BSc Psychology (C801)

2026 entry | view 2025 entry

Course summary

Our BSc Psychology trains students in the theories, methods and application of contemporary psychological science. The degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society.

You will learn about social, cognitive, developmental, biological and individual differences psychology, as well as your choice of a range of more specialised topic areas (for example addictive behaviours, climate and behaviour change, cognitive neuroscience). You will develop an in-depth understanding of the research that underpins psychological theories in these domains. You will learn about the application of psychological theories and methods to effect change in the real world.

We will equip you with the skills to design research studies and analyse data, to provide evidence-based answers to psychological research questions. The knowledge and skills you acquire culminate in your final year project, in which you will complete a substantial piece of original psychological research.

Teaching is undertaken by internationally renowned academics. We use a variety of teaching methods (for example: lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory classes, group work) and assessment formats (for example: essays, research reports, in-class presentations, examinations). This variety of learning experiences caters for variations in students' learning styles. In addition to subject-specific knowledge and skills, you will develop transferable skills, such as teamwork, critical thinking, psychological and scientific literacy, research skills, and oral and written communication skills (including the skills involved in presenting to an audience). These skills are highly valued by employers across a wide range of industries. They will also prepare you for postgraduate study in psychology and beyond.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

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Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

A*AA including A in a science-related subject. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Further Mathematics; Geography; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.
AAB including A in a science-related subject. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Further Mathematics; Geography; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.

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D*DD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma

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38 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in a science-related subject. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Further Mathematics; Geography; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.
34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in a science-related subject. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Further Mathematics; Geography; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.

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88% overall, with 8.5 in a science-related subject. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Further Mathematics; Geography; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.
Advanced Higher: AA including a science-related subject, and Standard Higher: AAAAA. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Further Mathematics; Geography; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.
Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits at Distinction from units in a science subject. OR Access to HE Diploma in Humanities, Humanities and Social Sciences, Psychology, or Social Science. The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits at Distinction in Psychology units. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Further Mathematics; Geography; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.

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Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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