Integrated Degree in Psychology (including Foundation Year)

Note about optional modules (if available): The below is indicative of the typical modules offered, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. The module content and availability is subject to change.

The programme provides the opportunity for personal and professional development, and encourages you to think about your preferred direction in psychology.

It focuses on introductory psychology and the different approaches psychology has adopted theoretically and in research. Some of the approaches that will be covered are:

• developmental
• social
• cognitive
• mental health
• research methods

You'll be expected to carry out additional study and reading.

Teaching style

This programme is taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops. You’ll also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. This includes carrying out required and additional reading, preparing topics for discussion, and producing essays or project work.

The following information gives an indication of the typical proportions of learning and teaching for each year of this programme*:

• Year 0 - 21% scheduled learning, 79% independent learning
• Year 1 - 14% scheduled learning, 86% independent learning
• Year 2 - 15% scheduled learning, 85% independent learning
• Year 3 - 14% scheduled learning, 86% independent learning

How you’ll be assessed

You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These include coursework, examinations, group work and projects.

The following information gives an indication of how you can typically expect to be assessed on each year of this programme*:

• Year 0 - 58% coursework, 43% written exam
• Year 1 - 53% coursework, 47% written exam
• Year 2 - 34% coursework, 66% written exam
• Year 3 - 55% coursework, 45% written exam

*Please note that these are averages are based on enrolments for 2022/23. Each student’s time in teaching, learning and assessment activities will differ based on individual module choices. Find out more about how this information is calculated.

Download the programme specification.

Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

Selection process

We exercise flexibility where entry requirements are concerned, and make offers based on your enthusiasm and commitment to your subject, as shown by your application and personal statement, qualifications, experience and reference. If you don't have academic qualifications you may be invited to interview.

We frequently interview mature applicants (over 21) or those with alternative qualifications, and have a long tradition of encouraging students from all social backgrounds to study at our university.

Additional requirements

The programme is primarily aimed at learners who may not have formal entry qualifications for undergraduate study. You'll need to demonstrate that you have an interest in and aptitude for the subject.

Admission is by application to UCAS, interview and a short piece of written work.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.0 with a 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for degree-level study.

Alternative qualifications

See our full list of undergraduate entry qualifications.

We welcome students with a range of educational experiences. If you believe you may not meet the standard qualification requirements we would still encourage you to apply because we consider all aspects of your application when making a decision.

We’ll pay particularly careful attention to your personal statement, which is your opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the subject you’ve applied for. Your referees are also welcome to include any relevant contextual comments around your academic achievements. We’ll look at all these things when making a decision on your application, as well as your qualifications and grades.

Annual tuition fees

These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year.

From August 2021 EU/EEA/Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for 'Home' fee status. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals will be classified as 'International' for fee purposes, more information can be found on our fees page.

• Home - full-time: £9250
• International - full-time: £20840

If your fees are not listed here, please check our undergraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.

It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.

If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.

Additional costs

In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.

There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.

Funding opportunities

We offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries, and our careers service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies. Find out more about funding your studies with us.

If you successfully achieve the progression requirements of the foundation year, you can continue with the full-time three-year BSc Psychology degree, where you'll benefit from the Department of Psychology's Career Development and Employability Programme for students.

The Department also has strong links with employers of psychology graduates, and the programme has been set up to support you to actively seek relevant work knowledge and experience. This experience could help you develop the professional-level skills that are highly sought after in the job market.

Skills

Throughout the degree you will receive a thorough training in the design and evaluation of research, statistical analysis, and the use of specialist psychology-relevant software. In addition, you'll develop the following transferrable skills:

• critical thinking and analytical skills
• the ability to look at issues from different perspectives
• reflection skills
• self motivation
• planning and organisation skills
• oral and written communication skills

Careers

Students from the BSc go on to a broad range of careers and future study such as: clinical psychology, broadcasting, media psychology, advertising, market research, consultancy, research psychology, occupational psychology, and criminal/forensic psychology. You can find out more about career options after graduating on our Psychology careers page.

Our graduates work in a wide range of settings from schools to hospitals, from broadcasting to banks, and in both private and public sector jobs.

Our full degrees are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), which means that graduates are eligible for graduate basis for Chartership with the BPS – vital if you want a career as a psychologist in the future.

Find out more about employability at Goldsmiths.