Applied Psychology BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate

Two Applied Psychology students roleplaying as therapist and patient

Explore the science of human behaviour and its real-world impact.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2026-27 2027-28

Location

CU London (Dagenham, London)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

C810

Start date

September 2027

How to apply

Book an Open Event

Download a prospectus

Course overview

Psychology helps us understand how people think, feel, develop, interact and respond to the world around them. This applied psychology degree introduces core areas of the discipline while giving you opportunities to explore how psychological theory and research can be applied to understand real-life issues.

You’ll study areas such as social, developmental, biological and cognitive psychology, alongside personality, individual differences, mental health and wellbeing, research methods and applied practice. You’ll also explore how psychology is applied in real-world contexts, including education, sport, forensic settings, clinical practice, occupational psychology, law and talking therapies.

As you progress through the course, you’ll be encouraged to think like a psychologist: questioning evidence, considering different explanations for behaviour and applying psychological ideas to real-world issues. This can help you build a broad foundation for further study or future roles where understanding people, behaviour and wellbeing is valuable.

Why you should study this course

Apply psychology to real-world issues
Explore how psychological theory and research can help explain human behaviour, mental health, wellbeing and the way people interact with others.
Gain a grounding in core psychology
Study key areas including social, developmental, biological and cognitive psychology, alongside personality, individual differences and research methods.
Explore applied areas of psychology
Consider how psychology is used in contexts such as education, sport, forensic settings, clinical practice, occupational psychology, law and talking therapies.
Develop research and analytical skills
Learn how to ask psychological questions, use evidence and interpret data, building towards your final-year research project.
Strengthen transferable skills
Develop communication, teamwork, reflection, digital literacy, presentation and problem-solving skills that can support a wide range of future routes.
Prepare for future study or people-focused careers
Build a foundation for postgraduate psychology study or possible roles in areas such as mental health, wellbeing, health, education, social care, research, HR, marketing, welfare, law or community support.
Study one module at a time
Focus on one 30-credit module over a six-week block. This approach uses practical, exam-free assessments to build your knowledge step by step with regular feedback.

What you'll study

Modules

Developing Self in Society – 30 credits

This module explores how people grow and change from conception through childhood and adolescence, focusing on the relationship between biological and social influences.

You will examine key theories in developmental and social psychology to understand how children and adults develop and adapt to their surroundings. You should build an understanding of the complex factors that influence human development and the foundations of who we become.

Compulsory

Introducing Research in Psychology – 30 credits

This module introduces the foundational principles of psychological research and how research questions are developed, investigated and communicated.

You should gain an introductory understanding of quantitative and qualitative approaches, core research designs, and principles of reliability, validity and ethics. Through practical activities and report writing, you will focus on developing your research literacy and academic communication skills in preparation for more advanced research methods and independent study.

Compulsory

Understanding the Human Mind – 30 credits

This module introduces cognitive and biological psychology, exploring key theories, principles and research that explain human behaviour and mental processes.

You will examine the nervous system and how biology, environment and behaviour interact, before moving on to areas such as memory, attention, perception, decision-making, language and information processing. The module uses real-world examples and practical evaluation skills to help you understand the complexities of the human mind.

Compulsory

Principles of Psychology – 30 credits

This module introduces the foundational principles of psychology, including its historical development, core domains and major theoretical perspectives.

You will explore how psychology developed from philosophical inquiry into a scientific discipline, and how social, cultural and intellectual contexts have shaped the subject. The module also introduces key debates that continue to influence psychological research and practice, helping you begin to develop your professional identity within psychology.

Compulsory

Modules

Brain and Behaviour – 30 credits

Building on foundational biological psychology, this module explores the neural and physiological mechanisms that influence behaviour.

You will examine neuropsychology, including the neural bases of addiction, neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and ADHD. You will also explore experimental and neuroimaging methods used to study brain–behaviour relationships, thereby linking biological mechanisms to typical and atypical behaviour.

Compulsory

Individual Differences and Personality – 30 credits

This module explores how and why people differ in their behaviour, abilities, personality and emotional functioning.

You will study areas such as personality, intelligence, mood, creativity, biological and social influences on human variation. Psychological assessments such as questionnaires, behavioural measures and psychometric tests will be discussed. The module also considers the strengths, limitations and ethical issues involved in measuring individual differences.

Compulsory

Real World Applications in Psychology – 30 credits

This module introduces the main branches of psychology, including clinical, health, educational, forensic, occupational and sport psychology.

You will explore how psychological theory and research are applied in real-world settings to solve problems. Through case studies, practical examples and discussion of professional practice, you should gain insight into different psychological careers and reflect on potential pathways for further study or future employment.

Compulsory

Research Methods – 30 credits

This module builds on first-year research foundations, helping you to develop more advanced knowledge of research design, data collection and data analysis.

You will explore quantitative and qualitative methodologies, ethical considerations and the use of software for data analysis. During this module, you will begin planning your final-year research project, developing research questions, hypotheses and study designs under supervision.

Compulsory

To help you explore a potential career path and apply your learning in a professional setting, you may be able to undertake a work placement² between your second and final years of study. Work placements can help you gain practical experience, develop transferable skills and gain insight into the type of work you may want to do in the future.

Placements are optional and are not guaranteed. You will need to apply for opportunities, and each placement must be approved before it can count towards your placement year. Employers or host organisations make the final selection decisions, and you may need to meet academic, conduct, right-to-work, visa or other eligibility requirements.

Key opportunities

Complete an approved work placement: apply for practical experience related to your course and career ambitions, typically lasting at least 26 weeks.
Reflect on professional development: recognise and document the skills, knowledge and experience you gain during your time in industry.
Broaden your global perspective: where available, you may be able to apply for an international work or study opportunity. These opportunities may depend on availability, academic approval, eligibility, visa and travel requirements, and additional costs.

This optional year is non-credit-bearing. If you successfully complete it, your experience will be formally recognised on your final degree certificate.

If you are sponsored by the University and choose to apply for an international work placement, you must comply with UKVI immigration regulations. You can contact us for guidance before making arrangements.

Modules

Human Potential and Performance – 30 credits

This module explores human development across the lifespan and the psychological factors that shape social and occupational performance.

Drawing on social and developmental psychology, you will examine how individuals grow, adapt and perform in different social, educational and work contexts. Key topics include identity and socialisation, motivation and performance, group dynamics, and the relationship between individual development and organisational or societal environments.

Compulsory

Cognitive Psychology in Practice – 30 credits

This module allows you to apply core concepts of cognitive psychology to real-world research.

You can choose to focus on areas such as memory, attention, perception and problem-solving as you design and conduct a small-scale pilot study. The module emphasises research design, data collection, analysis and interpretation, helping you translate cognitive theory into applied research.

Compulsory

Mental Distress and Well Being – 30 credits

This module explores mental health, wellbeing and approaches to alleviating mental distress across diverse cultural contexts.

You will examine a range of mental health conditions and illnesses, considering biological and psychological perspectives. You will evaluate different therapeutic approaches, from traditional and holistic therapies to contemporary interventions and positive psychology techniques, with a focus on resilience, personal growth and wellbeing.

Compulsory

Research Project – 30 credits

This module enables you to complete an independent research project, building on research knowledge and ethical application from previous years.

You will undertake either primary data collection or secondary data analysis, applying appropriate methodological and analytical techniques within a psychological framework. The module emphasises rigorous research design, ethical practice and critical evaluation of theory and evidence, supporting preparation for postgraduate study or professional practice.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content to keep it relevant and current for our students. Consequently, we may update modules to reflect the latest industry standards.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures: gain expert insights and a structured overview of key concepts and cutting-edge research 
seminars: engage in discussion and debate, deepening understanding and critical thinking 
tutorials: receive personalised guidance to solve complex problems and consolidate learning 
presentations: develop communication skills and the ability to convey technical ideas 
group projects: build teamwork and collaboration skills while tackling real-world challenges 
workshops: apply knowledge hands-on, enhancing practical skills and problem-solving abilities 
online learning: access flexible resources for self-paced study and reinforcement of key concepts.
problem-solving tasks: apply psychological ideas to real-world scenarios, strengthening analytical thinking and decision-making
simulations: practise responding to realistic situations, helping you connect theory with applied psychology contexts
computer-based activities: develop digital and research skills through data tasks, online tools or psychology-related software
research activities: build confidence in designing, conducting and evaluating psychological research using appropriate methods and evidence.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 10 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional 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 will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

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

Assessment methods vary by module and may include:

coursework
essays
reports
case studies
presentations
group work
research proposals
lab reports
practical activities
artefacts
portfolios
examinations
time-constrained assessment
research projects.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures fair assessment and supports student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.  

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

What we're looking for

UCAS points: 104 UCAS tariff points
A Level: Minimum two A levels or equivalent
BTEC: BTEC National Certificate or Diploma accepted, equivalent to required UCAS points
GCSE: GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards
Access to HE: Appropriate Foundation/Access qualification where the standard achieved is deemed equivalent

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

What we're looking for

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on how to apply and travelling to and living in the UK.

We welcome international students from all around the globe. If you are an international student and are interested in applying for a Degree course you can do so by completing our online application form.

Once your application form has been processed you will receive the outcome of your application via your given email address.
Please be aware you will need the following information in order to make your application:

All academic transcripts
Copies of degree/diploma certificates or work reference if employed
One academic reference
Your personal statement
Copy of your current passport

English language requirements

IELTS 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.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £9,790 per year	Not available
EU	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £9,790 per year with EU Support Bursary 2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £15,500 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £15,500 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 to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2028/29 will pay £1,575 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,900 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Fees and Funding 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 table above 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 the Retail Price Index (RPI), a UK measure of inflation that tracks changes in the cost of living.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement or study abroad year, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2028/29. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above RPI.

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) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

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. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

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) which may include costs of travel, accommodation, equipment or uniform required for the placement and any visa-related costs.

*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 assess your fee status using the information in your application. This status determines your tuition fees and the scholarships or financial support you can get. The Department for Education sets the rules for who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees in England.

The regulations list which students can pay the home fee rate. Because these rules are complex, the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides fee status guidance to help you find the right category. If you meet all the criteria for one category, your institution must charge you the home rate.

Facilities

Our Dagenham campus is in the stylishly renovated Civic Centre, offering a unique mix of classic architecture and modern learning spaces. You can study in our high-tech library, use the open-access IT suites, or find a quiet spot in one of the many breakout areas designed for group work.

When you need a break, the on-site café is the perfect place to grab a snack and socialise with friends. The campus is just a short walk from local shops and transport links, making it easy to balance your studies with your life outside of university.

You’ll use facilities through timetabled teaching, practical activities and relevant independent study. Access may vary by module, activity, capacity, supervision or safety requirements. Access may change or be limited where the University needs to follow public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

This course can help you develop psychological knowledge and transferable skills for future routes in psychology and related people-focused fields.

You should graduate with skills in research, communication, analysis, critical thinking, reflection, teamwork, digital literacy and problem-solving. These skills can be useful in roles and sectors where understanding people, behaviour, wellbeing and evidence is important.

After you graduate, you may choose to explore routes in areas such as:

postgraduate study or professional training in psychology
psychological wellbeing or mental health support
research assistant roles
education support
health and wellbeing services
social care, welfare or community support
charities and voluntary-sector organisations
HR, people teams or organisational support
marketing, consumer insight or behaviour-related business roles
law, justice, rehabilitation or support services
further training towards psychology-related careers.

These are examples of possible career paths. Some roles may require further training, professional qualifications, accreditation or experience.

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 UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS. Otherwise, you will need to apply to CU London directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

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

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

CULondon@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
CUGU002

International students should apply directly to CU London directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International pages or Coventry University Group's International hub.

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

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

cul@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University, 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, partnerships and memberships

Some 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. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the University maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

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. Before seeking an overseas placement, read our visa advice page.

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 the 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.

For international students, we may increase fees annually 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 (for example to repeat a year or resit examinations) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised. Availability and access may be reduced or restricted when the University is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders or internal health and safety requirements.

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 2026/2027 contract is available for information purposes only. The 2027/28 contract will apply to the 2027/28 intakes and may differ from the current version. 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 applicable Student Contract carefully before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the University.