- Study Mode: Full time
- Location: High Wycombe
- Duration: Four Years
- Start Date: January 2023
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Do the inner workings of the human mind intrigue you? Do you want to see what the most complicated machine in the universe is capable of? Through psychology, you’ll understand the depths of the human psyche and dive into the social, developmental, cognitive, individual differences and biological dimensions of behaviour.



I have returned to education and wanted to complete a Foundation Year to ensure I had the skills for a degree. I feel like I have been given all the skills I require to ensure I can start the degree confident that I can succeed.Anthony Colley

Open Days
We understand that when it comes to deciding where you’d like to study, there are a lot of things to consider. Come along to our Open Day and discover why BNU could be the place for you. You can find out more about your course, meet the course team, and get all your questions answered.

Application Guide
For everything you need to know about applying, check out our Application Guide. You can find useful information for each stage of your application journey – from before you even apply to what to do if you receive an offer, and everything in between.
Why study this subject?
Whether you’re simply fascinated by the human mind and why we behave in the way that we do, or you have your sights set on becoming a Clinical Psychologist, studying Psychology is a great choice.
Not only will you build a deep understanding of yourself and others that will help you in everyday life, you’ll also learn valuable skills that will attract any future employer. You’ll develop your analytical mind, nurture your own curiosity and understand human motivation making you a great leader and team player.
Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?
Our teaching department is home to an incredible community of Psychology and Social Science students who can collaborate with you on projects, providing a rich supply of volunteers when you run your own experiments.
We pride ourselves on teaching practical skills wherever and whenever we can, meaning you'll always leave us feeling confident and prepared for your future. This hands-on approach will give you a sense of what it’s really like to work in the world of psychology, in whatever career you choose.
Our BSc (Hons) Psychology programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and is a recognised qualification by employers throughout the country. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) and from there you can even take steps towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.
I cannot fault the quality of teaching, it’s excellent. The lecturers do all they can to support students. They are well experienced, kind, passionate, supportive and always available to help students in any way they can. The lectures and seminars are well prepared and delivered. I am enjoying my course, my time at BNU and the whole learning environment.Homaira Merzai

What facilities can I use?
You’ll take part in laboratory and computing workshops where you’ll have the practical use of software used by social scientists in the presentation of research data.
You’ll also have the opportunity to use our state-of-the-art observation laboratory to engage in the measurement of psycho-physiological responses using Biopac©. You’ll be able to measure the activity of the cardiovascular system, brain, autonomic nervous system and more. You’ll also have access to Tobii eye tracking equipment and HTC Vive, a virtual reality software, meaning you can push the boundaries and get creative with your research ideas.
Our library is packed with all the information you need for your assessments – you’ll have access to hundreds of specialist books, articles and online journals. Not to mention there’s plenty of room to knuckle down for some quiet study time.
We’ll also sign you up to our Virtual Learning Environment which means you’ll have access to lots of online resources wherever you are!
What will I study?
You’ll study the applications of psychology in a wide range of areas, including specific social problems in relation to crime, the workplace and mental health. Exploring theories posed by Freud and Jung through to developing your own original research, you’ll learn for yourself what really makes the mind tick.
Across your three years at BNU, you’ll study fascinating subject areas like developmental psychology, cognitive processes, biological psychology, positive psychology, health, business and organisational psychology, critical social psychology and conceptual and historical issues within psychology.
You’ll also get to grips with how to run your own experiments through our research skills and methods modules.
In your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to deep dive into a specialist area you’re really passionate about by completing an empirical dissertation. With the support and guidance of your personal tutor along with the facilities available to you here at BNU, the possibilities for this project are endless.
I have always loved psychology and the further along the course, the more freedom there is. The option to choose modules in the last year also lets me study exactly what I love. The facilities are really great; the library and other course-related facilities are super accessible to students.Emma Fraser-Mills

How will I be taught and assessed?
This course is offered as a four-year programme, including an initial Foundation Year. The Foundation Year will allow you to develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate degree.
Through the course assessments you’ll gain key skills such as how to work in a team, give engaging presentations, write concise reports and analyse data effectively. In the final year of your studies, you’ll also choose from a range of applied and theoretical modules to really narrow your focus to the areas you feel especially passionate about.
You’ll be introduced to the core areas of psychology within the British Psychological Society Curriculum before moving on to explore more complex issues and theories throughout your time on the course.
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, classroom-based activities and workshops, independent learning methods and practical sessions. You’ll always be encouraged to think critically about the ideas you engage with on this course and you’ll be given the opportunity to explore and discuss those ideas with your tutors and fellow students.
Whilst studying with us, you’ll also be given the opportunity to hear from external speakers who can provide you with a deeper understanding of the subject from the perspective of their ‘real-life’ experience.
You’ll be assessed through a number of methods including poster presentations, essays and assignments, examinations, oral presentations, laboratory/research reports and an empirical dissertation in your final year.
Placements Plus
BNU is a Placements Plus university. So, whatever degree you do, you can be sure there’ll be plenty of industry-relevant opportunities on offer, to help you get into your chosen field.
We’ll also prepare you for work beforehand, with special skills for work training, further boosting your CV, and building skills employers will value. In recognition of the value we place on these skills we have incorporated this experience into your study time.
Placements Plus is all about helping you get some valuable experience under your belt while you’re a student, to increase your choices later, and help you get the graduate-level job you want.
What are the course entry requirements?
For this course, you'll need a GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4.
Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for the 3-year undergraduate programme, or those who do not feel fully prepared for a Level 4 course, will be considered for the 4-year programme including a Foundation Year. If you wish to enquire further, please send your query along with any academic evidence or references to admissions@bucks.ac.uk
Find out more about our General Entry Requirements.
Modules
This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. Please refer to the Programme Specification at the bottom of the Course Details tab for the full breakdown of core and optional modules, as well as the credits needed to complete your degree. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.
Year 1 Modules
English for Academic and Professional Communication
Global Business and Management
Inquiry Based Learning
Global Health and Wellbeing
Year 2 Modules
Intro to Developmental and Social Psychology
Intro to Biological Psychology and Cognitive Psychology
Intro to Personality and Applying Psychology
Psychological Research Methods
Intro to Cross-Disciplinary Psychology
Making Sense of Society: The Sociological Imagination
Making Sense of Society: Understanding the Social World
Year 3 Modules
Developmental Psychology
BioPsychology
Quantitative Research Methods in Psychology
Qualitative Research Methods in Psychology
Cognitive Processes in Psychology
Personality and Individual Differences
Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology
Year 4 Modules
Empirical Dissertation
Critical Social Psychology
Positive Psychology (optional)
Health Psychology (optional)
Business and Organisational Psychology (optional)
Advanced Developmental Psychology (optional)
Counselling Psychology (optional)
Principles of Psychopathology (optional)
Evolutionary Psychology (optional)
Exceptional Human Experience (optional)
Brain, Mind and Behaviour (optional)
Educational Psychology (optional)
Police Psychology and Legal Framework (optional)
Investigative and Forensic Psychology (optional)
What are the tuition fees
International, Academic Year 2021-22:
- Year 0 (Foundation Year): £9,250
- Year 1: £13,750 - Scholarships on offer: Vice Chancellor’s International Student Scholarship
- Year 2 – 3: £13,750
What are my career prospects?
Throughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. We also help you find employment after graduation. Have a look at our Careers and Employability pages to find out more.
At Bucks, we recognise that many of our Psychology students will choose from a wide range of graduate career options, not all of which will have the title ‘Psychologist’. Our programme is therefore designed to inspire and facilitate the development of transferable skills that will make you an attractive candidate for any employer.
There are many other options to explore with your BSc (Hons) Psychology degree; it’s the first step to starting postgraduate study in a more focused area like clinical, educational, forensic, counselling, health, cognitive neuropsychology and sports psychology (to name a few). Or perhaps you’d prefer to dive right into the world of work and explore a career in health, education, local government or the infinite possibilities available to you in the private sector. With such a strong academic grounding as well as the transferrable skills you’ll develop along the way, you’ll be sure to succeed wherever you go.
Graduates can also choose to study our MSc Applied Positive Psychology, MSc Mental Health and Wellbeing in Education, or even the MSc Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Course leader







Dr Ciaran O'Keeffe
- Head of the School of Human and Social Sciences
- Associate Professor of Education & Research