Curious about studying Psychology - BSc (Hons)at Birmingham City University? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
City Centre Campus (The Curzon Building)
Full Time
Sep 2027
3 Year
Are you curious about how the mind works and why people behave the way they do? Our BPS accredited Psychology degree gives you the scientific foundations you need to understand the brain, behaviour, and everything in between—while also helping you build a strong future, whatever direction you choose. From day one, we focus on your employability and long-term career options. In your first two years, you’ll explore the key scientific approaches that shape modern psychology. You’ll learn how psychologists study the mind and behaviour, and how these ideas develop across different areas of the subject. The course allows you to tailor your degree to your own interests and career goals. Choose from exciting optional modules such as Parapsychology, Cyberpsychology, or our popular Infancy module—perfect if you want to understand how humans develop from their very first days. The course also encourages you to explore psychology from multiple perspectives, examining how the mind and brain operate through scientific approaches while giving you the chance to tailor your studies with optional modules that match your interests.
What's covered in this course?You’ll explore how we think, learn, develop and interact through core areas such as cognitive, developmental, social and biological psychology. Along the way, you’ll investigate what influences human behaviour by looking at topics like memory, emotion, personality, mental health and relationships, helping you understand why people act the way they do. You’ll also have opportunities to apply psychological principles to real-life contexts, whether that involves improving mental health, enhancing learning environments or understanding behaviour in workplaces. As a result, you’ll graduate well prepared for careers in areas such as counselling, clinical psychology, education, human resources and marketing. We use a variety of assessment methods, this includes essay and report writing, presentations, using real life examples such as analysing case studies, online based quizzes linked to lecture materials and exams. Our focus on contemporary and innovative learning practices will help you gain key employability skills, such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving, as well as key skills in two innovative, intriguing disciplines.
Professional Placement YearThis course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies. If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course. Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.
4.2This module introduces you to the process of designing and conducting research and understanding ethics in psychology, and how to analyse data and evaluating the findings using quantitative research methods (statistics). We do this by outlining the structured and systematic approach that is needed to explore and explain human and animal behaviour in a scientifically valid way. It will provide a conceptual and practical understanding of how we report of research, what core statistical principles and tests we use and how you should be explaining these. The module provides hands-on experience of conducting an experiment, using statistical software for carrying out analyses and writing up the experiment in practical workshops. We will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills required to prepare you for future modules (including the final-year psychology research project), future work, training or careers in an applied area of psychology or research and covers Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) competencies for the British Psychological Society (BPS).
This module explores the developments and refinements in the study of modern and recent psychology. This module explores and critically examines contemporary societal issues through the lens of psychological theories, principles, and perspectives. It aims to enhance and expand your understanding of the human condition, focusing not only on the intricacies of individual behaviour but also on broader social phenomena. By applying psychological insights to modern real-world contexts, this module encourages a deeper comprehension of both personal and collective experiences within society, thereby contributing to a more nuanced and multi-faceted understanding of contemporary social dynamics. You will learn how psychological theories and research can work together to evaluate and understand significant national and international events, as you will be engaging with contemporary global issues, such as conflict, identity, migration, and inequality. By doing so, the module aims to cultivate a more profound comprehension of the ways in which psychology can actively contribute to societal advancements, not only through theoretical analysis but also in its potential for practical intervention in addressing social challenges. Through a variety of practical exercises, case studies, and collaborative projects, you will gain hands-on experience in applying psychological principles to resolve contemporary social problems, enhancing your ability to contribute meaningfully to societal well-being.
This module introduces you to the historical development and evolution of psychology, tracing its roots back to early philosophical thought and examining the significant milestones in the refinement of the discipline. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how psychology has emerged, not only through the contributions of prominent figures but also in response to the broader scientific, cultural, and social movements and influences that have shaped the field throughout history. The module will explore the progression of psychological theory, focusing on key theoretical approaches to the study of behaviour, cognition, learning, and memory, with an emphasis on both animal and human research. You will be introduced to the pioneering experiments and early thought based frameworks that laid the foundation for contemporary psychological inquiry. The content will highlight how psychology evolved from philosophical speculation into an empirical science, engaging with early experimental methods and the philosophical debates that continue to influence the field.
This module continues from Doing Psychological Research 1 in Semester 1 and develops your research and analytical skills further in quantitative research methods by introducing you to other inferential statistics, and by introducing you to qualitative research methods. We will go through key ethical considerations and essential processes for designing and conducting qualitative research, and how to analyse data and evaluating the findings from a qualitative perspective. The module provides hands-on experience of conducting research, using statistical software for carrying out analyses, and analysing qualitative data (words) and writing up quantitative and qualitative research in practical workshops. We will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills required to prepare you for future modules (including the final-year psychology research project), future work, training or careers in an applied area of psychology or research and covers Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) competencies for the British Psychological Society (BPS).
This module provides a comprehensive exploration of the diverse career opportunities within the field of psychology, including both traditional pathways and non-traditional applications of psychology in various sectors/roles. Students will gain insight into the broad range of career options available, from clinical psychology to the roles where psychology is applied (‘hidden’ psychology professions). In this module, students will explore key employability skills, professional ethics, and the role of the British Psychological Society (BPS), and their application across various professional settings. Through a blended learning approach, students will gain insights into how psychology is applied across diverse professions and career pathways as well as receiving practical advice on work experience, funding, as well as personal and professional development opportunities.
This module explores how psychological science and practice are evolving in response to a rapidly changing world. By examining human behaviour, psychology not only helps us understand the present but also enables us to anticipate and prepare for the future. The module investigates how technological advancements, global challenges, and environmental changes influence behaviour, cognition, and well-being. Students will examine key developments in the field, including innovations in psychological therapies, the impact of technology on work and learning, the psychological effects of increasingly digital lives, and the evolution of research practices and ethics. The module emphasises interdisciplinary approaches, highlighting how psychology interacts with other fields to address complex societal challenges.
This module aims to support you in developing an in-depth knowledge of social psychological theory and research. You will be supported in utilising this knowledge to explore the society/communities we live in and to explore contemporary social issues. Contemporary social issues might include how we present ourselves online, understanding protests and rioting, engaging people with climate activism, reducing prejudice, and understanding romantic relationships. The scope of this module is to continue to provide the opportunity to advance your knowledge and understanding of social Psychology. In addition, the module will highlight the specific role that social Psychology plays in community and cultural contexts. Throughout the module, you will be introduced to the definition of ‘community’ as well as factors which drive community psychology. Overall, it considers the contextual factors such as social, cultural and political influences which affect the community beyond the individual. This approach allows you to consider the values underpinning community psychology. For instance, collective wellness and sense of community.
This module aims to investigate human development throughout the lifespan focusing on changes to biological, cognitive, social and emotional elements of psychological functioning. The module will provide you with an understanding of the general principles and concepts, different theoretical perspectives, research methodologies, contemporary debates and areas of application of Lifespan Development. This module will enable you to develop skills in critical reading and analysis of theoretical and empirical issues related to Lifespan Development. In the context of contemporary societies and globalisation, the role of social and cultural context of development is explored. Through engagement with the module and the coursework you will think about Lifespan Development from a theoretical perspective, and more importantly from an applied perspective as well. You will be encouraged to consider how your knowledge gained from the lectures, pre and post-session activities and the learning material has informed real life events and how we can explain behaviour observed around us. You will be engaged in a vibrant learning community which will encourage discussions, dialogues, peer conversations alongside learning and teaching activities which will further contribute to exploring different learning and cultural perspectives.
This module contributes to knowledge and understanding in areas of biological and cognitive psychology, a Graduate Basis for Chartership core area with the British Psychological Society. There will be research-led teaching which will explore key debates and methodologies used in biological and cognitive psychology. A holistic approach will be taken to understand the cognitive and neural theories and evidence across a range of areas, including attention, perception and memory. There will be an applied focus during this module and clear links are made to the chartered area of clinical neuropsychology. The focus on methodology for working with humans (Eye-tracking, EEG, fMRI, neuropsychological assessment) will contribute to your understanding and application of research design. Ethics, Individual Differences and application of research are all included. The research-led approach to this module will see you applying advanced psychological theory and methodology to real research questions. This module will continue to develop key transferable skills from level 4 such as group discussion, debate and evidence-based reasoning and will help develop your critical evaluation skills.
This module provides you with an overview of the purpose of designing and conducting research in psychology. This module builds upon and complements research methods modules delivered in Level 4 by providing students with further exploring analysis techniques commonly used in psychology. All sessions are structured to facilitate both conceptual learning and the development of applied research skills. More specifically, this module aims to help you develop skills in research and inquiry and develop academic attributes such as being able to think critically about different methodologies and knowledge claims. Additionally, it will help you develop communication skills by requiring them to communicate their knowledge of various research designs and analytical claims in sessions and as part of their assessment. You will acquire knowledge of the application of research methodologies within various applied areas of psychology. This module will also identify how the skills and knowledge gained during this module are relevant to Graduate Basis Chartership (GBC) competencies and training which are relevant to both future study (i.e. the Dissertation project) and careers in the field of psychology. These employability skills will also be transferrable to other research and analytical domains given the module focus on autonomous application of the competencies learned. The module has been designed to meet the academic knowledge base requirements and competencies for Programme Standards set out by the British Psychological Society (BPS). The module will be supported by face-to-face learning (lectures and workshops), Moodle (VLE) activities and forums, as well as pre and post session practical tasks, readings/activities. Lectures will introduce theoretical aspects of qualitative and quantitative research, with seminars directly supporting learning with practical experience of applying the principles presented in the lectures and workshops offering tutor and peer support for practical aspects for the assessment.
This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a credit bearing, 40- week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Undergraduate Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.
Understanding research issues is an essential skill for psychologists operating in an evidence-based paradigm. The ability to produce an in-depth dissertation and present a logical argument using such research is a crucial skill for a successful psychology graduate. This module builds upon learning at level 4 and level 5 in previous Psychological Research Methods modules. This module will encourage you to plan, execute and write up a research project which adheres to principles of the Psychology Ethics Committee. You should seek out research sources to produce an in-depth dissertation that answers your own identified research question or knowledge gap, making a contribution to the existing literature within your chosen topic area. This will be facilitated through critical evaluation of the sources you have selected and used. You will also be facilitated in using statistical and other specialist software, testing equipment and materials, as well as the use of the Psychology laboratories.
The module aims to provide students with an overview of psychology, from early philosophical influences to the development of psychology as a science. The module will consider contributions of key historical approaches within psychology’s evolution, through to contemporary topics and ongoing debates. This module will demonstrate how psychology is informed by history, society and culture. This will provide an advanced understanding of psychology’s origins, as well as conceptual and historical issues. The module focuses on three key areas. The first area introduces prominent debates within psychology, where the role of the human mind, behaviour, science and its methods have been shaped by different schools of thought and philosophical positions. The second area considers how psychology has been constructed as a scientific subject. This includes discussions of how science is classified, ontology and epistemology within psychology and social dimensions which interact with psychology’s history as a science. The third area introduces the role of ethics within psychology, including ethical issues within research and practice, and the misapplication of “science” as an ethical issue within the history of psychology. These three areas will be combined with contributions from historical and contemporary schools of thought within psychology.
