Psychology with Foundation Year

Investigate the developing mind, apply social psychology to current events, and develop a scientific understanding of human experience with our BSc Psychology degree

Explore human psychology, from behaviour to emotions and brain development with our BSc Psychology degree. On this course, you will learn how psychology applies to the individual, institutions, and even to politics.

Our psychology programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society. By successfully completing this course you will be eligible for the Graduate Membership with the British Psychological Society (BPS).

A supportive community

We are smaller than many other universities. This means the psychology department can foster a community that provides you with support from staff and peers. Our BSc Psychology student, Maya, tells us their teachers were “warm and friendly, committed to providing amazing opportunities for all of their students”.

Exceptional teaching from research-active staff

We rose 42 places in the Complete University Guide (2023). Our student, Lara, explains that the teaching on the psychology course is “to the highest standard” and that “the lecturers are incredibly knowledgeable”.

Our staff also actively contribute to research, covering:

• non-traditional romantic relationships

• intergroup relationships

• attentional biases associated with anxiety

• intergenerational relationships within family contexts

• decision making

• visuomotor processing.

Attend talks on key developments

With our Student Psychology Society, you can attend exciting talks hosted by guest speakers, so you keep up to date with pressing issues and key developments.

Work placements: build professional experience

During your Psychology degree, you may also undertake a paid work placement. Our Workplace Learning Team will help organise this and will make sure yours is in a convenient location.

Previous students have worked with:

• charities

• schools

• hospitals

• care settings

• businesses.

About the Foundation Year

Our four-year degree programmes (including a foundation year) provide an alternative route to undergraduate study at university if you do not have the grades to access higher education in the traditional way.

Why St Mary’s?

You will gain skills and support to make a positive impact – for yourself and for others – through high-quality teaching, real-world experience, and a community that lifts each other up. Our campus is a London oasis – blending city energy with open green spaces to think, connect, and grow.

Students will take four core modules as part of the foundation year: Personal Learning Competencies, Taking a professional Approach; Thinking Critically, Creatively and Ethically, The Individual Project, Investigating Psychology and Performing Identities

Courses are assessed through a variety of methods including examinations, presentations, essays, research, practical reports and case studies.

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

• British Psychological Society