Psychology

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. 

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. 

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.

2024 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for the 2024-25 academic year which includes September 2024 and January 2025 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

2025 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for the 2025-26 academic year which includes September 2025 and January 2026 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

2025/26

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.

Minimum numbers

Please note that this course is subject to minimum numbers in order to run.