenges like climate change, tackling discrimination, AI misuse and fake news, and improving mental wellbeing and resilience. You’ll learn through a mix of in-person teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials, practical classes, lab sessions, and seminars. Online resources support your learning in areas like research methods and statistics, letting you revisit content at your own pace whenever you need a refresher.

You’ll also get hands-on experience through research-based learning. In Years 1 and 2, you’ll take part in semester-long lab units to develop skills in designing, conducting, and analysing research. By Year 3, you’ll carry out your own research project, diving deep into a topic that interests you.

Career preparation is also a key focus. In your second year, you’ll complete a 30-hour placement to gain real-world experience. Between Years 2 and 3, you also have the option to study for a full-year placement with organisations like the NHS, schools, or businesses, or spend a year studying psychology abroad at one of our partner universities. These options will help you build practical skills and gain a fresh perspective on psychology.

https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/2027/00653/bsc-psychology/

Our assessments are as varied as the skills you’ll develop, and include:

• MCQ examinations

• essay examinations

• posters

• presentations

• laboratory reports

• quizzes

• coursework essays

• patient information leaflets

• mock video interviews

• the final year project report.

This diverse approach ensures you’re ready for both academic success and your future career.