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Qualification type
BSc (Hons)

Psychology

UCAS code C800

Study mode
Full-time
Duration
3 years
Start date and application deadlines
Start date

About this course

The Psychology BSc (Hons) degree course at Liverpool is an exciting programme that draws on our research excellence and the transferable skills you'll learn while you're here means a psychology degree from Liverpool will be suitable for a wide range of career choices. Outstanding applicants may also choose to continue on linked postgraduate courses provided by the University of Liverpool to enable you to to further enhance your career prospects.


Introduction

Entry to the undergraduate degree programme is available to applicants with a wide array of qualifications and backgrounds and it is accredited by the British Psychological Society and provides Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, making it an excellent platform for postgraduate study. The modular basis of the course will enable you to acquire deeper knowledge in a range of subject areas.

The large number of available modules makes it possible to focus your learning on topics of personal interest. You also have the opportunity to work on a summer placement to an organisation. In year three, you’ll be able to work with an individual academic on an in-depth research project on a topic of potential personal and professional interest.

In addition, in your final year you may wish to apply for entry to our range of taught Masters postgraduate programmes in psychology (eg Investigative and Forensic Psychology, which is accredited by the BPS Forensic Division).

You’ll be studying in a department which is home to some of the world’s leading academic experts, research centres and laboratories and our research connected curriculum moves quickly from general psychology to our research strengths and specialisms. You’ll benefit from research focused lectures from year one, enabling an understanding and application of the Liverpool context, all taught by specialists who are passionate about their research activity.

Ours is a rewarding programme and you’ll have plenty of not only academic but also pastoral support at Liverpool to advise about any issues you may be experiencing.


What you'll learn

  • Biological and clinical psychology
  • Cognitive neurosciences
  • Forensic psychology
  • Research methodologies and statistics
  • Developmental psychology
  • A wide selection of optional modules in areas such as addiction, evolutionary psychology, the neurobiology of emotions, the psychology of pain, and many more.

Accreditation

The degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society and provides Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.

Accreditation in detail
British Psychological Society logo

British Psychological Society

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.

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Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

In this first year, you’ll begin to understand the basis, concepts and principles associated with the neural underpinnings of human behaviour and will help you apply research strategies and investigatory methods in biological psychology, cognition, developmental and social psychology. There will be class based practical sessions and group work.

Year two

In your second year you’ll cover the core topics of psychology in depth and get an introduction into new topics such as key lifespan development.

At the same time, you’ll be developing your research, problem solving and critical thinking skills and applying statistics. You’ll also be part of a small group project in preparation for your third-year research project and have the opportunity to apply for an internship in the Department’s research laboratories.

Year three

Year three will provide an unparalleled opportunity for you to learn at the cutting edge of psychology research and be taught by world-leading academics in subjects like the psychology of pain, addiction, psychosis and forensics as well as current debates and controversies. Central to this year is the research project, designed as a platform for students to display applied learning to a research topic that can be related to their chosen specialisation.

Modules

Compulsory modules Credits
RESEARCH PROJECT (PSYC340) 30

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Teaching and assessment

How you'll learn

You will be taught using a balanced mix of lectures, workshops, seminars and tutorials and practical laboratory sessions, working cooperatively in small groups right from the beginning. Academic staff are available for 1-2-1 feedback and support. Course material is available 24/7 on our online learning platform; Canvas.

How you're assessed

Students on this course are assessed with a combination of exams and coursework. Coursework involves real world tasks such as writing position papers, educational blogs, policy papers, research proposals, posters, oral presentations, group projects, and research projects. You’ll submit coursework which contributes to your final grade during years two and three. During your final year, you’ll also submit your 3rd year research project.

Liverpool Hallmarks

We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

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Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Global opportunities

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.

Year in China

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.

  • Learn Chinese
  • Study in a bustling world heritage city
  • Improve employment prospects
  • Study Chinese culture
  • 30 minutes from Shanghai
  • Learn new skills

Read more about Year at XJTLU, China

Year abroad

Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.

  • Choose from up-to 26 countries
  • Experience another way of life
  • Inspire your future career or studies
  • Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
  • More likely to earn higher salary
  • More likely to be employed after graduating

Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Hong Kong
  • Malaysia
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • USA

More about taking a year abroad

Semester abroad

Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.

  • Inspire your future career or studies
  • Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
  • More likely to earn higher salary
  • More likely to be employed after graduating

More about taking a semester abroad

Summer abroad

Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.

  • Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
  • Study abroad without adding an extra year
  • Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
  • Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline

Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?

  • Hong Kong
  • Japan
  • South Korea

More about taking a summer abroad

Language study

Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:

  • A dedicated languages degree
  • A language as a joint or major/minor degree
  • Language modules (selected degrees)
  • Language classes alongside your studies

Read more about studying a language

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Your experience

Day-to-day teaching takes place in one of the UK’s oldest academic psychology departments based at the Eleanor Rathbone Building. The Department undertakes cutting-edge research with real-world impact. You will have access to a wealth of learning facilities, renowned museums, libraries and galleries.

Explore where you'll study

Photograph of the Victoria Gallery and Museum from across University Square
Victoria Gallery and Museum
Abercromby Square
Abercromby Square
Photograph of a reading room within the Harold Cohen Library
Harold Cohen Library
Guild of Students
The Quadrangle
The Quadrangle
Two students checking books out of the Sydney Jones Library
Sydney Jones Library
Watch on Panopto: Inside Biosciences. A conversation with Tanya Horne and Professor Jay Hinton

Inside Biosciences. A conversation with Tanya Horne and Professor Jay Hinton

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

An exciting place for postgraduate study

  • Internationally recognised qualifications with a wide range of programmes
  • Access to some of the best specialist units in the UK
  • World-leading excellence in research and research-connected teaching
  • The MSc Investigative and Forensic Psychology is renowned worldwide and attracts a large number of international students and visiting speakers each year
  • Provides specialist training with taught and research components
  • Work alongside internationally-renowned academic researchers and experts in their field.
Two students chatting while walking through campus.

Chat with our students

Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.

Watch on Panopto: A day in the life of Psychology student Autumn

A day in the life of Psychology student Autumn

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Careers and employability

Employability is embedded into the Psychology BSc(Hons) programme, from lectures through to integrating it within your chosen modules and your future employers can be reassured by the fact that the Psychology BSc (Hons) programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

At Liverpool you’ll be connected with the best student and graduate employers in the region. Our career coaches will help you explore jobs, connect with employers and guide you through the whole application process.

  • NHS
  • Business Services Authority
  • Marks & Spencer
  • Camelot Retail Sales
  • Unilever
  • Deloitte Audit
  • Tax and Corporate Finance Services
  • Amazon
  • Local government
  • Department for Education

4 in 5 psychology students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.

(Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.)

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Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year - £9,790
Year abroad fee - £1,385 (applies to year in China)

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £32,000
Year abroad fee - £16,000 (applies to year in China)

The UK and international full-time fees shown are for the academic year 2026/27 (UK fees are subject to Parliamentary approval). UK year abroad and year in industry fees and international year in industry fees shown are for entry 2025, as 2026/27 fees have yet to be confirmed. Please be advised that tuition fees may increase each year for both UK and international students. For UK students, this will be subject to the government’s regulated fee limits.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.


Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.


Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

Liverpool Excellence Scholarship for Undergraduates

If you’re a new international undergraduate student, and you've achieved AAA at A level or equivalent, you could be entitled to a generous tuition fee discount of £7,500, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.

Kaplan Digital Pathways Excellence Scholarship

Completed a Kaplan Digital Pathways Foundation Certificate? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of undergraduate study for a maximum of two high achieving students joining one of our non-clinical degrees from an online Kaplan Foundation Certificate.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

Completed a Foundation Certificate at University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC)? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of undergraduate study to some of the highest achieving students joining one of our non-clinical degrees from UoLIC.

University of Liverpool International College First Class Scholarship

We’re offering a £1,000 fee discount for years 2 and 3 of undergraduate study to eligible students progressing from University of Liverpool International College. You’ll need to be studying a non-clinical subject and get an average of 70% or above in year 1 of your degree.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

If you’re a University of Liverpool International College student awarded a Kaplan Impact Scholarship, we’ll also consider you for an Impact Progression Scholarship. If selected, you’ll receive a £3,000 fee discount off the first year of your undergraduate degree.

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Contact us

Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.

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Last updated 4 December 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions

Changes to Psychology BSc (Hons)

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

19 June 2025: Psychology BSc (Hons) – modules

As per SN request RITM0176192:

  • PSYC352 and PSYC353 removed from year three optional modules
  • PSYC356 and PSYC357 added to year three optional modules.
29 April 2025: Duolingo requirements – Psychology BSc (Hons)

Duolingo requirements updated to: 135 overall, with writing not less than 140, speaking and reading not less than 125, and listening not below 120. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 130 overall, with no component below 120.

14 January 2025: Psychology BSc – Duolingo English test requirements

Duolingo English test requirements updated: 135 overall, with writing not less than 140, speaking and reading not less than 125, and listening not below 120

16 December 2024: Change to Year in Industry information

This course was updated to reflect the fact that an official “Year in Industry” option is not currently available.

3 November 2022: Module changes

The following modules are no longer available in year three:

  • Visual intelligence
  • Understanding and Learning about the world
7 June 2022: New course pages

New course pages launched.