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
Postgraduate
Research
Partner Centres
Online

Postgraduate courses

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Research courses

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Partner Centres

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

Full-time

MSc Psychology via Study Centres

Find out more about Psychology via Study Centres

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Online

Part-time

MSc Psychology

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Explore

What careers can a degree in psychology lead to?

A psychology degree develops important skills that could help you land your dream job. We talked to Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Employability Coordinator, Carole Carter, about the wide range of careers you can have as a psychology graduate.

Five reasons to study psychology

Dr Helen Driscoll is a Principal Lecturer in Psychology and Team Leader for the undergraduate Psychology courses at the University of Sunderland. Her areas of specialism are evolutionary psychology, individual differences and quantitative research. Here, Helen shares her five reasons why you should study Psychology at Sunderland.

Which Psychology course is right for me?

If you know you’re passionate about psychology, but you’re unsure which course is right for you, we’re breaking down our specialist Psychology courses to help you choose the right pathway. All our undergraduate Psychology programmes are accredited by the British Psychological Society.

All about Forensic Psychology

Being a forensic psychologist can be challenging, but rewarding at the same time. You could be working with prisoners, or giving evidence in court as an expert witness. It's safe to say that no two days will be the same. We spoke with BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology Programme Leader Dr Laura Farrugia about being a forensic psychologist and why Sunderland's course is unique.

Psychology

Welcome to Psychology

What is psychology?