Psychology

Future-proof your career

This course has been designed to mould the next generation of psychologists and encourage graduates to make positive impacts on individuals’ lives, businesses and society. You will have opportunities to gain a broad and detailed knowledge of psychological theory and application within contemporary psychology.

You can build a foundation of knowledge around ethics, research methods, scientific responsibilities, and evaluating theories and research findings.

There are a wide range of optional modules available so you can tailor your learning towards a specific interest and direct your future career.

It also offers the opportunity for you to develop a range of psychology specific and transferable skills including:

• scientific reasoning
• appreciation of the application of psychological knowledge and techniques
• critical thinking
• the ability to work both independently and co-operatively
• effective communication and presentation skills.

Recognised degree

Our course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). This ensures that we are delivering a high standard of teaching. It shows we have met BPS standards for course content and design, and student development. It also means you can apply for BPS student membership. This provides:

• access to networking opportunities
• the BPS student online community
• discounts on books
• events and e-learning
• academic journals
• the chance to transfer to graduate membership free of charge after completing your degree.

And you will have the opportunity to progress to accredited postgraduate qualifications and training to gain chartered membership of the BPS.

Research-active teaching team

Our Psychology course is evidence-based and research-led. Staff keep up to date with current theory and developments and incorporate this into their teaching.

You will learn from lecturers and tutors who have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and are carrying out influential research designed to offer fresh perspectives on issues that are significant at every stage of life, from birth to old age, such as:

• mental health and wellbeing
• compassion and mindfulness
• autism
• maths anxiety
• nature connectedness
• paranormal beliefs
• pain, anxiety and addiction.

You could also have guest lectures by world-class researchers.

Conduct your own research

During your studies you will have the opportunity to carry out your own research on a topic you feel passionate about. You may also be able to contribute to cutting-edge psychological research projects at the University, and you can even apply to our Undergraduate Research Scholarship Scheme, where if you are successful, you can receive a grant to undertake a project of your choice.

Specialist facilities

Our psychology facilities are used for both teaching and research. They include:

• computing labs with specialist software for designing experiments and research
• latest eye-tracking equipment
• Babylab for ethical research with babies and young children. 

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

You will learn from lecturers and tutors who have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and are carrying out research designed to offer fresh perspectives on issues that are significant at every stage of life, from birth to old age, including:

• maternal health and the development of new-borns, to help improve health care during childhood
• mental health and wellbeing such as maths-induced anxiety, eating disorders, addiction and irrational thinking
• compassion and mindfulness, tackling self-esteem issues and fostering sensitive support for others
• the psychological aspects of pain
• emotional processing
• the positive benefits of engaging with the natural environment

Your lecturers bring their latest thinking to your studies. In some cases, you’ll have opportunities to get involved in research projects yourself.

Teaching and learning

You’ll have interactive teaching sessions, including:

• lectures
• small group seminars
• practical workshops
• innovative use of the web to ensure you learn in the most effective way.

Quality inspectors have commended us for being “at the forefront of technology-enhanced learning”.

We ensure you have the right level of support to succeed. We are responsive, approachable and available to meet your learning needs.

Assessment

You will be assessed mainly through:

• assignments
• essays
• posters
• presentations
• reports.

You may also have to take some exams. These can include essay questions, multiple choice and short answer questions.

Studying psychology opens doors to many different sectors and professions – anywhere an understanding of people is valued. This degree is also intended to produce graduates who can compete effectively in the graduate careers market, through engagement in personal development planning and supporting activities, so your career options will be broad.

Our graduates have gone on to successful roles in sectors such as:

• psychological research
• scientific or clinical research
• charity leadership
• mental health support and management
• health services and therapeutic care
• probation service and police
• human resources
• health psychology
• educational psychology
• occupational psychology
• forensic psychology
• clinical psychology
• teaching.

You can also go onto Postgraduate study and complete one of our Psychology master's courses.

Becoming a chartered professional psychologist

Careers and Employment Service 

Our Careers and Employment Service can help you boost your employment skills by connecting you with employers for work placements, part-time jobs, and volunteering. They can also offer guidance on career options, CV writing, or starting your own business.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to

Additional costs and optional extras

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.