About this course
Are you fascinated by the human mind? Do you question what prompts human behaviour? Choose the BSc in Psychology degree at the University of Southampton to journey into the human psyche. This highly useful degree course will let you analyse human choices, emotions, motivations and beliefs through research and data analysis.
On this degree, we offer you a broad range of subjects to delve into, such as social psychology and neuroscience, leading to more specific subjects such as child development and the psychology of advertising.
This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society, and you’ll be eligible for membership when you graduate.
Our facilities will support you in every area of research. They include:
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a custom-fit mobile research vehicle for community research
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eye movement recording facilities
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an observation lab with audiovisual studio
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a virtual reality (VR) laboratory
As part of your degree you can:
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study a second subject as a minor discipline
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study abroad at one of our partner universities including the University of Sydney, University of Hong Kong, and University of Western Ontario
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study modules outside of psychology to broaden your knowledge, including criminology, social sciences and law
You could be involved in all aspects of the department’s research process, working alongside postgraduate students or academic staff in one of our research centres:
Accreditations
This course is accredited by:
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
A-levels
AAB including one subject in Psychology, Mathematics or a Science subject. AAA if not studying a required subject.
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Acceptable science subject are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology or Physics. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required.
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer:
ABB including one subject in Psychology, Mathematics or a Science subject, and grade A in the EPQ.
or
AAB and grade A in the EPQ if not studying a required subject.
A-levels contextual offer
ABB including one subject in Psychology, Mathematics or a Science subject.AAB if not studying a required subject.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 665 points at Higher Level, including Psychology, Mathematics or a Science subject at Higher Level, or Pass, with 36 points overall with 666 at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
DDD in the BTEC Extended Diploma, DD in the BTEC Diploma plus A or B in one A-level subject, D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA/AB from 2 A-levels
BTEC additional information
BTEC Extended Diploma must be in a relevant subject area
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
A-levels
AAB including one subject in Psychology, Mathematics or a Science subject.
AAA if not studying a required subject.
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Acceptable science subject are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology or Physics. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required.
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer:
ABB including one subject in Psychology, Mathematics or a Science subject, and grade A in the EPQ.
or
AAB and grade A in the EPQ if not studying a required subject.
A-levels contextual offer
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB including one subject in Psychology, Mathematics or a Science subject.
AAB if not studying a required subject.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 665 points at Higher Level, including Psychology, Mathematics or a Science subject at Higher Level, or Pass, with 36 points overall with 666 at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
DDD in the BTEC Extended Diploma, D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A or B in A-level subjects
BTEC additional information
BTEC Extended Diploma must be in a relevant subject area
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
This BSc psychology course, introduces you to the essential principles of psychological theory, including the broad areas of clinical, cognition, social, health and developmental psychology. You’ll also learn the key research methods and data analysis techniques that will support your own research studies.
Year 1 overview
In year 1 you’ll learn about the fundamentals of the science of psychology, and will focus on 2 core areas: individual differences and behavioural neuroscience. You’ll also start your research methods training.
Your core and compulsory modules are:
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Introduction to Psychology
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Individual Differences
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Behavioural Neuroscience
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Research Methods and Data Analysis I and II
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Psychology of Attractiveness
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Thinking Psychologically
In semester 2 you’ll choose 1 optional module from within psychology (Psychology of Mental Health) or from another subject area of the University. This interdisciplinary approach is designed to help you engage in globally relevant issues and to develop skills and knowledge beyond psychology.
Year 2 overview
You’ll focus on more fundamental areas of psychology. Your research training and practical tuition will be expanded to prepare you for your final year project.
Your core modules are:
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Developmental Psychology
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Language and Memory
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Perception
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Social Psychology
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Research Methods and Data Analysis III
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Empirical Studies
Your 2 optional modules can be chosen from within psychology (Introduction to Health Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience), or you can follow your interests and career plans by choosing modules from other subject areas in the University.
Year 3 overview
You’ll use the research and analysis skills you’ve developed to carry out a literature review of a topic of your choosing. You’ll form a hypothesis, then research and produce a paper on your findings. We encourage cutting-edge student research, so you might use methods like surveys, video observation, electro-cortical brain recordings, eye tracking and physiological measures of heart rate and skin conductance.
Your final core module will focus on current issues in clinical psychology. You’ll select 5 more modules from a list that includes possible career specialisms to explore, including:
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Human Animal Interactions
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Educational Psychology
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Psychology of Advertising
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Social and Affective Neuroscience
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Intergroup Relations and Interpersonal Influence
You can also choose up to 2 modules from outside of psychology.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- independent learning (studying on your own)
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Claire Hart is the course leader.
Careers
As a graduate of Psychology at Southampton, you’ll be eligible for membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS). This stands out on a graduate CV, and also gives you access to career and training events at the BPS.
A psychology degree helps prepare you to become a psychologist. There are a range of potential jobs for psychology graduates, including:
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clinical psychology
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educational psychology
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forensic psychology
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health and occupational psychologies
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teaching
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human resources
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marketing
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welfare
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
Throughout your degree, you can take advantage of our commercial partnerships through work placements, internships and volunteering. The Voluntary Research Assistant Scheme connects you with experts to gain hands-on research experience and contribute to cutting-edge projects.
Our year in employment programme offers the chance to gain experience in the industry of your choice between your second and third years.
We also run a competitive summer placement scheme, in which you can apply to work alongside research and psychology professionals within the University, in NHS clinics and in market research companies.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK/EU students pay £9,250.
- International students pay £21,580.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: C800
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000