Course overview

This three-year Psychology BSc Honours degree will give you a headstart in your professional career. With a unique range of professional pathways and hands-on learning, you're able to shape your undergraduate degree.

Your teaching will be informed by internationally recognised research and delivered in our brand new building. You'll have access to purpose-built, state-of-the-art facilities, which include: 

• a forensic interviewing suite
• a nutrition and food preference unit
• a media and behaviour lab 
• medical consultation rooms
• psychological testing cubicles

You'll study a broad range of topics, such as social psychology, biological psychology, research methods, individual differences, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and cognitive psychology. 

Download information about this course as a PDF

COVID-19
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to COVID-19.

See our terms and conditions for more information

View our Frequently Asked Questions

Your course during COVID-19

Whilst things will not be the same when you join us in September, this course page is intended to give you insight into what to expect from your course and your learning experience for the duration of your degree.

We have updated all course information where there are specific changes in the first semester.

Facilities

Most of our student services are now available online. As COVID-19 restrictions lift, we'll be opening up our on-campus facilities as soon as it is safe to do so, so that you can get the best out of your studies.

Your learning experience

Your teaching will be a mixture of online and in-person on-campus teaching. In semester one, as a result of physical distancing requirements, all lecture materials will be delivered online along with many tutorials, workshops and labs.

Our aim, if Government guidance allows us, is to deliver up to three hours of labs, seminars and tutorial teaching in-person on campus where this is possible and safe to do so. We'll review this regularly and plan to return to full in-person, on-campus teaching in semester two if restrictions allow.

Assessment

In semester one, we will not be running face-to-face, on-campus examinations. We will instead use different approaches to assessment. These will test and support your learning.

Field trips

We will be running some but not all of our planned field trips. Some of those that do run, will be run virtually. For those that do not run, we will be offering alternative learning activities. These learning activities will give you the opportunity to achieve the same learning.

Terms and conditions and student complaints

The University has terms and conditions which create a positive environment for learning and academic achievement.

Further information

Our COVID-19 Study page gives more information about your Newcastle University 2020 study experience.

Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to the guidelines that may be in place at the time.

Quality and ranking

• top 20 in the UK – The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020 The Guardian University Guide 2020 and The Complete University Guide 2021
• top 100 – Psychology category – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020
• top 150 – Psychology category – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2020

Teaching excellence

TEF Gold

A ringing endorsement of Newcastle University’s long tradition of excellence in teaching.

Professional accreditation

This degree is professionally accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

This gives you the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (providing you achieve the minimum standard of a lower second-class Honours). Having Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership means you can join the BPS and will be eligible to go on to further training and, if successful, to practise as a professional psychologist. For information on the benefits of studying an accredited course, visit the BPS website.

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

During your first year, you'll receive a broad introduction to core areas of psychology, as well as relevant practical and research methods. 

You'll study topics such as development and social psychology, cognitive psychology, sensation and perception, and the history of psychology. 

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Psychological Enquiry 1 - Psychological literacy and academic skills	10
Developmental and Social Psychology	10
Evolution and Genetics for Psychologists	10
Cognitive Psychology	10
Sensation and Perception	10
Instinct, Learning and Motivation	10
History of Psychology	10
Personality and Abnormal Psychology	10
Research Methods and Skills 1	20
Research Methods and Skills 2	20

In Stage 2, you'll start to specialise in the areas that interest you most. 

Alongside core topics including developmental psychology, individual differences, biological psychology, and statistics for experimental psychology, you'll be able to choose from optional modules such as perception, animal cognition, and clinical psychology. 

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Developmental Psychology	10
Social Psychology	10
Individual Differences	10
Biological Psychology: Sex, Drugs, Rhythms and Blues	10
Psychological Enquiry 2: Principles of Psychology	10
Methods in Psychology 2A	10
Statistics for Empirical Psychology	10
Methods in Psychology 2B	10

Optional Modules	Credits
Career Development for second year students	20
Perception	10
Cognitive Neuroscience	10
Clinical Issues in Forensic Psychology Practice	10
The Body, the Mind, and the Self-Interoception in Health and Clinical Psychology	10

In Stage 3, you'll be able to focus on your chosen specialist area.

You'll design and carry out your own empirical study in an area of psychology that particularly interests you. 

You'll also have the opportunity to explore further areas of interest, including the psychology of religion, the damaged brain, foundations in forensic psychology, psychology for sport performance, and consumer psychology. There are no module restrictions, allowing you to study areas that will prepare you for the next steps in your chosen career. 

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Psychological Enquiry 3: Psychological Literacy and Professional Skills	10
Empirical Project	30

Optional Modules	Credits
Career Development for final year students	20
Evolution & Behaviour	10
Consumer Psychology	20
Art, Mind and Brain	10
To cheat or not to cheat: the evolution of cooperative behaviour	10
The Damaged Brain: Case Studies in Neuropsychology	10
Psychology of Religion	20
Disorders of Development: A Psychological Perspective	20
Foundations in Forensic Psychology	20
The Psychology of Teaching and Learning	20
Eating and Weight Disorders	20
Clinical Sport & Exercise Psychology	20
Psychobiology of Drug Addiction	10
Sex Differences and the Brain	10
Making Sense of scents: investigating olfactory perception	10
Psychology for Sport Performance	20
The Social Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination	20

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

You'll be taught through a combination of:

• lectures
• seminars
• lab sessions
• practical sessions
• field work

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

• 

  Assessments

• 

  Assignments – written or fieldwork

• 

  Case studies

• 

  Coursework

• 

  Dissertation or research project

• 

  Essays

• 

  Examinations – practical or online

• 

  Group work

• 

  Practical sessions

• 

  Presentations

• 

  Projects

• 

  Reports

Skills and experience

Practical skills

You'll learn how to formulate theories, conduct experiments, use statistical techniques, and write up research reports. 

Business skills

Our modules focus on psychological literacy, this prepares you with the knowledge of how to apply psychology in a real-world setting, readying for a career in the field. 

Research skills

In stages 1 and 2, you'll complete Research Methods and Skills modules, in which you'll develop as an independent researcher. 

In Stage 3, you'll put these skills into practice, completing a comprehensive research project in an area of your choice.  

You'll also have the opportunity to gain additional research outside your course, including the School's certified research apprenticeship scheme. 

Opportunities

Work placement

Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Placements are subject to availability.

Find out more about work placements

Facilities and environment

Facilities

As a psychology student at Newcastle University, you'll be based in the School of Psychology's Dame Margaret Barbour Building, in the University's city-centre campus.

As well as having great access to University facilities like its libraries, student's union and sports centre, the School of Psychology is less than 10 minutes' walk from Newcastle city centre.

You'll also have access to our excellent practical facilities in the School, such as:

• a forensic interviewing suite
• a nutrition and food preference unit
• a media and behaviour lab
• medical consultation rooms
• psychological testing cubicles

Support

You will have an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree. They can help with academic and personal issues.

All first-year psychology students join a study group of approximately 10 students, led by an experienced and trained final-year student who will also act as your mentor for your first year.

Your future

95% of our psychology graduates are employed or in further study within six months of graduation, with 82% of those in employment in professional and managerial roles*. 

*Destinations of (undergraduate, UK and EU) Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016/17

Opportunities for diverse career paths

Recent graduates have secured employment in areas such as clinical psychology, forensic psychology, and educational psychology, in companies such as NHS, Home Office, HMRC, Prison Service, and local, national, and international charities. 

Many of our graduates embark on further study, including master's degrees and PHDs in areas such as forensics, sports and exercise, medicine, clinical psychology, and teacher training. 

As a psychology graduate, you'll also be incredibly versatile, with plenty of transferable skills, including analytical thinking, research skills, strategy development, problem solving, and content writing skills. Many graduates go on to careers in teaching, marketing, and financial services. 

Employability at Newcastle

96% of Newcastle University graduates progressed to employment or further study within six months of graduating, with 85.5% in graduate-level employment or further study.

Take a look at the most recent data available for our graduates. See what they have gone on to achieve and be inspired to follow in their footsteps.

Statistics are based on what graduates were doing on a specific date, approximately six months after graduation (Destinations of (undergraduate and postgraduate UK domiciled) Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016/17).

Make a difference

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Careers support

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2020 entry (per year)

Home Fee Students

£9250

International Fee Students

£22800

The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by the UK government.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

You will be charged tuition fees for each year of your degree programme (unless you are on a shorter exchange programme).

The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightly year on year as a result of inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Find out more about:

• different tuition fees
• additional costs

Scholarships

Find out more about:

• scholarships for UK, EU and international students
• scholarships for students applying to study at our London campus
• Student Loans and Government financial support for UK and EU students

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

• the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
• the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
• the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages