Psychology BSc (Hons) – 2024 entry

Key information

Start date: September 2024

AwardUCAS codeCourse duration
BSc (Hons) UCAS: C8013 years View KIS data set
BSc (Hons) UCAS: C8004 years with professional training View KIS data set
BSc (Hons) UCAS: C8024 years with foundation year View KIS data set
BSc (Hons) UCAS: C8035 years with foundation year and professional training View KIS data set

Apply for your chosen course online through UCAS, with the following course and institution codes.

CourseUCAS codeInstitution code
BSc (Hons)C801S85
BSc (Hons) with professional trainingC800S85
BSc (Hons) with foundation yearC802S85
BSc (Hons) with foundation year and professional trainingC803S85

Visit UCAS.com

Why choose this course

12th

In the UK by the Complete University Guide 2023

14th

In the UK by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

Over 90%

Satisfaction score for psychology in the National Student Survey 2022

96%

Of our graduates go on to employment or further study*

  • Learn from nurturing lecturers who are active researchers in behavioural, clinical, cognitive, developmental, personality and social psychology, whose work is used by governments, health professionals and industry.
  • Take advantage of one of the only psychology degrees in the UK with a Professional Training placement scheme, where you’ll gain valuable work experience in a variety of industries, including healthcare, education, human resources and marketing.
  • Conduct your own experiments in our brain imaging suites, extended reality (XR) labs and other state-of-the-art psychology facilities.
  • Select from a wide choice of British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited final-year modules where you will explore topics like neurodevelopmental disorders, mental health, brain injury, sustainable behaviour and more.

*Graduate Outcomes survey 2022, HESA

Psychology facilities

What you will study

On this course, you’ll study the scientific evidence of behaviour, mental health and neuropsychological functioning, to understand what makes us who we are, how our minds work, and what influences our decisions and social relationships.

In your first year, you’ll study core areas of psychology and research methods, to develop your foundations of psychological literacy. This will be supported by small group skills tutorials. Our first year uses a "supported transition” approach, so you are specifically taught how to learn effectively at university alongside the psychological material.

In your second year, you’ll learn about contemporary issues that impact every area of psychology. You’ll also complete a module that supports your professional skills development, covering placements, job preparation and career options available in the psychology field.

In your final year, you’ll study an advanced critical thinking module and select four optional modules, to specialise and delve deeper into your areas of interest. You’ll also receive supervision from a staff member to conduct your own scientific research project, critically evaluating protocols, data and literature.

Facilities and equipment

Our facilities have undergone a £5m investment, giving you access to the latest research equipment, including a six-room virtual reality suite to simulate real-life scenarios and two observation labs to see infant and social interactions. Watch our School of Psychology tour to look around our state-of-the-art facilities

With our equipment, you’ll be able to conduct experiments using electroencephalography (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). You can monitor eye tracking and physiological measures like heart rate and galvanic skin response, both in the lab and remotely, using mobile data loggers. You’ll also have access to an extensive library of psychometric and clinical tests.

In addition, you’ll have access to 20 bookable project rooms, a breakout space, equipment lockers and a computer lab.

Research apprenticeship scheme

During your second year, you’ll be given the opportunity to volunteer as part of our research apprenticeship scheme. On this scheme, you’ll assist academic staff with their latest projects, giving you an invaluable insight into a career as a researcher. You’ll work with a variety of professionals, learn about new areas of psychology, and develop essential transferrable skills like communication, teamwork and time management.

Teaching staff

We have a research focus to our teaching, ensuring everything you learn is up-to-date and relevant to employers. You’ll be taught by lecturers who are active researchers. These may include:

Professional recognition

BSc (Hons) - British Psychological Society (BPS)
Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Careers and graduate prospects

We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.

96% of our psychology graduates go on to employment or further study*. Typical roles include:

  • Clinical psychologists
  • Consultants
  • Crime analysts
  • Human resources specialists
  • Market researchers
  • Rehabilitation assistants
  • Social therapists
  • Wellbeing practitioners.

Our alumni can be found in commercial, charity, private, and public sectors across the UK, with recent graduates working for:

  • Forensis
  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
  • Hays plc
  • Salesforce
  • St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Many of our graduates carry on their studies with us to:

Once you’ve graduated, you can also apply for membership with the British Psychological Society (BPS). You can also join as a student member during your studies.

Find out more about psychology careers on the Prospects website.

*Graduate Outcomes survey 2022, HESA

Academic year structure

The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.

Modules

Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.

The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules usually can be either 15, 30, 45 or 60, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.

The structure of our programmes follow clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes.

Please note: The full module listing for the optional Professional Training placement part of your course can be viewed on the relevant programme specification.

Optional modules for Foundation - FHEQ Level 3

For further information on FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6 please view the programme specification for the full-time BSc (Hons) Psychology programme.

Timetables

Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. View our Code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF).

Teaching

Your teaching will be delivered through a combination of:

  • Lectures
  • Laboratory-based practicals
  • One-to-one supervision
  • Online learning
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops.

In your first- and second-year tutorials, we’ll introduce you to core research methods and techniques, and help you develop your academic skills, such as searching for and critically evaluating research, writing essays and research reports, and preparing for exams. Tutorials take place in groups of approximately 12 students and are led by the same tutor throughout the year.

In your workshops, you’ll investigate key statistical and qualitative methods for analysing research data.

Outside of these, you’ll be expected to carry out independent study, including coursework, essays and reading.

There may be occasions when the delivery of your teaching is supported by graduate teaching assistants. The University has a set of procedures that govern the use of postgraduate research students in this way.

Assessment

We use a variety of methods to assess you, including:

  • Essays
  • Examinations
  • Research reports
  • Posters
  • Presentations.

Contact hours

Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.

Entry requirements

A-level

Overall: ABB. Applicants taking the Science Practical Endorsement are required to pass.

Required subjects: N/A.

Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted.

Foundation year: A-level CCC (or equivalent) 

GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade C(4) and Mathematics at grade C(4) (or equivalent).

Grade B(5) in Mathematics and English Language would be preferable but not essential.

BTEC (QCF Level 3) Extended Diploma

Overall: DDD.

Required subjects: N/A.

GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade C(4) and Mathematics at grade C(4) (or equivalent).

Grade B in Mathematics and English Language would be preferable but not essential.

International Baccalaureate

Overall: 33.

Required subjects: N/A.

GCSE or equivalent: English and Maths at HL4/SL4 (including MYP).

European Baccalaureate

Overall: 78%.

Required subjects: N/A.

GCSE or equivalent: English Language (1/2), 6, or (3),7 and Maths, 6.

Access to HE Diploma

Overall: QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall including 30 at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit.

Required subjects: N/A.

GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade C(4) and Mathematics at grade C(4) (or equivalent).

Grade B in Mathematics and English Language would be preferable but not essential.

Scottish Highers

Overall: AABBB.

Required subjects: N/A.

GCSE or equivalent: Scottish National English Language and Maths at grade 5, C.

Welsh Baccalaureate

Overall: Pass overall with ABB from a combination of the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels.

Required subjects: N/A.

GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics ­– Numeracy as part of the Welsh Baccalaureate. Please check the A-level drop down for the required GCSE levels.

Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) will receive our standard A-level offer for this programme, plus an alternate offer of one A-level grade lower, subject to achieving an A grade in the EPQ. The one grade reduction will not apply to any required subjects.

Applicants can only receive one grade reduction from the published grades, an EPQ grade reduction can’t be applied in addition to other grade reductions made through other schemes such as Contextual Admissions or In2Surrey.

Do I meet the requirements for this course?

We require you to submit a full application so that we can formally assess whether you meet the criteria published. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an outcome based on an enquiry (via email, webform enquiry, phone or live chat).

International entry requirements by country

Other international qualifications

If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements to this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year at the Surrey International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree course.

English language requirements

IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in each other element.

View the other English language qualifications that we accept.

If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.

Selection process

We normally make offers in terms of grades.

If you are a suitable candidate you will be invited to an offer holder event. During your visit to the University you can find out more about the course and meet staff and students.

Foundation

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, you might still be able to apply for this course with a foundation year. This is an extra year of study that has lower entry requirements, designed to develop your skills to be a great independent learner and make it easier for you to get started on your psychology degree. After successful completion of this year, you’ll move onto your chosen version of this course ready to hit the ground running.

Recognition of prior learning

We recognise that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts. 

If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process may allow you to join a course without the formal entry requirements or enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience. 

There are restrictions on RPL a for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information. 

Please contact Admissions on +44 (0)1483 682222 with any queries. 

Fees

The annual tuition fees for courses starting in September 2024

BSc (Hons)

UK
To be confirmed
Overseas
To be confirmed

BSc (Hons) (with professional training year)

UK
To be confirmed
Overseas
To be confirmed
Professional training
To be confirmed

BSc (Hons) (with foundation year)

UK
To be confirmed

BSc (Hons) (with foundation and professional training year)

UK
To be confirmed
Professional training
To be confirmed

View a complete listing of all ongoing fees for our undergraduate courses.

  • Fees for UK students: The University will apply annual regulated increases in the fee rates as set by Government each year, in order to maintain the same value in real terms. 
  • Fees for EU students: The UK is now no longer part of the EU, we are awaiting further instruction from the UK government and we will publish this as soon as it is provided. Find out more information about Studying in the UK and the Scholarships for EU students.
  • Fees for international students: Annual fees will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements. 
  • Fees for international students with an integrated foundation year: The programme fee for Year 0 will match the lowest Year 1 overseas fee rate from across the substantive programmes for that year of entry. Students subsequently progressing into Year 1 will be liable for the same fee as overseas students joining at Year 1 for the same programme in that year. Annual fees after Year 1 will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements. 

The University will assess your fee status. If you are unsure whether you are likely to be considered a home, EU or overseas student for fees purposes, the UKCISA website offers more information.

Payment schedule

  • Students in receipt of a Tuition Fee Loan: will have their fees paid by the Student Loans Company in line with their schedule.
  • International students, or UK/EU students who have not taken out a Tuition Fee Loan: are required to pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
    • 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
    • 50% in January of the same academic year.

The exact date(s) will be detailed on invoices. Students on certain part-time programmes, where fees are paid on a modular or stage basis, are not eligible to pay their fees by instalment.

If you are sponsored: you will provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of your study.

Professional Training placement fees

If you are studying on a programme which contains a Professional Training placement year there will be a reduced fee for the academic year in which you undertake your placement. This is normally confirmed 12 to 18 months in advance, or once Government policy is determined.

See the information about 2023/24 academic year Professional Training placement fees.

Placements

Our award-winning Professional Training programme offers you the option to spend a career-enhancing year in industry, either in the UK or abroad. We have thousands of placement providers to choose from or you can source your own placement. 

Most placements are paid, and we will support you every step of the way. 

Find out more about Professional Training placements and discover how these have transformed our students’ lives and career choices. 

Psychology placements

You can choose to work for a range of employers, including:

  • Hospitals and clinics
  • Schools
  • Social survey companies
  • Personnel and occupational guidance groups
  • University research centres.

Students have previously worked for:

  • Broadmoor Hospital
  • Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birbeck University of London
  • Home Office
  • Metropolitan Police
  • National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy
  • National Crime Agency
  • Social Communication Disorders Clinic, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
  • Volkswagen
  • Wellbeing Service, Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust.

We also have an extensive number of partner institutions that offer placements exclusively to Surrey students, giving you access to research laboratories across the world. These include:

  • Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany
  • University of Milan, Italy
  • University of Oldenburg, Germany
  • University of Salzburg, Austria
  • University of Turin, Italy.

Applying for placements

Students are generally not placed by the University, however we offer support and guidance throughout the process alongside access to a vacancy portal representing thousands of placement opportunities each year. We also provide support if you wish to source your own placement. 

Find out more about the application process.

Please be aware there may be travel costs incurred when attending interviews and assessment centres at the placement provider’s premises.

Find out how students at Surrey developed their skills in industry by undertaking a placement year.

Terms and conditions

When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and procedures, the student regulations , and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View our offer terms and conditions for the 2023/24 academic year and our registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2022/23 academic year as a guide as to what to expect. 

Please note: our offer terms and conditions will generally be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course and changes for the specific academic year.  

Disclaimer

This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us and before you accept an offer. Read our full disclaimer.

Course location and contact details

Campus location

Stag Hill

Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught. 

Placement location

As part of this course you have the option to complete a Professional Training placement which would require attendance off campus, depending on where you secure your placement.

University of Surrey Admissions

Contact Admissions Team

Address

University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH