UCAS code C801
If you are interested in studying for a psychology degree, but feel that you have a non-standard academic background, this is a programme that has been designed for you. C801, is the four-year degree that is run in collaboration with Wirral Metropolitan College which feeds into C800 at year two. The C801 degree is intended for students from a variety of vocational, academic and non-academic backgrounds who typically have had a break in their education.
The University of Liverpool is a research-intensive university, and many of our academic staff are leading researchers in their fields. What this means for you as a student is that your learning will be informed by the very latest developments in psychology.
Psychology at Liverpool offers you professionally accredited, flexible, research-driven programmes of study. Our extensive academic and industry networks mean you can experience the practical application of psychology through visiting practitioner speakers, and hear first-hand the latest leading research breaking new ground in the discipline.
In your first year, you’ll get an introduction into developmental and clinical psychology, psychological debates, research methods and statistics, social and investigational psychology. In your second and third years, you’ll learn about cognitive neuroscience, developmental and forensic psychology, psychosis, psychological issues of adult ageing and the psychology of expertise. Along the way you will have an opportunity to apply for ‘internships’ in the Faculty. In your final year you will undertake a research project in a research topic in your chosen specialisation, working with a research group of postgraduates and research assistants. Given their close links to research expertise, data from projects is sometimes published in scientific journals providing valuable contributions to a graduates curriculum vitae and can act as an important precursor to your career or postgraduate study.
The degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society and provides Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.
The British Psychological Society is the representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK. This programme is BPS accredited, meaning it meets the BPS' standards for education and training.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Students take eight modules that provide a foundation to the principal topic areas and methods of research in psychology. You will be required to pass all modules (120 CAT points) to progress into year one.
The curriculum is delivered on the Wirral Metropolitan College campus via small group teaching by college staff and supported by online resources through the University’s virtual interactive teaching environment (VITAL).
In addition to classroom teaching there are practical sessions and other types of small group work.
From the beginning of year zero a member of the academic staff is appointed as the students’ academic adviser. You will have regular meetings with them during term time.
In year zero you will have the opportunity to begin developing the transferable skills required to become a successful and efficient student.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we are currently reviewing all of our programmes. This may include refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. This page will be updated for students beginning in September 2027 by 1 September 2026 at the latest.
Our programmes are taught using a balanced mix of lectures, workshops, seminars and tutorials and practical laboratory sessions. Students are encouraged to work in small groups from the beginning of the programme. The year three research project is done either individually or in small groups.
The modules in each year must be passed in order to progress to the next year of study. The final degree classification is calculated from grades obtained in years two and three. The weighting between second and third years is 30/70%. Assessed work, including essays, presentations, group work, and qualitative and experimental reports, together with examination results contribute to the final degree classification.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
“Coming to this University really opened my eyes as to how much you can do, and what you can go into.”
“Doing a Psychology BSc here, you’re at a more advanced level. It’s really enjoyable here and everyone’s really friendly.”
“It’s definitely somewhere where you’ll get a well-rounded degree.”
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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A Psychology degree can equip you for any job in which you will have contact with other people. It provides you with a wide range of key academic and transferable skills such as an understanding of how to manage projects, work as a team, think analytically, write cogently and conduct effective research.
Your programme is informed by an extensive network of professional contacts and potential employers, helping ensure it prepares you for the workplace. Guest practitioner lecturers also help you clarify your future career direction.
Around 60% of our graduates are involved in health related, social, public service, commercial, retail or financial employment within six months following graduation. About 25% of our graduates go on to postgraduate study and training, many within other leading research institutes as well as here at Liverpool. Companies employing our graduates in recent years include the NHS, Amazon, Unilever, the Business Services Authority, Marks & Spencer, Local government and the Department for Education.