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
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202223
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 Physics, Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Statistics. 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.
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
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants 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 an applicant'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, as follows: ABB including one subject in Psychology, Mathematics or a Science subject.<br><br>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
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.
BTEC additional information
BTEC Extended Diploma must be in a relevant subject area
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit
Access to HE additional information
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2, or H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 D3 or D3 D3 M2
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB including one subject in Psychology, Mathematics or a Science subject. AAA if not studying a required subject or AA from two A levels including (Psychology, Mathematics or a Science subject) and Grade B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate, or Grades AA from 2 A-levels plus Welsh Baccalaureate Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Welsh 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.
European Baccalaureate
80% overall
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
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our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
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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.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
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
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
This module sits alongside the academic modules that make up your degree programme. As such, this is a ZERO credit module. Nevertheless, we believe that this module is so important to your success that it should be taken by all students. Thus, it is a C...
The module aims to develop the themes introduced in the Introduction to Psychology Module in semester 1. The module integrates the approaches and findings of biological psychology in an attempt to understand the biological factors that explain why people...
The course covers the topics of personality and intelligence from the perspective of individual differences. Some research psychologists explore the ways in which people are the same, and seek to draw general conclusions about human nature. Howeve...
Introduction to Psychology will touch on a number of different topics including The Science of Psychology, Sensation, Perception, Memory, Metacognition, Social Cognition, Attitudes and Emotions, Interpersonal processes, Development & Health Psychology, an...
In this unit, we explore possible answers to questions such as: What constitutes physical and interpersonal attractiveness? How many types of love are there? Where are the main sources of attraction? What difference does attractiveness make to people's l...
This module is designed to extend understanding of the research methods and data analysis techniques introduced in the first semester of the first year. You will be introduced to further statistical techniques used in psychology and learn to apply them bo...
Psychology is a science that involves experimental work and data analysis. The module will provide the fundamental information required to progress to more complex statistical techniques taught in Semester 2 and Year 2. Learning about research methods and...
Thinking Psychologically is designed specifically to help students develop a range of key academic skills that will be important to them both at University and beyond. These include concise and extended writing, critical thought and debate, visual present...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
In this module you will develop an understanding of the England and Wales criminal justice system, with a particular focus on its philosophies, institutional practices and processes and outcomes. You will gain an understanding of how the criminal justice ...
This module offers students opportunity to track and reflect on their understanding of the major themes featured in other modules within their degree with a view to indicating through the submission of an assessed piece of writing evidence that demonstrat...
This module will be an introduction to the psychology of metal health. Students will first learn about definitions of mental health, followed by different perspectives. Students will then learn about diagnosis and stigma, followed by brief over views of ...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
This module sits alongside the academic modules that make up your degree programme. As such, this is a ZERO credit module. Nevertheless, we believe that this module is so important to your success that it should be taken by all students. Thus, it is a C...
This module will develop your understanding and knowledge of development across childhood, adolescence and adulthood. We will present historical and current research studies and explain how these link to related theoretical frameworks. The module will e...
The module is to learn and apply practical and technical skills in the context of real research, for example, * relating designs to research questions, * processing and analysing "raw" data according to given research question and design, * interpreti...
This module is designed to provide you with an introduction to cognitive psychology, or the study of human cognitive processes, with an emphasis on three of those processes – communication, language and memory. Apart from being intrinsically interesting (...
The module will cover basic topics in perceptual psychology. We will discuss how the visual brain uses information from the two eyes in combination with learnt heuristics and other information sources to construct a perceptual representation of the world....
The lectures cover theory, terminology, calculations for statistical tests, concepts relating to research methods and the use of SPSS. This module will focus on understanding rationale behind different statistical procedures, discriminating between di...
This module is designed to familiarise students with the principal theories, concepts, and research methods relevant to social psychology. The lectures and readings are designed to acquaint students with both classic and current research trends in social ...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
The module is aimed at providing a broad overview of adult learning and adult learners. It touches upon FE, HE and work based learning. It aims to explore the barriers and enablers to adult learning and how such learning is a vital part of the world of ...
This second-year module will present a broad introduction to the field of cognitive neuroscience. This module will focus on how psychological theories of the mind are informed by neuropsychological and neuroscientific evidence. Topics covered include: hem...
In this module you will develop an understanding of the England and Wales criminal justice system, with a particular focus on its philosophies, institutional practices and processes and outcomes. You will gain an understanding of how the criminal justice ...
This module encourages you to take an in-depth look at the way psychology has been used to explain and control crime. We will explore the way psychological principles can be applied to such issues as violence, murder, serial killing and the role of the c...
Do you want to find out how stem cells are being used to help treat disease and allow us to live better, for longer? And are you interested in the controversy surrounding them? Do you want to find out what tissue engineering is, and how scientists are ...
The global health module is an exciting opportunity to examine the factors associated with emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases such as the recent outbreak of Ebola and Swine Flu that quickly spread around the world, and non-communicable diseases ...
The investigation of human origins has been described as the intellectual romance of the social sciences. This module examines the changing ideas about our earliest ancestors and the evolution of hominin culture and biology and explores the links between ...
In a world of fast and easy communication, we are increasingly working and studying alongside people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Understanding our intercultural encounters allows us to develop awareness of ourselves and others, as ...
This module focuses on definitions and measurement of crime and deviance; it explores sociological theories and bio-psychological approaches of crime and deviance and it promotes critical thinking on the social construction of crime.
This module will introduce students to the discipline of health psychology.
This is an interactive and practical module aiming to inspire students to social enterprise and entrepreneurship by giving them an experiential introduction to human centred design processes. The emphasis in this module is on the translation of knowled...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
This module sits alongside the academic modules that make up your degree programme. As such, this is a ZERO credit module. Nevertheless, we believe that this module is so important to your success that it should be taken by all students. Thus, it is a C...
The module will provide an introduction to adult psychopathology, to present the psychological and biological models that have been developed to explain a variety of psychological disorders, and to examine both the empirical foundation of these models and...
The Year 3 Empirical Project comprises two components, linked to one another. Each component comprises its own module. Thus, the Empirical Project consists of two modules. The first component, run in Semester 1, is the Literature Review (PSYC 3003). ...
The Year 3 Empirical Project comprises two components, linked to one another. Each component comprises its own module. Thus, the Empirical Project consists of two modules. The first component, run in Semester 1, is the Literature Review (PSYC 3003). ...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
The Advanced Quantitative Research Skills module is focused on extending existing skills in analyzing data from quantitative research. The module consists of two parts. In the first part programming skills in R are being learned. In the second, students w...
The module will look at theories and research on attachment and personal relationships and to critical evaluate the application of attachment theory to understand personal relationships, for example by critiquing articles in the area.
Childhood maltreatment is one of the leading causes of mental health problems in the world. This module is designed as an in-depth introduction to the mechanisms via which early adversity might lead to mental health problems. We will also discuss resilien...
This module encourages you to take an in-depth look at the way psychology has been used to explain and control crime. We will explore the way psychological principles can be applied to such issues as violence, murder, serial killing and the role of the c...
The course will comprise of an introductory session, five sessions on current and emerging issues in psycho-oncology, and five sessions on current and emerging issues in pain. The sessions on psycho-oncology cover genetic counselling, screening and treatm...
The module aims to enhance students' knowledge about current theories and research in the area of developmental psychopathology.
Do you want to find out how stem cells are being used to help treat disease and allow us to live better, for longer? And are you interested in the controversy surrounding them? Do you want to find out what tissue engineering is, and how scientists are ...
The global health module is an exciting opportunity to examine the factors associated with emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases such as the recent outbreak of Ebola and Swine Flu that quickly spread around the world, and non-communicable diseases ...
The aim of this unit is to outline the basic learning mechanisms that allow us to organise our behaviour and adapt to our environment. One of the essential ingredients for successful organisation and adaptation is the capacity to anticipate impending even...
This module will provide an overview of human sexuality, sexual behaviour, and sexual diversity.
In a world of fast and easy communication, we are increasingly working and studying alongside people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Understanding our intercultural encounters allows us to develop awareness of ourselves and others, as ...
This is an advanced module that exposes students to the scientific study of intergroup relations and interpersonal influence. The module will cover research illustrating the psychological underpinnings of persuasion, conformity, obedience, group/group-mem...
This module aims to provide a descriptive and critical overview of the practice of educational psychology in the UK and to highlight some of the key debates.
This course explores the fascinating world of perception, within the natural world and in virtual and augmented environments. Students will understand how we use our senses - vision, sound, touch and taste - to decipher information about the objects, scen...
The module will draw on the student’s prior learning with regard to various psychological areas; including but not restricted to, learning , attitude, attachment, Clinical and behaviour change. An introduction to animal behaviour and welfare will be provi...
This module adopts a project-based approach. Through building the first project, the basic rules and syntax of the five web technologies (HTML5, CSS, PHP, MySQL, and JavaScript) are gradually introduced as they are used in the project. Subsequent projec...
Advertising is an everyday and significant phenomenon. Sponsors hire agencies to inform us about, and persuade us to buy, innumerable branded products and services on the market, though a variety of mass media. Advertisements also urge us to donate to cha...
This module is designed to familiarize students with the principal theories, concepts, and research methods relevant to the area of self-conscious emotions. The lectures and readings are designed to acquaint students with both classic and current research...
This is an interactive and practical module aiming to inspire students to social enterprise and entrepreneurship by giving them an experiential introduction to human centred design processes. The emphasis in this module is on the translation of knowled...
Humans are adapted to be highly social. We interact with a number of other people everyday, and successful social interactions depend on the ability to infer other's mental and emotional state from limited cues. Social and affective neuroscience applies t...
This module will help you to develop graduate attributes, including: - academic attributes – ability to critically appraise knowledge claims based on qualitative and quantitative methods; and - communication skills – ability to communicate research desi...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- blogs
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- essays
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- blogs
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- essays
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- blogs
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- essays
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
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 students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £22,760.
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 EU and 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?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
