Philosophy and Psychology - BSc (Hons)
Do you question right from wrong or why people behave the way they do? Philosophy and Psychology explores the mind, emotions and behaviour, and aims to provide you with an analytical approach towards answering big questions about the world and our place in it. You will develop your critical thinking skills and investigate theories from around the world to gain knowledge and build your research expertise. Our British Psychological Society accredited degree will equip you with skills that can be applied to many disciplines, enabling you to pursue a wide range of careers in psychology and beyond.
Year of entry
- 2025
Course type
- Combined Honours
Location
Subject area / School
UCAS code
- CV85
Duration of study
- 3 years / 4 years with international or placement year
Why study Philosophy and Psychology at Keele University?
Accreditation and professional recognition
This programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society, subject to passing your final year project and achieving a minimum 2:2 degree award.
Related courses
Teaching Excellence Framework GOLD
Keele University has been awarded the highest rating of gold in the teaching excellence framework (TEF), 2023. The TEF assessment identifies excellence in the educational experience and outcomes of our students, focusing on all undergraduate courses and students.
Additional opportunities
There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.
Enhance your learning
Royal Institute of Philosophy Lecture Series
Hear from guest speakers about their philosophical research and engage in thought-provoking discussions with peers and visitors from other universities. You will have the opportunity to network with professionals and share your knowledge and opinions as well as experience debates on a larger scale to gain a wider insight into different theories and explanations of philosophy. This experience builds your awareness of new research and allows you to demonstrate your critical thinking skills.
Work Placement Year
Between year 2 and year 3, you will have the opportunity to take a Work Placement Year with a placement provider relevant to either Psychology or Philosophy. This will help prepare you for the workplace by becoming familiar with the professional working environment and having the opportunity to draw upon psychological or philosophical principles, theories, or methods. This will allow you to build key skills in communication, teamwork and project management. You will be able to demonstrate your abilities and creative thinking, working with fellow professionals as well as independently.
You will be supported by staff in your preparation to apply for a work placement that suits your interests and career prospects. This opportunity will allow you to develop both personally and professionally during your studies which will assist you in your employment after university.
Research-active community
Teaching in the School of Psychology is driven by research and you will learn about some of the latest topics in the field.
Research within the School of Psychology is supported by four research groups: Cognition, Brain, & Behaviour Research Group, Health, Well-being, and Behaviour Change Research Group, Identities, Values and Social Change Research Group, and Justice, Security, & Institutional Change Research Group.
In addition, we have a Keele Augmented, Virtual, and Extended Reality Network (KAVERN), Children and Young People Research Network, and various members of the school are engaged in interdisciplinary research, including the Keele Policing Collaboration (KPAC), the Keele Centre for Aging Research (KCAR), and projects with colleagues in Health, Social Sciences and Humanities disciplines.
Find out more about our academic experts in the School of Psychology and their research in various fields.
Engage with real-world projects
During your degree programme, you may have the opportunity to work on research, led by staff, PhD and master's students in the School of Psychology. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn about research methods and gain insight into the diversity of research carried out within the School of Psychology.
Final year project in Psychology
In your final year you will have the opportunity to work with one of our expert academics to carry out and report an investigation of a research topic that aligns with your career aspirations or personal interests.
Final year project topics from previous Psychology students include:
- Cognitive control and depression
- Experiences of disabled students in Higher Education
- Sleep and mental health
- Detecting deception in others
- Victims and forgiveness
Summer research assistantship scheme
The School of Psychology hosts a summer research assistantship scheme which is a paid opportunity during your second or third year that enables you to work alongside a member of staff on a research project. The experience and skills you will gain, such as data analysis, can help you stand out from the crowd when applying for employment or postgraduate study. Please note there is an application process for this scheme and the number of projects available will vary each year.
Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. This means we aim to create a diverse and inclusive culture in which you can thrive. Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) agenda is embedded throughout our curriculum, and the School of Psychology are proud to have been recognised for our activities in this area by holding The Athena SWAN bronze award.
Study Abroad
International Year
Enhance your career prospects with an International Year at one of our partner institutions. Utilising this opportunity between 2nd and 3rd year can help in your employment search to stand out from the crowd and broaden your horizons, potentially working across the globe. You will develop a new way of understanding the world and gain insight into various perspectives whilst learning in a different environment.
On successful completion of all modules across the year, you will graduate with an enhanced degree title. This can be highly beneficial for your career prospects and through experiencing different cultures; you will not only grow as an individual, but you will also strengthen your knowledge and interests within society.
Alternatively, you may choose to study abroad for just a semester in your second year which will count towards your second year grades. Our Global Opportunities team will support you through the process, ensuring you are able to get the most out of your international experience.
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
A Level
BBB in three A Levels.
Contextual Offer: BCC in three A Levels.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma
DDM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.
Contextual Offer: DMM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
BTEC National Diploma / Diploma
Distinction and Distinction in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and C in one A Level, or Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in one A Level
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma
Distinction in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BC in two A Levels, or Merit in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and AB in two A Levels
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
T Level
Merit in any T Level
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
555 in three Higher Levels, or 30 points.
Contextual Offer: 544 in three Higher Levels, or 28 points.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, or 3 in IB Middle Years Maths, or 3 in IB Diploma Standard Level Maths (any), plus an English language qualification (see below).
International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme
We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.
If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.
For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Access to HE Diploma
122 UCAS points in any Access to HE Diploma including Distinction in at least 30 Level 3 credits
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru
The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.
Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers
BBBCC in five Highers, or CC in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers, or CCC in three Advanced Highers
You will also need: C in National 5 Maths, or 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
Core Maths
If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
Ireland - Leaving Certificate
H3, H3, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate
You will also need: O4 / H6 in Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
China - Gaokao
73% in the Gaokao
You will also need: 60% in Senior Secondary School or Gaokao Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
India - Standard XII
Average of 70% from four subjects in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 75% from four subjects in any other Standard XII
You will also need: 6 or C2 in Secondary School Examination Maths, or Pass in Standard XII Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Germany - Abitur
2.2 overall average in the Abitur
You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Abitur, plus an English language qualification (see below)
France - Baccalaureate
13 in the French Baccalaureate / International Option Baccalaureate, or 12.5 in the Baccalauréat Français International.
You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Baccalaureate, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Hong Kong - Diploma
444 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE
You will also need: 2 in HKDSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Spain - Bachillerato
Overall average of 7.4 in the Título de Bachillerato
You will also need: 5 in Graduado en Educación Secundaria (GES) Maths or 6 in Título de Bachiller Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato
80% in the Esame di Stato
You will also need: 5 in Maths in the Diploma, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Cyprus - Apolytirion
18 / 86% in the Apolytirion
You will also need: 14 in Maths in the Apolytirion, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Portugal
Overall average of 15.5 in a secondary certificate
You will also need: 10 in secondary certificate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Canada - Diploma
65% / BBBCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma
You will also need: 50% in Grade 11 Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya - KCSE / Diploma
We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND
We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
USA - Advanced Placement
444 from three Advanced Placement subjects
You will also need: C in Grade 12 High School Diploma Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Sri Lanka - Advanced Level
BBB in three Advanced Levels
You will also need: C in O-level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Malaysia - STPM
BBB in three subjects in the STPM
You will also need: C in SPM Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate
We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Singapore - A Levels (H2)
BBB in three H2 Levels
You will also need: C in O-level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
European Baccalaureate
72% overall
You will also need: 6 in European Baccalaureate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
NCUK
Pass NCUK Foundation Year with BBB and a C in EAP English Language module
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or international equivalent
Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education
BBB in three Principal level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education
You will also need: 6 in UACE or UCE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE
BBB in three Advanced Level subjects
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.
Alternative and contextual offers
We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.
"Studying philosophy at Keele has given me a great overview of philosophy, the changes in philosophical thoughts & arguments, and definitely given me a deeper understanding of life in general! Alongside the employability skills that philosophy provides you with, the ability to criticise and consider arguments is invaluable, and the small class sizes make understanding the more complex arguments a lot easier!"
"The degree has taught me how to conduct my own experiments, and, it gave me the ability to run a small study in my second year to prepare for my final year project. Having free reign to conduct research and experiments in any field that you have an interest in, where you could possibly have an impact on the world with the research you conduct, or can be the basis for your future research, is definitely the most rewarding part of the course."
Foundation year
Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.
This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.
Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.
The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.
The information within this section is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.
Course Content
Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.
Our combined honours foundation year is a two semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BSc (Hons) Philosophy and Psychology degree. For example, the Foundations of Humanities 1 module introduces you to the broad range of source material across the Humanities disciplines – from music to media – which enable us to analyse political, social or economic perspectives and attitudes to individuals, marginal groups and ‘mainstream’ society. Meanwhile, the Advancing Psychology module builds on your knowledge and understanding of core psychological concepts and explores how these can be used in an applied context. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.
Find out more about the Keele Foundation Year, including information about teaching and assessment methods by visiting the Foundation Year homepage.
Course Structure
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Semester One
FYO-00247 | Foundations: Breaking the Code - Understanding Academic Writing | 15 credits |
FYO-00211 | Foundations in Numerical and Quantitative Methods for Scientists | 15 credits |
FYO-00201 | Foundations of Psychology | 15 credits |
FYO-00257 | Foundations of Humanities 1 | 15 credits |
Semester Two
FYO-00203 | Advancing Psychology | 30 credits |
FYO-00271 | University Research Portfolio | 30 credits |
Entry Requirements
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements for United Kingdom, European Union and International students.
- 56 UCAS points including at least one Level 3 qualification (such as an A Level, BTEC, Access Course, or T Level).
- Plus C in GCSE English / Level 2 Functional Skills English and C in GCSE Maths / Level 2 Functional Skills Maths
How to Apply
Students will need to apply for BSc (Hons) Psychology with Foundation Year (UCAS code: C802) through UCAS at www.ucas.com. You will then be contacted to confirm your second subject by a member of our team.
Direct Entry Students
If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.
The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.
We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science, Health and Business courses.
Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.
In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.
Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but on a compressed timescale and tailored to a blended learning approach (with the majority of learning taking place online).
For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.
Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.
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