Psychology BSc (Hons)
Start your path towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist on this British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited degree. Use specialist psychology facilities such as motion capture, thermal camera and eye tracking technology.
Key information
UCAS code:
C800
Accreditation:
This course is Accredited
Typical offer:
112-120 UCAS points from 3 A levels, or equivalent
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Psychology can change lives for the better.
On this BSc (Hons) Psychology degree, which is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), you’ll study the mind and behaviour, examine how people think, act and feel – and take your first steps towards a career that really matters.
Psychology at the University of Portsmouth is ranked 5th of the modern universities for research quality
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
Course highlights
- Access specialist psychology equipment and facilities including an observation suite, toddler and infant laboratory, psychophysiology laboratory, and digital analysis and video editing suite
- Have the chance to study abroad or take part in a year-long work placement, boosting your employability prospects after the course
- Create your own bespoke final year by choosing the subjects and specialisms that most interest you from a fully optional module list
- Be inspired by regular one-on-one tutorials with experienced psychology practitioners involved in trailblazing research, including the Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology and the Dog Cognition Centre
- Become eligible to apply for graduate membership of the British Psychological Society (with a 2:2 or higher)
92%
of graduates in work or further study 15 months after this course
(HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19)
Accredited by:
This degree offers eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS), if you graduate with a 2:2 or higher.
Psychology students Sara, Pamela and Zoe on their experiences of the course
Psychology BSc students Sara, Pamela and Zoe talk about their experiences on the course at the University of Portsmouth and how it has benefitted them personally and professionally.
Zoe: My favourite thing about my degree is definitely the opportunities that I've been given. I've been fortunate enough to take part in three placements in mental health within HR, some marketing experience. I've really been able to broaden my depth into gaining a deeper understanding and even if that's not what I want to do in the future, I've still been able to gain valuable skills.
Pamela: I think the most exciting thing was just me being able to take part in experiments and studies. I remember one study which I had to put my hand in some water. It was just there to measure my stress levels.
There was so much more out there than just the research and the data analysis. There was actually that opportunity for you to be able to learn more about yourself as an individual and how you are able to sort of be developed in this society, in this culture, and just making me feel as if I can contribute something, no matter how small or big it is.
Sara: The facilities here are kept very up to date. We have rooms for interviews. So people that take part in studies, students or just public, they're very isolated rooms that are soundproof as well.
Virtual reality, that was kind of interesting because that was kind of emerging a few years ago, so that was really interesting to see people studying that. We also have a technology room. So EEG, where people want to see brain activity during an interview, kind of like lie detection mainly.
Pamela: There's a lot of facilities here that are able to add to your understanding of psychology and the stuff that you want to do in the future as well.
Zoe: For someone who's thinking about studying psychology at the University of Portsmouth, I couldn't recommend it enough.
Sara: I would say go for it. It's been such an amazing experience. If I could do it all again, I would.
Pamela: Be open to all the opportunities that are given to you. Don't be afraid to come to Portsmouth - it's a lovely city.
Zoe: Going into university, it's a scary transition whether you're from A-levels college or whatever it may be, or older. The University of Portsmouth really just helps you ease into that. The amount of support you get, I think honestly, they really just put you at the forefront of trying to help you get the most out of your degree.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
Psychology degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels - BBB-BBC
- UCAS points - 112-120 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent. (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels - Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
- International Baccalaureate - 29
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English Language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to join this course after you successfully complete a foundation year.
Facilities and specialist equipment
These are just a few of the facilities you'll use during your psychology degree, plus you'll get priority booking during term time.
Psychophysiology laboratory
Record and analyse physical responses, such as electrical activity in the brain, neural processes, blood pressure and heart rate, to explore how the body reacts to different psychological states.
Eye tracking technology
Discover how eye movement can be tracked and analysed to measure spatial attention, and used to study areas such as face recognition and change blindness.
Thermal cameras
Learn how thermal camera technology can be used to read physiological activity in the face and reveal signs of deception.
See our psychology facilities and equipment in action
Take a tour of King Henry Building at the University of Portsmouth and the specialist psychology equipment and facilities we use in our Psychology BSc and Forensic Psychology BSc courses.
Video showing the specialist psychology equipment and facilities we use in our Psychology BSc and Forensic Psychology BSc courses at the University of Portsmouth: interview room, thermal camera, eye tracking, psycho-physiology lab, and more.
I’ve never felt so supported as I was at Portsmouth, and the opportunities I’ve had through researching and professional development are amazing.
Careers and opportunities
When you graduate, you’ll be ready to continue your training to become a Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol).
On the course, you'll be able to customise your final year to your own preferred field of study and choose modules that lay the groundwork for a professional specialism, including sport psychology, educational psychology, and clinical and health psychology.
After completing your BSc (Hons) Psychology, the next step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist would be a Masters in your chosen specialism, such as MSc Forensic Psychology, MSc Health Psychology or MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology.
Or, if there's another sector you'd rather go into, you'll also have what you need to take on roles in health associated professions, marketing, and education – to name just a few.
According to the British Psychological Society, more than 750,000 people in the UK work in an area that involves psychology as part of their role, so you'll have lots of options when you finish the course.
Why study psychology?
A psychology degree will set you on the path to becoming a psychologist, but there are also many other careers it can lead to. Learn more about why psychology is such a fascinating and valuable subject to study.
What can you do with a psychology degree?
As a Chartered Psychologist, areas you could specialise in include:
- clinical psychology
- sports psychology
- counselling psychology
- educational psychology
- forensic psychology
- occupational psychology
The transferable skills you'll learn are also in demand in other fields, such as:
- teaching (with additional training)
- social welfare
- police work
- research
- marketing
Graduate roles and destinations
Roles our previous graduates have gone on to work in, include:
- assistant psychologist
- lecturer in policing
- domestic abuse worker
- wellbeing lead
- occupational therapy support officer
- head of learning and professional development
- HR director
- National Crime Agency (NCA) officer
They've gone on to work in the following organisations:
- Mind
- Care UK
- Department of Health and Social Care
- Ministry of Defence
- The Home Office
- Office for National Statistics
- Metropolitan Police
- EMEA at Michael Kors
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Placement year
You'll be able to increase your chances of landing your ideal job after your degree by taking an optional work placement year after your second or third year. A placement year gives you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in a real workplace, boosting your employability and making you stand out to employers after the course.
You can work for a company or organisation here in the UK or overseas, or you could go independent by setting up and running your own business with other students.
Whichever route you choose, you'll receive support and guidance. Our specialist team of Science and Health Careers advisors can help you with finding a work placement and improving your employability skills. They'll provide you with a database of placement vacancies, support with your job search – including help with applications and interviews – and support throughout your placement year.
I loved the option to take a sandwich year placement. I wasn’t 100% sure on the career I wanted to do but was interested in mental health and the NHS. Portsmouth offered the best opportunities for work experience in my desired field.
Potential roles
Roles previous students have taken on during their placement years include:
- assistant psychologist
- assistant occupational psychologist
- business operations assistant
- student clinical psychologist
- student psychologist
- student researcher
Potential destinations
Previous students have completed placements in the following organisations:
- Great Ormond Street Hospital
- Mind
- Solent NHS Trust
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Microsoft
- IBM
Study abroad
You’ll also have the chance to study abroad at one of our partner universities in Europe or Asia, which is a fantastic opportunity to explore a new destination and experience the world as an international student.
Many of our students describe their time spent studying overseas as truly life-changing, as well as an excellent way to stand out to future employers.
Hear from Dr Lucy Akehurst, Head of the Department of Psychology
Dr Lucy Akehurst, Head of Department of Psychology, talks about the exciting facilities available to current and future students.
Dr Lucy Akehurst: When our first year undergraduate students arrive at the Department of Psychology, I think they feel part of the community straight away.
We pride ourselves on our tutorial system at the University of Portsmouth. Staff are working with students from the word go.
We have a number of laboratory facilities and each of them house specialist equipment. We've got a baby and infant lab. We have a suite of labs, there's observation facilities, one way mirrors and recording equipment. We also have a Psychophysiology lab which has an EEG machine and eye tracking. We also have a motion capture laboratory. We have special cameras that pick up the sensors that the students have placed on their participants just to see how the human body moves when we perform particular actions.
The nice thing about coming to Portsmouth is that undergraduate students from the word go have access to those facilities.
Modules
The psychology degree topics on this course are taught in modules, and each module is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.
What you'll study
Core modules
All modules in this year are core.
Critically assess theories and research methodologies exploring why animals, including humans, behave as they do.
Compare key findings from literature in animal behaviour and learn to place human psychology in the broader framework of evolutionary and comparative psychology.
You'll have opportunities to practice your qualitative and quantitative research skills by conducting and reporting your own research study and completing other research exercises.
You'll learn basic concepts and the theoretical underpinnings of qualitative data collection and analysis, while also mastering the execution and application of appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics tailored to address a specific research question.
You'll address pertinent issues in psychological research, learn to effectively search literature, reference with confidence, communicate ideas both verbally and in writing, and reflect meaningfully on your learning experience.
Explore the historical, conceptual and methodological approaches to psychology, learning how psychology has grown as a discipline.
You'll delve into different theories and current perspectives within psychology, learning how to apply multiple perspectives to modern issues, questions and debates.
You'll examine how different psychological approaches explain and treat mental illness, and learn the basic principles behind psychological methods, considering how psychology has developed as a science.
Core modules
All modules in this year are core.
You'll examine key experiments in the advancement of both biological and cognitive psychology and assess different research methods and techniques used, while considering the relationship between theory and method.
You'll identify the role of physiology in human behaviour, emotion, and cognition and identify the relevant structures and functions of the human nervous system.
You'll explore theoretical issues in intelligence and personality assessment, and the practical application of psychometric tests. You'll generate scores from psychometric tests, interpret results and provide appropriate candidate feedback.
Assess and improve your employment-relevant skills to align with the requirements of potential occupations.
You'll have the opportunity to specialise by selecting from one of four different experiential pathways within the module. This includes careers in psychology, research-based learning, work-based learning or social enterprise.
Should you choose careers in psychology or social enterprise you'll attend 10 hours of seminars. If you choose research or work-based learning, you'll have the opportunity to gain up to 40 hours research experience or external work experience and attend 10 hours of practical classes/workshops and supervision meetings.
As part of this module, you'll have access to an integrated personal tutorial programme.
You'll formulate testable hypotheses, gain practical skills in designing experimental and non-experimental behavioural studies, collect original data, and analysise it using specialist software.
You'll also learn to evaluate psychological research techniques, interpret your findings in the context of previous studies, and communicate them to a wide audience, both orally and in written scientific reports.
Develop measurements and instruments following scientific principles as you process psychologial data through statistics and learn how to skillfully interpret patterns in data using psychological approaches and SPSS software.
Enrich your ability to synthesise data, manipulate it and make informed evidence based conclusions when investigating behaviours in ethical, creative and socially responsible ways.
You'll examine findings, using and applying these in analytical, imaginative, and creative ways, and assess the relevance and application of social and developmental psychology to everyday situations, problems, and practice.
With expanded knowledge, you'll confidently discuss the theories and concepts that influence social and developmental psychology.
Optional modules
All modules in this year are optional.
You'll learn to interpret key principles and how to conduct assessments with athletes, teams and coaches.
By collecting qualitative data, you'll understand important ethical and methodological aspects, as well as social and developmental issues relevant to sport and exercise psychology practitioners.
Using information from a variety of sources, you'll produce evidence-based recommendations that enhance client performance and shows your analytical ability.
Investigate aspects of human and nonhuman animal behaviours that have been shaped by evolutionary processes.
You’ll assess relevant theory and research findings in comparative and evolutionary psychology disciplines.
You'll evaluate different approaches to the study of behaviour, cognition and emotion, finishing with a new and profound perspective on why we behave the way we do.
You'll compare cross-cultural research methods and findings, and evaluate specific topics, as you learn the crucial role of cultural understanding in psychology.
Finish with strong knowledge on the issues surrounding culture and psychology and how they influence one another.
Explore essential topics in education, examine research and theories, and consider how they inform practice.
You'll use critical thinking to determine the relevance of findings using critical thinking and reflect on the history, concepts and practice of educational psychology.
Particular emphasis will be given to effect sizes and confidence intervals. At a practical level, the module will develop advanced statistical analysis skills using appropriate computer packages and support you to develop your skills in both reporting and interpreting statistical results.
You’ll get familiar with the big issues and contemporary debates in education studies as well as the role and expectations of a teacher.
You’ll develops fundamental knowledge and skills that teachers require, as well as your capability to structure and critique a lesson plan.
You'll differentiate between specified psychological approaches and methodologies used in the study of both psychological distress and physical health and/or illness, considering their strengths, limitations, and appropriateness.
You'll apply theory and research findings appropriately to applied topics and problems in clinical and health psychology while also outlining and critically evaluating approaches within these fields.
You'll explain how biopsychosocial factors are implicated in health conditions, addressing both physical and mental health.
Explore the relationship between theories and broader psychological, philosophical, scientific and cultural developments as you apply methods of investigation and communicative phenomena to generate ideas and solutions.
Through lectures and practical classess, you'll assess various verbal and non-verbal interactions, exploring how theories can be applied in research and how they inform everyday life.
You'll compare the main methods used in modern neuroscience revealing brain complexities whilst covering historical and emerging areas of interest. You'll also explore clinical and non-clinical applications of neuroscience.
You'll examine psychological theories and research across a broad range of topics that are of importance in modern occupational settings, from how to select the best people for a job and what makes a good leader to how to improve employee wellbeing and reduce stress at work.
You'll gain an insight into the advantages and disadvantages of different workplace practices, and the steps that can be taken by occupational psychologists to enhance the culture and effectiveness of organisations.
Explore the major theoretical frameworks and research methodologies used, focusing on how forensic psychology has been informed by this across different subfields in psychology.
Develop analytical skills by combining literature across different subfields within forensic psychology.
Finish with enhanced knowledge on the contribution of forensic psychology to real world practice.
You'll be required to draw upon appropriate research methods to gather data that addresses a specific research question or psychological issue. The rationale for the study, the adopted research methodology and the findings are presented in an extended report. Your proposed research must undergo a formal ethical review process before project work may begin. You'll be allocated to a project supervisor, prior to the start of Level 6, who will support you via regular meetings during the project. The module also contains an integrated personal tutorial system.
You'll be required to draw upon appropriate research methods to gather data that addresses a specific research question or psychological issue. The rationale for the study, the adopted research methodology and the findings are presented in an extended report. You'll also present a verbal justification for your study and the approach adopted in the form of a project interview assessment. Your proposed research must undergo a formal ethical review process before project work may begin. You'll be allocated to a project supervisor, prior to the start of Level 6, who will support you via regular meetings during the project. The module also contains an integrated personal tutorial system.
We’ll provide guidance to help you find and secure an exciting placement opportunity and you’ll have support from the Module Coordinator and a dedicated Placement Tutor during your placement.
You’ll get to put everything you’ve learned so far into action in a real workplace, demonstrating an appropriate level of initiative, independence and skill (based on the HCPC Standards of Proficiency). You'll manage and complete tasks and return able to evaluate how your work placement activities relate to your studies, presenting a critical evaluation of your professional development.
Throughout this module, you'll have the opportunity to delve into various subjects such as: assessing contrasting approaches and paradigms of disability knowledge, researching practices, intersectionality and disability, empowerment, the psychology of helping, community and social capital, sex and sexuality, quality of life and stigma, and emancipatory and participatory disability research.
Boost your employability by taking an industry-based work placement year with a relevant organisation or immerse yourself in another culture by studying for a year at one of our partner universities worldwide.
This is an amazing opportunity to either put everything you’ve learned so far into action in a real workplace or expand your horizons and set yourself up for your future career by studying abroad and becoming a student ambassador for our university.
Depending on what you choose, we’ll help you find and secure an exciting placement opportunity within an appropriate company or organisation, or you’ll expand your global perspective and develop additional skills to boost your future career during a study abroad year.
This is a Connected Degree
We're the only university that gives you the flexibility to choose when to take a work placement. Take it after your 2nd year, before returning to finish your studies. Or after your final year, connecting you into the workplace.
If you're not sure if or when to take your placement, don't worry. You'll have plenty of time to settle into your studies and explore your options before making your choice.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- written examinations
- practical reports and essays
- poster presentations
- oral presentations
- self-led research project
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- small focussed seminars
- one-to-one tutorials
- practical research and experiments
The teaching is based on current research and professional practice to make sure what you learn is up to date.
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.
I like that the lecturers are not afraid to introduce to you controversial debates and ideas which deepen your knowledge and understanding of key ideas.
Teaching staff profiles
These are 2 of the expert staff who'll teach you on this course:
Dr Zarah Vernham, Undergraduate Psychology Programmes Lead
I'm the Undergraduate Programmes Lead for the BSc (Hons) Psychology and BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology degrees. I lead a Level 6 (year 3) module called Cybercrime, Policing, and Security and teach on other modules such as the Psychology of Offending Behaviour and Research Methods and Data Analysis modules.
I'm the Deputy Director of the International Centre for Research in Forensic Psychology (ICRFP). My main research interests are in the areas of investigative interviewing, deception detection, offender behaviours and cognitions, and mental health.
Dr Roger Moore, Associate Head (Students)
I lead a Level 6 (year 3) module called Neuroscience and also teach on the Level 4 (year 1) Applying Psychological Research Methods module. My research interests are centred around experimental neuroscience. This involves investigation into the relationship between central nervous system (CNS) activity and personality and between CNS activity and movement.
I studied my first degree in Psychology here at the University of Portsmouth over 25 years ago and I consider myself very lucky to still be based in the Psychology Department at Portsmouth.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as tutorials, lectures, seminars and practical classes and workshops for about 10 hours a week. You'll have personal tutorials built into your modules, with weekly meetings in your first year and fortnightly meetings in the second year.
The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- Academic writing
- Note taking
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Presentation skills
- Referencing
- Working in groups
- Revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
The Maths Café offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your maths skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students - £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – subject to annual increase)
- International students – £19,200 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Apply
How to apply
To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – C800
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.