Psychology

Our BSc(Hons) Psychology degree course allows you to understand and analyse human behaviour, thought and emotions, from many different psychological perspectives. The course focuses upon the major issues and methods of enquiry in current psychology and considers the applications of psychology to problems of modern life in work, education, physical and mental health, and crime.

The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. You also have the opportunity to gain Graduate Basis for Chartered (GBC) Membership, which is considered as the starting point to your career in psychology obtaining GBC.

You will have the opportunity to enhance your employability through volunteering opportunities and research placements, as well as through the courses focus on analysing human behaviour from many psychological perspectives.

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical or laboratory workshops, computer assisted learning, independent and group work.

The course provides you with useful experience, especially if you are intending to work in a range of career areas both inside and outside of psychology, such as educational psychology, clinical psychology, teaching and research. Our graduates are employed in education, the health service, the police force, human resources management, marketing, the civil service, broadcasting, social work and many other professions. Upon completion of this course, you can continue your studies in Psychology at postgraduate level and then obtain ‘chartered’ status as a counselling, clinical, educational, occupational, health or forensic psychologist.

Why choose the University of Northampton?

At the University of Northampton, you’ll benefit from a supportive, career-focused experience designed to help you succeed.

Personalised learning

Study in small groups led by expert academics, with dedicated one-to-one support. Our close-knit community ensures you receive individual guidance while being challenged to achieve your best.

Built for your future

Whatever your goals, we’ll help you get there. You’ll develop valuable skills, discover your strengths, and gain real-world experience - so you’re ready to stand out when applying for jobs or further study.

Guaranteed accommodation

We guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time first-year students who apply and accept their offer by June 2027*.

Exceptional student benefits

You’ll receive a brand-new laptop at no additional cost**, and all essential textbooks are available through our library - helping you save money throughout your studies.

A modern campus experience

Study at our student-led purpose-built Waterside Campus, designed to provide an inspiring and dynamic environment for learning and student life. Visit us at an Open Day to see it for yourself.

The Northampton Employment Promise

We’re confident you’ll graduate ready to launch your career. If you’re not in employment within six months, you’ll receive dedicated support from a Careers Development Consultant. If you’re still seeking opportunities after that, we’ll offer you a paid internship.

✱ Eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information
✱✱ Eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information.

Course Modules

STAGE 1
• Psychology in Practice (compulsory)
• Introduction to Psychology (compulsory)
• Investigating Psychology (compulsory)
• Becoming a Psychologist (compulsory)
• Positive Psychology (compulsory)
• Psychology for Life (compulsory)

STAGE 2
• Independent Practical Work (Compulsory)
• Research Methods and Statistics (Compulsory)
• The Human Animal (Designated)
• The Psychology of Well Being (Designated)
• The Psychology of Learning and Teaching in Educational Settings (Designated)
• Biological and Cognitive Psychology: Mechanisms of the mind (Compulsory)
• Development and Society (Compulsory)
• Personality & the Fundamentals of Psychology (Compulsory)

Optional Placement Year
• The FHES Placement Year Experience (designated)
Students must have successfully completed 100 credits at Level 5 in order to undertake placement.

STAGE 3
• Psychology Dissertation (designated)
• Psychology Library Based Dissertation (designated)
• The Psychology of Mental Health (designated)
• Parapsychology and Anomalous Experiences (designated)
• The Psychology of Health (designated)
• Forensic Psychology (designated)
• Applying Positive Psychology (designated)
• Educational Psychology (designated)
• Understanding the Social World (designated)
• Psychology of Spirituality, Religion and Wellbeing (designated)
• Neuroscience of Mind (designated)
• Lifespan Development (designated)
• The Psychology of Work and Organisations (designated)

• Students must take either PSY4001 or PSY4004 plus four designated modules. Students requiring GBC must take PSY4001 plus four designated modules. Students who complete PSY4004 will achieve BA Psychological Studies, not BSc Psychology.
  **Module information is quoted for 2025/26 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly.

A variety of assessment strategies are used at each level to ascertain your level of competence in a range of academic and transferable skills. These strategies include essays, practical reports, multiple-choice tests, oral presentations, time-constrained essays, seen and unseen examinations, critical reviews, group project work, patchwork blogs, audio-visual presentations, and reflective reports, for example.

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

• British Psychological Society