Interested in the study of people and their behaviour?

Want to find out more about the workings of the human mind? Whether you’re looking for a specialist area of psychology or prefer to follow a general route, Northumbria University’s BSc (Hons) in Psychology could be the undergraduate course for you.

You will have the option to tailor your degree through option choice and leave with one of Northumbria University’s specialist awards or choose to follow the more general BSc (Hons) Psychology degree course.

Northumbria University’s psychology course is taught by experienced, approachable research-active staff who take an innovative approach to learning. You will develop an understanding of the theories behind the ways we think and behave, examining a wide range of domains within psychology including cognitive psychology, psychobiology, developmental and social psychology.

Lab sessions give you valuable hands-on practical experience and you’ll have access to state-of-the art facilities.

The optional work placement and your final year research project will develop your personal and professional skills, and graduates will meet the requirements for Graduate Basis for Chartered membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society, upon achieving a 2:2 or higher, and must pass the empirical psychology project.

What is the Psychology learning experience at Northumbria University?

In Psychology we believe in innovative teaching and use social media, apps and podcasts along with the eLearning Portal (an online application where you can access information about your course and modules), electronic reading lists, lecture capture and online submission and feedback tools to support your learning.

Your study will be geared towards honing your research and analytical skills, developing your ability to learn independently and applying your knowledge in a real world setting through your work placement.

How are students taught and assessed?  

You will learn through hands-on practical work, enabling you to develop laboratory skills, alongside traditional lectures and seminars.  

You will be assessed through written assignments, oral and poster presentations, and examinations, culminating in a final year research project, driven by your personal interests and career aspirations.

Who teaches Psychology at Northumbria?

You will learn from inspirational, approachable, research-focused staff who are passionate about their subject and who are at the forefront of developments in the field.  

With a teaching team spanning a range of nationalities, we have formed global networks and partnerships through research and teaching which you can draw from to enhance your learning.

What areas of research are the Psychology department involved in?

Across the department we specialise in areas as diverse as sleep research; identity; trust and security in social media; human mating preferences and attractiveness; body image; and communications technology.

What Psychology facilities are available at Northumbria University?

At Northumbria we value the importance of practical experience so we provide you with access to dedicated specialist and flexible teaching laboratories. Many of your teaching sessions in will be held in the labs, and led by research-active staff. You can also book the rooms for your own project work and individual study.

What resources are available to support student research?

There is an extensive collection of psychological testing material to support your learning, including current editions of most of the widely used group and individual tests. You will also benefit from being immersed in an active research environment with access to Northumbria’s innovative research centres.

How does Northumbria University approach Psychology research?

Research excellence is embedded within every stage of the course.

Psychology research is centred around the theme of Psychology and Wellbeing and this is reflected in our research specialisms of Brain Performance and Nutrition, Communication Technologies, Sleep Research, Evolution Perception and Behaviour, Language and Cognition and Cognition across the Lifespan. State-of-the-art facilities and expert staff in each area allow you to learn from those at the cutting-edge of their subject. For your final year project you will be matched with an academic closely aligned to your area of specialism to ensure you have access to the most relevant knowledge and expertise.

How does Psychology at Northumbria University help with employability?

With accreditation by the British Psychological Society (BPS) to provide Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), the BSc in Psychology has been developed specifically to make you job-ready on graduation. To this end we offer the opportunity to undertake a work-based placement, in areas such as mental health, brain injury and education.

Northumbria’s Psychology BSc is designed to not only develop your understanding of the subject but also to enhance your transferable and critical thinking skills. You will graduate with practical experience and research skills, along with the confidence and independent learning ability that will stand you in good stead for a variety of careers.

With the opportunity to apply for Graduate Membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS) you can take your first steps to becoming a Chartered Psychologist and follow a career path into clinical, forensic, educational, health, counselling psychology or you may choose to go into education and further study.

Does Northumbria University offer work placements for Psychology?

A work placement is the ideal way to gain experience in your chosen career and will enable you to apply what you have learnt in the lecture theatre and lab in the real world.

You will be able to work alongside, and learn from, professionals in the psychology field, building up vital networking contacts and developing key skills such as time management, communication, problem solving and self-management.