Psychology and Biology BSc Joint Honours
- UCAS code: C8C1
- Full time
- 3 years
This three-year, accredited degree will allow you to combine the study of behaviour and biology.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year:
Next start date:
- September 2024
Fees (per year)
- Home: £9250
- International: £25800
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
Professional accreditation and recognition
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.
In Stage 1, you'll explore the fundamentals of both psychology and biology.
You'll cover topics such as cognitive psychology, sensation and perception, and psychology for joint honours students, as well as genetics and evolution, cells and biomolecules, the diversity of life, and ecology and conservation.
Modules
Optional Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Diversity of Life: Form and Function | 20 |
Ecology and Conservation | 20 |
In Stage 2, you'll broaden your depth of understanding across both disciplines.
You'll study modules including Animal Physiology, Developmental Psychology, Individual Differences, Biological Psychology, and Molecular Biology and Development.
Compulsory Module Information
Modules
Optional Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Animal Behaviour | 10 |
Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation | 20 |
Biotechnology: Principles and Practice | 20 |
Evolutionary Biology | 20 |
Vertebrate Biology | 20 |
In Stage 3, you'll be able to focus in more on your chosen areas of specialism.
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 specific areas of interest in psychology including evolution and behaviour, consumer psychology, the psychology of religion, and the psychobiology of drug addiction, as well as topics in biology, such as companion animal behaviour, genomics, cellular systems, applied ecology, and biodiversity.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Psychological Enquiry 3: Psychological Literacy and Professional Skills | 10 |
Empirical Project | 30 |
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2022-23.
Teaching time is made up of:
- scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present.
- structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
You'll learn through a combination of:
- lectures
- seminars
- workshops
- lab and field practical classes
- computer based lab sessions
- field trips
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Case studies
-
Dissertation or research project
-
Essays
-
Examinations – practical or online
-
Group work
-
Presentations
-
Reflective report/journal
-
Reports
-
Seminar tasks/exercises
Skills and experience
In addition to the key concepts and principles of Psychology, our programme provides you with a broad range of graduate skills that you will come to know as Psychological Literacy. You will be able to transfer these skills to a variety of professional, societal and personal settings
Psychological Literacy
You'll learn research-related skills including how to formulate hypotheses and research questions, carry out psychological, research, the management and visualisation of data sets, use appropriate data analysis methods, and write up research reports.
Through our School’s work on humanising our psychology curriculum, you will develop your ethical understanding and intercultural competence, both as a scientist and as a citizen. You will learn how to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and develop the capacity to self reflect.
In your Biology modules, you'll gain hands-on experience of studying cells and biomolecules, developing the skills needed to work effectively in a lab and perform relevant calculations. Methods in Biotechnology will introduce you to the technology that is currently used in the sector.
Chat to a student
If you would like to study Psychology you should definitely consider Newcastle! The course ensures you have a good grounding in all areas of Psychology as well as allowing you to focus in more specialised areas in third year.
Opportunities
Professional Placements
Subject to eligibility, students can apply to take a professional placement between Stage 2 and Stage 3 of their programme. The School of Psychology placement team secure and advertise a wide range of placements, for example in the NHS Foundation Trust, Northumbria Police, University research institutes and local mental health support charities. National placement opportunities are also advertised, for example at Great Ormond Street Hospital. If successful in being offered a placement, then students are supported by the placement team whilst preparing for and undertaking their placement. Placements are an excellent opportunity for students to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in a practical context and are an opportunity to gain an important advantage in a competitive job market.
Study Abroad
As part of your psychology degree, you have the opportunity to study abroad for a year at a University in a different country. Currently, we have partnership agreements with Universities in North America, Canada and Sweden and we are continually expanding our global study opportunities. The international study year takes place between Stage 2 and 3. To join the international study you need to apply for a place and numbers are limited.
Find out general information on studying abroad. Further information will be provided during the course.
Careers Placements
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. Your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year. Placements are subject to availability.
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
To support you in your studies, all new students entering year 1 or year 2 will receive a tablet. You can download the online learning resources you'll need for your course (helping us to make our campus more sustainable).
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
As a joint honours graduate, you'll develop a range of skills that are sought by employers. By studying two disciplines, you're well prepared for the multidisciplinary challenges of everyday work, such as:
- time management
- organisation
- self-motivation
Recent graduates have secured employment in companies such as the NHS and the British Association of Dermatologists.
Many of our graduates embark on further study, including master's degrees and PHDs in areas of psychology and related disciplines.
As a psychology and sciences 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.
Industry links
During your studies, you'll benefit from our significant links with industry, including valuable relationships with the NHS, Police, Newcastle FC, England Athletics, the Prison Service, and the United Nations.
Through these links, you'll have opportunities to take part in guest lectures, placements, and networking with potential employers and industry experts.
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
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2024 entry.
A-Level | |
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International Baccalaureate | |
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Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications
Contextual Offers
Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year)
Qualification: BSc Joint Honours | |
---|---|
Home students full time 3 years |
Tuition fees (per year)
9250 |
International students full time 3 years |
Tuition fees (per year)
25800 |
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:
Scholarships
Find out more about:
Open days and events
You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year at our on-campus and virtual open days.
You'll be able to:
• explore our beautiful campus
• find out about our vibrant city
• discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
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 UCASApply through an agent
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Get in touch
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