Investigate the developing mind, apply social psychology to current events, and develop a scientific understanding of human experience with our BSc Psychology course
Explore human psychology, from behaviour to emotions and brain development with our BSc Psychology course. On this course, you will learn how psychology applies to the individual, institutions, and even to politics.
Our psychology programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society. By successfully completing this course you will be eligible for the Graduate Membership with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
A supportive community
We are smaller than many other universities. This means the psychology department can foster a community that provides you with support from staff and peers. Our BSc Psychology student, Maya, tells us their teachers were “warm and friendly, committed to providing amazing opportunities for all of their students”.
Exceptional teaching from research-active staff
We rose 42 places in the Complete University Guide (2023). Our student, Lara, explains that the teaching on the psychology degree is “to the highest standard” and that “the lecturers are incredibly knowledgeable”.
Our staff also actively contribute to research, covering:
- non-traditional romantic relationships
- intergroup relationships
- attentional biases associated with anxiety
- intergenerational relationships within family contexts
- decision making
- visuomotor processing.
Attend talks on key developments
With our Student Psychology Society, you can attend exciting talks hosted by guest speakers, so you keep up to date with pressing issues and key developments.
Work placements: build professional experience
During your Psychology course, you may also undertake a paid work placement. Our Workplace Learning Team will help organise this and will make sure yours is in a convenient location.
Previous students have worked with:
- charities
- schools
- hospitals
- care settings
- businesses.
About the Placement Year
A placement year enables you to undertake a year of experience in an organisation between your second and final year.
It will enable you to:
- apply the knowledge and skills you gain from your course in a work setting
- build your commercial awareness and insights into organisations and industries you might want to work in
- develop your professional skills through company training, networking skills and confidence in the workplace
- get some great experience for future job applications or even land a graduate job.
Support from St Mary’s every step of the way
Securing a placement can really help you develop your job search skills and the Employability Service placement and Careers Teams can support you to find and apply for available opportunities.
Please note: in the event that you cannot secure a placement you will be able to transfer onto the three year version of your degree programme.
Dr Carolina Sciplino
Course Lead - Psychology BSc (Hons)
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Course content
Modules
These modules are the modules that were available to students in the 2023/24 academic year and are illustrative of what may be offered for 2024/25.
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
Entry requirements
104 - 120
We understand that sometimes barriers you can't control get in the way of academic achievement. You are more than just your grades. We'll consider your application as a whole, taking into account things like:
- subjects studied at Level 3
- your GCSEs (or equivalent) profile
- non-academic achievements you mention in your personal statement
- your references and motivation.
GCSE
A grade 4/C (or equivalent) in GCSE Mathematics is required.
We offer GCSE equivalency tests for those who need to improve their GCSE grades.
UCAS Personal statement support
Create your UCAS personal statement through our online builder and we'll email you a copy of your completed version at the end.
Further Information
For more information about entry requirements please email apply@stmarys.ac.uk.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees
Home
£9,250
International
£16,320
(£1200 during placement year)
*Please note: these fees are annual and may increase as detailed in our tuition fee variation disclaimer.
Information about tuition fees, student loans, and funding your studies can be found within our fees and funding section.
Additional costs
Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme.
Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.
For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage.
Scholarships
Find out more about our range of scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students .
Living costs
A guide to your living costs has been created by our Student Funding Team.
Accommodation costs vary depending on whether you opt for an en suite room and on-site catering. Take a look at our accommodation options and the prices you can expect to pay.
How the degree is taught
Teaching methods
You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.
Our aim is to help you develop as an independent thinker, able to work individually and in a team, and capable of managing your workload. Innovative teaching methods are delivered within traditional settings such as lectures and seminars, or within more contemporary settings such as virtual learning environments. You will also engage in workshops and practical tasks that develop your research skills.
In year one, class sizes range from 70 to 80 students in lectures. In year two, class sizes range from 65 to 70 students in lectures as you choose your optional modules, and seminar sizes throughout all three years ranges from 30 to 35 students.
Psychology Laboratory Resources
In the psychology department, we have two laboratories used for staff and student research. One of the labs has four separate cubicles with individual computers that contain a number of computer programmes. These include; SuperLab, E-Prime, DirectRT and MediaLab. We also have access to Bristol online, which is used to develop and collect data via the web through questionnaires.
In the second lab, we have an EEG, TMS and eye tracker, including software to support these systems. We also have access to video cameras and laptops that belong to the psychology department, which students can have access to.
Assessment methods
Courses are assessed through a variety of methods including examinations, presentations, essays, research, practical reports and case studies.
Feedback
We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within 15 working days.
Career opportunities
With our Psychology BSc, you will build highly valued transferrable skills like communication, analytical skills, and project management.
Please contact our Career Services at careers@stmarys.ac.uk for further information on jobs and postgraduate opportunities.
Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates of undefined include:
More from St Mary's
Thinking about whether St Mary's is the right place for you? Come and visit it us on campus.
Find out more about the extensive support system available to you at St Mary’s.
Discover the many areas in which our academies are currently researching.
Discover what life is like on our London campus.