Psychology and Mathematics
BSc Joint Honours
- UCAS code: C8G1
- Full time
- 3 years
- Next start date: September 2021
This accredited joint honours degree will equip you with the mathematical skills needed to plan, conduct, and analyse psychological experiments.
Fees (per year)
- Home: £9250
- International: £23400
Entry requirements
- A Level: AAA-AAB
- IB: 35 points
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
This three-year 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.
Throughout your studies, you'll have access to the School of Psychology's brand new building, with purpose-built, state-of-the-art facilities, including a forensic interviewing suite, a nutrition and food preference unit, a media and behaviour lab, medical consultation rooms, and psychological testing cubicles.
Emerging as a well-rounded psychology graduate specialising in mathematics and statistics, you'll study fascinating topics including cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and the psychology of financial decision-making, alongside differential equations and probability.
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
Quality and ranking
- 11th in the UK for research – Research Excellence Framework 2014
- top 20 in the UK – The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019 and The Complete University Guide 2021
- top 100 – Psychology category – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020
Teaching excellence
TEF GoldA 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.
In Stage 1, you'll explore the fundamentals of both psychology and nutrition, covering areas such as psychology for joint honours students, cognitive psychology, and sensation and perception, alongside calculus, probability, and algebra.
Modules
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
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 |
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
You'll learn through a combination of:
- lectures
- seminars
- lab work
- computer work
- fieldwork
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
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Presentations
-
Projects
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Reports
Skills and experience
Practical skills
The majority of your modules will involve practical work.
In Psychology, you'll work with state-of-the-art, purpose-built facilities in our brand new building to learn how to formulate theories, conduct experiments, use statistical techniques, and write up research reports.
In your mathematics modules, you'll develop the practical tools and techniques that psychologists use.
Business skills
Your psychology modules focus on psychological literacy, applying psychology in a real-world setting.
You'll also have the opportunity to complete a year-long professional placement between stages 2 and 3, working with clinical psychologists, forensic psychologists, or psychology researchers in organisations such as the NHS Trust, Prison Service, Northumbria Police, and the Institute of Neuroscience.
Research skills
Throughout the programme, you'll be taught essential research skills, such as conducting experiments, analysing and interpreting data, and writing up research reports. You'll also complete Research Methods and Skills modules, in which you'll develop as an independent researcher.
In your third year, you'll put these skills into practice, completing a comprehensive research project in an area of your choice.
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
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.
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
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
95% of our graduates are employed or in further study within six months of graduation, with 82% of those in employment in professional and managerial roles.*
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 forensics, medicine, teacher training, and mathematics.
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.
*Destinations of (undergraduate, UK and EU) Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016/17
Make a difference
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 below apply to 2021 entry.
A Level
AAA-AAB
International Baccalaureate
35 points
Other UK qualifications (and PARTNERS)
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
PARTNERS
Through our PARTNERS programme, you could receive an offer up to three grades lower than the typical requirements, and get support throughout the application process. To apply through PARTNERS, you must be based in the UK and meet our eligibility criteria.
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, including Newcastle University London. 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.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for 2021 entry (per year)
Home Fee Students
£9250
International Fee Students
£23400
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.
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.
For courses commencing from September 2021 and beyond, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fees or Student Finance England support.
If you are from the EU you will pay international tuition fees.
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
The situation with Covid-19 means that we're unable to hold Open Days on campus. However, you don’t have to visit in person to experience Newcastle.
From the comfort of your sofa 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.
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
International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.
Get in touch
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