Psychology BSc (Hons)

Birkbeck, University of London

Psychology is an exciting and dynamic field that is concerned with the scientific study of how people think, feel and behave. Our BSc Psychology is British Psychological Society accredited and introduces you to the various scientific theories, methods and models that help psychologists observe, interpret and explain human behaviour across the lifespan. We explore the theory and practice behind everything from behavioural experiments to brain imaging to clinical assessments, in both healthy and patient populations.

This psychology degree provides you with a deep understanding of the foundational subject areas and specialisms within psychology, including biological, cognitive, developmental and social psychology, through which you will learn to think, speak and write critically and learn to develop and conduct hands-on research. A key feature of this course is its final-year pathways:

• psychology
• psychology with neuroscience
• psychology with child development
• psychology in practice.

You will be taught by world-leading academics who are undertaking novel and impactful research. We are renowned for our research in neuroscience, cognition, development and lived experience - and the links between them.

Your Birkbeck BSc Psychology degree will provide you with the first steps towards professional chartership in psychology (e.g. clinical, counselling, educational, health, occupational, forensic, sports). Our degree also provides you with valuable transferable employability skills that are sought across a wide range of industries including: marketing, advertising, research, postgraduate study, teaching, human resources and IT, among others.

Teaching on this BSc Psychology is flexible to respond to the needs of our students. Birkbeck is known for its evening teaching. From autumn 2024, this programme has the option of daytime or evening study.

If you opt for the full-time Accelerated Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.

Highlights

• The BSc degrees are accredited by the British Psychological Society and are the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.
• This course has multiple entry routes, pathways and exit awards, to match the diverse educational and career needs of all of our students. Students returning to study or who would like extra support can opt for routes that provide extra support and guidance.
• Birkbeck is strongly oriented towards research in psychological sciences and we are home to the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, the Institute for the Study of Children, Families and Social Issues, the Birkbeck-UCL Centre for Neuroimaging and the Centre for Cognition, Computation and Modelling. We also recently became members of the Bloomsbury Centre for Genetic Epidemiology and Statistics.
• We are consistently regarded as one of the top instititutions teaching psychological sciences in the UK. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, and for the third time, we were ranked in the top ten universities in the UK.
• Full-time students have the option of choosing daytime teaching that involves two to three days' attendance on campus with all classes taking place after midday. You will have access to high-quality online learning resources and can study and complete the course by attending during the day. Once you’ve applied through UCAS and have received your offer from us, we will contact you by email so you can let us know your afternoon or evening study preference.

Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in psychology, human relations, education or marketing. Possible professions include:

• clinical psychologist
• further education lecturer
• human resources officer
• market researcher.