Psychology (BSc)
- Subject area: Psychology
- UCAS code: C800
- Next intake: September 2025
- Duration: 3 years
- Mode: Full time
Why study this course
On this three-year programme, you will study psychology from a scientific stand point with an emphasis on its social, cognitive and biological aspects. You will be taught by practicing researchers – in many cases leading experts in their fields.
Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)
This programme meets the high quality standards in education set out by the BPS.
Top 10
We are ranked in the top 10 for psychology in the UK (Complete University Guide, 2024).
Opportunity to gain professional experience as part of your degree
We are one of only a few psychology schools who offer the opportunity to gain professional experience on our Psychology with Professional Placement (BSc) course.
96% employment
96% of our graduates are employed, in further study, or both 15 months after completing their course (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2021/22).
Internationally acclaimed researchers involved in course design and delivery
95% of our research is world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework, 2021). You will be taught by researchers who are working across the spectrum of psychology to tackle major challenges facing society and the environment.
Psychology is the systematic and scientific study of mind and behaviour. Psychologists study how we think, feel and act, both individually and as part of a social group. Psychology has a wide range of applications in the health and social services, in industry and commerce, and in education.
On this three-year programme you will study psychology from a scientific stand point with an emphasis on its social, cognitive and biological aspects. Embedded into an active research environment, this course will develop critical quantitative and qualitative skills, which will enable you to predict and explain human behaviour.
This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society and is delivered by our enthusiastic, research-active lecturers from one of the UK’s leading psychology research departments.
Accreditations
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Subject area: Psychology
Entry requirements
We accept a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications subject to entry requirements. Typical offers are as follows:
A level
A*AA-AAB
Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.
Our grade range covers our standard offer and contextual offer. We carefully consider the circumstances in which you've been studying (your contextual data) upon application.
- Eligible students will be given an offer at the lower end of the advertised grade range.
- Where there is no grade range advertised and/or where there are selection processes in place (like an interview) you may receive additional points in the selection process or be guaranteed interview/consideration.
Learn about eligible courses and how contextual data is applied.
International Baccalaureate
37-34 overall including 6 in one HL subject or 766-666 in 3 HL subjects.
Baccalaureate Wales
From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3). This qualification will replace the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate). The qualification will continue to be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
Other essential requirements
You must have or be working towards:
- English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade B/6 or, where GCSEs have not been taken, an acceptable equivalent. Applicants with grade C/4 will be considered, but preference will be given to applicants who hold a grade B/6. If you require a Student visa, you must ensure your language qualification complies with UKVI requirements.
- GCSE Maths grade B/6 or equivalent qualification (subject and grade). Applicants with grade C/4 will be considered, but preference will be given to applicants who hold a grade B/6. If you are taking A-level Maths (or equivalent), GCSE Maths is not required. Core Maths may also be accepted in place of GCSE Maths.
We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects.
We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.
English language requirements
GCSE
The standard requirement is Grade B/6 in GCSE English Language.
Grade C/4 in GCSE English Language is the minimum requirement that will be considered, on a case-by-case basis, taking into account first language and overall learning profile.
IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with a minimum of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading, and 20 for speaking.
PTE Academic
At least 69 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.
Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.
Other accepted qualifications
Please visit our English Language requirements page for more information on our other accepted language qualifications.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Other qualifications from inside the UK
BTEC
D*DD-DDD in a BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied or Forensic Science. We will consider BTECs in alternative subjects alongside other academic qualifications and any relevant work or volunteer experience.
T level
We do not accept T Levels for this programme.
Please see our admissions policies for more information about the application process.
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
Additional costs
Course specific equipment
You will not need any specific equipment.
Accommodation
We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget. Find out more on our accommodation pages.
Living costs
We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Course structure
This is a three-year full-time degree, with a September entry point, accredited by the British Psychological Society as conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership. The School typically has 195 undergraduate places.
You will take 60 credits in the first semester of year one at level four, which do not count towards the final degree classification. In level five (commencing in the second semester of year one and continuing through year two) you will take modules to the value of 180 credits. At level six, the final year, you will take 120 credits.
Modules are compulsory at level five and optional at level six (with the exception of the research project).
Performance in level five contributes 30% towards honours classification and level six contributes 70%.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2025/2026 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2025.
Year one
Level four of the degree occupies the autumn semester of year one and is designed to help you make the transition from school to university level study. It consists of three modules. These modules will:
- introduce scientific thinking skills and use example research topics to help you learn the differences between good and bad science
- provide an overview of the main subject areas of psychology
- introduce the basics of research methodology through practicals and research design teaching
Module title | Module code | Credits |
---|---|---|
Psychological Research | PS1014 | 20 credits |
Introduction to Psychology | PS1016 | 20 credits |
Research Methods in Psychology | PS1018 | 20 credits |
Language and Memory | PS2020 | 20 credits |
Biological Psychology & Individual Differences | PS2025 | 20 credits |
Thinking About Human Behaviour | PS2026 | 20 credits |
Year two
Level five occupies three semesters, starting in the spring of the first year. This level covers the main psychology areas in depth, combined with further teaching of research design and statistical analysis, practical work, and tutorials.
Module title | Module code | Credits |
---|---|---|
Developmental Psychology | PS2011 | 20 credits |
Perception, Attention and Action | PS2021 | 20 credits |
Thinking, Emotion and Consciousness | PS2023 | 20 credits |
Psychological Research Skills | PS2024 | 20 credits |
Social Psychology | PS2027 | 20 credits |
Mental Health and Clinical Psychology | PS2028 | 20 credits |
Year three
Level six is the final year. Here, you will undertake a supervised research project that runs over two semesters. The research project is an opportunity to carry out an independent piece of research with individual supervision from a member of academic staff with expertise in the research area. In addition to the project, students at level six complete a range of final year modules (commonly around six depending on whether the modules selected are single or double modules). The option modules offer the opportunity for deeper exploration of topics that are close to the research interests of staff.
Module title | Module code | Credits |
---|---|---|
Research Project | PS3000 | 40 credits |
Module title | Module code | Credits |
---|---|---|
Forensic Psychology: Violence and Crime | PS3116 | 10 credits |
Animal Learning and Cognition | PS3211 | 20 credits |
Modelling creativity and curiosity in the brain | PS3213 | 10 credits |
Neuroimaging in health and disease | PS3214 | 20 credits |
Decision Making | PS3312 | 20 credits |
Applying Cognitive Science | PS3321 | 10 credits |
Sensational Adventures in Perception and Action | PS3326 | 10 credits |
Research Methods in Developmental Psychology | PS3421 | 20 credits |
Human Factors Psychology | PS3119 | 20 credits |
Evidence-based Health Psychology | PS3120 | 10 credits |
Behavioural Intervention | PS3212 | 10 credits |
Social Perception | PS3215 | 10 credits |
Neuroscience of Learning and Memory II | PS3217 | 20 credits |
Attitudes and Attitude Change | PS3403 | 10 credits |
Developmental Psychopathology in Childhood and Adolescence | PS3414 | 10 credits |
Environmental Psychology | PS3415 | 10 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
The degree is based on a range of core (mandatory) and optional modules. Each module is supported by electronic teaching materials (such as lecture recordings) shared via Learning Central, part of the University’s virtual learning environment.
Modules are likely to include lectures, seminars and group discussions, tutorials, and group work, and you will be expected to apply the skills you learn through tutorial presentations, research practicals and a research project.
At levels four and five you will receive detailed guidance to ensure that you have a firm foundation in relevant experimental skills. Tutors will ensure that you have achieved an acceptable level of competence before you progress to level six. At level six, you have an element of independence and are required to design, conduct, analyse and report individual project work. You will meet regularly with a supervisor to discuss methodologies and practical work.
How will I be supported?
You will have access through the Learning Central website to relevant multimedia material, presentations, lecture handouts, bibliographies, further links, electronic exercises and discussion boards.
The University offers a range of services including the Careers Service, the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, the Student Support Service, and excellent libraries and resource centres.
Feedback
You will gain feedback on your academic progress in many ways throughout your studies: for example, during your project supervision or practical classes, tutorials and seminars, and Q & A sessions with lecturers. You will also receive written comments on the coursework you submit and have ample opportunities to discuss issues with teaching staff. We encourage you to use every opportunity to interact with staff in this way. You will receive detailed generic feedback on examinations via written question-by-question analyses of students’ answers, together with a breakdown of your marks. You should also examine and understand the basis of our marking criteria and familiarise yourself with how the contribution of different cognitive skills are captured by the grading system. While formal written feedback is clearly an important feature in supporting your intellectual development, it is not the only source and indeed you may also find it useful to test your own knowledge and understanding with friends or make use of the blogs/discussion boards associated with each module.
The main purpose of written feedback on coursework is to provide evaluative information to help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your work – not to provide a definitive model answer. Feedback is therefore important in the context of improving and enhancing your cognitive skills. It is also intended to support your development as independent learners. In order for feedback to serve this function, it is not only important that markers provide useful comments in a timely fashion, but also that sufficient attention is paid to the feedback by the person receiving it. In order to support this process, you will be asked to reflect on the feedback you have received from previous (relevant) coursework and to comment on how this feedback has been incorporated into your current assignment.
How will I be assessed?
Knowledge and understanding are assessed both summatively and formatively via multiple choice and conventional written examinations, essay writing, practical and project reports.
Formative feedback is provided at seminars, tutorials, and practical classes.
What skills will I practise and develop?
You will acquire and develop a range of valuable skills, both those that are discipline specific and more generic ‘employability skills’.
As a result of engaging fully with this course, you should be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological facts, theories, ideas, methods, concepts and principles and appreciate their significance;
- demonstrate an understanding of psychology as a coherent and developing scientific discipline;
- demonstrate the skills/abilities necessary for scientific research in psychology, including abilities to formulate research hypotheses, design and conduct empirical studies, analyse data, and interpret findings;
- demonstrate the skills in comprehending and evaluating psychological material, including the abilities to communicate clearly and concisely the concepts of literature and critically appraise the literature, in both written and oral presentation;
- conduct safely, ethically and competently psychological research studies involving human and non-human animals;
- record, analyse statistically, present (written and orally) and interpret data from psychological experiments;
- communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively by both oral and written means;
- use information technology e.g. the Internet, reference database, spreadsheets, word processing, graphics and statistics packages;
- perform and interpret statistical analyses of data;
- work and communicate effectively both as an individual and in a team;
- demonstrate effective time-management skills and the ability to meet deadlines;
- be aware of ethical guidelines.
Careers
Career prospects
Achieving a BSc in Psychology can prepare you for a wide range of careers including academia, human factors, and education.
The School of Psychology, in liaison with the University Careers Service, provides Careers Management Sessions (at year two) and an annual careers talk at final year.
Graduate careers
- Health Psychologist
- Sports, Neuro or Educational Psychologist
- Occupational Psychologist
- Clinical Psychologist
- Counsellor
- Researcher or Academic
- Mental health practitioner
Next steps
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.