Psychology

Immerse yourself in the School of Psychology. Learn how we act, react, and interact with each other. Examine the brain, human behaviour, and a wide range of phenomena to develop transferable skills you can use in any context.

Welcome to Psychology

Is your mind made up about studying psychology? At the University of Sunderland, we offer a variety of Psychology courses to suit a wide range of specialisms.

We currently have four undergraduate pathways available, which are BSc (Hons) Psychology, BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling, BSc (Hons) Clinical Psychology and BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology. Each of these routes are also available with an Integrated Foundation Year.

At postgraduate level, we offer MSc Psychological Research Methods, which can help prepare you for undertaking a PhD or further your research knowledge. If you have studied a different undergraduate programme but aspire to become a psychologist, we offer the MSc Psychology (Conversion) course.

Read our guide to find the right Psychology course for you.

What is psychology?

Psychology is the understanding and explanation of behaviour in both human and non-human species. We reach these conclusions about behaviour by analysing and conducting research, as this is pivotal to the study of psychology. You will be trained in a variety of approaches to cover different psychology pathways, creating a wealth of transferable skills and understanding.

Our courses are accredited by the British Psychological Society, who outline five key areas in the learning of the subject, which are:

  • Social Psychology
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Biological Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology, Personality and Individual Differences
  • Research Methods

 

While many undergraduate Psychology courses teach these topics as separate entities, we take a uniquely integrated approach and incorporate several of these areas into our modules. For example, rather than covering just one topic within one module (such as developmental psychology while studying the nature of childhood development), we will also consider additional factors (in this instance, the influence of biological and cognitive psychology as well). This gives you a more thorough understanding of these key areas and ensures a well-rounded approach to Psychology.

Why study Psychology?

With a Psychology degree, you can choose what you want to do, whether it be while studying or as part of your career. We offer bespoke content through our optional modules in stages two and three which means you can build and shape your degree to suit your interests.

If you’re seeking a career in Psychology, our undergraduate courses offer students who graduate with a 2:2 or above a Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership to the British Psychological Society, which is an essential step to becoming a psychologist.

The School of Psychology is a diverse, friendly, and supportive environment, with a focus on inclusivity. As a Psychology student, we want you to feel part of our community, and that you can be yourself, whoever you are.

Read our article for more reasons to study Psychology.

Why us?

The School of Psychology was awarded an Athena Swan Bronze Award in 2021, in recognition of its commitment to supporting and transforming gender equality

87.6%

of our students that graduated in 2021/22 from our undergraduate programmes, 87.6% achieved First Class Honours or Upper Second Class Honours

Student Data Dashboard
33rd

Our Psychology courses are ranked 33rd in the UK

Guardian University Guide, 2023
95%

of our students agreed our staff were good at explaining things

Psychology subject-level data, National Student Survey 2022

Our Psychology courses offer students who graduate with a 2:2 or above a Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership to the British Psychological Society

92%

of our students agreed our staff have made the subject interesting

Psychology subject-level data, National Student Survey 2022

Our Psychology courses

Take a look below to find the right course for you.

Undergraduate courses

Two psychology students talking to a lecturer in a seminar
Full-time

BSc (Hons) Psychology

With an exciting range of modules to suit an array of different interests, BPS accreditation and specialist psychological laboratories, you’ll be perfectly set up for a career in Psychology.

Find out more about Psychology
A psychology student working in a group as part of a psychology seminar
Full-time

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year

This is a four-year version of our popular BSc (Hons) Psychology course, with an integrated foundation year. Boasting a Psychology Department rated fourth in terms of teaching excellence in the UK, you can have great confidence in the quality of our Psychology course. With an exciting range of modules to suit an array of different interests, BPS accreditation and specialist psychological laboratories, you’ll be perfectly set up for a career in Psychology.

Find out more about BSc (Hons) Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year
Three students in a psychology seminar smiling
Full-time

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling

Add a counselling strand to our outstanding psychology course and explore two complementary and exciting disciplines. Gain wide-ranging insights into how people behave and how they can be helped to tackle problems.

Find out more about Psychology with Counselling
Two psychology students in a seminar smiling
Full-time

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling with Integrated Foundation Year

This is a four-year version of our popular BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling course, with an integrated foundation year. Add a counselling strand to our outstanding psychology course and explore two complementary and exciting disciplines. Gain wide-ranging insights into how people behave and how they can be helped to tackle problems.

Find out more about BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling with Integrated Foundation Year
Three students working on computers in a psychology seminar
Full-time

BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology

Study criminals and their crimes with our new BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology course. This course will directly prepare you for application to postgraduate forensic psychology courses and graduate jobs in prisons, rehabilitation units, and secure hospitals as well as in public services, social work and teaching positions. Specialist forensic psychology modules will develop your knowledge and skills. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a work-based placement to gain real-life experience of the field.

Find out more about Forensic Psychology
A psychology student talking to a lecturer in a seminar
Full-time

BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year

Study criminals and their crimes with a four-year version of our popular BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology course. This course will directly prepare you for application to postgraduate forensic psychology courses and graduate jobs in prisons, rehabilitation units, and secure hospitals as well as in public services, social work and teaching positions. Specialist forensic psychology modules will develop your knowledge and skills. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a work-based placement to gain real-life experience of the field.

Find out more about BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year
Three psychology students carrying out work in the research cubicles
Full-time

BSc (Hons) Clinical Psychology

This course will introduce you to the field of clinical psychology and will encourage you to develop a comprehensive understanding of core psychological theories and concepts. You will learn how to apply these theories and concepts to understanding how mental health problems develop such as anxiety, depression, addiction and learning difficulties and how they can be treated. You will not only gain knowledge about mental health problems but also acquire the skills to work in mental health services.

Find out more about Clinical Psychology
Four students in a psychology seminar working
Full-time

BSc (Hons) Clinical Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year

This new course will introduce you to the field of clinical psychology and will encourage you to develop a comprehensive understanding of core psychological theories and concepts. You will learn how to apply these theories and concepts to understanding how mental health problems develop such as anxiety, depression, addiction and learning difficulties and how they can be treated. You will not only gain knowledge about mental health problems but also acquire the skills to work in mental health services.

Find out more about BSc (Hons) Clinical Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year
BA (Hons) Counselling
Full-time

BA (Hons) Counselling (Top-Up)

Top-up a Foundation Degree in Counselling to a full honours degree, whilst still having the time to complete work experience whilst you study. Build on your existing knowledge, enhance your practice and reflect more widely on your professional development.

Find out more about Counselling (Top-Up)
Students working
Part-time

FdA Counselling

Reflect on your workplace experiences by studying this Foundation course at partner colleges on a part-time basis, allowing you to combine it with practical placements or paid work.

Find out more about Counselling
Customised Awards Scheme
Full-time/Part-time

Customised Awards Scheme

Pick and choose the modules you want to study to build a tailor-made course. Available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, this course allows you to gain a qualification that closely matches your particular needs.

Find out more about Customised Awards Scheme

Postgraduate courses

MSc Psychology
Full-time/Part-time

MSc Psychology (Conversion)

Take the first step to becoming a chartered psychologist. Undertake the same grounding in psychological science as a three-year undergraduate course. Explore the six core areas of psychology, including social psychology, individual differences, and developmental psychology, as well as cognitive psychology, biological psychology, and conceptual and historical issues in psychology.

Find out more about Psychology (Conversion)
MSc Psychological Research Methods
Full-time

MSc Psychological Research Methods

Develop advanced research skills. Learn advanced quantitative research methods and data analysis techniques. Become increasingly creative in solving problems, autonomous in delivering projects, and expert in communicating complex topics and outcomes.  

Find out more about Psychological Research Methods
Student using iPad
Part-time

MSc Psychology

This online Masters course has been designed to equip you with the skill set and understanding of human behaviour to help you succeed in people management and leadership roles, as well as in careers related to the psychology discipline across the public and private sector, including in HR, marketing, research and teaching.

Find out more about MSc Psychology
A psychology academic is helping a couple of psychology students with their work.
Full-time

MSc Psychology via Study Centres

Take the first step to becoming a chartered psychologist, without leaving your home country. Explore the six core areas of psychology, including social psychology, individual differences and developmental psychology, as well as cognitive psychology, biological psychology and conceptual and historical issues in psychology.

Find out more about Psychology via Study Centres
Student in the library
Full-time/Part-time

MPhil Master of Philosophy

Take your education to the next level. Choose the areas you want to study, and which questions you want to research. Take the initiative while we support you with advice, guidance and facilities.

Find out more about MPhil Master of Philosophy
Medicine
Full-time/Part-time

PhD Doctor of Philosophy

Refine your own agenda and do what you find interesting every day. Develop mastery of research methods that are appropriate to your chosen field. Discover things that no-one else has ever discovered.

Find out more about PhD Doctor of Philosophy
A book
Part-time

DProf Professional Doctorate

Study for a doctoral qualification based on your professional role. Reflect on contemporary issues in the workplace.

Find out more about DProf Professional Doctorate
A book
Part-time

PhD by Existing Published or Creative Work

Take the fastest route to a PhD. Convert your previous research outputs into a qualification which will increase your employability and open up new opportunities. Progress your academic career and add credibility in applications for research funding.

Find out more about PhD by Existing Published or Creative Work
A stack of books
Part-time

Higher Doctorate

Take your academic career to the highest level. Make a very significant and sustained contribution to your subject. Gain an elite qualification that will mark you out as an outstanding contributor to your field.

Find out more about Higher Doctorate

Research courses

Partner Centres

Students working
Part-time

FdA Counselling

Reflect on your workplace experiences by studying this Foundation course at partner colleges on a part-time basis, allowing you to combine it with practical placements or paid work.

Find out more about Counselling
A psychology academic is helping a couple of psychology students with their work.
Full-time

MSc Psychology via Study Centres

Take the first step to becoming a chartered psychologist, without leaving your home country. Explore the six core areas of psychology, including social psychology, individual differences and developmental psychology, as well as cognitive psychology, biological psychology and conceptual and historical issues in psychology.

Find out more about Psychology via Study Centres

Online

Student using iPad
Part-time

MSc Psychology

This online Masters course has been designed to equip you with the skill set and understanding of human behaviour to help you succeed in people management and leadership roles, as well as in careers related to the psychology discipline across the public and private sector, including in HR, marketing, research and teaching.

Find out more about

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