BSc (Hons) Psychology

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.

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
Essential Skills for Psychologists	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. 

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.

 

Module title	Credits
Psychopathology: Cognitive behaviour models and treatments	15 credits
Multivariate Statistical Methods in Psychology	15 credits
Applications of Attention Research	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 - 14% scheduled learning, 86% independent learning
• Year 2 - 15% scheduled learning, 85% independent learning
• Year 3 - 13% scheduled learning, 87% 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 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.

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.

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

Lara Cameron

I adore my department, I love how tight-knit it often feels.

Studying with the Department of Psychology

I adore my department, I love how tight-knit it often feels. I love the opportunities that have arisen from being an enthusiastic and open student. If you’re stuck on work, someone will help if you ask. I was surprised at how at home I feel here and it’s still just my second year. The amount I’ve learned in a year and a half here is invaluable.

Advice for future students

Make sure you’re absolutely set on your course subject before going to uni and make the absolute most of your time here! Really get stuck in! Otherwise, you might regret not engaging more.

Lara's favourite parts of studying at Goldsmiths

The vibrancy, the mix of creative subjects and academics. The feel of our university being the centre of the community in New Cross and the surrounding areas, in a sense. I love the green, I love the pubs, and I love how close campus is to where I live, which is also near a lovely park.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.