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Psychology with Sociology BSc (Hons)

Start date

  • Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
  • Typical Offer: 104 - 120 UCAS tariff points
  • UCAS Code(s): C8LH / C8LJ
  • Start Date(s): September 2024
  • Duration: Three years full-time / Four years placement
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time / Sandwich
  • Campus: City Campus
Information for 2024

Introduction:

The BSc (Hons) Psychology with Sociology degree is a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited course that combines comprehensive training in psychology with the study of the structure and dynamics of social systems and society as a whole. Our students benefit  from weekly research seminars, over 80 academic experts, and they have access to first-class laboratory suites.

The course covers all the core areas of Psychology stipulated by the BPS curriculum. This accounts for two-thirds of the course and includes the workings of the brain; the processes and mechanisms of human thinking, feeling and behaviour; and how psychologists, psychological research and therapy can make a tangible and positive difference to people’s lives and society. The remaining third of the curriculum considers the social structures of society and sociological perspectives on issues such as crime, gender and poverty.

You'll be taught by our team of over 150 expert psychologists in one of the largest Psychology departments in the UK, and will be able to take advantage of our innovative Psychology laboratories to carry out your research and data analysis.

Our teaching is delivered by scholars who are recognised as world-leading as evidenced by the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF).

  • All of our courses offer work-like experience and we'll support you to develop your work experience or find a placement. Through our sandwich years or in-curriculum support you'll get the opportunity to apply your knowledge in the real world.
  • Tailor your learning experience through optional modules and pathways. We offer a wide range of optional modules which are taught by experts in their field.
  • Get involved in our amazing UK and overseas opportunities such as field trips and international summer schools. You could even study abroad for a year at a partner university.
  • Your future employability and careers prospects are endless. In addition to working directly in Psychology or Sociology, you will also develop transferable skills in communication, critical evaluation, and data handling, which are highly sought in many areas.

Course accreditation

Our Psychology courses are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) so as long as you graduate with at least a 2.2 honours degree you will be eligible to receive the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the BPS – a necessary qualification if you wish to pursue further training and a career as a professional psychologist.

  • BPS Accredited Logo

What you’ll study

In the first two years of your degree, you'll complete an introduction to psychology and core modules in biological, social, developmental, and cognitive psychology, and you'll undertake training in research methods and statistics.

In sociology, you'll complete additional modules covering social structure and social life, thinking sociologically, classical sociological theory, and another sociology module of your choice.

In your final year, you'll sit a further core module in psychology, and can tailor your studies (often with a view to future employment opportunities) by choosing from a range of optional psychology and sociology modules. In your final year you'll also complete a research project in psychology, focused on a topic of your choosing under the supervision of a research-active member of staff.

You can also take part in the innovative Professional Practice in Psychology module. Taking on the role of a consultant psychologist, you will work on real-life problem scenarios supplied by external organisations, and provide evidence-based solutions to these organisations.

Core modules

Introduction to Psychology

You will examine how psychology research is conducted and interpreted; a range of perspectives in psychology, including comparative psychology, psychopathology and cognition; key studies and theories in psychology; and also review current developments in psychology. You will study in detail historically important approaches to psychology. There is also a practical focus on the levels of analysis at which psychologists work, and the relationship between psychological theories and everyday human behaviour and experience.

Research Methods in Psychology

An introduction to a variety of research methods used in psychology. You have the opportunity to develop and practice report-writing skills, understand experimentation and self-report methods, and gain practical experience. You will run and report on your study in groups. You will be required to formulate hypotheses, search for and review any relevant literature in the library, prepare necessary materials or instruments, select a sample, collect and analyse data using appropriate statistical techniques, interpret the findings, and produce an individual written report of the work undertaken.

Statistics 1

Study the fundamental concepts and practices of statistical data analysis in psychology. By the end of the module you should be able to design research studies in psychology, and be familiar with a range of descriptive, nonparametric and parametric statistics. The module is assessed by one examination at the end of the module. Continuous feedback throughout the year will help you progress, develop your skills, and act as resource to draw upon when conducting research.

Foundations of Social Theory

You’ll develop an understanding of early sociological thought on modern societies and the still pervasive ideas that arose from that thinking. You’ll appraise the ‘modernity thesis’ and its principal ideas emanating from classical sociological thought, and you'll describe and explain the ideas and themes of non-western approaches to the discussion of social life (e.g. Islamic and Southern Theory) and their critiques of Enlightenment sociology.

What is Society?

You’ll examine how a variety of social structures and institutions shape society. You’ll develop an understanding of the relationship between structure and agency, and you'll examine strategies which have been used for challenging structural inequalities.

Identity, Culture and Student Life

You’ll be introduced to key ideas around identity, culture and everyday life. You’ll use student life as a lens to bring together sociological knowledge, and personal experience, and you'll develop your ability to use your sociological imagination to interrogate everyday experiences.

Core modules

Social and Lifespan Developmental Psychology

Examine the major theories and methodological approaches in social and developmental psychology; develop an understanding of the range of development across the lifespan; develop an appreciation and understanding of the diversity of development of individuals and groups across age, time, culture and place; and consider the relationship between theories in social psychology and an everyday understanding of social behaviour.

Cognitive and Biological Psychology

Building upon the module in Year One you will explore in depth, and critically evaluate from a cognitive and biological perspective, concepts and research methodologies in topics such as memory, attention, sensation, and perception. You will also understand of how the evidence from investigations can inform theory about how these processes are organised and how to become a critical reader of the research literature.

Research Methods and Statistics 2

An integrated module studying advanced experimental, psychometric, and qualitative research techniques in laboratory practicals. Supporting this are a series of lectures and workshops designed to help you develop your statistical knowledge and skills.Laboratory work will involve one experimental study, one regression-based study, and a qualitative study. All studies will be on an area relevant to psychology. You will be organised into small groups, and each group will have to run and report upon their study. You will also be required to formulate hypotheses, search for and review relevant literature, prepare or select necessary stimuli or scales, select a sample, collect and analyse data appropriately, interpret findings, and produce individual reports of the work undertaken. The module will also build upon the content of Statistics (One). Particular emphasis will be placed on factorial ANOVA and the concept of interaction. You will also consider the theory and statistical techniques associated primarily with non-experimental research. These include multiple regression, Cronbach’s alpha, multiple correlations, and exploratory factor analysis.

Analytical Thinking in Psychology

This will be delivered in a small group setting with your personal and academic tutor who you will meet with weekly. In the module you will consider some of the key debates in contemporary psychology and discuss how these inform current research and practice.

Constructing Modern Societies

The module seeks to develop your skills of reflexivity and your critical awareness of – and responsible engagement with – the real world, by introducing you to the fundamental and essential concepts and values of sociological thought and practice. Sociology is often stated to be discussion of modern times (Giddens), and it is in that spirit that this module attempts to help you use a sociological imagination, based upon sound sociological knowledge, to help you navigate the modern world.

Core modules

Psychology Research Project

A major piece of work in which you will carry out independent research, the topic and design of which is decided upon in consultation with a supervisor. The project will demonstrate that you can conduct an extended research report, as well as show your understanding of the methodological skills and presentational techniques developed throughout the course.

Professional Practice in Psychology

Addressing aspects of professional psychology, you will work on a problem from a set of professional scenarios and form a project team to address it. The first half of the module addresses a single area of professional practice: the theory and application of occupational and organisational psychology. The second half of the module uses problem-based learning methods to give you an experience of professional project work across a broader range of applied areas of interest. Students select a problem from a set of professional scenarios and form a project team to address it. The project team work as a group to produce a consultancy report of their findings and each student writes an essay reflecting on their experiences.

Optional modules

The optional modules on offer are subject to change and availability, but the modules currently available are shown below. You will select one module from each set:

Set A: choose one
  • Black and Cultural Psychology
  • Contesting Mental Illness: The Psychology of Distress
  • Cyberpsychology
  • Gender, Identity and Body Image
  • Health and Psychology of Chronic Illnesses
  • Occupational Psychology
  • Mind Reading and Mind Control
  • Personality, Personality Disorders and Violence
  • Primates and Us: Behaviour, Bodies and Brains
  • Psychology in the Criminal Justice System
  • Psychology of Criminal Behaviour
  • Psychology of Religion
  • Psychopathology
  • Trauma in Children and Adolescents
Set B: choose one
  • Biological Perspectives on Mental Health and Wellbeing
  • Community, Health and Applied Social Psychology
  • Evolutionary Psychology
  • Motivation in Education
  • Person Perception
  • Politics, Ideology and Moral Psychology
  • Psychology, Educational Support Needs and Inclusion
  • Psychology of Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease
  • Psychology of the Family
  • Psychology of Mindfulness
  • Psychology of the Paranormal
  • Psychology of Sleep
  • Psychology of Social Realities
  • Statistics 3: Advanced Statistics for Research
OR
choose one from Advanced Psychology modules

Advanced Cognitive and Biological Psychology

This advanced psychology module aims to give students further insight into biological and cognitive material, building on the basic knowledge acquired in Year Two. In particular, you will be encouraged to: develop a reflective understanding of the anatomy and physiological processes that underpin psychological experience; develop an understanding of the methodologies used to examine issues in biological psychology; critically examine how contemporary bio-psychological models are developed, and evaluate them as explanations of behaviour; develop a thorough understanding of how various cognitive psychological constructs can be used to theorise mental functioning in a range of domains; develop an in-depth understanding of the cognitive processes that underlie the performance of several different everyday tasks; have an understanding of relevant research evidence, and of how research relates to theory; and to be able to critically evaluate different accounts of cognitive functioning in specific domains.

Advanced Social and Developmental Psychology

This module will build on the Year Two Social and Lifespan Developmental Psychology module. You will further explore child development and its relationship to a child’s genetics and environment, childhood, education and family, attachment and emotional development, adolescence, language development, cognitive processing and development, difficulties in development, social categorisation, social identity, pro-social behaviour, processes of social influence, and intergroup relations. You will also develop knowledge and understanding of social psychological processes, and be able to contextualise the development and use of social and developmental psychological theory and research. You'll build on your understanding of how evidence from investigations can inform theory and practice and provide in-depth discussions of a set of contemporary applied issues in social and developmental psychology. You'll also evaluate the relevance of theory and research in social and developmental psychology to specific areas of application, and you'll become a critical reader of the research literature.

Sociology modules: choose one
  • Cities and Urban Life
  • Environmental Sociology
  • Identities and Intimacies
  • Popular Culture
  • Race, Culture and Society
  • Sociology of Harm

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How you’re taught

The BSc (Hons) Psychology with Sociology is taught by experienced staff used to dealing with students from a range of backgrounds and with varying levels of skill and experience.

To provide you with a first-class learning experience and to guarantee you have an opportunity to make the most of your time at university, you will receive contact time through a diverse range of delivery methods that include lectures, workshops, and one-on-one supervision.

Tutorials with staff

To help you transition into NTU, during your first two years you will be supported through a tutorial system where you will meet with an academic tutor in a small group setting on a weekly basis.

These sessions will help you with study skills, and give you advice about the course and curriculum.

Each year you will have an academic and personal tutor who you can approach for personalised advice relating to your course or to raise any difficulties you are experiencing relating to your work, personal circumstances, or your university experience.

Virtual learning environment

You'll also use our virtual learning environment NOW, which is a flexible web-based system that allows you to have 24-hour access to module learning materials and reading lists. It allows you to discuss work with tutors and other students, and submit coursework electronically from anywhere in the world.

Learning from experts

Our lecturers are highly respected researchers who conduct innovative research in their specialist areas. NTU Psychology employs world-leading Professors and academic staff, and you will learn about cutting-edge Psychology from this diverse and talented team people.

This is particularly important when it comes to your final year, where you will be taught by experts in their field on your optional modules and complete your project under their guidance.

We have a wide range of research groups spanning all areas of Psychology, such as:

Enriching opportunities

In addition to learning from our own team of talented staff, you will also hear and learn from renowned experts and professionals in related fields who are regularly invited to come and talk to our students, providing you with an insight into their specialist knowledge and experiences.

You'll get the opportunity to attend the NTU Psychology seminar series that takes place throughout the academic year. The seminars invite experts and professionals to present their publications and research findings. This is an integral part of our research culture and stimulates thinking and debate.

Opportunities that have been offered in recent years to our undergraduate students include:

  • Festival of Psychology
  • Freud Museum visit
  • Monkey Forest visit
  • Galleries of Justice visit
  • Guest lectures
  • Transgender Talk
  • Autism Network Group
  • Occupational Psychology Series
  • Resilience training
  • Psychology social events including Psychology and Pizza, Student Welcome Back parties, care leavers and estranged students socials, and visits to the Wollaton Hall Christmas lights show.

We also offer a number of opportunities to learn and work while you study:

  • Placement opportunities such as the Swebeswebe South African Primate Project
  • Paid and voluntary research assistant and apprentice schemes
  • Equipment demos.

Study abroad opportunities

If you are on the three-year full-time course, you may also have the chance to study abroad at one of our partner universities. You'll decide early on in your first year if you would like to apply to take part in the exchange programme. You would study abroad between Year Two and Year Three, and it would therefore involve extending the course length to four years.

All of our exchange partners offer modules taught in English, including our European partners, so foreign language skills are not essential.

Placement year opportunities

You also have the option of choosing a four-year course that includes a year-long placement between Year 2 and your final year which we will support you to find. You must apply with the UCAS code C8LJ to be considered for this.

Our students undertake a wide variety of placements, for example:

  • working in prisons to provide support for families
  • roles within the police
  • honorary assistant psychologist within the NHS (clinical)
  • clinical support worker for mental health charity
  • teaching assistant for children with special educational needs
  • support planner for homeless charity

Students also complete placements in industry, using the psychological knowledge in many areas essential to business such as marketing, human resources or data handling.

Learn a new language

Alongside your study, you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students, and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have.

Learning a new language can:

  • enhance your communication skills
  • enrich your experience when travelling abroad
  • boost your career prospects.

How will I be assessed?

You'll be assessed in a variety of ways and on a modular basis – through traditional means such as examinations, research reports and essays, but also in more innovative ways which may include blogs, reflective essays and podcasts.

Your final year project is a cornerstone of the degree and is your opportunity to put all you've learned into practice! Our diverse approach to assessment allows students to demonstrate the breadth of their abilities and provides opportunity for everyone to excel.

The range of assessment tools has been acknowledged as one of the strengths of the course by the BPS Accreditation Committee and External Examiners.

In response to student feedback, the University introduced a policy ensuring you receive feedback on your assessed coursework within three weeks of submission. This timely feedback means you have the chance to incorporate suggestions for improvement in your future assignments.

Contact hours

Full time and sandwich

You will have around 10-12 hours per week of contact time (lectures, seminars and workshops) with our teaching staff which is around 30% of a full-time week.

Approximately 90% of our teaching is in-person.

The remaining 70% of your time will be devoted to independent study.

Staff Profiles

Maria Kontogianni - Principal Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Maria Kontogianni is a Principal Lecturer in Psychology at Nottingham Trent University, with a particular responsibility for staff development and staff wellbeing.

Duncan Guest - Head of Academy

School of Social Sciences

Dr Duncan Guest is Head of Academy within NTU Psychology. He joined NTU in 2011 and has held various management positions before coming Head. His research focuses on cognitive psychology

Mike Vernon - Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Mike Vernon

Bridget Waller - Professor of Psychology

School of Social Sciences

Professor Bridget Waller is an academic with research expertise in nonverbal communication.

Andrew Dunn - Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Dr Andrew Dunn is a senior lecturer at Nottingham Trent University. He is an experimental psychologist interested in perception, memory, attention and evolution. His view is that humans have evolved…

Dung Jidong - Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Dr Dung Jidong is a Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology

Lai-Sang Iao - Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Lai-Sang is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at Nottingham Trent University.

Christina Howard - Associate Professor

School of Social Sciences

Christina is an Associate Professor in Psychology. She teaches on our undergraduate Psychology courses, Masters Psychology courses as well as supervising PhD students.

Blerina Kellezi - Associate Professor

School of Social Sciences

Blerina Kellezi

Treshi-Marie Perera - Senior Lecturer

Department of Psychology

Dr Treshi-Marie Perera is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology. Her research interests are in the field of sensory integration and body perception. She employs body illusions (such as the famous

Alexander Meredith - Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Alexander Meredith

Belinda Winder - Professor

Psychology

Belinda Winder

Annika Paukner - Associate Professor

School of Social Sciences

Annika Paukner is an Associate Professor in Comparative Psychology in the School of Social Sciences.

Filipe Cristino - Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Filipe is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology. He teaches a range of cognitive courses at undergraduate level. He also supervises undergraduate and postgraduate research projects.

Emma Vardy - Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Gary Jones - Professor

School of Social Sciences

Gary is currently a Professor at NTU Psychology. His work primarily focuses on how language and memory are influenced by linguistic experience.

Gayle Dillon - Deputy Head of Department

School of Social Sciences

Gayle Dillon is a Principal Lecturer in Psychology, with a responsibility for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion within the department. She teaches on the undergraduate single and combined honours psychology degrees…

Rebecca Larkin - Deputy Head of Department

School of Social Sciences

Rebecca Larkin

Ian D Stephen - Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Ian Stephen

How you’re assessed

Full time and sandwich

Year 1
  • Coursework - 37%
  • Written exam - 17%
  • Multiple choice phase tests - 38%
  • Presentation - 8%
Year 2
  • Coursework - 67%
  • Written exam - 25%
  • Multiple choice phase tests - 8%
Final year
  • Coursework - 66%
  • Written exam - 17%
  • Presentation - 17%

Careers and employability

Core skills

Our Psychology with Sociology course is designed so that you can develop all the knowledge and skills that you'll need for your future career.

The diversity of our Psychology curriculum means that the course will enable you to develop a number of key transferrable skills that will be of use in a wide range of careers.

Some of these key skills include:

  • Analytical skills and critical thinking: During the course you will need to critically appraise a number of different sources in order to construct an argument. You'll be fully supported to develop these skills through regular coursework and in-depth feedback on your work.
  • Research and problem-solving skills: one of the best things about doing a psychology degree is conducting your own research! You will learn how to construct research questions and hypotheses, and then design research studies to answer these questions.
  • Data-handling skills: We'll train you how to handle the data you collect from your research. This will involve both quantitative (numerical) and qualitative (text-based) data. You will learn to summarise and present both types of data which is a skill required in many careers. NTU Psychology is one of only a few universities in the UK that teaches statistics using an open-source package called 'R' which enables you to use your skills after your graduate. This is particularly relevant for data science careers for which R is a central skill.
  • Written and oral communication skills: You will complete a wide range of assessments that will develop both your written and oral communication skills. You will communicate your ideas in writing through assessments such as portfolios, essays, research reports and blogs, and also present your work orally through podcasts and live presentations.

Highly sought after by employers, these skills will put you in a strong position in the graduate market. You may go on to use your degree as the first step to becoming a professional psychologist (for example clinical, forensic, occupational).

Excellent work experience opportunities

Our graduates go on to secure many varied roles, all of which will use their Psychology degrees in some way, for example in education, policing, marketing or human resources.

Work-like experience opportunities are an integral part of the course and will feature at all levels of study. You'll be given the opportunity to engage in a number of types of activity which are supported and assessed through core modules.

This activity includes:

  • Employer challenges where you work with a business or charity, applying your psychological knowledge to a real-world scenario, presenting your findings to the organisation who can benefit from your work.
  • Work experience opportunities where all students will be supported to gain 60 hours of real-world work experience that you will be asked to reflect upon as part of the course.
  • Nottingham Trent Volunteering which allows you to get involved in one-day challenges, student-led projects and volunteer shop.
  • Work insight events where you get the opportunity to meet an employer, hear about their organisation and ask questions. An example of this is the Festival of Psychology which we host in collaboration with the British Psychological Society.
  • NTU SHIELD offers a number of short-term placements for students in their second year of study as well as opportunities for sandwich year placements. Launched in 2023, SHIELD is a mental health and wellbeing service for adolescents experiencing difficulties or challenges, and delivers guided self-help in partnership with local providers. Students will be trained in the provision of this support with support and supervision from University staff, with the experience gained supporting future career prospects in psychological practice.

If you have applied for the four-year sandwich course (C8LJ), you will complete a year-long work placement. You will be supported by the university and course team to secure your placement.

Your career development or further study

With the British Psychological Society’s GBC secured (provided you graduate with a 2.2 honours degree), you will be eligible on graduation to pursue further postgraduate (Masters of Doctoral) training in psychology. You may wish to pursue an academic or research career in various areas of psychology by working as a research assistant, or by studying for a Masters or PhD.

Our postgraduate courses include:

  • Applied Child Psychology
  • Cyberpsychology
  • Forensic Mental Health
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Occupational Psychology
  • Psychology Research Methods
  • Psychological Wellbeing and Health

Our Employability team

Careers and employability advice is available to all our undergraduate students and is provided by a team of subject specialists within the Department of Psychology and the University's Employability team.

Psychology is very proud of its graduates and their successes. We very much look forward to helping you graduate to your chosen career, be it in psychology or beyond.

Campus and facilities

Psychology laboratories

As a Psychology student you will benefit from our dedicated learning environment, including purpose-built psychology teaching labs, state-of-the-art lecture theatres, and dedicated student study areas.

Our specialist research laboratories support staff research, as well as student projects, in the exciting areas of human cognition, behavioural neuroscience, human interaction and communication, and human development. These include:

  • eye-tracking labs (and mobile eye-tracking equipment)
  • motion capture lab
  • EEG labs
  • transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) lab
  • transport lab, including driving simulators
  • developmental observation lab
  • interview and focus group rooms
  • computational modelling and data analysis lab
  • auditory perception lab
  • large number of bookable lab cubicles
  • various other technical equipment, including an Oculus Rift and video and audio capture and analysis equipment.

Find out more about these specialist facilities.

You will also have easy access to fantastic facilities in the Chaucer and Taylor buildings including:

  • lecture theatres and teaching classrooms;
  • open access PCs and secure wireless points;
  • study areas and social spaces;
  • Chaucer cafe serving drinks and light snacks;
  • our School of Social Sciences reception, providing you with easy access to our helpful and friendly support staff.

IT resources

Our IT resource rooms and PC clusters are distributed across the City Campus, with PCs providing access to:

  • Microsoft Office
  • email
  • web browsing
  • networked file storage
  • high-speed online printing services

The University’s main resource room in the library is available 24 hours a day.

Book and library resources

In our library you will have access to an extensive and diverse range of books and periodicals that focus on specialist areas within Criminology. The library's OneSearch system provides access to all our:

  • electronic resources
  • journals
  • books.

We have a liaison librarian who is available to give you detailed help in finding and using print and electronic resources. They can also help you with things such as Harvard referencing and research skills.

City location

The location of the City Campus also means that you have easy access to:

  • sports facilities
  • shops
  • student accommodation
  • music venues
  • cafés.

Entry requirements

Three years full-time

  • Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications.
  • Contextual offer: 104 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications.

Four year placement

  • Standard offer: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications.
  • Contextual offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications.

It is preferable that students do not have more than one A-level in a performance, artistic or creative subject such as Art, Dance or Drama. However, all applications will be considered on an individual basis.

Psychology is about understanding behaviour, in all its forms. Primarily you will have an interest in psychology – in why people behave in the way they do. Psychology at NTU is treated as both a biological and social science, and it is preferable that you have some understanding of the broad nature of the discipline. Ideally, you will be interested in learning about out how to carry out research and analyse data.

All applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and we are happy to accept applications from mature students, students with access qualifications, and many other types of standard and non-standard qualifications for which we can calculate UCAS points. Non-standard applicants may be interviewed.

Please note that a Disclosure and Barring Service check (formerly known as a Criminal Records Bureau disclosure) will be necessary before working with young people or vulnerable populations, but it is not required for admission onto the BSc (Hons) Psychology or the course pathways.

Course transfers

Transfers between the full-time and sandwich courses may be possible when you have enrolled at NTU, but transfers to the sandwich course are subject to availability. A transfer is also likely be subject to you passing your first year on the full-time course with a specific percentage average.

Transfers between other courses within Psychology, for example BSc (Hons) Psychology with Sociology to BSc (Hons) Psychology may be considered where:

  • the request is made in the first two weeks of term
  • you meet the UCAS requirements for the alternative course
  • there is capacity on the alternative course.

Please note: course transfers cannot be guaranteed.

Contextual offers

A lower offer may be made based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer and we get data from UCAS to make these decisions. NTU offers a student experience like no other and this approach helps us to find students who have the potential to succeed here but who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Find out how we assess your application.

Other qualifications and experience

We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.

Meeting our entry requirements

Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS tariff points attached to specific grades, including A levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

Three years full-time

  • 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications.

Four year placement

  • 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications.

It is preferable that students do not have more than one A-level in a performance, artistic or creative subject such as Art, Dance or Drama. However, all applications will be considered on an individual basis.

Psychology is about understanding behaviour, in all its forms. Primarily you will have an interest in psychology – in why people behave in the way they do. Psychology at NTU is treated as both a biological and social science, and it is preferable that you have some understanding of the broad nature of the discipline. Ideally, you will be interested in learning about out how to carry out research and analyse data.

All applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and we are happy to accept applications from mature students, students with access qualifications, and many other types of standard and non-standard qualifications for which we can calculate UCAS points. Non-standard applicants may be interviewed.

Please note that a Disclosure and Barring Service check (formerly known as a Criminal Records Bureau disclosure) will be necessary before working with young people or vulnerable populations, but it is not required for admission onto the BSc (Hons) Psychology or the course pathways.

Course transfers

Transfers between the full-time and sandwich courses may be possible when you have enrolled at NTU, but transfers to the sandwich course are subject to availability.

A transfer will also be subject to you passing your first year on the full-time course with a specific percentage average.

Transfers between other courses within Psychology, for example BSc (Hons) Psychology with Sociology to BSc (Hons) Psychology may be considered where:

  • the request is made in the first two weeks of term
  • you meet the UCAS requirements for the alternative course
  • there is capacity on the alternative course.

Please note: course transfers cannot be guaranteed.

International qualifications

We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:

English language entry requirements

You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)

If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:

Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)

You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Fees and funding

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.

Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494

Additional Costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.

Library books

Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

Field trips

All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.

During the course, you will go on a two day residential trip in year one and potentially a one to four week international summer school between year two and the final year. Travel and accommodation arrangements are provided during these trips/tours but learners will be required to cover certain elements of travel costs themselves. There will be a requirement for learners to contribute towards their own food provision/costs during the trips/tours.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Print and copy costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.

Tuition fees for September 2024 entry

Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your undergraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government. Visit our fees page for more information.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:

Paying fees

Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Additional Costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.

Library books

Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

Field trips

All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Students completing the four year degree may choose to apply for a study abroad option instead of a work placement (or a mixture of study abroad and work placement) during the third year of the course. If successful, students will be expected to pay for accommodation, travel and living costs whilst on study abroad/placement. Travel grants and Erasmus funding may be available to help fund international travel costs.

Print and copy costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.

How to apply

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Writing your application and personal statement

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember that we can only make a decision based on what you tell us, so include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.

Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!

You can apply for this course through UCAS.

If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.