Psychology - BSc (Hons)
Are you curious to understand why people behave in certain ways? Would you like to take a scientific approach to learning more about your own mind, emotions, and actions? Our British Psychological Society accredited degree enables you to gain broad subject-specific knowledge and advanced skills in communication, research and critical thinking to pursue a career in both science and the arts.
Year of entry
- 2023
Course type
- Single Honours
UCAS code
- C800
Duration of study
- 3 years/ 4 years with placement
Why study Psychology at Keele University?
Course overview
What is psychology?
Psychology is the study of mind and behaviour. From biological influences and social pressures to environmental factors that affect how people think, act, and feel - psychology underpins all that we are and everything we do. The skills you will develop on this degree will not only equip you with subject-specific knowledge but will provide you with a variety of transferable scientific and humanities based skills that can be used in a wide range of sectors.
Course structure
Our Psychology BSc will equip you with a well-rounded education.
In addition to studying the principal areas specified by the British Psychological Society (BPS) curriculum, you will have the opportunity tailor your degree to reflect your career aspirations and interests.
You will study biological, cognitive, social and developmental psychology as well as individual differences and historical issues.
You will also gain fundamental scientific skills in research design, statistics, qualitative and survey methods. With this knowledge, you will learn how to conduct research and critically analyse that of others.
Global Challenge pathways
In year one, you will have the option to choose an exciting route of elective study from Keele's ground-breaking Global Challenge Pathways. You can take this alongside your core degree programme to complement and enhance your studies at Keele. Each pathway is designed over the three years of undergraduate study and enables you to engage with a global issue or challenge which connects you directly to societal issues.
Optional modules
From year two you can personalise your degree by choosing from five 'routes' of optional modules. Our carefully chosen modules interlink to provide you with a cohesive level of additional specialism and excellent foundation to enter post-graduate study and/or employment.
Optional module topics include:
- Social and Political psychology
- Child Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology and Neuroscience
- Forensic Psychology
Final year project
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 students include:
- Cognitive control and depression
- Experiences of disabled students in Higher Education
- Sleep and mental health
- Detecting deception in others
- Victims and forgiveness
Principal areas of study
Biological psychology
Explore the structure and function of the brain, neuronal impulses and how we make sense of sensory stimuli.
Cognitive psychology
Examine topics including attention, perception, learning, memory, thinking, problem solving, decision making, metacognition, language, consciousness and cognitive neuropsychology.
Developmental psychology
Study the typical and atypical development across the lifespan including childhood, adolescence and ageing, attachment, social relations, cognitive and language development and cultural development.
Individual differences
Question what it is to be human and the impact this has on our understanding of everyday experiences.
Social psychology
Explore topics including social cognition, attribution, attitudes, group processes and intergroup relations, culture, close relationships, social constructionism, self and identity, and leadership.
Conceptual and historical issues
Discover how culture plays a role in psychology, how psychology influences culture, and how a capacity for culture arose in the first place.
Research methods
Learn the fundamentals for conducting your own qualitative and quantitative research and also thinking critically about others' published research too.
International year
In between years two and three of your studies you can choose to spend a year studying abroad. This exciting opportunity enables you to understand your field from different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks. It also shows you have the personal attributes to embrace new experiences which can enhance your employability. We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions.
Student support
We pride ourselves on our multi-layered student support structure. You will have access to an academic mentor, academic support team and disability officer. A careers tutor and member of Keele’s Student Experience and Support team will also be dedicated to the School of Psychology if you need any additional support, or someone to talk to, whether about your degree programme or life outside of your studies.
In addition to the School's support offering, Keele Student Services is also your one-stop-shop for information and support. The team can offer guidance on a range of areas including;
- Disability and dyslexia
- Money advice and guidance
- Residence life
- Your welfare and wellbeing
Societies
We have a wealth of student-led societies at Keele which cover a diverse range of interests. Joining a society related to psychology is a great opportunity to continue to develop your skills away from your studies. This is another excellent way of demonstrating your genuine interest for the area and can be beneficial when it comes to applying for graduate roles.
Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion
As a university and as a School, 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.
Accreditation and professional recognition
This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
BPS accreditation acknowledges that our Psychology programme meets the industry standards for contemporary practice. If you are interested in pursuing a career in the psychology profession, it is also the first step in your journey in progressing to postgraduate study, so you can become a chartered psychologist.
Related courses
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.
"Studying Psychology has enhanced my employability by offering countless opportunities to further my skills and knowledge - including voluntary work in labs, and talks from academics. I believe I will stand out when applying for further study and jobs because of these experiences."
Engage with real-world projects
During your first and second years, you may have the opportunity to work on research led by staff, PhD and master's students. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn about research methods and it will provide you with insight into the diversity of research carried out within the School.
SUMMER RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP SCHEME
Our summer research assistantship scheme 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 really 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.
"Conducting research and experiments in fields you have an interest in - where you could possibly have an impact on the world is definitely the most rewarding part of the course."
Collaborate and foster networks
The School of Psychology is housed in the Dorothy Hodgkin building. Located at the heart of campus, our school offers a supportive environment with a close-knit student and staff community. The majority of lecture theatres, resource facilities and academics are situated within the building. This means when you need to collaborate with peers, or would like to gain feedback from academics, everyone is housed under one roof.
Central Science Laboratories
Develop your practical skills in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories
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 within this page 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 which will be invaluable in your academic studies and beyond. 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.
This Foundation Year is a two-semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BSc (Hons) Psychology course. For example, 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.
You will develop subject-specific and broad-based skills that will be invaluable in your academic career and beyond. You can find out more about our Foundation Year, including information on learning, teaching and assessment methods and further opportunities available to you by visiting our homepage.
Module Summary
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 Modules
| FYO-00247 | 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-00276 | Foundations of Science and Sustainability | 15 credits |
Semester Two Modules
| FYO-00271 | University Research Portfolio | 30 credits |
| FYO-00203 | Advancing Psychology | 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.
- Between 40-56 UCAS points from at least 1 A level/level 3 qualification or equivalent, or
- Relevant work experience
AND
- GCSE English Language at grade 4 (C), or Level 2 Functional Skills, or
- IELTS 5.5 (with 5.5 in all subtests)
AND
- GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above
How to Apply
Students will need to apply for BSc (Hons) Psychology with Foundation Year (UCAS code C802) through UCAS at www.ucas.com
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.
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 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, what you will study, and how to apply for a Foundation Year. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but in a slightly different order and pattern.
For more information, including fees 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.
"My time at Keele was completely pleasurable and thoroughly supported by course tutors and my dissertation supervisor. As a mature student, Keele had everything I could ask for in regards to understanding my circumstances and helping me achieve my best. Covid-19 did not affect the high standards of teaching and support, it enhanced these by showing just how dedicated the staff are to all students."
Discover the Keele difference
Everything’s on your doorstep at Keele, and you’ll soon feel at home and make friends wherever you go.
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Make yourself more employable after graduation by taking advantage of the whole host of additional opportunities.