Name: BSc (Hons) Psychology
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BSc (Hons) Psychology

UCAS CODE: C800 (Full-Time) or C804 (Foundation Year)

TARIFF: 104 - 128 (Full-Time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

Overview
Course Details
Entry Requirements
Modules
Fees
Employability
Teaching Team

Study Mode: Full Time
Location: High Wycombe
Duration: Three or Four Years
Start Date: September 2025

Learn key skills and build your confidence on our psychology degree course. Gain the support and the opportunity you need to achieve new things for yourself and discover new career goals on our psychology degree course.

With lecturers who are experienced psychologists you'll leave BNU with different perspectives, and the skills employers demand. This course is accredited by the BPS (British Psychology Society).

No. 1 in the UK for Student Satisfaction*

*Positivity ranking amongst registered students (NSS 2024)

No. 1 Students' Union in the UK*

*Based on responses from registered students (NSS 2024)

3rd for Student satisfaction in Psychology*

*Complete University Guide 2025

I have always loved psychology and the course gives us lots of freedom to explore our ideas. The option to choose modules lets me study exactly what I love. The facilities are really great; the library and other course-related facilities are super accessible to students.

Emma Frasier Mills

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

With an amazing student community, free societies and a passionate teaching team there are plenty of reasons to pick BNU as your first choice. University is not just about learning, its about finding out who you are as a person and experiencing new things. Our Student Union was ranked No.1 in the UK*, and we scored No.1 in the UK for student satisfaction*, with 94% of psychology students expressing positivity across 7 key themes*. *(NSS 2023)

As one of our psychology students you'll learn what it takes to become a professional psychologist. With plenty of opportunity to master different types of psychology, you can shape your future career with a strong knowledge in a range of subjects. All of our modules are taught by experienced psychologists with first hand insight of working in the world of psychology.

Upon graduation from a BPS accredited course, you’ll be eligible for the and from there you can take steps towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist with the BPS. This is a widely recognised accreditation and is essential for some roles in psychology.

Due to a shared first year across all our psychology courses, switching to any of them is no problem. You can choose to stay on BSc (Hons) Psychology or switch to BSc (Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy or BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology after your first year.

Staff and students discussing student work with one another whilst sat around a table

close-up of High Wycombe campus Gateway building

Why study BSc Psychology?

Practical focus

Our course provides a practical and applied understanding of various psychology disciplines, emphasizing behaviour, society, environment, and real-world applications of psychology. We connect theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, enhancing your readiness for professional practice.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Gain access to dedicated psychology lab spaces equipped with advanced tools such as virtual reality setups, a counselling room with an observation screen, VR headsets for reaction testing, group behaviour assessment tools, and Biopac systems for physiological measurements.

Accreditation and Professional Pathways

Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), granting eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) upon graduation. This accreditation is a crucial step toward becoming a Chartered Psychologist, opening doors to various professional roles such as scientist, analyst, researcher, advisor, or clinician.

Shape your career

I cannot fault the quality of teaching, it’s excellent. The lecturers do all they can to support students. They are well experienced, kind, passionate, supportive and always available to help students in any way they can. The lectures and seminars are well prepared and delivered. I am enjoying my course, my time at BNU and the whole learning environment.

Homaira Merzai

What facilities can I use?

All the facilities you need on our psychology degree course are provided in our psychology lab space. This is a section of the university dedicated to psychology courses. It contains virtual reality, a counselling room with a see through screen so you can observe live counselling sessions, VR headsets with various scenarios to test reactions, items to test group behavioural responses, biopac to test physiological reactions and more.

Our lab facilities include a dedicated space for psychology students and staff to carry out research and teaching. This includes our:

psychology laboratory (this houses five experimental areas)
psychology simulation and observation suite
psychology seminar room

We also have access to computer labs for teaching students how to use specialist software packages for data analysis, such as SPSS.

What will I study?

This is the core psychology course which will enable you to gain knowledge of all the various disciplines of psychology. This course focuses on behaviour, society, environment, cause and effect and applying psychology to real world causes.

As part of studying psychology at BNU you will share your first year with the other psychology courses and afterwards you can choose to continue this course or transfer onto one of the other courses if you prefer one topic over another. You’ll get the chance to understand your personality and how learning can be applied to various scenarios. You'll understand the necessary frameworks required to practice psychology at a professional level.

Understand the important key aspects of mental health, wellbeing, and physical and career performance, regarding yourself and those around you. We want you to ask questions of us, develop your core skills, build your analytical mind, and more. When you graduate from BNU you will have gained empowerment and confidence in your future. You will have gained a good understanding of the fields of Psychology which excite you, inspire you, and motivate you to push boundaries.

This course offers you the skills and framework needed to become a chartered psychologist with the BPS. You’ll be eligible for the and from there you can take steps towards becoming a chartered psychologist with the BPS.

If you choose to become chartered with the you can go on to practice psychology as a scientist, analyst, researcher, commentator, advisor or as a clinician.

Female student wearing eye tracker and looking at food counter

Tobii eye tracking equipment

Female student wearing HTC VR software virtual reality psychology

HTC Vive software

Female student wearing eye tracker while reading a magazine

Tobii eye tracking equipment

How will I be taught and assessed?

This course is accredited by , which means certain modules are incorporated into the course which you must pass to achieve the Graduate Basis for chartered membership. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible for the and from there you can take steps towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist, which is a highly desired accreditation within psychology.

There are many ways you can be assessed, and assessments are designed to help you learn and identify certain areas you need to improve. We use a variety of assessment techniques to look at your technical abilities and areas you may need support with. You must pass the module assessments to progress with the course. Some of the methods we use are:

exams
presentations
group work
projects
labs
coursework

Lectures and seminars are always very informative, interactive and with plenty of open discussion between students and the lecturers. They are always very supportive of ideas and opinions as well as with our work, through punctual turn arounds on assignments and quick responses through emails.

Emily Cranshaw

BSc (Hons) Psychology Programme Specification

What are the course entry requirements?

A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 104 - 128 (Full-Time) or 32 - 56 (Foundation Year)

UCAS points can be obtained through qualifications such as A levels, T levels, BTEC or an Access to Higher Education course in a relevant subject. Please list all your qualifications on the application form as you will be asked to provide copies when we receive your application.

For this course, you'll need at least two A-levels and a GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4.

For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.

Those with no previous study, work experience, or who do not meet the specified entry requirements, including demonstrating the necessary knowledge and understanding, are welcome to apply for the 3-year BSc (Hons) degree, however may be offered the four-year programme which includes a Foundation Year.

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

Foundation Year

Core Modules

Human Behaviour

Learn the key principles of human behaviour and how they relate to other fields of study and practice. Discover more about the cognitive and social aspects of human behaviour such as how we perceive, remember and think, what motivates us, and how we interact with others. You will also develop your academic writing skills for research.

Research Matters

Discover how research drives the fundamentals of science degrees. You will explore the fascinating world of research and its different types, such as: Quantitative and qualitative research, Primary and secondary research, Experimental and observational research. You will also learn how to apply research methods in your studies.

Human Science – Dissecting the details

Dive into the core principles and theories that form the foundation of education, sport, psychology, criminology, health and social sciences. This module will enable you to identify the principles of human science across different disciplines and apply them as you progress to your chosen pathway. 

Human Communication

��Ӱ�� the theoretical underpinnings of communication. We equip you with the skills to navigate various communication scenarios. You will develop an understanding of effective communication techniques, the influence of context, and the nuances of verbal and non-verbal cues. You’ll be better able to present your ideas to others.

Exploring Intersections

Make the connections between multiple subjects within human and social science with this module. You will explore the theories at the intersection of human sciences. This will provide you with a platform to examine how different theories shape our understanding and contribute to the complexities of shared human experience.

Knowledge Unleashed

Focus on applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, testing your problem-solving abilities. The module will see you taking part in industry focused studies in a group project. By the end of this module, you will learn how to think on your toes, lead and innovate to get the knowledge you learned from your degree into practice.  

Year 1

Core Modules

Credits

Frameworks of Living Psychology

Credits: 20

This module explores how psychology is fundamentally all around us. Each week we will explore a contemporary area of psychology and consider how the theories, research, and knowledge are grounded in the real world. The module will examine issues from the mundane to the unexpected and will challenge your preconceptions.

Applying Psychology

Credits: 20

This module provides the opportunity for you to explore specific applied areas of psychology according to your own interests, chosen programme of study, and professional aspirations. Areas of applied focus are guided by professional contexts in which psychologists may be employed and in which it is possible to work towards chartered status.

Researching Psychology

Credits: 20

This module introduces research methods and data analysis. Active participation will help you gain the ability to critically evaluate the empirical work of others. You will develop understanding of a variety of key statistical tests used to analyse and interpret psychological data.

Nature and Nurture in Psychology

Credits: 20

This module introduces two of the core subject areas proposed by the British Psychological Society by exploring the relative contribution of ‘nature’ and ‘nurture’ in human development. The module will take a lifespan perspective, examining biological, cognitive, emotional, and social development from infancy to late adulthood.

The Mind, the Person, and the Social World

Credits: 20

This module introduces three of the core subject areas proposed by the British Psychological Society (cognitive psychology, individual differences, and social psychology) by exploring how psychologists seek to make sense of the mind, personality and individual differences, and our relationships with others.

Year 2

Core Modules

Credits

Personality and Development

Credits: 20

Building on learning, this module provides you an opportunity to look at concepts of personality and human development in an experiential and authentic way. The module aims to empower you to investigate the foundations, structures, and dynamics that influence the development of the self in the context of their world.

Sensation, Perception, and Beyond

Credits: 20

This module has been designed to examine the biological and cognitive bases of behaviour, both human and non-human. The module will build on the knowledge gained at Level 4 including the core elements of both biopsychology and cognitive psychology.

Quantitative Methods in Psychology

Credits: 20

This module provides you with a range of practical skills and an appreciation of the conceptual issues associated with major quantitative paradigms commonly used in psychological quantitative research. It aims to foster an understanding of the nature, purpose, and logic of experimental and psychological assessment methods.

Qualitative Approaches in Psychology

Credits: 20

This module introduces you to key aspects that underlie qualitative psychological research. Throughout the module, you will develop an understanding of relevant theoretical issues and engage in practical tasks designed to facilitate learning, which will lead to a written report that demonstrates planning and qualitative research techniques.

Approaches to Positive Human Development

Credits: 20

This module aims to develop a critical understanding of positive human development from a cross disciplinary perspective using a range contemporary ideas, theories, research, and case studies. It will explore the relationship between a range of human qualities or strengths and their influence on human development.

Optional Modules

Credits

The Therapeutic Process

Credits: 20

Our module aims to engage you in a practical and theoretical exploration of the therapeutic process. The module explores both the application of theory in practice and considers the self-awareness and self-care strategies that are beneficial to therapists' wellbeing and therapeutic integrity.

Client Diversity and Therapeutic Spaces

Credits: 20

Therapeutic interventions occur in a wide range of environments or ‘spaces’ and with a diverse client pool. You will have the opportunity to explore a range of therapeutic spaces and client groups through the lens of appropriateness, efficacy and ethical awareness. Practice opportunities of diversity, inclusion and equality are key to the module.

Psychological Perspectives in Classifying Criminality

Credits: 20

The aim of this module is to introduce you to a range of psychological theories and research used to understand offending behaviour. A variety of empirically grounded typologies and models of offending will be explored with respect to different crimes. Each will draw upon risk factors ranging from psycho-social to biological and neurological.

Psychopathologies of Criminal Behaviour

Credits: 20

The aim of this module is to introduce a range of psychological theories and research used to understand the interaction between mental health and offending behaviour. We will examine categories of mental disorder which may be associated with offending behaviour; and explore the application of these theories.

Employability and Professional Development

Credits: 20

This module will support work-related learning activities and encourage you to reflect on development as a future graduate employee. The module will develop your self-confidence and employability skills, through the provision of opportunities for personal and professional development.

Inclusive Practice in Sport and Physical Activity

Credits: 20

This module gives you the opportunity to develop your social awareness by introducing some of the challenges of responding to the diverse needs, capabilities, and preferences in sport and physical activity, relating especially to gender, ethnicity, age, disability, and levels of income.

Approaches to Applied Sport and Performance Psychology

Credits: 20

You will analyse the key concepts and dominant models of practice within applied sport and performance psychology as well as explore the philosophical, theoretical, and methodological approaches informing the discipline of sport psychology when working with teams, young performers, and special populations.

Year 3

Core Modules

Credits

Conceptual and Critical Social Psychology

Credits: 20

The module will provide you with an awareness of the historical and philosophical background of social psychology and an in-depth knowledge of contemporary theoretical and methodological approaches to it.

Dissertation

Credits: 40

The dissertation module is a chance to conduct a piece of research on a topic of your choice that is related to your psychology course. This is a great chance to show off your knowledge, interests and passion and show off to future employers your ability to conduct research and development.

Optional Modules

Credits

Brain, Mind and Behaviour

Credits: 20

This module explores the multidisciplinary origins of, and innovative directions in, cognitive neuropsychology. It will examine the anatomy of the brain and the impact of acquired brain injuries on human cognitive processes. The module will facilitate the comprehensive study of human cognitive deficits and dysfunctions.

Pathways to Wellbeing and Transformative Experience

Credits: 20

Develop your understanding of wellbeing and the role transformative experiences may have in developing wellbeing from contemporary theory, scientific research, ancient wisdom traditions and personal experience.

Principles of Psychopathology

Credits: 20

This module introduces you to a range of mental health conditions, their assessment, and aetiologies. The module will critically consider the biological, psychological, and environmental contributors to these psychopathologies. The module also examines if or how these conditions can be treated by either pharmacological or therapeutic interventions.

Education and Development

Credits: 20

This module aims to introduce you to the main concepts of educational psychology and to explore related child development topics, building on your learning. On completion, you will be familiar with the main spheres of educational psychology, key issues, and practical applications.

Evolutionary Psychology

Credits: 20

This module will begin by examining the mechanisms of evolution including both natural and sexual selection, and the seminal role Darwin played in this area. The core of the module considers our Environment of Evolutionary Adaptedness (EEA) and the Pleistocene period, in which we essentially became who we are today.

Health Psychology

Credits: 20

This module builds on your understanding of psychological perspectives by examining how they can be applied in practice to an important area of life: Health. The module considers health and illness from a bio-psycho-social perspective, which considers our biology, plus the psychological and social determinants of health and illness.

Police Psychology and the Legal Framework

Credits: 20

This module increases your understanding of the relationship between psychology and law by showing how psychological research and theory can inform the legal process. We focus on issues relating to the psychology of the police themselves as well as psychology inherent in courtroom proceedings.

Investigative and Forensic Psychology

Credits: 20

This module provides an understanding of the relationship between psychology and criminal investigations, punishment and rehabilitation by showing you how psychological research and theory can inform the investigative process.

Psychology of Physical Education and Youth Sport

Credits: 20

The aim of this module is to provide you with a method to examine key psychosocial, emotional and developmental factors which affect children and teenagers in physical education and youth sport settings. We provide you with practical suggestions for creating a positive motivational climate as adults in youth sport and/or physical education

Employability and Professional Development

Credits: 20

States, Beliefs, Values: Psychology in Practice

Credits: 20

This module aims to explore the psychology underlying the development and attribution of meanings, beliefs and values and the physiological consequences of meanings, beliefs and values. The module will allow you to take an experiential learning journey reflecting on your own beliefs, values and understanding as it relates to biopsychological respon...

Psychospirituality: Historic and Contemporary Traditions

Credits: 20

This module aims to explore the psychology of traditional religious and spiritual practices alongside modern and contemporary explorations in the area. The module will allow you to examine complementary and contrasting approaches within the field.

What are the tuition fees

Home

Home Foundation Year, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £9,535 *
Home, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £9,535 per year *

International

Overseas/International Foundation Year, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,150 *
Overseas/International, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £15,150 per year *

Following the Government’s announcement of 4 November 2024, we will be increasing our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for UK students to £9,535 per year from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Our part-time fees for UK undergraduate students will increase to £7,145 per annum. Please visit , on the Government’s website, for more information about the changes.

Tuition fees for Home undergraduate students (including with foundation year) may increase in subsequent years for both new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Government.  

Tuition fees for both new and continuing international students may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year.  

Tuition fees for postgraduate courses and CPD may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year. This increase will apply to both new and continuing students.  

We understand, and really appreciate, the significant financial commitment our students make when they choose to study at BNU. We take our responsibilities to our students very seriously, and are ambitious for each to reach their full potential and succeed in their chosen career. Our fees help us to continue providing our students with a high-quality education, and to invest in the services and facilities which create an excellent student experience at BNU.

The following factors will be considered by the University when we set the annual fees: measures of inflation such as the retail price indices; projected increases in University costs; and any changes in the level of funding for teaching received from the Government.

Additional course costs and financial support

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.
You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

What are my career prospects?

With such a strong academic grounding, as well as the transferrable skills you’ll develop along the way, you are well-placed to succeed wherever you go.

There are many options to explore with your psychology degree; it’s the first step to starting postgraduate study in a more focused area like clinical, educational, forensic, counselling, health, cognitive neuropsychology, and sports psychology.

Or perhaps you’d prefer to dive right into the world of work and explore a career in health, education, local government, or the infinite possibilities available to you in the private and public sector. You could become a teaching assistant, learning support assistant or mental health support specialist.

Graduates can choose to continue their studies at BNU and study a postgraduate course, such as our MSc Applied Positive Psychology, MSc Mental Health and Wellbeing in Education, or even the MSc Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

There are numerous opportunities which your degree could help to open. Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in psychology, clinical psychology, forensic psychology, therapy, nursing, and private and public businesses.

The course seemed very open and I knew it would keep my options open to then specialize later rather than specializing early and therefore restricting my options later in my career.

Piers Bowden