Course information
Entry requirements
UCAS code
C800
Entry requirements
A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
IB: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655
Length
3 years full-time
Department
Course overview
This degree offers a scientific approach to the study of human behaviour, giving a broad understanding of psychological theory and research. It will develop your understanding of the processes influencing how people think, feel, behave, and interact.
Why study BSc Psychology at Goldsmiths?
- By the end of the course you’ll understand the reasons why people think, feel and behave the way they do.
- You’ll be introduced to the core foundations of psychological thought, get to grips with statistics, and learn how to design and conduct experiments using industry-standard software.
- You’ll have access to our fantastic facilities. These include laboratories, an EEG suite for brain research, an infant lab, and a visual perception and attention laboratory.
- We have well-established links with employers and also offer a mentoring scheme. You’ll be paired with a member of academic staff who'll support your psychological thinking and enhance your employability skills.
- Our academics are experts in their field, and you’ll have the opportunity to get involved in the world-class research taking place in the department.
- We offer a wide range of specialist modules on topics as diverse as the paranormal, magic, the use of psychology in a legal setting, and how we can best treat addiction.
- This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society and gives you eligibility for Graduate Membership for Chartered Membership, which is required to study various postgraduate courses and to become a fully Chartered Psychologist.
Contact the department
If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Maria Del Carmen Herrojo-Ruiz.
What you'll study
For 2020–21, we have made some changes to how the teaching and assessment of certain programmes are delivered. To check what changes affect this programme, please visit the Programme Changes page
Year 1 (credit level 4)
In your first year, you will take introductory modules covering the main topics within psychology. You will also receive practical training in the principles, methods and techniques of psychological research.
Year 1 modules | Module title | Credits |
---|---|---|
The Psychology of the Person | 15 credits | |
Biological and Comparative Approaches to Psychology | 15 credits | |
Information Processing and Cognition | 15 credits | |
Design and Analysis of Psychological Investigations | 30 credits | |
Practical Issues in Psychological Research | 15 credits | |
Extended Essay in Psychology | 15 credits | |
Skills and Employability in Psychology | 15 credits |
Year 2 (credit level 5)
Year 2 will provide you with a more in-depth knowledge and understanding of concepts, theories and relating to a broad range of psychological topics from social psychology to developmental psychology. You will also explore statistics and laboratory-based research.
Year 2 modules | Module title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Biological Substrates of Behaviour | 15 credits | |
Personality and Individual Differences | 15 credits | |
Social Psychology | 15 credits | |
Developmental Psychology | 15 credits | |
Design and Analysis of Psychological Studies | 15 credits | |
Cognitive Psychology | 15 credits | |
Research Methods in Psychology* | 30 credits |
Year 3 (credit level 6)
In your final year, you will take six option modules, and will carry out an individual research project under the close supervision of a member of faculty in the Department of Psychology.
Year 3 option modules | Module title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Psychopathology | 15 credits | |
Multivariate Statistical Methods in Psychology | 15 credits | |
Applications of Attention Research | 15 credits | |
Anomalistic Psychology | 15 credits | |
Topics in Neuropsychology | 15 credits | |
Psychology and Law | 15 credits | |
Neurodevelopmental Disorders | 15 credits | |
Behavioural Genetics | 15 credits | |
Psychological Approaches to Music | 15 credits | |
The Interpersonal Self | 15 credits | |
Psychology and Education | 15 credits | |
Social-Moral Development | 15 credits | |
Cognitive Neuroscience | 15 credits | |
Magic and the Mind | 15 credits | |
Social Psychology of Social Problems | 15 credits | |
Psychology of the Arts, Aesthetics and Attraction | 15 credits | |
Cross-cultural and Individual Differences in Attention and Awareness | 15 credits |
Teaching style
This programme is mainly taught through scheduled learning - 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 1 - 15% scheduled learning, 84% independent learning, 2% placement
- Year 2 - 16% scheduled learning, 84% independent learning
- Year 3 - 10% scheduled learning, 90% independent learning
How you’ll be assessed
You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These include formal examinations, coursework, laboratory reports and research projects.
The following information gives an indication of how you can typically expect to be assessed on each year of this programme*:
- Year 1 - 53% coursework, 47% written exam
- Year 2 - 34% coursework, 66% written exam
- Year 3 - 53% coursework, 48% written exam
*Please note that these are averages are based on enrolments for 2019/20. 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.
Credits and levels of learning
An undergraduate honours degree is made up of 360 credits – 120 at Level 4, 120 at Level 5 and 120 at Level 6. If you are a full-time student, you will usually take Level 4 modules in the first year, Level 5 in the second, and Level 6 modules in your final year. A standard module is worth 30 credits. Some programmes also contain 15-credit half modules or can be made up of higher-value parts, such as a dissertation or a Major Project.
Download the programme specification. If you would like an earlier version of the programme specification, please contact the Quality Office.
Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.
What our students say
Entry requirements
We accept the following qualifications:
A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
International Baccalaureate: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655
Access: Pass with 45 Level 3 credits including 30 Distinctions and a number of merits/passes in subject-specific modules
Scottish qualifications: BBBBC (Higher) or BBC (Advanced Higher)
European Baccalaureate: 75%
Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H2 H2 H2
Additional requirements
You should normally have at least Grade B/Grade 6 in GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics or Statistics, and English.
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.
Fees & funding
Annual tuition fees
These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2021/2022 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: £18100
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 if you require a Tier 4 student visa, however this is currently being reviewed and will be confirmed in the new year. Please read our visa guidance in the interim for more information. 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.
Careers
The Department of Psychology has its own Skills and Employability Programme for students, starting in the first term with a full first-year course on the topic. We are keen that you understand what kind of transferable skills you will develop during the Psychology BSc, and how you can make the best impression on future employers.
We have 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 transferable 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.
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. You can find out more about career options after graduating on our Psychology careers pages.
The programme is 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.