Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BSc (Hons)
Psychology
Study an accredited psychology degree and make the connection between real life and theory using modern technology to support your studies.
Course Overview
-
C800 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
20 Sep 2021
Develop a thorough and critical understanding of psychological theory and research methods.
As part of this course you’ll:
- Apply this expertise to your study of human behaviour
- Question why humans act the way they do, delving into specialist areas including drug abuse, clinical and forensic psychology and cognitive neuroscience
- Conduct contemporary psychological research, including laboratory experiments, interviews and focus groups
- Learn from a diverse and experienced teaching team with expertise in areas such as drug addiction, stress, dreams, body image, language, emotion and child development
- Be assessed on tasks that mirror real-world activities
- Learn how to apply your knowledge in the workplace
You'll meet psychologists and skilled professionals working within psychology who will educate you in how to apply your knowledge in the workplace.
Two weeks of work experience will help build your professional network and give you real world experience. You'll benefit of being able to talk through and reflect on those experiences when you return to university.
Why study Psychology at Leeds Beckett Universty...
- Placements available
- Access to specialist facilities
- Specialist graduate skill-set
- Sandwich year option
- 92% of Psychology students said staff were good at explaining things*
- 93% of students from BSc (Hons) Psychology were in work or further study 15 months after graduating**
*National Student Survey 2020
**Graduate Outcomes 2020
BSc (Hons) Psychology BSc (Hons) Psychology student Harry talks about his experiences at Leeds Beckett.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
120
points required
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
Entry requirements
120
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 120 points required.
(Minimum 80 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies. At least 40 of these points must be from a scientific or numerate subject. Subjects can include Psychology, Biology, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Geography. If you are studying Biology, Chemistry or Physics to meet this requirement you must also achieve a 'Pass' in the practical assessment, where that practical assessment is separated (from 2017)).
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
GCSEs:
GCSE English Language, Maths and Science at Grade C or above (Grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards). Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy/Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma:
Pass overall with a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points, in a relevant subject.Scottish Awards:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade B at Higher Level.Irish Leaving Certificate:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade C1 or above at Higher Level of which at least 3 must be at B2.Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements. International Baccalaureate: 25 points (including 6 from Higher Level in a scientific subject).
International baccalaureate
25 Points
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Mature Applicants:
Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable..
All applicants are required to meet our standard English language and Maths requirement of GCSE grade C or equivalent, for example we accept some Functional Skills Tests.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements. International Baccalaureate: 25 points (including 6 from Higher Level in a scientific subject).
International baccalaureate
25 Points
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.We were awarded silver status in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, reflecting our commitment to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.
As well as learning from expert tutors, you’ll be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support. Our subject-specific librarians will also direct you to the specialist learning and study-skills resources that will underpin your studies.
Teaching & Learning
The tabs below detail what and how you will study in each year of your course. The balance of assessments and overall workload will be informed by your core modules and the option modules you choose to study; the information provided is an indication of what you can expect and may be subject to change. The option modules listed are also an indication of what will be available to you. Their availability is subject to demand and you will be advised which option modules you can choose at the beginning of each year of study.
What you'll learn
Develop your theoretical understanding of the scientific method of knowledge acquisition. You will also develop skills in numerical reasoning, statistical analysis (with an emphasis on test of differences), and you will practise communicating the results of research in the form of a research report.
Develop your critical thinking and reflective learning which are required in all other Psychology modules. It also enables you to practise and master key skills such as literature searching, presenting arguments for a case, essay writing, referencing and reviewing an article.
You will be introduced to the main theoretical perspectives and research techniques developed by social and developmental psychologists. You will explore the way in which current issues and topics have been addressed by social and developmental psychologists. The seminar activities and assessment will provide you with the opportunity to consider ways in which psychological knowledge and research is applied.
This module will support you in your learning and understanding of core concept areas in the fields of biological and cognitive psychology. The biological strand introduces students to the basic anatomy of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system, and how these underlie behavioural processes such as sleep, emotion, memory, and drug use. The cognitive strand explores the cognitive basis of memory, attention, perception, thinking, learning, emotion, and sleep. Through a combination of lectures and laboratory-based practicals you will gain an understanding of the main theoretical and methodological approaches in both fields.
Explore the major perspectives on mental health in psychology, its assessment and therapy/treatment. You will also take a brief overview of the historical perceptions of 'madness'. You will make connections between socio-cultural influences and individual psychopathological behaviour, including the relationship between theory and practice in mental health field.
What you'll learn
Learn about how we think, feel and understand the social world we live in. This will include; how we communicate, think and make sense of our life, and the people we meet in it, how we make sense of ourselves, the relationships we have, and the values we hold about ourselves and others. You’ll also learn about how we may behave and think in the groups we belong to and how we think about and act towards the groups we feel we don’t belong to.
You will develop an in-depth knowledge of the biological mechanisms underpinning the human visual, sensory and motor systems. The module also introduces the biological theories and treatments of psychopathology. Through a combination of lectures and lab based learning, you will develop transferrable specialised research and technological skills.
Build upon the Intermediate Research Methods module. You will advance your theoretical understanding and application of the scientific-investigative methods with particular emphasis on the assumption, collection, analysis and presentation of both quantitative and qualitative data. You will also develop your ability to use and interpret advanced statistical techniques (e.g., ANOVA, multiple regression) and collect and analyse qualitative data using specific approaches (e.g., Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Discourse Analysis).
Focus on the key areas within individual differences including: theories of personality; intelligence; emotion; psychometrics; and the application of individual differences in real life situations, with particular reference to principles and methods derived from occupational/work psychology.
Further enhance your understanding of the main theories, applications and research techniques developed by developmental psychologists. You will consider the genetic, environmental and learned influences affecting development. You will also explore current issues and topics, taking a lifespan perspective to understand human psychological development.
Explore in greater depth some of the philosophical, theoretical and epistemological assumptions that support qualitative research paradigms. You’ll be introduced to and utilise more advanced methods of qualitative data collection and analysis/interpretation, including more creative and contemporary ways of conducting research interviews (e.g. the use of the photo elicitation technique), media text analysis, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis.
Build on your cognitive psychology knowledge obtained in your first year and learn about how core domains of cognition contribute to higher order cognitive functions such as problem solving, executive function and metacognition. Expanding the horizons of cognitive psychology, you’ll also consider the influence of emotional states on cognition and in turn, the role of cognitive biases in the generation of emotion.
Option modules may include
Explore a broad range of topics and debates within this field, covering theoretical concerns and practical applications of cyberpsychology. You’ll develop an understanding of key methodological and ethical issues arising from internet-mediated psychology research.
Develop an in-depth understanding of the social, psychological and biochemical factors relating to drug use and abuse. You will gain knowledge of pharmacokinetics, acute and chronic drug effects and current treatment strategies. Through a combination of lectures and lab based learning, you will develop specialist knowledge and transferrable research and technological skills relevant to careers in the field of addiction e.g. drug rehabilitation, drug counselling, psychopharmacology.
This module will focus on the relevance of anti-racism in the following fields: academia, applied psychology (e.g., educational psychology, clinical psychology and/or health psychology), healthcare and other public institutions.
You will be introduced to a range of methodologies to study human memory including the experimental, neuroscientific, neuropsychological approaches as well as those relying on subjective reports. You’ll learn about key phenomena surrounding human memory including concepts of knowledge, theories of forgetting and will learn to appreciate the difference between everyday and pathological memory failures in a lifespan neuropsychology context.
Gain an understanding of the array of socio-cultural, physical, psychological and interpersonal factors that influence how people think and feel about their bodies, and how these factors are linked to people’s thoughts, feelings and behaviour (e.g. eating attitudes and behaviours, exercise, body adornment and modification, as well as behaviours such as sexual risk taking and drug use).
Gain an in-depth and critical knowledge on a variety of different areas of psychology that try to understand thinking, identities, experiences and practices associated with womanhood. These areas will range from the study of women and love, women and work, to women and sexuality. You will begin to understand and evaluate the competing and conflicting accounts of womanhood.
Explore professional practice within a field of psychology as you engage in a real-world project pertinent to one of these fields, and develop transferrable skills that will enhance your employability.
Explore contemporary applications of psychological theories in mental and physical wellbeing. Specifically, you’ll study theories, preventions, and supportive interventions in different applied contexts such as schools, community, health and rehabilitation settings.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘sandwich’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree, typically making your course four years in total.
Students who choose the sandwich route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.
What you'll learn
Explore some central themes within critical psychology and some philosophical ideas that have informed critical thinking. These will include debates about whether psychology is/should be 'scientific', whether psychology contributes to the oppression or invisibility of certain groups and whether psychology takes sufficient account of context (e.g. cultural, historical, political, ideological, situational etc). You’ll then consider the ways in which mainstream and critical psychologists have conceptualised and studied things like gender, race, ethnicity, social class, 'normality'/'abnormality' and the self, as well as the limitations and implications of these.
Undertake a research project in psychology, and further enhance and showcase the skills you’ve developed through your study of research methods. This module has a strong emphasis on self-management and provides the opportunity to demonstrate your skills in project management, problem-solving, and independent thought.
Option modules may include
This module will provide a unique opportunity for you to learn psychology alongside prisoners or ex-offenders. It will develop your understanding and critical consideration of factors that affect wellbeing such as sleep, stress, exercise. You’ll also consider evidence relating to wellbeing both in and out of prison and to reflect on people’s experience of wellbeing in different contexts.
Explore the role of applied health psychology in relation to medical illness and foster a critical understanding of the debates within the field. You will critically evaluate the application of psychological theory (social cognition, health behaviour change) to medical practice, specifically including the design and evaluation of complex health interventions, medical decision making, patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), electronic technologies, collaborative care and patient experience. You will develop your knowledge of applied health psychology in medical practice by exploring contemporary applications of psychological theory to supportive interventions to promote health and monitor disease and empower patients across a range of different health settings.
Learn and understand the psychology and physiology of stress, and its impact on health. You will explore the effects of stress on the immune system, sleeping behaviours, eating behaviours and cognitive performance. Various potentially stress-reducing interventions that may be beneficial to health (e.g. nutritional supplementation and diet; exercise; coping) will also be discussed in order to further encourage understanding of the biopsychological pathways linking stress and health.
Gain an introduction to clinical and counselling psychology specialisms. You will develop an understanding of a range of common mental health problems, their key symptoms and underlying theoretical explanations (for example, emotional disorders, schizophrenia, personality disorders, eating disorders and addictions) and the ability to critically evaluate the major approaches in the psychological therapies, which may be drawn upon in the alleviation of these problems.
Explore the central themes within critical psychology and some philosophical ideas that have informed critical thinking. These will include debates about whether psychology is/should be 'scientific', whether psychology contributes to the oppression or invisibility of certain groups and whether psychology takes sufficient account of context (e.g. cultural, historical, political, ideological, situational etc). You will then move on to consider the ways in which mainstream and critical psychologists have conceptualised and studied things like gender, race, ethnicity, social class, 'normality'/'abnormality' and the self, as well as the limitations and implications of these.
Apply your knowledge of developmental psychology to real-life situations. You will focus on educational settings, special educational needs and educational psychology, although other careers and settings are considered: working with children will involve working in multidisciplinary teams to some extent. You will also have the opportunity to reflect on and develop ideas for future careers with children.
You will study forensic psychology, which can be thought of as the intersection between psychology and the criminal justice system. It typically covers psychology and crime, and psychology and law. The module also provides varied opportunities for you to apply your knowledge, understanding and critical thinking to fictitious and real-world contexts, and to celebrate your achievements with a wider audience at an end-of-module poster conference.
Health psychologists have expertise in understanding the things that influence people’s health and wellbeing. They use their expertise in psychology to develop interventions to change behaviour. The teaching team on this module have research expertise in several applied health areas: body image and eating disorders, reproductive health, quality of life, shared decision-making, stress, oncology, and health service interventions. You will explore different specialities in health psychology, covering both quantitative and qualitative approaches, to gain an understanding of why people behave the way they do and how to provide services that will meet individuals' needs and promote health and wellbeing.
Explore contemporary applications of social science theory to develop an applied anti-racist intervention relating to a specific institution such as the discipline of psychology, education and healthcare.
Study the development of human communication throughout the lifespan. With an emphasis on understanding the multi-faceted nature of communication, the module reviews the practical applications of communication theories.
Fees & Funding
£9,250
Home / EU 2021
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1385.
£13,000
International 2021
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 is £13000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1950.Fees & Funding
£9,250
For students entering in 2021
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1385.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Clinical skills suite with specialist equipment in purpose-built rooms enabling a variety of sessions to be carried out in a suitable and safe environment.
Essential Costs
- Work experience and placement locations and experiences in your second year; you will need to pay for any additional travel or dual accommodation costs. You will be encouraged to make use of contacts in Leeds or your home town in order to minimise these costs.
Optional Costs
- Educational visits; the details and location will vary but the costs you will need to pay could include travel, accommodation and subsistence.
- Student membership of the British Psychological Society (£25 per year).
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
£13,000
For students entering in 2021
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 is £13000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1950.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Clinical skills suite with specialist equipment in purpose-built rooms enabling a variety of sessions to be carried out in a suitable and safe environment.
Essential Costs
- Work experience and placement locations and experiences in your second year; you will need to pay for any additional travel or dual accommodation costs. You will be encouraged to make use of contacts in Leeds or your home town in order to minimise these costs.
Optional Costs
- Educational visits; the details and location will vary but the costs you will need to pay could include travel, accommodation and subsistence.
- Student membership of the British Psychological Society (£25 per year).
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
92%
of Psychology students said staff were good at explaining things
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Leeds Beckett was perfect for me; the atmosphere and facilities were great and the city is bursting with opportunities. If you want to work with people, psychology is ideal as you learn about different aspects of human behaviour and develop loads of transferable skills. My course gave me all the tools I need in my career as a psychology teacher, which I'm really enjoying.
Laura Hudson
Psychology Teacher Lawnswood School in Leeds
93%
of students from BSc (Hons) Psychology were in work or further study 15 months after graduating
Career Prospects
This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society, meeting the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership – the first step on your path to becoming a chartered psychologist. Our graduates work in healthcare, teaching, media, IT and computing, marketing and government. You may wish to extend your studies by undertaking our MSc Interdisciplinary Psychology or MSc Psychology of Sport & Exercise.
- Psychologist
- Counsellor
- Social Researcher
Dr Sabrina Golonka
Senior Lecturer / Leeds School Of Social Sciences
Dr Sabrina Golonka is a cognitive scientist interested in mechanistic explanations of behaviour (e.g., language use, social entrainment). Her work combines insights from ecological psychology, cognitive psychology, enactivism, and embodied cognition leading to an eclectic theoretical and methodological approach.
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that the opportunity to experience an education here at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us to study for your undergraduate degree, you may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary.
Bursaries are usually awarded depending on household income, whilst scholarships are available for a number of areas, and are based on sporting or academic excellence. For more information visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
Beckett Careers Team
Our Beckett Careers Team will support you with all aspects of your career planning, throughout university and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job or want to gain experience alongside your studies, need help preparing an application or exploring graduate job options, we can provide expert support every step of the way!
Throughout your university journey and up to five years after you graduate you'll have access to a broad range of support and tools to help you with:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Preparing for an interview
- Applying for a graduate vacancies or placements
- Connecting with employers and organisations
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Explore our specialist teaching facilities and premium accommodation that you’ll be proud to call your second home.
Life in Leeds
Leeds is an exciting and vibrant student city, find out what it has to offer!
