Psychology

The BSc Psychology consists of: 

• Eight 15-credit compulsory modules at FHEQ Level 4 
• Eight 15-credit compulsory modules at FHEQ Level 5 
• Six 15-credit compulsory modules at FHEQ Level 6 
• One 30-credit Research Project*

* Please note the research project relates to 45 credits overall split into 2 elements:
One 15 credit Research project preparation module
One 30 credit Research project

As you progress through your BSc studies, you may apply for an intermediate qualification or qualifications: Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) and/or Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) in Psychology.

View modules

• Download the Module running schedule [PDF]
• View the typical programme of study [PDF]
• Download the Programme specification [PDF]

View programme regulations

This programme has two intake dates per year: April and October.

You can study this online programme from anywhere in the world. The flexible approach to learning enables you to fit your studies around your commitments whilst providing the academic rigour and structure of an on-campus programme.

Alternatively, if you would like to attend classes, you can enrol at one of our approved local teaching centres around the world and benefit from local study support and the facilities of a campus-style environment.

Modules are offered over two 22-week sessions each academic year. You choose which sessions to enter and how many modules to take in each session (subject to module availability).

Assessment deadlines are outlined clearly in advance of the session. You can study up to four modules (or two modules and the Research project) at any one time. You will also receive a variety of highly engaging learning materials and activities.

Your learning experience will be enhanced with an accessible and attractive learning platform; opportunities for self-assessment so you can understand your own progress; enhanced student support.

Online support

The programme is delivered online and there is no requirement to come to the UK as part of your studies. Our flexible online programme allows you to work around your own schedule and leads to a globally-recognised qualification.

When you register, we will give you access to the Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and other key resources including:

• The Student Guide provides information which is common to all students and gives useful information about your relationship with the University of London through to graduation.
• The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which offers online learning support, access to the student café and discussion areas, sample past examination questions and other study materials.
• The Online Library provides access to over 100 million academic electronic items comprising E-books, E-journals, conference proceedings etc. In addition, students can request items which are not held in the library via the library's Inter-Library loans service with the British Library. All registered students have free access to the University of London’s Online Library.
• Senate House Library provides free reference access for all registered distance and flexible learning students.

Local teaching support

Students may also choose to receive local teaching support from an approved teaching centre that supports the programme. In this way, you benefit from local support and the facilities of a campus-style environment.

Find a local teaching centre for this programme.

Tutor support for independent learners

Independent learners (students not receiving local teaching support from an approved teaching centre) receive online tutor support and feedback while studying this programme. Tutors introduce the modules, respond to queries, monitor discussions and provide guidance on assessments.

Study materials

All essential resources, activities, videos, discussions and support are provided through the VLE. This allows you to fit your studies around your work commitments. There is no need to purchase additional textbooks.

Student Support

We are committed to delivering an exceptional student experience for all of our students, regardless of which of our programmes you are studying and whether you are studying independently or with a Recognised Teaching Centre.

You will have access to support through:

• The Student Advice Centre – provides support for application and Student Portal queries.
• TalkCampus – a peer support service that offers a safe and confidential way to talk about whatever is on your mind at any time of day or night.

Time commitment

The flexible approach to learning allows students to complete the BSc Psychology in a minimum of three years (subject to module availability) to a maximum of six years.

You can study at your own pace, either part-time or full-time, adjusting the intensity of learning to suit your needs.

Assessment

Each module includes a mix of assessments. During your study period you will undertake formative assessments, which help you to measure your progress but do not count towards your grade, and summative assessments. Summative assessments do count towards the final grade.

Each module, excluding Research skills 1 and 2,Mental health around the world and the Research project modules, is summatively assessed by an element of coursework and either an examination or a further element of coursework. The overall module mark is calculated by weighting the marks achieved for the two elements of assessment in a ratio of 30:70. Written examinations are held twice a year.

Research skills 1 is summatively assessed by two equally weighted elements of coursework. Research skills 2 is summatively assessed by a combination of three elements: one examination and two elements of coursework. The module mark is calculated by weighting the marks achieved for the first and second coursework elements and the examination in a ratio of 30:50:20.

Mental health around the world is summatively assessed by one element of coursework worth 100% of the overall module mark.

The research project aspect runs across two modules: Research project preparation and Research project. Research project preparation is assessed through the completion and submission of a project plan to a satisfactory level which is marked on a Pass/Fail basis. Passing this module allows for progression to the Research project which is assessed by an 8,000-word report of original research.

What qualifications do you need?

For direct access to the BSc Psychology degree, you will usually meet the following criteria:

• Three UK GCE A-levels at grade DDE or an acceptable equivalent
• One of these A-levels must be obtained in Mathematics, Psychology or Biology at grade A – D.
• UK GCSE Maths grade A – C / 9 – 4 or equivalent and
• Be age 17+ by the registration deadline of your enrolment session.

We accept qualifications from all around the world, view the acceptable equivalents in your country.

For access by Performance based admission:

If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you can apply for the programme via the performance based admission route.

To be eligible to register, you must normally:

• have passed at least six separate subjects at GCSE or GCE O level or equivalent; and
• one of these GCSEs must be obtained in Mathematics, at grade A – C/9 – 4 or equivalent; and
• be aged 18+ by the registration deadline of your enrolment session.

To be admitted onto the full BSc programme, you must pass two required modules with an overall result of 40% or above, with at least 40% in each element of assessment.

For access from the International Foundation Programme (IFP):

If you are progressing from the IFP to the BSc Psychology you will usually meet the following criteria:

• have completed the IFP;
• one of the courses taken as part of the IFP should be Mathematics and Statistics [FP0001], which should be passed with a mark of at least 60%.

What if I do not meet the above criteria?

Even if you do not meet the standard requirements, we will consider each application on its own merits. Our Admissions Panel will consider whether any alternative/incomplete qualifications or work experience you have are suitable for entry to the programme. If we are unable to issue you an offer then if available we will advise on further alternatives such as our International Foundation Programme or on additional qualifications you need to take in order to meet our minimum entrance criteria.

English Language

• IELTS: overall score of at least 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub category or equivalent. This must have been obtained within the past 3 years.

If you do not meet the English language proficiency requirements but believe that you can demonstrate the requisite proficiency, the University may, at its discretion, consider your application

Computer requirements

We set minimum basic computer requirements because your study resources are accessed via the Student Portal and it is vital that you can access this regularly.

Your computer should have at least the following minimum specification:

• a web browser with Cookies and JavaScript enabled (a latest version of Firefox or Chrome is recommended)
• a good internet connection

And the following applications installed:

• a word processor that accepts Microsoft Word formats (.doc and .docx)
• a pdf reader.

More about computer requirements

Important: the table below does not include fees payable to a third party, such as tuition costs payable to a Recognised Teaching Centre or fees charged by your local examination centre, or local VAT, Goods or Services Tax (GST) or sales tax.

The programme fees below refer to the October 2023 and April 2024 sessions only and are effective from 1 June 2023. They may increase by up to 5% per year.

The fee depends on whether you live in a developing (Band A) or developed (Band B) nation. See the list of Band A and Band B countries [PDF]

Disclaimer: Currency conversion tool.

*The indicative totals include the application fee, all module and continuation fees payable to the University of London for the duration of your study, as well as online tutor support. This fee does not include local exam centre fees and fees payable to University of London Recognised Teaching Centres.

*The online examination administration fee is charged for each examination paper held online, including resits. This does not apply to any coursework submissions.

More about programme fees.

Please note: all student fees shown are net of any local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other sales tax payable by the student in their country of residence. Where the University is required to add VAT, GST or any other sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the fees shown during the payment process. For students resident in the UK, our fees are exempt from VAT.

Further information on Sales Tax

Your payment provider may apply additional transaction fees (if in doubt, please check with them before making a payment).

Further information about fee payment options can be found in the “How to pay your fees” link.

A Psychology degree provides graduates with a broad skill set including data analysis, problem solving, scientific and statistical literacy and effective communication.

Psychology graduates are notably flexible in the workplace and go on to succeed in a variety of professions, including entering the public or private sector or applying their knowledge to a range of sectors such as education, healthcare, social care, criminal and legal services. Your degree could lead to a career in areas such as forensic psychology, health psychology, youth services, counselling or human resource management.

In some countries, qualifications earned by distance and flexible learning may not be recognised by certain authorities or regulators for the purposes of public sector employment or further study. We advise you to explore the local recognition status before you register.

You’ll have access to a wide range of careers and employability support through the University of London Careers Service, including live webinars and Ask Your Careers Questions Live sessions.

More on the University of London Careers Service.

Academic direction is provided by King’s College London, with enriched content developed by the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN). King’s College London is globally known for their commitment to delivering research excellence and is ranked 7th in the QS UK University rankings 2019.

IoPPN is a world leader in the research, study and practice of psychiatry, psychology and related disciplines. Dating back to 1896, IoPPN has pioneered in facilitating education and training of psychology and psychiatry. The Institute became a school of King’s College London in 1997.

Programme Director

Dr Jenny Yiend is a Reader in Cognitive Psychopathology at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, where she has been since 2009.

To date, Jenny has published 70 peer reviewed papers on cognitive processing across a wide range of disorders including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders and personality disorder and has won 17 independent research grants to support her work. She is an editor of the journal ‘Anxiety, Stress and Coping’ and was elected a fellow of the American Psychological Society in 2014.

Jenny has taken an active role in education throughout her career and continuously strives to help students achieve their potential, whilst also enjoying their student experience to the full. She has held various educational leadership roles, such as Programme Director for the IOPPN’s Mental Health Studies MSc; IOPPN’s Head of Graduate Studies for Postgraduate Education and Interim Dean of Education. Jenny won the faculty award for the ‘Most Innovative Teacher’ in 2013 was elected a Principal Fellow of the UK’s Higher Education Academy in 2017.

Without the cost of moving to London, studying for your University of London degree anywhere in the world represents excellent value for money. However, there are additional sources of support depending on where you live and how you choose to study.

More on funding your study