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Why study with us?

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Accredited by the BPS

Our programmes meet the high quality standards in education set out by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

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Top 10

We were ranked in the top 10 for psychology in the UK (Complete University Guide Rankings. 2024).

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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.

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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.

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96% employment

96% of our graduates are employed, in further study, or both 15 months after completing their course (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2021/22 survey).

Courses

Entry year

Psychology (BSc)

Full time, 3 years

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.

Psychology with Professional Placement (BSc)

Full-time - Sandwich (Thick), 4 years

On this four-year programme you will study psychology from a scientific stand point and gain professional psychology experience.

The course covers a diverse range of topics – giving every student the opportunity to explore their interests. I particularly found the optional placement year to be beneficial; it helped me view course content from a more applied perspective, as well as giving me the confidence and skills to pursue my chosen career path!
Chloe Ryce - BSc Psychology

Taster lectures

Decision making

Strawberry or vanilla? Shoes or trainers? We make some choices quickly and automatically, whereas other decisions take us much longer and are often agonised over. Discover the psychology behind decision-making in this taster lecture delivered by Professor Marc Buehner, who teaches a decision-making module on the course.

Sleep engineering

Sleep is critical for both health and cognition. Our researchers are developing ways to manipulate sleep (sleep engineering) to maximise its beneficial properties including the ability to enhance memory, disarm negative emotions and combat cognitive decline trough sleep. Discover the fascinating world of sleep engineering with Professor Penny Lewis.

Psychopathy and forensic psychology

Why do criminals commit crimes? What determines whether they will offend again? Why are people violent to one another? Professor Robert Snowden takes you on a path of discovery into this dark yet fascinating area of psychology.

Placements

We have agreements with over 100 organisations and can offer outstanding placements in clinical, forensic, educational, organisational, industrial, and research settings.

These are available locally in Cardiff, throughout the UK, and abroad in Europe and beyond. While you are on placement, you will be supported by School staff, who will visit your place of work and ensure that your placement delivers value for you.

Placement snapshots

From primate cognition research at a wildlife sanctuary to a Research Assistant at Broadmoor Hospital – hear what some of our students did on their placement year as part of our BSc Psychology with Professional Placement course.

Our School

We are passionate about psychology and our School is long-established, well resourced, and has an excellent international reputation. Along with our outstanding research facilities, we also have dedicated undergraduate facilities to ensure you have the best experience possible including:

  • Newly refurbished lecture theatres
  • Undergraduate common room with modern and varied study space
  • Computing lab
  • Undergraduate research rooms adapted for multi-participant studies
  • Interactive seminar rooms complete with smart displays

Discover more

MSc Psychology

Our courses

Our degree programmes are designed to be stimulating and relevant to the needs of a career in psychology.

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Research

Our research delivers advances in knowledge and improvements in quality of life through shaping public policy and health outcomes.

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Our YouTube channel

Find out more about our School, courses and our famed 'Fascinating Psychology' series on our YouTube channel.

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Twitter

Get the latest news and updates from the School of Psychology by following us on Twitter.

Studying psychology at Cardiff has benefited me greatly, even in social situations, because everything we learn is interesting and applicable; and when tutorials are filled with fascinating content and taught with enthusiasm by incredibly knowledgeable lecturers, it is hard not to be inspired!
Ocean O'Hara - BSc Psychology

Explore Cardiff University

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Student support

Get free, impartial and confidential advice on disability and dyslexia, money, careers, counselling and more.

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Guaranteed accommodation

If you arrive in September, you're guaranteed a single occupancy room, and you'll be allocated with other first-year students.

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Student life

Learn more about our sport and recreation, free language programmes, living costs, learning support and the Students' Union.

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Living costs

See how far your money goes by using our living costs calculator.

Next steps

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View our psychology courses

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Download our School brochure

Learn more about our courses, the School and the wider University.

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Get in touch

If you have any questions - big or small - don't hesitate to get in touch. We would love to hear from you.

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Follow us on Twitter

For even more news and updates - follow us @PsychCardiffUni.