Psychology BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate

Office with a person taking notes and the other one speaking

Curious about how the mind works? This course seeks to equip you with the knowledge and skills to understand human behaviour and its underlying mental processes.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2024-25 2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

C800

Start date

September 2025
January 2026 - condensed

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Course overview

Ready to explore the fascinating world of psychology? In this course, you'll delve into the scientific study of mind and human behaviour, uncovering the secrets of how we think, feel, and behave in a variety of real-world contexts.

We'll explore all core areas of psychology and equip you to understand the breadth of its real-world applications.
We’ll cover the contemporary issues of human diversity such as race, gender and sexuality through the lens of psychology. Other topics covered include neurodiversity, cyberpsychology and artificial intelligence.
You could get the opportunity to participate in engaging and immersive learning activities such as virtual escape rooms and virtual reality simulations².

The January start for this course is condensed in the first year. Please see the ‘How you’ll learn’ section below for more details.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

The course offers the flexibility to specialise in forensics, sports and exercise or psychology with counselling pathways after your first year.
We’ll hone your critical thinking, analytical and communication skills with assessments designed to prepare you for the world of work.
Boost your degree with the option for a placement or study abroad year after your second year².
Created to run alongside your studies, Phoenix+ brings students together to learn, experience and develop essential knowledge and skills to help you succeed in life and work.
We aim to provide you with opportunities to experience optional field trips abroad².

If you choose to start this course in January you will study exactly the same course but over a slightly shorter timescale in the first year. This is ideal if you missed the September start, want to transfer from a different university or course or just need a bit more time to prepare for life at university.

Top 300

in World Rankings for Psychology

Times Higher Education World University Rankings by subject 2022

Accreditation and professional recognition

The degree is accredited¹ and recognised by the following bodies:

The British Psychological Society

This course is accredited¹ by the British Psychological Society (BPS) on an open-ended basis, subject to regular and ongoing review by the BPS. Accreditation by the British Psychological Society means that as a graduate, provided you achieve at least a 2:2, you will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). Additional costs may apply. Please check with the membership body for details.

If the accreditation of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first year courses:

Forensic Psychology BSc (Hons)
Psychology BSc (Hons)
Psychology with Counselling BSc (Hons)
Sport and Exercise Psychology BSc (Hons)

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related Psychology courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding of psychological perspectives and research methods before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.

Modules

Professional Practice in Psychology - 20 credits

This module is designed to equip you with a range of essential academic and professional skills required during your time at university and beyond. You may also have the opportunity to develop your transferable skills, professional identity and understanding of reflective practice to facilitate your professional development.

Compulsory

Fundamental concepts in Psychology - 20 credits

This module aims to provide a thematic-based approach to key concepts and theories within psychology. Themes, for example, include social identity, perceptual and cognitive development, context and culture, emotional development, interpersonal relationships and maladaptive behaviour.

Compulsory

Introducing Quantitative Research Methods - 20 credits

This module introduces you to the various experimental and non-experimental research methodologies utilised by psychologists, as well as the basic descriptive and inferential statistics commonly used in psychological research. The module focuses on the skills and knowledge required to design, conduct, summarise, evaluate, and present psychological research.

Compulsory

Psychology and Popular Culture - 20 credits

This module investigates how psychological research informs and is represented within popular culture. Content will be drawn from diverse contemporary topics such as politics, immigration, celebrity, criminal behaviours, public health campaigns, consumerism, racism, and ageing.

Compulsory

Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing - 20 credits

The broad aim of this module is to provide you with an overview of key topics in the area of mental health and wellbeing, from a biological, psychological and cultural perspective. It will explore the different factors that contribute to poor mental health, (e.g. stress, anxiety, depression, psychosis), and the interventions designed to treat them. It will also explore different aspects of wellbeing, (positive affect/mood, resilience, happiness and self-esteem), and interventions designed to promote it among the respective applied populations.

Compulsory

Introducing Qualitative Research Methods - 20 credits

This module introduces you to qualitative research methods and their application across applied areas of psychology, forensics and sports and exercise. You will have the opportunity to learn how to design, conduct and report qualitative research using a variety of data collection methods and analytical techniques.

Compulsory

In year two, you will aim to develop more advanced knowledge and skills to do with culture, gender and sexuality, cyberpsychology, the darker side of psychology, and research, among others. You will also advance in your understanding of research methodologies and experimental research paradigms).

Modules

Perspectives in Psychology - 20 credits

This module will provide you with an understanding of key theoretical explanations embedded across the four core perspectives of psychology (i.e. developmental, social, biological and cognitive) which aims to explain aspects of human behaviour. Several contemporary themes of global significance will be considered across the module delivery.

Compulsory

Psychology of Culture, Gender and Sexuality - 20 credits

Cyberpsychology - 20 credits

This module is designed to provide you with a contemporary and essential understanding of human interaction with technology, developing your ability to consider a more holistic approach of the possible implications of technology in different contexts (e.g. crime, learning, social equality, healthcare). You will also consider the applications of technology (e.g. use of virtual reality in the rehabilitation of psychological conditions), and how it can be explained through existing psychological theories and research.

Compulsory

Applying Psychological Perspectives - 20 credits

The Darker Side of Psychology - 20 credits

This module aims to further develop your critical thinking skills utilising engaging topics within the darker side of psychology and exploring the context of the conceptual and historical development of psychology as a discipline. You will explore a range of issues (e.g. psychopathy, psychology of evil, psychology of deception) within this module and understand the historical context of clinical psychology (e.g. controversial treatment within asylums).

Compulsory

Research Methods and Project Planning - 20 credits

Gain an understanding of how to conduct, report, and interpret a range of statistical tests using data associated with complex experimental and correlational designs. This module also aims to develop your ability to plan psychological research projects and guide you through the fundamental processes involved in developing and disseminating a research proposal (e.g. conceptual, methodological, and ethical considerations; quantitative and/or qualitative methods application).

Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee³ of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or participating institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement

Modules

UK Work Placement– 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

The final year aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from year one and two. In your final year you will complete an empirical research project, focused on a topic of your choosing, under the supervision of a research-active member of staff. Optional modules in the final year allow you to tailor your own learning experience to the knowledge and interests you have developed so far.

Modules

Project Design and Ethics - 20 credits

This module starts the dissertation process where you use your knowledge of research methods and theory to design a supervised independent research project to address an appropriate psychological research question. You will seek to develop an understanding of CU, HCPC and BPS Ethics and complete an online Coventry University research ethics application. 

Compulsory

Independent Research Project - 20 credits

Becoming a Psychologist - 20 credits

This module is designed to equip you with a range of essential personal and professional skills required during your time at Coventry University and beyond. It will support the development of several skills such as researching the field; inquiry-based learning; active learning; writing and speaking fluently; working in groups and independently; reflecting upon your work; problem-solving and presenting your work both orally and in writing.

Compulsory

Optional Modules

You can choose 3 optional modules from the below:

Addictive Behaviours - 20 credits
This module aims to further your knowledge of key topic areas of psychopharmacology. Drawing upon several areas of psychology (e.g. cognitive, social, biological approaches) we look to explain the causes of addictive behaviour (e.g. gambling addiction, exercise addiction, internet addiction, and substance misuse) in different contexts (e.g. clinical, health, forensic, sport).

Child and Educational Psychology - 20 credits
The module introduces you to disorders affecting development in pre-school and childhood through to adolescence and early adulthood. You are introduced to both assessment and remediation of difficulties within a classroom context. You are also introduced to broader theoretical and practical issues relating to special educational needs such as comorbidity (multiple conditions occurring within an individual), labelling, stigma and inclusion, across psychological, forensic and sports and exercise contexts.

Criminal Behaviour and its contexts - 20 credits
This module explores the contribution psychology can make to our understanding of criminal behaviour across different contexts in society. By applying psychological theories and empirical research, various types of crimes will be critiqued including violent and sexual offences. At an applied level it will enable you to critically evaluate the impact psychology has made in specific areas of the criminal justice system, for example, the prevention of crimes related to the contexts examined and offender treatment and rehabilitation programmes.

Aggression and Violent Behaviour - 20 Credits
This module introduces key theoretical explanations of aggression and violence within different contexts (e.g. mental health hospitals; prisons; intimate relationships). You will integrate mainstream psychological theories across the core areas of psychology (i.e. developmental, social, biological, cognitive) to build an understanding of how aggression and violence can explain deviant/criminal behaviours and interpersonal conflict within different situations and professional relationships.

Counselling Psychology - 20 credits
The module introduces you to the broader concepts within counselling psychology. Specifically, you will gain an understanding of the key theoretical explanations and how to implement these in practice with diverse clients (e.g. cross-cultural counselling, sports performers, former athletes, victims and ex-offenders).

Clinical Neuroscience - 20 credits
Develop an appreciation of neurological mechanisms underlying human thinking and behaviour (e.g., executive functioning in offending behaviour) and the clinical pictures that arise when the mechanisms are disrupted (e.g. impaired impulse control).

Optional module choices are subject to change in any given year

Optional

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

This course is taught using a mixture of lectures, group seminars and practical, ‘hands-on’ skills workshops. Core course content will be delivered during the lectures, while seminars and workshops offer opportunities for you to explore topics more independently, receive guidance on coursework assignments, begin to apply your knowledge and develop your academic and transferable skills.

If you choose to start this course in January it will be run as a condensed programme. You’ll start your course in January and finish your first year in August. Upon successful completion of your first year you will progress onto your second year in September and then continue to start subsequent years of your course in September, completing your degree at the same time as the September starters unless you opt to do a placement year.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:
Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:
Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:
As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include coursework and phase tests.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

As well as offering a range of short international field trips, you also have the opportunity to complete the course over four years with a year spent studying abroad². The university has links with over 20 institutions in Cyprus, France, Malta, Spain, Sweden and Turkey, as well as several other countries around the world. Courses are largely taught in English, but there are opportunities to learn and attend courses in a foreign language.

You may also have the opportunity to present at international conferences and/or collaborate with students from other institutions within the international arena on specified COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) projects (subject to availability).

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability, and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements, and are therefore not guaranteed².

The course is suited to you if you wish to think “outside of the box”, understand the why and how of human behaviours, investigating people’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours using psychological theories and methodologies. This understanding is underpinned by an exploration of psychological theory, research and practical skills, such as quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis and interpretation.
Dr Rachael Molitor, Lecturer in Psychology, Coventry University (2022)

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	120
A level	BBB excludes General Studies
GCSE	5 GCSEs graded 4 / C including English and Mathematics
BTEC	DDM
IB Diploma	30 points to include 15 points at Higher level.
Access to HE	The Access to HE Diploma in a Science, Social Science or Health subject to include 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 or above.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

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Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Russia and Central Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join the first year of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international foundation year. Upon successful completion our International Foundation Year - Public Health will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

Applicants must possess a minimum IELTS of 6.0 overall (with no component part lower than 5.5).

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year	Not available
EU	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year with EU Support Bursary 2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £18,300 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £18,300 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ of £1,250 to cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see the university’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip
any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Condensed course – January start date

If you choose to start this course in January please make sure you check the Fees and Finance page for more information. Although starting this course in January does not prohibit you from being eligible for student finance, the way it is paid in your first year differs from those who start their course in September.

If you start the course in January, your tuition fees will be paid in accordance with the university’s Tuition Fees, Refund and Withdrawal Terms and Conditions for January starters and for any further years of study, your fees will be paid in accordance with the terms for September starters.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

This course is taught at Coventry University’s main campus.

Specialist teaching facilities⁴ include light and dark multisensory laboratories, ‘mock’ prison cells, an observation suite, counselling rooms which allow you to experience the application of psychology in different contexts.
Specialist software, such as Gorilla, Opensesame experiment builder, E-Prime, SPSS statistical analysis, Pinnacle Studio and NVIVO allow you to develop your digital fluency.
EEG (electroencephalogram), eye tracking and virtual reality headsets allow you to understand and experience the neurocognitive aspects of human behaviour in different situations.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Our courses equip you with various skills and competencies that could set you apart from other graduates and make you attractive to potential employers (e.g., critical thinking, communication skills, leadership and creativity). In addition, employability skills are embedded within the course and you are supported to gain voluntary and professional experience². This can help you to submit competitive, professional applications and perform well in interview situations.

The course provides the necessary grounding to enable you to undertake further training to become a qualified psychologist pursuing a career in the community. For example, as an occupational, forensic or social psychologist; in mental wellbeing as a clinical or counselling psychologist; in physical wellbeing as a health, sport or neuropsychologist; working with children as a developmental or educational psychologist. To qualify as a psychologist you may be subject to other criteria. Please see BPS website for further details.

Our graduates are equipped with highly sought-after employability skills (e.g. transferable skills, analytical thinking, presentation skills) to embark on a career in applied psychological settings (e.g., mental health secure settings, rehabilitation centres); or complete one of our postgraduate degrees. However, the transferable skills you gain from your degree opens several options for career pathways. Our students have also gone on to become researchers, lecturers, teachers, administrators, managers and health and care professionals.

Where our graduates work

Many of our graduates have pursued postgraduate study (e.g., MSc, PhD, DClinPsy) and continued their work as practising psychologists (e.g., becoming clinical, forensic, sport, educational psychologists etc). Previous graduates have secured employment in applied and research institutions such as St Andrew’s Health Care, Victim Support and the NHS. Other graduates have also been successful in gaining positions as teaching assistants, working in human resources, becoming research assistants and using their digital literacy skills to support in meaningful interventions in hospitals and start-up companies looking for innovative thinking.

Students who successfully complete their Psychology BSc (Hons) degree with a minimum 2:2 award will normally be eligible for most MSc Applied Psychology programmes at Coventry University (e.g. Forensic Psychology MSc, Health Psychology MSc, Applied Psychology MSc, Business and Organisational Psychology MSc) and other institutions with related courses. Please check individual course pages for details.

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Discover Phoenix+

Phoenix+ brings you together with other students to learn, experience and develop essential knowledge and skills. Whatever destination you choose, it's about preparing you for life after university.

Learn more about Phoenix+

How to apply

BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If this course has a part-time option you will need to apply directly to the university.

Apply via the portal

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
HLSU264

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.