Psychology and Mathematics BSc Joint Honours

Course overview

This three-year Psychology and Mathematics BSc joint honours degree will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the human mind, as well as advanced mathematical skills that will support your career in this exciting field.

You will also have the opportunity to complete a placement or study abroad year, which you can apply for after you have completed your first year.

Your teaching will be informed by internationally recognised research, much of which is delivered in the purpose-built, state-of-the-art Dame Margaret Barbour building

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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 maths, covering areas such as psychology for joint honours students, cognitive psychology, and sensation and perception, alongside calculus, probability, and algebra. 

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Introduction to Calculus	20
Introduction to Probability & R	20
Introductory Algebra (for Psychology students)	10
Multivariate Calculus and Differential Equations	10
Cognitive Psychology	10
Sensation and Perception	10
Introduction to Psychology for Joint Honours	10
Research Methods and Data Analysis B	20
Principles of Evolution, Genetics and Behaviourial Development	10

In your second year, you'll broaden your depth of understanding across both disciplines and you'll have the opportunity to progress down the Applied Mathematics or Statistics pathways. 

You'll study modules including Numbers and Ciphers, Vector Calculus, and Fluid Dynamics, as well as Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Individual Differences. 

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Introduction to Statistical Inference	10
Developmental Psychology	10
Social Psychology	10
Individual Differences	10
Biological Psychology: Sex, Drugs, Rhythms and Blues	10
Statistics for Empirical Psychology	10
Methods in Psychology 2A	10

Additional compulsory module information

If you're studying the Applied Mathematics pathway, you take the following compulsory modules:

 

Fluid Dynamics (10 credits)

 

Scientific Computation with Python (10 credits)

 

If you're studying the Statistics pathway, you take the following compulsory modules:

 

Introduction to Bayesian Methods (10 credits)

 

Computational Probability and Statistics with R (10 credits)

 

Candidates must take *20 credits of Research Methods in Psychology:

 

PSY2023 Research Methods in Psychology 2a (10 credits)

 

PSY2024 Research Methods in Psychology 2b (10 credits)

 

PSY2025 Research Methods in Psychology 2c (10 credits)

 

PSY2026 Research Methods in Psychology 2d (10 credits)

 

 

*The combination must include one qualitative and one quantitative module.

 

In Stage 3, you'll be able to focus in more on your chosen areas of specialism.

You'll complete a group project in either Applied Mathematics or Statistics, as well as designing and carrying out your own empirical study in an area of psychology that particularly interests you.

You'll also choose from a range of additional modules, including Consumer Psychology, Perception, Foundations in Forensic Psychology, Quantum Mechanics, Classical Fields, Fluid Dynamics, and Experimental Design. 

Modules

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

Optional Modules	Credits
Methods for Differential Equations	10
Quantum Mechanics	10
Advanced Fluid Dynamics	10
Relativity	10
Partial Differential Equations	10
Instabilities	10
Variational Methods and Lagrangian Dynamics	10
Mathematical Biology	10
Bayesian Inference	10
Linear Models	10
Stochastic Financial Modelling	10
Statistical Inference	10
Generalized Linear Models	10
Big Data Analytics	10
Stochastic Processes	10
Topics in Statistical Modelling A	20
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
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
Cultural and Technical Intelligence: Developmental and Comparative Perspectives	10
Psychology for Sport Performance	20
Advanced statistics for Empirical Psychology	10
Evolution of Brain and Behaviour	20
Making Sense of Forgotten Senses: Investigating Olfaction and Gustation	20
Neurodiversity of Development	20

Information about these graphs

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 work
• computer based work
• fieldwork

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

• 

  Case studies

• 

  Coursework

• 

  Dissertation or research project

• 

  Essays

• 

  Examinations – practical or online

• 

  Group work

• 

  Presentations

• 

  Projects

• 

  Reflective report/journal

• 

  Reports

• 

  Seminar tasks/exercises

Skills and experience

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 mathematics modules, you'll develop the practical tools and techniques that psychologists use. 

Opportunities

Study abroad

Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.

You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas.

If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year. 

Find out more about study abroad

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 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

Course specific careers

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 prison service. 

Many of our graduates embark on further study, including master's degrees and PHDs in areas such as areas of psychology and related disciplines.

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

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

Home Fee Students

The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for home fee-paying 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

International Fee Students

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

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

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our undergraduate scholarship page for more information.

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
• 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