A psychology student wearing eye tracker glasses

Available with:

  • Clinical and Health Psychology (Optional Specialist Pathway)
  • Developmental Psychology (Optional Specialist Pathway)
  • Foundation Year

Accreditations


Course Summary

Are you intrigued by the human mind and behaviour? Our Psychology degree offers a deep dive into the complexities of human thought, emotions and actions. Whether you're interested in understanding mental health, social psychology or cognitive processes, our course provides a solid foundation. With a focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, you'll be well-prepared for a rewarding career in psychology.

The University of Chester's Psychology degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). As such, our course ensures you can achieve the Graduate Basis for Chartership of this professional body. Our dedicated teaching team provides personalised guidance and support, helping you develop essential skills like critical thinking, research methods and effective communication. We also offer flexible pathways to explore areas of psychology that interest you, such as developmental psychology, and clinical and health psychology.

Our course provides ample opportunities for personal and professional growth; you can join our student-led Psychology society for social and academic events and explore study abroad options to broaden your horizons and pursue areas of study of your choice. Through our specialist psychology career programme, you can develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your chosen field, whether it's as a professional psychologist or in another related field, such as positions in marketing, banking or management.

Why You'll Love It

BSc (Hons) Psychology/Psychology (combined)

BSc (Hons) Psychology/Psychology (combined)

Optional Specialist Pathways

A specialist pathway is your opportunity to further tailor your studies to become an expert in your chosen field. Our pathways provide you with specific modules and opportunities to enable you to tailor your studies towards areas you are passionate about, and to have that reflected in your degree title, e.g., BSc Developmental Psychology.

When applying for this course with a specialist pathway, it is important to search for and submit your application for Psychology BSc (Hons). Your chosen pathway will be confirmed post-application and this will be the award that you complete your studies in, i.e., Developmental Psychology BSc (Hons) or Clinical and Health Psychology BSc (Hons). If you choose to study this course without a pathway, your award on completion will be Psychology BSc (Hons).

What You'll Study

The Professional Studies Foundation Year route is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills you will need to be successful at university and whilst on a professional and vocational course.

You will study a range of topics relating to your profession and the environment in which you will eventually work.  Areas of focus include person-centred care, mental health, children’s development, communication in a professional setting, social inequality, and how to apply psychology in the real world. 

Teaching and learning is tailored and designed with specific modules that relate to the profession you are preparing to join. You will also be introduced to the professional codes and standards that you must uphold such as, the Nursing and Midwifery Code, Social Work England, College of Policing, and national Safeguarding guidance.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If, during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

The BSc Psychology course contains core modules at each level. There are several optional modules which may run across all levels of the course depending on the availability of staff expertise.

At Level 4, you are introduced to research methods and the core areas of psychology (biological, cognitive, developmental, social, and individual differences). 

MODULES

  • Introduction to Research in Psychology (20 Credits) Core
  • Individual and Social Processes (20 Credits) Core
  • Wellbeing (20 Credits) Core
  • Introduction to Brain, Mind and Development (20 Credits) Core
  • Cyberpsychology (20 Credits) Option
  • Applied Psychology (20 Credits) Option
  • Forensic and Criminal Psychology (20 Credits) Option
  • Language Module (20 Credits) Option

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If, during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

At Level 5, you will build on research methods and expand on your learning around social psychology and individual differences. There is also the opportunity to engage in an experiential learning module, which allows you to integrate ideas from multiple perspectives in psychology and apply your knowledge ethically and professionally to real-world problems. 

MODULES

  • Further Research in Psychology (20 Credits) Core
  • Psychology in Society (20 Credits) Core
  • Psychological Therapies (20 Credits) Option
  • Parenting and Education (20 Credits) Option
  • Health Inequalities (20 Credits) Option
  • Contemporary Applications in Developmental Psychology (20 Credits) Option
  • Psychology: Careers and Community (40 Credits) Option
  • Investigation and Criminal Justice (20 Credits) Option
  • Professional Placement/ Language Module/ Term Abroad (40 Credits) Option
  • Optional Placement Year (120 Credits) Option

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

At Level 6, you will have the opportunity to complete a large-scale dissertation, during which you will demonstrate a range of research skills, including designing and planning, considering and resolving ethical issues, and analysing and disseminating findings. You will also gain in-depth knowledge of specific areas in psychology, such as psychopathology, health psychology, and developmental disorders.

MODULES

  • Psychology Dissertation (40 Credits) Core
  • Psychopathology (20 Credits) Core
  • Biological, Cognitive and Developmental Psychology (20 Credits) Core
  • Health Psychology (20 Credits) Option
  • Neurodiversity in Practice (20 Credits) Option
  • Neuropsychology (20 Credits) Option
  • Organisational and Work Psychology (20 Credits) Option
  • Animal Psychology (20 Credits) Option

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

How You'll Learn

This course is delivered in three terms of ten weeks each. In each term, students study 40 credits comprised of either one or two modules. Scheduled contact hours range between approximately six and ten hours per week depending upon level of study and the complexity of the material being taught. Students can expect to take part in lectures, laboratory classes, workshops, seminars and one-to-one tutorials/supervision. Students are expected to engage in independent study (approximately 30-35 hours per week), which may include engaging with asynchronous learning material on the University’s VLE, tutorial time with staff, using the University’s library, preparing work for assessment, etc. There will also be times when students need to work collaboratively with others.

Teaching will be delivered by experienced academics and practitioners in the subject. This may be supplemented by occasional guest lecturers and speakers.

There will be a broad range of assessment methods so that students are exposed to the different types of task they might encounter in the workplace. Assessment methods may include essays, research reports, reflective reports, presentations and multiple choice examinations. Other assessments such as case studies, portfolios and blogs allow students to demonstrate their competencies in these areas and to develop their skills in writing for both academic and non-academic audiences.

We continuously review the assessment methods used in order that they adequately prepare students for graduate level employment.

All teaching is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners, with the fundamental principles of the Chester Future Skills Curriculum at its core - building your subject competence, confidence and key transferable skills to shape you into a world ready Chester graduate.

Entry Requirements

120UCAS Points

UCAS Tariff

120 points

GCE A Level

Typical offer – BBC/BBB

BTEC

BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM

International Baccalaureate

28 points

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers - H3 H3 H3 H3 H3

Scottish Highers - BBBB

Access requirements

Access to HE Diploma, to include 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above

T Level

Merit

OCR

OCR Extended Diploma: DDM

Extra Information

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A Level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

A GCSE grade C/4 (or above) in Mathematics and English is required. Please Note: We cannot consider GCSE equivalencies but can consider the Edge Hill University GCSE Equivalency Test.

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
  • Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements

72UCAS Points

UCAS Tariff

72 points

GCE A Level

72 UCAS points from GCE A Levels to include grade D in at least one subject

BTEC

BTEC Extended Diploma: MMP

International Baccalaureate

24 points

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers - H4 H4 H4 H4 H4

Scottish Highers - CCDD

Access requirements

Access to HE Diploma – Pass overall

T Level

T Level: Pass (D or E on the core)

OCR

OCR Extended Diploma: MMP

Extra Information

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A Level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

A GCSE grade C/4 (or above) in Mathematics and English is required. Please Note: We cannot consider GCSE equivalencies but can consider the Edge Hill University GCSE Equivalency Test.

If you are a mature student (21 or over) and have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), then our Foundation Year courses will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in your chosen degree.

Fees and Funding

£9,535per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2025/26 are £9,535 a year, or £1,590 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

You can find more information about undergraduate fees on our Fees and Finance pages.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

£14,450*per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £14,450 per year for a full-time course. This fee is set for each year of study.

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For courses with a Foundation Year, the tuition fees for Year 1 are £10,750 and £14,200 for Years 2-4 in 2025/26.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes. 

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

There may be opportunities to visit Chester Zoo as part of the Animal Psychology module. The cost of this field trip varies with external factors, but is likely to be approximately £32 (this may change depending on the prices Chester Zoo set for admission). The field trip is optional and students are not required to participate in order to successfully complete the course.

 

Who You'll Learn From

Dr Liz Whelen

Senior Lecturer
Dr  Liz Whelen

Dr Janine Carroll

Senior Lecturer
Dr Janine Carroll

Where You'll Study Exton Park, Chester

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

Many of our graduates go on to postgraduate studies in psychology (e.g., cognitive neuroscience, forensic and sport psychology) or have secured a graduate role in industries such as marketing, banking and project management due to their sought-after transferable skills, such as communication, team working, analysis, and creative and critical thinking.

Careers Service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service, which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course, and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.