As a distance learner you’ll cover the same material, and the same amount of material, as if you were doing the BSc (Hons) Psychology course on campus.

Our psychology degree will give you a broad knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of modern psychology. You will develop a good knowledge of the influences on and factors involved in human functioning in all the core areas of psychology:

• Biological foundations
• Cognitive Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Individual Differences
• Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology
• Research methods

You will also develop detailed knowledge of several specialised areas through option choice, develop knowledge of research paradigms, methods and measurement techniques, of real life applications of theory to behaviour and experience, and knowledge of how behaviour and experience can be affected by physical and mental illness. This knowledge will be backed up by subject-based practical skills such as the ability to design and conduct research, to analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data, and awareness of ethical issues and principles in research on human behaviour.

Key to many careers and employers - you will also develop thinking skills, including analysis and interpretation of evidence, scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and appreciation of multiple perspectives and approaches. Furthermore, other skills for life and work including communication, computer literacy (word processing, statistical software), interpersonal and group skills, numeracy and statistical competence, self-knowledge and reflexivity, and planning and time-management.

We offer dual delivery which combines traditional on campus face-to-face teaching and online teaching simultaneously, allowing you to interact as if you were there in person. You can move smoothly between online and on campus teaching subject to your individual timetable (and health requirements). Students can interact and collaborate in person and online in any of these live-streamed sessions.

Live-streamed sessions will also be recorded, so you can login when you want, playback and watch from the comfort of your home and whilst on the go. Lab, rehearsal and practical on campus sessions are scheduled in blocks with online options.

We are investing in key areas beyond your studies including our career services, library and well-being, to be available both face-to-face on campus and online with many of these available 24/7. We have new, modern library facilities on both campuses offering inspirational environments for study and research. Libraries contain resources in print and digital formats, a range of study spaces and dedicated librarian who can assist with your learning.

Students are supported with any academic or subject related queries by an Academic Advisor, module leaders, former and current UEL students.

If you need a bit of extra help with certain skills such as academic writing, maths or IT, our Skillzone and English for Academic Purposes we offer workshops, drop-in sessions and one-to-one appointments to help our students achieve their potential. You can receive advice and guidance on all aspects of the IT systems provided by the university from our IT Service Desks located on all three campuses.

Our Student Support hubs in Docklands and Stratford feature centralised helpdesks to cater for your every need. UEL provides also support and advice for disabled students and those with specific learning difficulties (SPDs).

Your overall workload consists of class and online tutor led sessions, individual learning, practical activities. The size of classes can vary depending on the nature of the course, module and activity. This can range from large groups in a lecture theatre setting, to smaller groups taking part in seminars and collaborative work. You will receive your personalised timetable at the beginning of the academic year dependent on your course.

Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9.00am and 6.00pm. For undergraduate students Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

The approximate percentages for this course are:
Year 1: scheduled teaching – 300 hours; guided independent study – 900 hours.
Year 2: scheduled teaching – 300 hours; guided independent study – 900 hours.
Year 3: scheduled teaching – 300 hours; guided independent study – 900 hours


To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally attracts 100–120 students a year. Lecture sizes are normally 100 plus students.
In the seminars you will be taught in groups of 18–20 students. However, this can vary by academic year.

Who will teach on this course

Antonio Fidalgo

The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.

Employers value psychology graduates because they believe they have a better understanding of human behaviour. Your understanding of how people work within organisations will be a real selling point when you apply for any managerial appointment.

On average, 80 per cent of University of East London psychology graduates pursue careers outside academia.

Many are now employed in social welfare, sport and leisure, education, human resource management, consumer research and advertising, media, market research and community work.

Your training in data collection and analysis, report writing and IT skills will also be useful in a range of jobs not directly related to psychology.

If you are in the 20 per cent of graduates wanting to continue your studies, a BSc Psychology degree is the first step towards becoming a professional psychologist, whether it is in the field of clinical, educational, occupational, counselling, health or forensic psychology.