Psychology

A Brighton Psychology degree prepares you for many rewarding careers in areas including forensic, health and educational and occupational psychology.

You’ll be part of a community that helps you grow, no matter what your background. The course is packed with opportunities to gain real-world experience, including an optional paid placement after year two and time with a not-for-profit organisation. You’ll also get hands-on experience carrying out research in our specialist labs throughout your degree. Our inclusive approach to learning will help you go further; we’ll make sure you play to your strengths and learn in ways that suit you best.

Our course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). You’ll follow the BPS curriculum which prepares you for entry to the profession and for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the BPS.

Brighton’s graduates go on to work as chartered psychologists, education mental health practitioners, health psychologists, therapists and wellbeing practitioners.

Top reasons to choose this course

• You’ll study all the major branches of psychology – developmental, cognitive, social and biological – and explore your interests and career goals through option modules.

• You’ll learn with our experienced psychology team and visiting guest lecturers who share industry insights – in the National Student Survey 2025, 97.4% of responding students said ‘teaching staff are good at explaining things’.

• Our course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) – the UK’s independent regulator of the psychology profession – preparing you for entry to the profession and for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).

• Placement opportunities will give you practical, hands-on experience and enable you to make key contacts in the sector.

• 90% of Brighton’s psychology graduates were in work or further study 15 months after their degree.

Course Modules

Year 1
During your first year, you’ll be introduced to core areas such as developmental, applied and wellbeing psychology, while gaining foundational knowledge in research methods and critical thinking. Modules explore the historical and societal context of psychology, practical applications across various fields and key developmental and wellbeing concepts.

Core modules
Psychology and Society
Introduction to Applied Psychology
Psychological Investigations – Foundations
Psychology Investigations – Practical Applications
Developmental Psychology
The Psychology of Wellbeing

Year 2
In your second year you will deepen your understanding of research methods, biological and cognitive psychology and social influences on behaviour, and develop independence as a researcher. You’ll choose from various option modules which include a community placement.

Core modules
Psychological Investigation: Becoming an Independent Researcher
Brain, Body and Cognition
Social Psychology and Individual Differences

Options*
Topics for Contemporary Debate
Cross-Cultural Criminology
Childhood, Psychology and Society
Psychology, Mental Health and Distress
Forensic Security
Community Engagement
Psychology Beyond the Barriers
Innovative Research Methods and Analysis

Optional Placement Year
Gain valuable experience and earn money during an optional placement year. You’ll return to the final year of your degree with added confidence, real-world experience and valuable contacts.

Final year
In your final year you’ll complete your dissertation project, applying your research skills to explore a topic of personal interest with support from academic staff. Option modules allow for further specialisation in areas such as forensic psychology, ecotherapy and cyberpsychology.

Core modules
Psychology Dissertation

Options*
Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Children
Community Wellbeing and Social Justice
Forensic Psychology
Developing a Therapeutic Relationship
Ecopsychology and Ecotherapy
Critical Addiction Studies
Cyberpsychology
Sexualities
Consumer Culture, Body Image and Wellbeing

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.