Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour, examining how people think, feel, perceive, learn, remember and act, and what drives the individual differences in all of these processes that make each person distinctive. It draws on biology, neuroscience, philosophy and social science to build evidence-based accounts of human experience, applying rigorous research methods and statistical analysis to questions that range from the neural mechanisms of perception to the dynamics of social groups. It is a discipline that is both intellectually demanding and directly relevant to understanding the world and the people around you.

At the University of Southampton, this three-year full-time degree covers the major subfields of psychology in depth: cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, biological psychology, individual differences and research methods. Statistical and methodological training runs throughout the programme, because psychology is an empirical science and the ability to design studies, collect and analyse data, and evaluate evidence critically is essential to thinking like a psychologist. The degree is designed to develop both theoretical understanding and applied skills, preparing you for the wide range of careers to which psychology leads.

Southampton is a research-intensive university and its psychology programme is informed by active research across the discipline. Typical entry is around 152 UCAS tariff points.

Graduates from accredited psychology degrees gain the Graduate Basis for Chartership with the British Psychological Society, which is the starting point for professional training as a clinical, educational, occupational, forensic or counselling psychologist. Many graduates also move directly into careers in human resources, market research, public health, social research, the legal system, education and the NHS in non-clinical roles. The analytical skills, statistical literacy and understanding of human behaviour that psychology develops are broadly valued across employers in every sector.