Undergraduate

Psychology

Hull Psychology student, Aaron Hall, smiling in front of a screen showing an animation of a human brain.
Hull Psychology student with brain monitoring equipment undergoing a psychology brain test.
Hull Psychology student stands smiling looking off-camera with the sun shining through the window.
Hull Psychology student and lecturer using the brain monitoring equipment in the Brain Simulation Laboratory.

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Gain the skills you need to pursue a career as a psychologist in a clinical, forensic, neurological, educational, occupational or sports field.
Delve deeper into the human mind, covering topics such as memory, social relationships, child development, the ageing brain, and forensics.
Psychology opens up so many careers. Our graduates also go on to work as teachers, marketers and HR professionals in the public or private sector.
You learn from professional psychologists and clinical practitioners. We’ll introduce you to the cutting edge of research that’s making a difference.
Learn how to measure brain activity using an electroencephalography (EEG) machine and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).
Hull Psychology student, Aaron Hall, smiling in front of a screen showing an animation of a human brain.
Hull Psychology student with brain monitoring equipment undergoing a psychology brain test.
Hull Psychology student stands smiling looking off-camera with the sun shining through the window.
Hull Psychology student and lecturer using the brain monitoring equipment in the Brain Simulation Laboratory.
Brain Simulation Laboratory

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Code

Duration

Mode

  • Standard course
  • With a placement year
  • With a foundation year

Typical offer

What does this mean?

Study human behaviour: memory, social relationships and child development. And get the rare chance to fast-track onto a fully-funded Clinical Psychology doctorate.

Hull’s been teaching Psychology since 1928. We were here when Freudian theory was in its infancy, and when high-tech brain scanners were introduced. And we’re here at the forefront now.

As we speak, our experts are researching the psychological effects of the latest challenges the world faces. Dementia, trauma, mental health, and high-risk workplaces. Want to join us in making a positive difference to people? Now’s your chance.

  • 97% of students

    in work or further study 15 months after graduating 1

  • Fast-track onto the UK's only

    fully funded Clinical Doctorate 2

  • A paid placement year or

    study abroad at a European university

  • Here, it's personal.

    Benefit from your own supervisor and study group

  • Accredited

    by British Psychological Society

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Course overview
Module options

About this course

Explore the most fascinating subject of all: the human mind. Our accredited degree covers all the key areas, including cognition, development and neuroscience. You’ll study topics such as memory, social relationships, child development, the ageing brain and forensics. And you’ll develop practical and technical skills which can help tackle real-life issues such as dementia.

You have the freedom to delve deeper into the topics that interest you the most such as animal psychology, which includes field trips to Yorkshire Wildlife Park and the shores of Loch Lomond at no additional cost.

There's also the chance to graduate with a named-pathway degree in areas such as Neuroscience or Applied Psychology. Or choose our specialist clinical psychology modules and fast-track onto our fully-funded ClinPsyD programme – the only course of its kind in the UK.1 

You can also study for a semester in countries like the Netherlands (Saxion University), Norway (University of Bergen), Germany (Osnabrück University) and Hungary (Eötvös Loránd University).

Other options include taking up an internship or an optional paid placement year in industry, or work as a research assistant or intern while you study, gaining hands-on experience for your CV.

Whatever you choose, you’re guided by professional psychologists and clinical practitioners. Ours is a friendly, supportive department with strong links to the NHS and the private sector. So everything you learn is up to date and industry-relevant.

Scheduled study hours and how you’re assessed

We focus on giving you the skills you actually need in your career.

Teaching is usually through lecturers and tutorials, with assessments including case studies, video blogs, posters, group presentations, displays, museum exhibits, reviews and field trips where possible, although some exams are necessary as part of a high-quality degree.

You'll also be part of a small group working with your own personal supervisor who will mark some of your work and help you choose your modules based around your future career plans.

You'll stay in this supervision group for two years, building relationships with peers and giving you a consistent team of fellow students to work with for group presentations.

Choose your modules

Each year, you’ll study modules worth a certain number of credits, and you need 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits – so you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more. In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120. Some modules are compulsory, some are optional, so you can build a course that’s right for you.

Preparing for Learning in Higher Education

This module is designed to give you the best possible start to your university studies, making sure you have all the essential skills you need to succeed. Through lectures and workshops we will teach you how to write in an academic style, how to find quality sources, how to reference work, culminating in writing up a mini-research project.

Core•20 credits

Group Challenge (Sciences)

In a group, you'll formulate questions that can be tested by scientific investigations and take part in weekly workshops with academics.

Core•20 credits

Foundation in Data Analysis

Develop a strong foundation in data collection and analysis. This module will introduce you to qualitative and quantitative data and how to analyse it; the collection of primary and secondary data; the production of high quality graphics; and report writing.

Core•20 credits

Introduction to Biological Sciences 1

This module covers basic knowledge on cells and biological molecules and how they are connected to the function of major organ systems in animals, plants and humans. The main topics are cell structure, exchange and transport, the genetic code, microbiology and energy processes.

Compulsory•20 credits

Introduction to Psychology

Module information coming soon.

Compulsory•20 credits

Foundation Maths Skills

This module delivers core mathematics skills at level two and three to give a solid basis for future studies. You will study the following topics: manipulation of numerical data and converting between different units of measurement; exponentials and logarithms; and standard form and problems involving ratio, proportion and percentages.

Optional•20 credits

Foundation Mathematics 1

This module delivers core mathematics skills to build a solid basis for future studies. You will study the following topics: factors, multiples, indices, fractions and standard form; algebra, linear and quadratic equations; averages and spread; functions, exponentials and logarithms; and right angled triangles and trigonometry.

Optional•20 credits

Foundation Mathematics A

You will study pure mathematics topics, including proof, algebra, trigonometry, differentiation, integration, exponentials, logarithms, sequences and series. The applied topic is probability and statistics.

Optional•20 credits

The foundation year is designed to provide you with the core skills you will need to succeed as an undergraduate. You will take six modules that will introduce you to Psychology as the scientific study of human behaviour, and will prepare you for study in higher education.
8 Modules

Research Skills 1

This module will introduce you to the process of psychological research. You will develop skills in quantitative data processing and presentation of descriptive statistics.

Compulsory•20 credits

Research Skills 2

Develop your research skills further with a focus on how we infer things about the world using data. This module gives you practical experience of research methods.

Compulsory•20 credits

Brain and Behaviour 1

Explore the relationship between the brain and human behaviour, including how we sense the world, how we act in the world and how we think and feel about the world.

Compulsory•20 credits

Assessing Individual Differences

You may have encountered personality and intelligence tests in educational or occupational settings, but have you ever wondered how these tests were developed? This module explores the complexities of intelligence and personality conceptualisation and testing and gives an insight into why people are unique. By engaging with a range of theories and psychometrics, you will be able to assess the controversies and ethical dilemmas of personality and intelligence testing.

Compulsory•10 credits

The Developing Child

Delve into the fascinating world of the infant mind. You will cover a range of psychological processes, from the early building blocks of our cognitive skills, to how we form attachments and begin to create relationships. We will explore these processes from their very beginnings in the womb, through infancy, childhood, and adolescence.

Compulsory•10 credits

Exploring Social Psychology

Would you inflict pain on another person if instructed to do so by an authority figure? How likely are people to conform to group pressure? What makes a friend act aggressively or donate money to charity? This module considers what effect the environment has on human behaviour and explores how psychological theories can be applied to your everyday life. If you’ve ever wondered why your friend is acting in a certain way, this module will provide some clues to the answer.

Compulsory•10 credits

Introducing Cognitive Psychology

How does your mind work? How do you see, hear, feel, and think? How do you make sense of the world and yourself? In this module, you'll discover the secrets of cognitive psychology - the science of the mind and behaviour. Learn how researchers use experiments and theories to understand the mental processes that shape our lives, explore topics like perception, attention, memory, language, and reasoning and see how they relate to your everyday experiences. This module will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a critical thinker in the modern world. 

Compulsory•10 credits

Psychology in Society

Understand the psychological and social aspects of human behaviour in society, and how to address the issues and challenges they pose. On this module, you'll learn about the psychology of conspiracy theories and the social inequalities in health, discover why some people believe in conspiracy theories and how they can harm individuals and society. You will also explore how social factors, such as class, income, gender, and ethnicity, influence health outcomes and create health disparities. 

Compulsory•20 credits
8 Modules

Research Skills 3

Discover experimental designs involving multiple conditions and independent variables. You'll learn how to analyse data generated by these more complex designs.

Compulsory•20 credits

Brain and Behaviour 2

Study more advanced topics including cognitive neuroscience and clinical neuropsychology. This module also introduces issues in comparative psychology and animal intelligence.

Compulsory•20 credits

Psychological Wellbeing and Distress

This module introduces you to key issues in mental health. You'll consider theory and evidence about the psychological, social and biological origins of a range of mental health difficulties.

Compulsory•20 credits

Applied Cognitive Psychology

How can teachers use memory research to make education more accessible for those with special educational needs? How can we use decision-making theory to improve healthcare across the world? How does forgetting help our mental health? What has cognitive psychology taught us about the use of eyewitnesses within the legal system? In this module, cognitive psychology steps outside of the laboratory and into the real world as we explore how the theories and research developed within the laboratory have applications in a range of real-life settings.    

Compulsory•10 credits

Applied Social Psychology

Many of our daily activities are influenced by social psychological theories; from medical decision making to consumer behaviour to environmental attitudes. Social psychology can help us to understand why people behave the way they do and hold the attitudes they hold. In this module, you'll explore how social psychological theory can help to explain many everyday behavioural phenomena. 

Compulsory•10 credits

Developmental Psychology

Explore the ideas, research methods and findings in contemporary developmental psychology. In this module, you'll explore a range of topics highlighting how children’s thinking and learning develops and how they become mature members of society. Topics will include: How do young children learn words? How do we learn to socially interact with others? Are there differences in aggression between boys and girls and does exposure to violent media affect their behaviour? How does cognitive and social development occur?

Compulsory•10 credits

Personality and Intelligence in Focus

Explore personality and intelligence by seeing how these individual differences help predict behaviours. We will examine how personality theories can be applied across different cultures and uncover the links between personality and wellbeing. You will also delve into current debate around the origins of intelligence and its applications. 

Compulsory•10 credits

Research Skills 4

On this module, you'll develop your qualitative data collection and analysis skills, and focus on psychometrics and the ability to process complex real-world secondary data sources.

Compulsory•20 credits

Preparation to Placement Year Psychology

This optional module will give you the support and guidance required as you liaise with external placement providers. You will learn and put into practice key employability skills including CV writing, cover letter writing and interview preparation/performance.

Optional• credits

Placement Year Psychology

Taken between academic years 2 and 3, the placement year will provide an opportunity to experience psychology in real-world settings and promotes the development of key employability skills. You will work in a psychology related industry and complete tasks as required by the placement provider. Your placement must be in a psychology related field and approved by the placement co-ordinator in the department. You will receive ongoing support whilst on placement by your Placement Tutor.

Optional• credits
10 Modules

Research Project (Psychology)

Carry out your own psychological research grounded in empirical approaches. You'll develop your research skills working alongside a supervisor and engaging in independent empirical work.

Compulsory•40 credits

People in Nature

Gain an in-depth understanding of how psychology can be applied to address some of the world’s most pressing environmental issues (e.g., climate and urbanisation). You will focus on the role of psychological traits in helping wildlife adapt to changes to their environment, and how people’s engagement with nature influences human-wildlife conflict and human health and well-being.

The module includes a five day field trip to Scotland where you will have the opportunity to apply ‘theory to practice’ including observing wild animals solving puzzles in their natural habitat.

Optional•20 credits

Understanding Animal Minds

Explore human and animal behaviour from a perspective adopted by naturalists, biologists, cognitive neuroscientists and experimental psychologists. This modules includes a field trip to Yorkshire Wildlife Park to observe animal behaviour up close.

Optional• credits

Professional, Ethical, and Personal Issues in Clinical Psychology

An introduction to clinical psychology and its role in the NHS. You'll explore the philosophy and core purpose of the profession, as well as the nature and role of its code of conduct.​

Optional•20 credits

Neuropsychology

Explore how brain lesions and neurological diseases affect cognition and behaviour. You'll study the major neurological deficits and syndromes found with central nervous system malfunctions.

Optional•20 credits

Psychology in Education

Develop an understanding of the ways that individual variations in learning needs in children and adolescents manifest themselves in education.

Optional•20 credits

Advanced Topics in Cognitive Development

Explore how debates in cognitive development inform developmental psychology research into topics such as the understanding of the physical world and executive functions. 

Optional•20 credits

Clinical and Therapeutic Issues in Clinical Psychology

​Discover the importance of the therapeutic relationship in clinical psychology and explore clinical and therapeutic approaches commonly used in clinical psychology.

Optional•20 credits

Introduction to Assessment in Clinical Psychology

You'll explore topics including: clinical interview and history taking; psychometric assessments across the lifespan; risk assessment; and formulation in clinical practice.

Optional•20 credits

Neuroscience Techniques

Gain a deeper understanding of neuroscience techniques. You'll study the theory, and then learn through first-hand practical experience of application and data analysis methods.

Optional•20 credits

The Social Brain and Autism

Learn about the ways that psychology, philosophy and neuroscience contribute to the current insights about how the brain enables social cognition -  and how that helps us understand autism.

Optional•20 credits

Memory in the Real World

Build your understanding of memory and its importance in everyday life. You'll cover topics including autobiographical memory, false memories and memory for emotional events.

Optional•20 credits

Study Abroad (Psychology)

You'll have an opportunity to spend a semester abroad at one of our partner universities in Europe, studying two modules which will count towards your degree in Hull. 

Optional•20 credits

Criminal Psychology

Understand why some people commit crime, how we can improve criminal investigations and trials, and the role of the forensic psychologist within the criminal justice system. You'll explore questions like: what is a psychopath, what effect does solitary confinement have on a prisoner’s mental health, can offenders be rehabilitated, and what can a crime scene tell us about the criminal.

Optional•20 credits

In your final year, you can select your choice of modules from a wide range of options. This allows you to explore topics that interest you in-depth and they are linked to the research interests of our teaching staff.

You will also plan and carry out an individual research project on a topic of your choice under the supervision of a member of staff. One of our recent students won the Experimental Psychology Society and British Science Association’s undergraduate project prize which is awarded for the best piece of research conducted by a psychology student in the UK.

You may also apply to take a number of specialist option modules in Clinical Psychology during the final year. Students who complete these modules may then apply for fast-track entry onto the University of Hull’s Doctorate in Clinical Psychology which enables you to train to become a professional Clinical Psychologist.
14 Modules

Placement Year Psychology

Taken between academic years 2 and 3, the placement year will provide an opportunity to experience psychology in real-world settings and promotes the development of key employability skills. You will work in a psychology related industry and complete tasks as required by the placement provider. Your placement must be in a psychology related field and approved by the placement co-ordinator in the department. You will receive ongoing support whilst on placement by your Placement Tutor.

Compulsory• credits

Preparation to Placement Year Psychology

This optional module will give you the support and guidance required as you liaise with external placement providers. You will learn and put into practice key employability skills including CV writing, cover letter writing and interview preparation/performance.

Optional• credits
2 Modules

This course is accredited by

Playlist

Dr Bernice Wright

Course Overview 2 mins

Choosing Psychology

Student story 2 mins

Erin Minton-Branfoot

Student story 2 mins

Psychology lecturers

Student story 13 mins

Entry requirements

What do I need?

When it comes to applying to university, you'll need a certain number of UCAS points. Different qualifications and grades are worth a different amount of points. For this course, you'll need…

Use UCAS's calculator to work out your estimated points

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it's not just about the grades - we'll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

Have questions? Our admissions team will be happy to help.

What do I need?

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University of Hull.

If your English currently does not reach the University’s required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Fees & funding

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and computers on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme. There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make:

  • Books (you can borrow books on your reading lists from the library, but you may buy your own)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (incl. travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (incl. travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and computers on campus, but you may want your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel, food and more.

How do I pay for it?

Our academics

We’ll introduce you to the cutting edge of psychology research. Research that’s making a real difference to people’s lives.

As part of our work with Siemens, we’re uncovering the psychological effects of the tough environment that wind turbine engineers face while working out in the North Sea.

See more academics for this subject
Igor Schindler
Featured academic

Professor Igor Schindler

Before earning his PhD, Igor worked as a clinical neuropsychologist in the Clinical Neuropsychology Research Group (EKN) in Munich. His main research interests focus on multisensory brain processes supporting our interactions with the environment.

Dr Blake Morton
Featured academic

Dr Blake Morton

Blake is an early-career lecturer specialising in animal psychology. He publishes in world-leading journals, and his work garners major global media attention, including the BBC, The Guardian, TIME, and National Geographic.

Take a look at our facilities

Brain Stimulation Laboratory

Learn how to measure brain activity using an electroencephalography (EEG) machine and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). We also work with nearby Hull Royal Infirmary to use MRI scanning.

Baby Lab

Our ‘baby lab’ is equipped with specialist equipment to help you understand the fascinating world of infant development.

Eye-tracking lab

Study areas of cognitive psychology such as attention and visual perception. Plus, you’ll have access to an audiometric lab for studying human responses to sounds, including noise, speech and music.

See more in our virtual tour

Look around

An adult's hand holding a baby's finger
student undergoing psychology brain text using monitoring equipment
Brain Simulation Laboratory
An adult's hand holding a baby's finger
student undergoing psychology brain text using monitoring equipment
Hull Psychology student and lecturer using equipment in one of the University's research labs.

Future prospects

When you graduate with a degree in psychology, you'll have developed the skills and knowledge for a career in numerous areas. Whether as a psychologist in a clinical, forensic, neurological, educational, occupational or sports field. Or as a teaching, marketing or HR professional in the public or private sector.

Many of our students choose our fast-track route to a fully-funded Clinical Psychology Doctorate (ClinPsyD).1 Not only do you qualify faster, but all your tuition fees are paid. And the best bit is, you even get an NHS salary while you’re studying.

Read our case study with ClinPsyD graduate, Abigail Daniels on why she chose psychology at Hull. 

Watch

Psychology careers
University of Hull Open Day

Your next steps

Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.

The standard way to apply for this course is through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skill, qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing your academic qualifications.

How to apply

Not ready to apply?

Visit our next Open Day, and see all that Hull has to offer for yourself. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.

Book your place now

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1. 97% employability (Psychology) UK domicile full-time first degree leavers; Higher Education Graduate Outcomes statistics, for the academic year 2021/22, published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency June 2024.

2. A unique link between BSc Psychology and our Clinical Psychology Doctorate offers University of Hull and York BSc Psychology students a fast-track to qualifying while having your doctorate fees paid and receiving an NHS salary.

3. If you graduate with at least a 2:2 and pass your empirical psychology project, you can become a graduate member of the British Psychological Society (BPS). This is an essential step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

All modules presented on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

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