Psychology at Derby
Our Psychology course has research at its heart. It is intellectually challenging and is designed to help you become an effective, skilled and forward-thinking psychologist. You'll be taught by expert staff who are conducting influential studies into areas of psychology such as:
- mental health and wellbeing
- compassion and mindfulness
- autism
- maths anxiety
- nature connectedness
- paranormal beliefs
- pain, anxiety and addiction
And you’ll have guest lectures by world-class researchers. You’ll also conduct your own research and be able to contribute to cutting-edge psychological research projects at the University. You can also take a placement year to help you translate theory into practice and enhance your employability.
Specialist facilities
Our psychology facilities are used for both teaching and research. They include computing labs with specialist software for designing experiments and research. You'll use a range of psychological recording equipment such as the latest eye-tracker equipment for analysing eye movement and our Babylab for ethical research with babies and young children.
Accredited course
British Psychological Society accreditation means we're delivering a high standard of psychology education. It shows we've 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.
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'll 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. And, 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 and 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’ll be assessed mainly through assignments, via essays, posters, presentations, and reports. You may also have to take some exams. These can include essay questions, multiple choice and short answer questions.
Personal academic tutoring
Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.
Find out more about personal academic tutoring
2023 entry
These are the typical qualification requirements for the 2023-24 academic year which includes September 2023 and January 2024 entry.
| Requirement | What we're looking for | | UCAS points | 120-128 |
| A Level | ABB-BBB |
| T Level | Merit - Distinction |
| BTEC | DDM |
| GCSE | GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification |
| Access to HE | Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6 |
English language requirements
IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in each skills area)
2024 entry
These are the typical qualification requirements for the 2024-25 academic year which includes September 2024 and January 2025 entry.
| Requirement | What we're looking for | | UCAS points | 120-128 |
| A Level | ABB-BBB |
| T Level | Merit |
| BTEC | DDM |
| GCSE | GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification |
| Access to HE | Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 21, Merit: 24, Pass: 0 |
English language requirements
IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in each skills area)
How to apply
Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.
Studying psychology opens doors to many different sectors and professions – anywhere an understanding of people is valued. 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
Through our Professional Development Package, you'll gain valuable transferable skills, including:
- Written and verbal communication
- Research and analytical
- Personal motivation, organisation and self-reflection
- Numeracy
- IT literacy
- Critical awareness
This BPS-accredited course also prepares you for further training in psychology and provides an essential platform if you would like to become a 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.
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
Contact us Contact us 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.
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
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.
Included in your fees
- Access to essential software (SPSS and NVivo)
- Access to any materials included in taught areas such as biopsychology, research methods and related optional modules
- DBS check if you are undertaking a placement facilitated by the course
- Visit to the British Psychological Society's Psychology4Graduates national event
Optional costs not included in your fees
- You may wish to purchase optional textbooks or e-books to support your studies - costs for these are dependent on your choice
- Printing costs of course materials if hard copy desired - approximate cost is 5p per sheet
- Student membership of the British Psychological Society - approximate cost is £30
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. 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.
Minimum numbers
Please note that this course is subject to minimum numbers in order to run.
