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Qualification type
BSc (Hons)

Psychology

UCAS code C800

Entry requirements
A level: ABB
View full requirements
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
3 years
Start date and application deadlines
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We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom.

How to apply

Although the UCAS equal consideration date has now passed, many of our courses are still accepting applications from UK students for 2025 entry through UCAS.

The deadline for international students is 30 June 2025.

Combine this subject

With a combined degree, you can study two subjects as part of the same degree programme.

  • Choose from 30 subjects and over 300 combinations
  • Choose joint or major minor subjects
  • Adjust the weight of your subjects at the end of your first year
  • Same number of credits as single honours students
  • Same classes as single honours students
  • Appeal to a wide range of employers

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About this course

The Psychology BSc (Hons) degree course at Liverpool is an exciting programme that draws on our research excellence and the transferable skills you'll learn while you're here means a psychology degree from Liverpool will be suitable for a wide range of career choices. Outstanding applicants may be also be offered conditional places on linked postgraduate courses provided by the University of Liverpool to enable you to to further enhance your career prospects.


Introduction

Entry to the undergraduate degree programme is available to applicants with a wide array of qualifications and backgrounds and it is accredited by the British Psychological Society and provides Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, making it an excellent platform for postgraduate study. The modular basis of the course will enable you to develop specialist knowledge in a range of subject areas.

The large number of available modules makes it possible to focus your learning on topics of personal interest. You also have the opportunity to work on a summer placement to an organisation. In year three you will be able to work with an individual academic on an in-depth research project on a topic of personal and professional interest.

In addition, in your final year you may wish to apply for entry to our range of taught Masters postgraduate programmes in psychology (eg Investigative and Forensic Psychology, which is accredited by the BPS Forensic Division ) or alternatively you may wish to transfer onto our MPsycholSci programme (C804).

You’ll be studying in a department which is home to some of the world’s leading academic experts, research centres and laboratories and our new research connected curriculum moves quickly from general psychology to our research strengths and specialisms. You’ll benefit from research focused lectures from year one, enabling an understanding and application of the Liverpool context, all taught by specialists who are passionate about their research activity.

Ours is a rewarding programme and you’ll have plenty of not only academic but also pastoral support at Liverpool to advise about any issues you may be experiencing.


What you'll learn

  • Biological and clinical psychology
  • Cognitive neurosciences
  • Forensic psychology
  • Research methodologies and statistics
  • Developmental psychology
  • A wide selection of optional modules in areas such as addiction, evolutionary psychology, the neurobiology of emotions, the psychology of pain, and many more.

Accreditation

The degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society and provides Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.

Accreditation in detail
British Psychological Society logo

British Psychological Society

The British Psychological Society is the representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK. This programme is BPS accredited, meaning it meets the BPS' standards for education and training.

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We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence.


Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

In this first year, you’ll begin to understand the basis, concepts and principles associated with the neural underpinnings of human behaviour and will help you apply research strategies and investigatory methods in biological psychology, cognition, developmental and social psychology. There will be class based practical sessions and group work.

Year two

In your second year you’ll cover the core topics of psychology in depth and get an introduction into new topics such as key lifespan development.

At the same time, you’ll be developing your research, problem solving and critical thinking skills and applying statistics. You’ll also be part of a small group project in preparation for your third-year research project and have the opportunity to apply for an internship in the Department’s research laboratories.

Year three

Year three will provide an unparalleled opportunity for you to learn at the cutting edge of psychology research and be taught by world-leading academics in subjects like the psychology of pain, addiction, psychosis and forensics as well as current debates and controversies. Central to this year is the research project, designed as a platform for students to display applied learning to a research topic that can be related to their chosen specialisation.

Teaching and assessment

How you'll learn

You will be taught using a balanced mix of lectures, workshops, seminars and tutorials and practical laboratory sessions, working cooperatively in small groups right from the beginning. Academic staff are available for 1-2-1 feedback and support. Course material is available 24/7 on our online learning platform; Canvas.

How you're assessed

Students on this course are assessed with a combination of exams and coursework. Coursework involves real world tasks such as writing position papers, educational blogs, policy papers, research proposals, posters, oral presentations, group projects, and research projects. You’ll submit coursework which contributes to your final grade during years two and three. During your final year, you’ll also submit your 3rd year research project.

Liverpool Hallmarks

We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

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Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Global opportunities

University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.

Year in China

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.

  • Learn Chinese
  • Study in a bustling world heritage city
  • Improve employment prospects
  • Study Chinese culture
  • 30 minutes from Shanghai
  • Learn new skills

Read more about Year at XJTLU, China

Year abroad

Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.

  • Choose from up-to 26 countries
  • Experience another way of life
  • Inspire your future career or studies
  • Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
  • More likely to earn higher salary
  • More likely to be employed after graduating

Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Hong Kong
  • Malaysia
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • USA

More about taking a year abroad

Semester abroad

Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.

  • Inspire your future career or studies
  • Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
  • More likely to earn higher salary
  • More likely to be employed after graduating

More about taking a semester abroad

Summer abroad

Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.

  • Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
  • Study abroad without adding an extra year
  • Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
  • Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline

Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?

  • Hong Kong
  • Japan
  • South Korea

More about taking a summer abroad

Language study

Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:

  • A dedicated languages degree
  • A language as a joint or major/minor degree
  • Language modules (selected degrees)
  • Language classes alongside your studies

Read more about studying a language

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Your experience

Day-to-day teaching takes place in one of the UK’s oldest academic psychology departments based at the Eleanor Rathbone Building. The Department undertakes cutting-edge research with real-world impact. You will have access to a wealth of learning facilities, renowned museums, libraries and galleries.

Explore where you'll study

Photograph of the Victoria Gallery and Museum from across University Square
Victoria Gallery and Museum
Abercromby Square
Abercromby Square
Photograph of a reading room within the Harold Cohen Library
Harold Cohen Library
Guild of Students
The Quadrangle
The Quadrangle
Two students checking books out of the Sydney Jones Library
Sydney Jones Library
Watch on Panopto: Inside Biosciences. A conversation with Tanya Horne and Professor Jay Hinton

Inside Biosciences. A conversation with Tanya Horne and Professor Jay Hinton

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

An exciting place for postgraduate study

  • Internationally recognised qualifications with a wide range of programmes
  • Access to some of the best specialist units in the UK
  • World-leading excellence in research and research-connected teaching
  • The MSc Investigative and Forensic Psychology is renowned worldwide and attracts a large number of international students and visiting speakers each year
  • Provides specialist training with taught and research components
  • Work alongside internationally-renowned academic researchers and experts in their field.
Two students chatting while walking through campus.

Chat with our students

Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.

Watch on Panopto: A day in the life of Psychology student Autumn

A day in the life of Psychology student Autumn

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Careers and employability

Employability is embedded into the Psychology BSc(Hons) programme, from lectures through to integrating it within your chosen modules and your future employers can be reassured by the fact that the Psychology BSc (Hons) programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

At Liverpool you’ll be connected with the best student and graduate employers in the region. Our career coaches will help you explore jobs, connect with employers and guide you through the whole application process.

  • NHS
  • Business Services Authority
  • Marks & Spencer
  • Camelot Retail Sales
  • Unilever
  • Deloitte Audit
  • Tax and Corporate Finance Services
  • Amazon
  • Local government
  • Department for Education

4 in 5 psychology students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.

(Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.)

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My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year - £9,535
Year abroad fee - £1,430 (applies to year in China)

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £29,100
Year abroad fee - £14,550 (applies to year in China)

The tuition fees shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.


Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.


Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

The Liverpool Bursary

If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Asylum Seekers Scholarship

Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.

Care Leavers’ Opportunity Bursary

If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.

Cowrie Foundation Scholarship

Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Estranged Students Bursary

If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Genesys Life Sciences Scholarship

Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.

Nolan Scholarships

Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.

Rigby Enterprise Award

Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.

ROLABOTIC Scholarship

Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Technetix Broadhurst Engineering Scholarship

Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.

Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary

If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.

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My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

Qualification Details
A levels

ABB with a B or above in A level science (Science subjects: Applied ICT, Biology (and Human Biology), Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics. Electronics, Environmental Science, Further Mathematics, Geography, Geology, ICT, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics, Psychology, Physics, Statistics)

Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is BBB with A in the EPQ.

You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work.

Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers.

If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to complete a foundation year which would allow you to progress to this course.

Available foundation years:

T levels

Health and Science (Science pathway) is accepted with an overall grade of Distinction to include A in the core.

Applicants should contact us by completing the enquiry form on our website to discuss specific requirements in the core components and the occupational specialism.

GCSE

GCSE Mathematics and English at grade 5 are required.

Subject requirements

The required Science A level must be one of the following: Applied ICT, Biology (and Human Biology), Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics. Electronics, Environmental Science, Further Mathematics, Geography, Geology, ICT, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics, Psychology, Physics, Statistics)

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

DDD in Applied Science or Health and Social Care.

International Baccalaureate

35 points including 6 in HL science subject

Irish Leaving Certificate H1,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 including grade H2 in a Higher Level Science subject.
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher

ABB with B in science subject.

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Grade B in Welsh Baccalaureate, plus AB at A level, including a science subject.
Access 30 credits at Distinction from graded level 3 units in a relevant Diploma that must include at least 15 Science credits and 15 credits at Merit.
International qualifications

If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.


English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

Qualification Details
IELTS 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5
TOEFL iBT 100 overall, with minimum scores of listening 21, writing 21, reading 21 and speaking 23. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
TOEFL Paper Grade 7 at Higher Level
Duolingo English Test 135 overall, with writing not less than 140, speaking and reading not less than 125, and listening not below 120
Pearson PTE Academic 69 overall, with no component below 61
LanguageCert Academic 75 overall, with no skill below 70
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 Grade 6 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall.
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall.  
Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced 185 overall, with no paper below 176
LanguageCert Grade 6 at Standard Level or grade 6 at Higher Level

Pre-sessional English

Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Pre-sessional English in detail

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score Pre-sessional English course length On campus or online
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.5 6 weeks On campus
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 10 weeks On campus and online options available
6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 12 weeks On campus and online options available
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 20 weeks On campus
5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 30 weeks On campus
5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 40 weeks On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5, for further details.


Alternative entry requirements

  • If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
  • If you are returning to learning, have had a disrupted education or are switching career pathways, the one-year Go Higher diploma qualifies you to apply for University of Liverpool arts, humanities and social sciences programmes
  • Applications from mature students are welcome.
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Entry requirements: which qualifications do you need?

Contact us

Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.

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Last updated 20 March 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions

Changes to Psychology BSc (Hons)

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

14 January 2025: Psychology BSc – Duolingo English test requirements

Duolingo English test requirements updated: 135 overall, with writing not less than 140, speaking and reading not less than 125, and listening not below 120

16 December 2024: Change to Year in Industry information

This course was updated to reflect the fact that an official “Year in Industry” option is not currently available.

3 November 2022: Module changes

The following modules are no longer available in year three:

  • Visual intelligence
  • Understanding and Learning about the world
7 June 2022: New course pages

New course pages launched.