Psychology (BSc)

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade <4/C

English language requirements

All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK who do not offer GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at the required level will need to meet the following English language proficiency requirement. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements.

Band C IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components

We also accept other English language tests.

Non-academic entry requirements

There are no additional requirements

International qualifications

Find a list of accepted international qualifications listed by country.

This is a list of the international qualifications that are recognised by the University of Southampton. If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.

Other ways to qualify

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:

• our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)

• skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)

Find out more about our Admissions Policy.

Year 1

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:

• Introduction to Psychology

• Individual Differences

• Behavioural Neuroscience

• Research Methods and Data Analysis I and II

• Thinking Psychologically

You’ll choose 2 optional modules from within psychology (Psychology of Attractiveness and 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

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:

• Developmental Psychology

• Language and Memory

• Perception

• Social Psychology 

• Research Methods and Data Analysis III 

• 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

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:

• Human Animal Interactions

• Educational Psychology

• Psychology of Advertising

• Social and Affective Neuroscience 

• Intergroup Relations and Interpersonal Influence 

• Anxiety in Children and Adolescents 

You can also choose up to 2 modules from outside of psychology.

Support for your studies

You'll have your own personal academic tutor assigned to you. They'll offer one-to-one support and advice throughout your studies. You can also contact our dedicated Student Support Team if you need more help.

How you’ll spend your study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study, year by year:

How we’ll assess you

We’ll assess you using:

• blogs
• coursework, laboratory reports and essays
• essays
• oral presentations
• written exams

Your assessment breakdown, year by year:

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 studies, 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.

UK/EU fees

You'll pay £9,250 in tuition fees for the academic year 2020 to 2021. This fee might change for further years of your course.

International student fees

You’ll pay £21,580 each year. This fee will stay the same throughout your studies.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

Find out how to:

• pay your tuition fees

• calculate your student finances

Extra costs you might have to pay

• Laboratory Equipment and Materials
• Parking costs (including on placements at hospitals)
• Anything else not covered elsewhere
• Approved Calculators
• Conference expenses
• Stationery
• Hardware
• Placements (including Study Abroad Programmes)
• Textbooks
• Software Licenses
• Printing and Photocopying Costs
• Fieldwork: logistical costs

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.

Clubs, societies and facilities

Our campuses have:

• cafes and restaurants

• bars

• health centres

• banks

• a post office

• student shops

• a hairdresser

Our sports facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym with 140 fitness stations, squash courts, a bouldering wall, outdoor pitches and much more. There are over 80 sports clubs you could join, and activity classes including yoga and spin.

We have an internationally known theatre, concert hall, art gallery and cinema showing everything from mainstream blockbusters to international arthouse classics. You could perform at a gig, concert or show, take part in an exhibition or join a writers’ workshop. Find out more about arts and culture at Southampton.

Whatever your passion or community, you can find like-minded people at one of the Students’ Union clubs and societies. There are more than 200 to join, and social activities in every hall of residence.

Support while you study

We aim to help you deal with any problems you might come across, so you can make the most of your time at university. We offer support with:

• mental health, learning difficulties and disability

• money and accommodation

• childcare

• computers and IT

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.