If you are interested in studying for a psychology degree, but feel that you have a non-standard academic background, this is a programme that has been designed for you. C801, is the four-year degree that is run in collaboration with Wirral Metropolitan College which feeds into C800 at year two. The C801 degree is intended for students from a variety of vocational, academic and non-academic backgrounds who typically have had a break in their education.
Introduction
The University of Liverpool is a research-intensive university, and many of our academic staff are leading researchers in their fields. What this means for you as a student is that your learning will be informed by the very latest developments in psychology.
Psychology at Liverpool offers you professionally accredited, flexible, research-driven programmes of study. Our extensive academic and industry networks mean you can experience the practical application of psychology through visiting practitioner speakers, and hear first-hand the latest leading research breaking new ground in the discipline.
In your first year, you’ll get an introduction into developmental and clinical psychology, psychological debates, research methods and statistics, social and investigational psychology. In your second and third years, you’ll learn about cognitive neuroscience, developmental and forensic psychology, psychosis, psychological issues of adult ageing and the psychology of expertise. Along the way you will have an opportunity to apply for ‘internships’ in the Faculty. In your final year you will undertake a research project in a research topic in your chosen specialisation, working with a research group of postgraduates and research assistants. Given their close links to research expertise, data from projects is sometimes published in scientific journals providing valuable contributions to a graduates curriculum vitae and can act as an important precursor to your career or postgraduate study.
What you'll learn
Gain an in-depth understanding of developmental and clinical psychology, psychological debates, research methods and statistics, social and investigational psychology
Expand your knowledge on areas such as cognitive neuroscience, developmental and forensic psychology, psychosis, psychological issues of adult ageing and the psychology of expertise
Undertake a research project working with postgraduates and research assistants
Accreditation
The degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society and provides Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year zero
Students take eight modules that provide a foundation to the principal topic areas and methods of research in psychology. You will be required to pass all modules (120 CAT points) to progress into year one.
The curriculum is delivered on the Wirral Metropolitan College campus via small group teaching by college staff and supported by online resources through the University’s virtual interactive teaching environment (VITAL).
In addition to classroom teaching there are practical sessions and other types of small group work.
Compulsory modules
INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS AND STATISTICS 1 (WIRR010)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The purpose of this module is to support students who may have never formally studied psychology previously, to develop an understanding of topics within the areas of Research Methods & Statistics. At the end of the module, students will demonstrate understanding of the different methods psychologists use in research, their usefulness and limitations, as well as an understanding of statistics. In addition, students will develop subject-specific terminology, as well as an understanding of ethical issues that arise in research. This module will prepare students for future modules in year 1, 2 and 3, particularly in understanding research methods and statistics. The module will be taught via 11 weeks of 4 hour classes, composed of 2 x 2 hour lessons. These are small group teaching sessions containing fewer than 20 students per class. Learning will be assessed via a short report coursework assignment and end of semester short answer exam. Material will be available to students online (e.g., lecture slides, online activities, group discussion forum, formative and summative feedback).
INTRODUCTION TO COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY (WIRR011)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The purpose of this module is to support students to develop an understanding of topics within the area of Cognitive Psychology. At the end of the module, students will have an understanding of models of memory, theories of forgetting and their applications, and theories of attention and perception. In addition, students will develop subject-specific terminology, as well as an understanding of concepts such as individual differences and ethical issues. The module will be taught via 11 weeks of 4 hour classes, composed of 2 x 2 hour lessons. These are small group teaching sessions containing fewer than 20 students per class. Learning will be assessed via a multiple choice examination and poster presentation. Material will be available to students online (e.g., lecture slides, online activities, group discussion forum, formative and summative feedback).
INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGICAL DEBATES (WIRR012)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The purpose of this module is to support students who may have never formally studied psychology previously, to develop an understanding of topics within the areas of the main themes, approaches and debates in psychology. At the end of the module, students will have an understanding of the different approaches featured in psychology, develop critical analysis skills and consider the under-pinning debates. In addition, students will develop subject-specific terminology, as well as important study skills. This module will prepare students for future modules in year 1, 2 and 3, particularly in developing essay writing and critical analysis skills. The module will be taught via 11 weeks of 4 hour classes, composed of 2 x 2 hour lessons. These are small group teaching sessions containing fewer than 20 students per class. Learning will be assessed via a written coursework essay and written essay examination. Material will be available to students online (e.g., lecture slides, online activities, group discussion forum, formative and summative feedback).
INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY 1 (WIRR013)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
In years 1, 2 and 3 a number of modules have a strong foundation in Biological Psychology. The purpose of this year 0 module is to support students to develop an understanding and familiarity with the technical language and concepts needed for an insight into the biological processes that underpin and influence behaviour. The module takes students that may have no previous formal experience of studying science subjects and introduces them to the biological organisation and structures that underpin behaviour. At the end of the module students will have an understanding of some of the cellular structures that underpin the activity of the nervous system. In addition they will have a detailed understanding of the ways in which the nervous system communicates information in both chemical and electrical form. Furthermore an understanding of how synapses and neurotransmitters such as serotonin function will provide an insight into the way that different substances may alter behaviour. The module will be taught via 11 weeks of 4 hour classes, composed of 2 x 2 hour lessons. These are small group teaching sessions containing fewer than 20 students per class. Learning will be assessed via a poster and written essay examination. Material will be available to students online (e.g., lecture slides, online activities, group discussion forum, formative and summative feedback).
INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS & STATISTICS 2 (WIRR014)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The purpose of this module is to support students to further develop their understanding of topics taught in WIRR010. Students will further develop their application of research methods and statistics, and be introduced to some inferential tests. At the end of the module, students will demonstrate their understanding of inferential statistics in psychology and present them correctly in a report. In addition, students will develop subject-specific terminology, as well as an understanding of applying statistics in research. This module will prepare students for future modules in year 1, 2 and 3, particularly in understanding research methods and statistics. The module will be taught via 11 weeks of 4 hour classes, composed of 2 x 2 hour lessons. These are small group teaching sessions containing fewer than 20 students per class. Learning will be assessed via a research report and short answer question examination. Material will be available to students via the VLE (e.g., lecture slides, online activities, group discussion forum, formative and summative feedback).
INTRODUCTION TO DEVELOPMENTAL AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY (WIRR015)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The purpose of this module is to support students to develop an understanding of topics within the areas of Developmental and Clinical Psychology. At the end of the module, students will have an understanding of differing approaches to the causes and treatment of a variety of mental health difficulties, theories of attachment and relationships across the lifespan, and gender formation. In addition, students will develop subject-specific terminology, as well as an understanding of concepts such as individual differences and ethical issues. The module will be taught via 11 weeks of 4 hour classes, composed of 2 x 2 hour lessons. These are small group teaching sessions containing fewer than 20 students per class. Learning will be assessed via a coursework essay and end of semester essay examination. Material will be available to students via the VLE (e.g., lecture slides, online activities, group discussion forum, formative and summative feedback).
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL & INVESTIGATIVE PSYCHOLOGY (WIRR017)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The module will provide an overview of social and investigative psychology. In particular, students will learn how psychological theory can explain and predict a range of social and criminal behaviours. Topics covered will include social influence, prosocial behaviour, criminality, and delinquency among other topics. At the end of the module, students will have an understanding of the impact of social influences on individual and group behaviour. In addition, students will have an understanding of a range of psychological approaches to criminality, approaches to offender profiling, and an awareness of official crime statistics. The module will be taught via 11 weeks of 4 hour classes, composed of 2 x 2 hour lessons. These are small group teaching sessions containing fewer than 20 students per class. Learning will be assessed via a coursework essay and end of semester essay examination. Material will be available to students via the VLE (e.g., lecture slides, online activities, group discussion forum, formative and summative feedback).
INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2 (WIRR016)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module builds upon the semester 1 module WIRR013. In the second semester module students will learn how the nervous and endocrine systems influence behaviour. Topics covered will include the role of the central and autonomic nervous systems, the visual systems and hormones. These provide a strong foundation for modules that follow in years 1, 2 and 3. At the end of the module students will have an understanding of the major functions of the brain, spinal cord, sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and the role of key hormones in regulating behaviour. The module will be taught via 11 weeks of 4 hour classes, composed of 2 x 2 hour lessons. These are small group teaching sessions containing fewer than 20 students per class. Learning will be assessed via coursework poster and end of semester essay examination. Material will be available to students via the VLE (e.g., lecture slides, online activities, group discussion forum, formative and summative feedback).
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
Our programmes are taught using a balanced mix of lectures, workshops, seminars and tutorials and practical laboratory sessions. Students are encouraged to work in small groups from the beginning of the programme. The year three research project is done either individually or in small groups.
How you're assessed
The modules in each year must be passed in order to progress to the next year of study. The final degree classification is calculated from grades obtained in years two and three. The weighting between second and third years is 30/70%. Assessed work, including essays, presentations, group work, and qualitative and experimental reports, together with examination results contribute to the final degree classification.
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.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
A Psychology degree can equip you for any job in which you will have contact with other people. It provides you with a wide range of key academic and transferable skills such as an understanding of how to manage projects, work as a team, think analytically, write cogently and conduct effective research.
Your programme is informed by an extensive network of professional contacts and potential employers, helping ensure it prepares you for the workplace. Guest practitioner lecturers also help you clarify your future career direction.
Around 60% of our graduates are involved in health related, social, public service, commercial, retail or financial employment within six months following graduation. About 25% of our graduates go on to postgraduate study and training, many within other leading research institutes as well as here at Liverpool. Companies employing our graduates in recent years include the NHS, Amazon, Unilever, the Business Services Authority, Marks & Spencer, Local government and the Department for Education.
4 in 5 psychology students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.
Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.
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
Foundation year fee
£8,340
Year abroad fee
£1,385
International fees
This course is not available to international students.
This course is not available to international students who require a visa to study in the UK. However, if you're a 'home' student and you've lived outside of the UK, you'll need to complete a fee status questionnaire as part of your application. We'll then assess your fee status and in some cases, home students who've lived outside of the UK may be required to pay the international fee rate. Check your tuition fee status on our webpages.
Following the foundation years, standard course fees apply.
The UK full-time tuition fee and foundation year fee shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. We are currently awaiting confirmation of whether the year abroad fee will change, so the fee shown is for 2024/25. 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 fees and funding.
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.
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our direct entry requirements. Although there is no direct Foundation Certificate route to this course, completing a Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, can guarantee you a place on a number of similar courses which may interest you.
Alternative entry requirements
If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
