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Psychology BSc (Hons) (2+2 programme with Foundation Element)

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Ready to apply? You can apply for this course online now using the UCAS website. The deadline for UK students to apply for this course is 29 January 2025.

The deadline for international students is 30 June 2025.

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  • University name: University of Liverpool
  • Course: Psychology BSc (Hons) (2+2 programme with Foundation Element) C801
  • Location: Main site
  • Start date: 22 September 2025

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Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Science (BSc) is a bachelor’s degree awarded for an undergraduate programme in the sciences.

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Course overview

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.

Accreditations in detail

Routes

Teaching Excellence Framework 2023

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

Accreditations

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

Course content

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.

Our curriculum

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.

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.

What's available on this course?

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 in industry

Year in industry placements give you an in-depth workplace experience where you can develop your skills and apply your learning.

  • Develop key employability skills that graduate employers are looking for
  • Experience and understand workplace culture and disciple
  • Understand the relationship between academic theory and real world application
  • Begin your professional network
  • Gain industry insight and insight into potential career options.

You don't need to decide now - you can choose to add a year in industry after you've begun your degree.

To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.

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

Study as part of XJTLU 2+2

The natural next step for ambitious XJTLU students who want to build a brilliant career.

  • Spend two years at the University of Liverpool campus
  • Improve your prospects of progressing to postgraduate study at a top 100 university
  • Receive two degrees: one from XJTLU, one from the University of Liverpool
  • Get support with visas, accommodation and your career.

Read more about the 2+2 programme.

Your experience

“Coming to this University really opened my eyes as to how much you can do, and what you can go into.”

“Doing a Psychology BSc here, you’re at a more advanced level. It’s really enjoyable here and everyone’s really friendly.”

“It’s definitely somewhere where you’ll get a well-rounded degree.”

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

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

Careers and employability

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 in industry fee £1,850
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, international course fee and fee for the year abroad for international students shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. We are currently awaiting confirmation of whether the year abroad fee for UK students, as well as the year in industry fee will change, so the fees shown are 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.

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

Additional study 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 additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

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

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Rigby Enterprise Award

  • Home students

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.

The Liverpool Bursary

  • Home students

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

  • Home students

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

  • Home students

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

  • Home students

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

  • Home students

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

  • Home students

Joining a School of Biosciences degree in a non-clinical subject 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.

Graduate Association Hong Kong & Tung Undergraduate Scholarships

  • International students
  • Hong Kong

If you’re an undergraduate student from Hong Kong who can demonstrate academic excellence, you may be eligible to apply for a scholarship worth £10,000 in partnership with the Tung Foundation.

Nolan Scholarships

  • Home students

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.

ROLABOTIC Scholarship

  • Home students

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

  • Home and international students

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

  • Home students

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.

Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship

  • International students

If you’re a high-achieving international student starting an undergraduate degree with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a fee discount of up to £5,000. You’ll need to achieve grades equivalent to AAA in A levels and be joining a non-clinical degree.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

Completed a Foundation Certificate at University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC)? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of undergraduate study to some of the highest achieving students joining one of our non-clinical degrees from UoLIC.

University of Liverpool International College First Class Scholarship

  • International students

We’re offering a £1,000 fee discount for years 2 and 3 of undergraduate study to eligible students progressing from University of Liverpool International College. You’ll need to be studying a non-clinical subject and get an average of 70% or above in year 1 of your degree.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

  • International students

If you’re a University of Liverpool International College student awarded a Kaplan Impact Scholarship, we’ll also consider you for an Impact Progression Scholarship. If selected, you’ll receive a £3,000 fee discount off the first year of your undergraduate degree.

Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary

  • Home students

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.

Entry requirements

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

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Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

A levels

Foundation programmes have flexible entry requirements. For further information, visit www.wmc.ac.uk, or telephone +44 (0)151 551 7777.

T levels

T levels considered in a relevant subject and specialism.

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 4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Not accepted
International qualifications

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.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new UCAS cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

Recent changes to government policy which determine the number of students individual institutions may admit under the student number control also have a bearing on our entry requirements and acceptance levels, as this policy may result in us having fewer places than in previous years.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. For this reason, we consider a range of factors in addition to predicted grades, widening participation factors amongst other evidence provided. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted in the prospectus and on the website.

Alternative entry requirements

Changes to Psychology BSc (Hons) (2+2 programme with Foundation Element)

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.

7 June 2022: New course pages

New course pages launched.

17 April 2023: Course fee update

The fee for the foundation years at Wirral Metropolitan College was incorrect for entry 2023 and has been updated to £8,340 (from £7,990)