Psychology BSc (Hons)
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold award
Our commitment to high quality teaching has been recognised with a TEF Gold rating. The University has received an overall rating of Gold, as well as securing a Gold award in the framework's two new student experience and student outcomes categories.
Why choose this course?
This degree has your future career in mind. It enables you to take the first steps to becoming a chartered psychologist. Your studies will be supported by purpose-built research laboratories and psychological analysis equipment, including eye trackers, EEG (recording brain activity) and specialist neuropsychological and survey software.
You can choose to study a range of topics such as schizophrenia, health and positive psychology, autism, cyberbullying and prejudice. There are also advanced modules on atypical development, neuropsychology, cognitive psychology, occupational psychology, critical social psychology, forensic psychology, psychotherapeutic psychology and the psychology of art.
You'll be able to tailor your studies to suit your interests and ambitions. All students participate in original research projects and you'll be supported by research-active academics. Specialised work placements will give you direct work experience – much sought-after by graduate employers.
| Attendance | UCAS code/apply | Year of entry |
|---|---|---|
| 3 years full time | C800 | 2025 |
| 4 years full time including foundation year | C801 | 2025 |
| 4 years full time with professional placement | C802 | 2025 |
| 6 years part time | Apply direct to the University | 2025 |
Please note: Teaching on this course may take place on more than one KU campus.
| Main Location | Penrhyn Road |
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
- Kingston has close links with schools, hospitals, and clinics, offering real-life environments to learn in and adding valuable work experience to your CV.
- You'll use purpose-built laboratories with high-specification equipment (EEG, eye-tracking, a driving simulator, an observation lab for interviews and behavioural recordings and specialised cognitive and physiological testing).
- Employability is embedded throughout the course to ensure you have with the skills needed to succeed after graduating.
- You will have a personal tutor and a small tutor group of peers that you meet with regularly to support your transition to university and your academic success.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), which means that you could go on to become a Chartered Psychologist if that is your chosen career path. This is an ongoing accreditation.
Graduates, with a minimum of a 2:2, from this course are eligible to gain Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) from the BPS. This is a necessary first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. You would then take further training in a specific field of psychology that you want to work in. This could then lead to a career as a Chartered Psychologist in your chosen field, for example clinical, counselling, educational or forensic psychology.
Kingston received the following commendation during the latest BPS review in 2024:
"The high level of the programme team's responsiveness to the student voice is commendable. A proactive approach is adopted to continually evaluate, develop and enhance the programmes based on student input."
Kingston's Department of Psychology
What you will study
Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.
Year 1
Year 2
Optional year
Professional placement year
Final year
In your first year you will acquire a broad foundation of knowledge around key theories and ideas of psychological science. You will begin to critically analyse historic perspectives, contemporary issues and ways of thinking about identity. You will be introduced to key strategies which are used in psychological research.
Core modules
Psychology Research Methods 1
30 credits
This module is a core requirement for students taking psychology in level 4. The module will introduce you to key strategies which are used in psychological research, including designing an experiment, hypothesis testing, and statistical analysis. The main features of the module will involve the acquisition of practical skills in psychological research, learning how to apply and carry out statistical tests using SPSS, and how to report research findings.
Throughout the module you will learn how to design a research project, analyse data and report a psychological experiment.
Foundations of Psychology
30 credits
This module introduces students to theories and ideas of psychological science in core areas of research. This module allows students to acquire a broad foundation of knowledge of these core areas, as well as many specialist sub-areas of psychology (e.g. biological psychology, learning, sensory and perceptual processes, memory, thought and knowledge, language, social, developmental, neuropsychology, individual differences, clinical).
Historical and Philosophical Concepts in Psychology
30 credits
This module will set modern psychology in its historical and philosophical context. Key scientific ideas and perspectives will be introduced and then applied specifically to psychology. No previous experience of history or philosophy will be assumed.
The content of the module will include historical perspectives of prominent individuals on science and psychology (e.g. Donders, Wundt, Ebbinghaus, James, Freud, and Jung) and also broader philosophical movements (e.g. rationalism, empiricism). Having established such historical issues, contemporary issues in philosophy of psychology will be developed (e.g. reductionism and biological explanation, realism/anti-realism, modularity, free will and determinism, consciousness and the mind-body problem).
Workshops will serve to consolidate the lecture material, providing opportunities for students to apply principles and ideas learned in the lectures to worked examples in psychological theory and practice. A central aim of the module is to allow students to develop their critical analysis skills.
Social Selves
30 credits
This module introduces students to some of the most influential ways of thinking about self and identity, drawing on both sociology and psychology. It deals with key dimensions of identity in contemporary life such as gender; work; sexuality; race; ethnicity; understandings of mental health; connections with places such as nations, cities and the globalised world; spirituality and religion. It explores the inseparable interweaving of society and the psyche; the psychological and the socio-political; collective forces and universal human drives. It places the ongoing process of constructing the self in the foreground in attempts to understand people's behaviour and development more generally. The very notion of the ‘self' is treated as an interactive, social phenomenon. The first part of the module considers the questions such as ‘what is the self?' and ‘how does the self arise?' The second part goes on to focus on a number of social dimensions which pattern selfhood. Students' employability is enhanced through the development of presentation skills as well as the ongoing development of analytical and critical skills through discussion and written work.
In the second year you will examine the relationship between brain function and our understanding of cognition and behaviour. You will explore current theory and practice that focuses on the person in psychology. Whilst developing experimental research designs and delve further into inferential statistics
Core modules
Psychology Research Methods 2
30 credits
This module builds on the introduction to research methods and inferential statistics offered in PS4001 Research Methods 1. It will cover more advanced research designs — involving multiple independent variables — and more advanced inferential statistics such as analysis of variance, regression analysis and factor analysis. It will also introduce students to qualitative research methods and data analysis. Students will learn to develop and implement multifactorial experimental designs through practical research exercises and a project. Students' scientific writing skills will be further developed on the basis of a series of lab reports.
Brain, Behaviour and Cognition
30 credits
This module covers major topics within the field of cognitive psychology and examines the relationship between brain function and our understanding of cognition and behaviour. You will be introduced to key theoretical explanations proposed to account for human cognition, alongside some real-life applications of cognitive psychology. You will study the structure and function of the nervous system before examining the contribution of specialised brain structures to cognitive functions such as perception, attention, language, memory and decision making, and behaviours such as motivation, eating, emotion and sleep. You will also learn about the effect of hormones, drugs and neurological dysfunction on cognition and behaviour.
Social and Developmental Psychology
30 credits
The module covers a broad range of key theories and empirical research in social and developmental psychology. You will study current theory and practice in psychology across range of topics that focuses on the person in psychology. We will explore the importance of culture, ethics, the scientific approach and the notion of measurement.
Optional modules
Applied Psychology: Theory and Practice
30 credits
Applied Psychology: Theory and Practice is a level 5 option module that provides students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of what is involved in becoming a professional psychologist within the UK. This will include the practice and methods of the main areas of psychology such as forensic, counselling, health, educational, clinical, sports and occupational psychology. The module will give students the experience of taking either a careers in psychology pathway including a small research project, or a work based learning in psychology pathway, including a work placement.
Mental Health and Brain Function
30 credits
This module will examine the nature and treatment of abnormal behaviour, thought and feeling. Psychological disorders such as phobias, personality disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia, obsessions and compulsions, social anxiety, panic disorders and mood disorders will be evaluated. The module will introduce the main characteristics of these disorders, current approaches to understanding and the main treatment options. The module will also explore how cognitive functions can be localised within the brain. Cognitive impairments that can arise in some psychological disorders illnesses will be examined. Finally, examples of how neurobiological data can help inform an understanding of psychological disorder will be evaluated.
Study abroad optional year
You have the option to take an additional year to study abroad or to undertake a year-long work placement overseas (or even a mix of both).
This course has a professional placement option which takes place between Year 2 and your Final Year. During this professional placement year you will take a placement within a relevant setting, ensuring you gain essential experience to add to your CV and help you secure a graduate job.
In your final year you will be able to choose from selection of optional modules, which cover a range of topics, this will enable you to tailor your studies to your own interests and aspirations. You will also research a chosen topic for your dissertation.
Core modules
Psychology Research Project
30 credits
This module provides the opportunity to study and employ different methodologies in psychology by evaluating the strengths and limitations of different research designs. Students will execute an empirical research project on a topic agreed in consultation with a Psychology staff supervisor. Supervisory sessions with an academic supervisor will guide students to conduct a literature review, formulate a research question, design a research study, and consider research ethics relating to their study, culminating in data collection and writing up of a research report which satisfies APA guidelines.
Personality and Individual Differences
15 credits
This module examines contemporary perspectives on personality and individual differences, including theories of personality and intelligence, and the measurement of individual differences You will explore the concepts of equality, diversity, and inclusion, and discuss how psychologists can actively promote practices which embrace and value diversity and inclusion. You will review the practice of assessing individual differences in clinical, educational, and organisational contexts, considering ethical issues and the promotion of equality, diversity, and inclusion in these contexts.
Optional modules
Advanced Developmental Psychology
30 credits
This is an optional module for Level 6 students who wish to expand their knowledge about child development. The module will cover a broad range of issues in developmental psychology including both examples of typical and atypical development, such as reading development and dyslexia, children's relationships and bullying, language in typical and atypical populations, sensory impairment, children's understanding of number and dyscalculia, children with Williams Syndrome, among other themes. The module will involve a combination of keynote lectures, interactive lectures and guided independent study during which current theories, methodologies and research will be discussed and critically evaluated. In addition, transferable skills will be fostered through student led interactive discussions and tasks.
Critical Social Psychology: Memory, Narrative and Representation
30 credits
This module explores the nature and origins of social knowledge and critically evaluates the basis for claims to 'absolute reality'.
The module will be of interest to students who wish to examine contemporary beliefs and assumptions about the world on a range of political, philosophical, psychological and moral issues. In the second semester, earlier theoretical knowledge is applied to the study of collective memory (the memory of people across generations) – a foundational form of social knowledge involved in the construction of identity. The study of social/collective memory raises some political issues. For example, in the aftermath of conflict, competing versions of the past are often a barrier to reconciliation. Understanding the nature and content of collective memory therefore becomes important.
Students should have an interest in the history and politics of conflict, including human rights, although detailed historical knowledge is not a pre-requisite. Course material comprises film and television documentary, which will broaden and deepen existing knowledge of 20th century events.
Neuropsychology and Neuro-rehabilitation
30 credits
There are two main streams in this module: Part I - Neuropsychology. The module will place a particular emphasis on understanding the effects of brain activity on cognitive and social aspects of human behaviour (and vice-versa). In addition, the module will address the effects of brain injury and neurological impairments with a view to understand models of normal cognitive and social functioning. Video material will be used to illustrate clinical cases when available. Part II – Neuro-rehabilitation. The module will introduce students to modern techniques for the diagnosis of neurological disorders and their neuropsychiatric implications. Interventions for the treatment and management of neurological disorders will be evaluated. Students' effort and engagement will be essential for a successful and rewarding experience. This will include active participation in lectures and the reading of the indicated material.
Advanced Issues in the Psychology of Thinking
30 credits
This module explores the psychology of higher cognitive processes, such as thinking, reasoning, judgement and decision-making. You will be encouraged to evaluate critically whether human thinking is rational, and the normative models with which that rationality is measured. The module will also introduce you to quantitative models of these processes as well as applications of cognitive psychology research, especially in terms of judgement and decision making in areas such as politics, sports, economics and health.
Introduction to Forensic Psychology
30 credits
This module will give a broad overview of the intersection between psychology and the criminal justice system. Forensic psychology is concerned with the psychological aspects of the legal process including police investigation and court procedures. Students will learn to apply psychological theory to criminal investigation, understand the psychological problems and developmental processes associated with criminal behaviour and victimisation. There will be an introduction to the assessment and treatment of those who have committed offences. The module will also give an insight into the training and career pathways for forensic psychologists.
Psychology of Art
30 credits
"Creating new circuits in art means creating them in the brain too".
Gilles Deleuze
The aesthetic experience relates not only to natural beauty but also to works of art which can be seen as cultural manifestations of the human mind. For centuries artists have used a varied number of media—from pigments to pixels—to evoke a multitude of perceptions and sensory effects able to trigger powerful rational and emotional responses. Psychology of Art and Film is a young field of study and encompasses a multitude of branches of Psychology. The module will broadly focus on the question: If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, what is it about the human experience that enables us to appreciate it? The focus will be on art in the form of paintings, films, photography and ‘installations'.
The module will be divided in three core areas: I. The ‘self‘: cognitive aspects modulating the aesthetic experience; II. The ‘environment': social and cultural aspects modulating the aesthetic experience; and III. Workshops: include talks by invited artists/lecturers and independent visits to Museums, Galleries and Cinemas.
Psychotherapeutic Psychology and Mental Health: from Theory to Practice
30 credits
This module examines how psychology is applied in psychotherapeutic work in mental health contexts. It is relevant to students who are interested in counselling psychology, clinical psychology, psychotherapy, counselling and/or in mental health service provision more generally.
The module begins with a consideration of how common forms of psychological distress and disorder are conceptualised within mainstream classification systems. After psychotherapeutic approaches are placed in historical context, the module considers the theory and practice of various psychotherapeutic approaches. Attention is given to how specific mental health issues can be addressed in therapy, how therapy can respond creatively and ethically to diversity issues, and how therapeutic impact or effectiveness might best be evaluated.
By completing this module, students will develop a critical understanding of the nature of psychotherapeutic practice and of some key aspects of its complexity and challenges. The module will consider the principles and challenges of psychotherapeutic practice but students will not engage in any form of psychotherapeutic practice during the module, nor will it qualify them to do so afterwards. However it will help inform students' decision-making about careers in the psychotherapeutic and mental health fields.
The Psychology of Health and Wellbeing
30 credits
The module will engage students with the main themes of contemporary health psychology and positive psychology with a particular focus on theory, research, intervention, and application. The students will gain an understanding of the importance of psychological processes in the experience of health and illness, and explore the role of behaviour and emotion in current trends of mortality and morbidity. In addition, students will gain an understanding of the role of positive emotions, optimism, spirituality, flourishing relationships, and community engagement in promoting health, well-being, and happiness. They will also become aware of the crucial roles health psychology and positive psychology have to play in the development and evaluation of physical and psychological health promotion interventions.
Occupational Psychology
30 credits
This module introduces a range of issues in contemporary occupational psychology within four key areas:
- Health and Wellbeing
- Selection and Assessment
- Leadership and Organisational Change
- Training and Development
You will explore and critically evaluate the empirical research within each area, applying your knowledge to business case study examples.
Topics include stress and burnout, workspace design, bullying and harassment, motivation and performance, psychometric testing and selection processes, models of organisational change, leadership and management, personal development and job design.
Please note
Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Foundation year - Social Sciences
If you would like to study this degree at Kingston University but are not yet ready to join the first year of a BSc (Hons) course, you may want to consider studying this course with a foundation year.
Future Skills
Knowledge to give you the edge
Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.
As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.
At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.
Kingston School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences
The School offers courses in economics, sociology, law, psychology and criminology. Our degrees are underpinned by a vibrant research culture and delivered by a blend of practitioners and academics who are dedicated to equipping you with the employability skills to thrive in your career.
You will have a wealth of opportunities outside the classroom to further your learning and gain hands-on experience in your chosen field.
Life on the course
Psychology conference
Check out the video from the department's annual Psychology conference
Specialist careers support
You will take part in an Assessment Centre Experience, providing the opportunity to experience the pathway to employment with tailored feedback to help develop your employability skills for the world of graduate employment.
- Develop your understanding of the jobs market, including current trends and opportunities, different recruitment processes and how to identify relevant roles
- Receive personalised feedback reports to help you to improve and progress
- Access additional webinars on top tips, employer expectations and best practice
Entry requirements
Teaching and assessment
Scheduled learning and teaching on this course includes timetabled activities including lectures, seminars and small group tutorials.
Who teaches this course?
You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on this course. The team includes senior academics and professional practitioners with industry experience. Postgraduate research students may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.
The following group of staff members are currently involved in the delivery of different elements of this course. This pool is subject to change at any time within the academic year.
Course fees and funding
Additional costs
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.
Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.
After you graduate
Graduates work in many settings and many continue training to become chartered psychologists. Careers include clinical, forensic, educational and occupational psychology, social work, counselling and teaching.
Key information set
The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
