Psychology BSc (Hons) (2+2 programme with Foundation Element)
UCAS code C801
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 4 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
- September 2025
- Apply by:
- Starts on:
About this course
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.
Accreditation in detail
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.
Routes
- Psychology BSc (Hons)
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.
From the beginning of year zero a member of the academic staff is appointed as the students’ academic adviser. You will have regular meetings with them during term time.
In year zero you will have the opportunity to begin developing the transferable skills required to become a successful and efficient student.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.”
Explore where you'll study
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
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.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
A day in the life of Psychology student Autumn
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.