Overview
Explore the human psyche with a BSc (Hons) Psychology degree. Whether you’re eager to learn about the relationship between the brain and behaviour or you want to become an expert in implementing psychology in practice, gaining an undergraduate Psychology degree at Canterbury Christ Church University will ignite your curiosity.
Deepen your knowledge and understanding of human behaviour through a knowledge-rich, diverse, and supportive curriculum on CCCU’s degree in Psychology. As your confidence grows in your chosen field, you'll have the opportunity to undertake an independent research project in your final year, enabling you to focus on your preferred area of this discipline.
What's more, our Psychology course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), which highlights our academic quality and gives you the opportunity to gain the BPS Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.
You'll also have the option to spend an additional year on professional placement between your second and third year. Choosing to study with a placement year is an excellent way of widening and developing your experience as you apply your learning to a specialist area that's in line with your chosen subject. Choosing to complete a placement will provide you with contacts, personal development opportunities, and will enhance your employability.
Accredited by the British Psychological Society
Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), ensuring quality and giving students the opportunity to gain the BPS Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.
British Psychological Society
93%
of our Psychology students were satisfied with the learning resources on their course.
National Student Survey 2023Entry requirements
|
A Levels |
BBC |
|
BTEC |
DMM |
|
Access |
15 Distinctions and 30 Merits |
|
International Baccalaureate |
29 Points |
|
Combinations |
A combination of qualifications totalling 112 UCAS points |
We do not require you to have taken Psychology at A-Level, although a background in the subject is always helpful. We do, however, require a GCSE level 4 or above in maths or equivalent (such as a GCSE in statistics).
Find out more information about entry requirements.
If you have any questions about entry requirements for this course, please contact our Course Enquiry Team.
International students
Find more information on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) requirements on our website.
Depending which country you're from, there may be specific entry requirements. Check your country to see if this is applicable to you.
112
UCAS Points
Module information
As well as the core modules, you may also have the opportunity to study a number of option modules in your second and third year. Option modules will not be pre-selected for you. We provide examples of option modules. The availability of specific option modules may vary from year to year. The offer of an option will be subject to a minimum number of students choosing the module to ensure the appropriate student experience. The offer of option modules may also be affected by staff availability. It means we cannot guarantee the availability of a particular optional module. However, we will ensure you have a choice of option modules.
Core/optional modules
How you’ll learn
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, supervisions and directed studies. The precise mode of delivery, and the number of contact hours you will have per week, will vary depending on the modules you take in each semester.
You will be expected to attend the taught sessions and contribute to group activities. Discussions in smaller groups will enable you to develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures. In addition, you will meet with your academic personal tutor.
You will be expected to undertake independent reading and research throughout your course. You will have access to a wide range of library resources (books, journal articles, and media resources), and you will be supported in making good use of these.
All courses are informed by the University’s Learning and Teaching Strategy 2015-2022.
Students will complete six 20-credit modules per year (three modules in Semester 1 and three in Semester 2).
For a typical 20 credit module, you'll receive around 50 hours of academic direction, which includes scheduled contact hours (e.g. lectures, seminars, face-to-face tutorials, workshops) and guided learning hours in the form of preparatory readings, video explainers, slides, etc.
A typical week usually comprises of 8-10h of contact time (e.g. lectures, seminars) and 8-10h of guided learning activities, with the remaining hours dedicated to independent learning.
You will be supported at all stages of your degree by our research-active team of experienced academic staff including lecturers, senior lecturers, principal lecturers, technicians, and postgraduate researchers, with additional input from external practitioners on selected modules.
Most of our lecturers have all successfully completed doctoral-level qualifications in psychology in their chosen specialist fields. Lecturers are responsible for the development and running of every module, both core and optional (with optional modules generally a reflection of an individual Lecturer's area of specialism).
On core modules, lecturers may also be supported in delivering teaching to students by our postgraduate researchers (known as Instructors), who are currently working towards doctoral-level qualification. Most of our teaching team have completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, while others are working towards it. Many are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy.
When not attending lectures, seminars, workshops, or other timetabled sessions, you will continue learning through self-study. Typically, this involves reading journal articles and books, undertaking research in the library, working on projects, and preparing for coursework assignments/examinations, workshops and seminars. Our Graduate Attributes modules are designed to support you in developing your self-study skills, to effectively engage with these tasks.
Your module tutor will direct you towards specific readings and/or activities to complete before class. You will be encouraged to develop your knowledge beyond the contents provided, by exploring the broader research literature available and pursuing your own lines of enquiry. For some assignments, you might undertake independent research. For this, you will work under the supervision of a member of the course team, and you will meet with your supervisor regularly.
I have been part of the psychology teaching team for over 13 years and am fortunate to work with such a passionate and caring team. We are all really enthusiastic about teaching psychology, and our range of core and optionable modules offer exciting learning opportunities for everyone. We also genuinely care about our students and have a lot of psychology-specific support available to help you succeed in your studies and your career.
Dr Anke FranzSection Director Psychology
How you’ll be assessed
Most modules require you to submit two pieces of work for assessment, with each assessment generally contributing towards 50% of your module grades. You must attain an overall module grade of 40% in order to pass the module. The precise nature of the assessment methods and contribution will vary from module to module though will usually involve completing two of them following:
- Written work - such such as essays, reflective logs, critical reviews, practical reports, portfolios, posters, blogs, and case studies
- Oral work - such as presentations and podcasts
- Tests and examinations.
In your final year, you will undertake your own research project and submit your dissertation.
Your future career
Throughout the course, you'll develop valuable transferrable skills that will prepare you for employment. From team working and effective communication to presenting and organisational skills, you'll be building in confidence and ability, so that by the time you graduate you're fully prepared to follow your career aspirations.
Our Psychology degree will equip you with a well-rounded foundation in critical thinking, research, analysis, and problem solving, enhancing your suitability for a wide range of roles within the field of psychology and related disciplines.
The course also provides a solid basis if you wish to further your education and specialise in specific areas of psychology, offering rewarding and impactful career paths in both applied practice and academia. Many psychology graduates find employment in the caring professions, education, business and management, and other people-focused occupations. Others pursue careers as applied psychologists or as academics and researchers.
The Psychology course at CCCU has not only given me the tools to progress within a career in forensic psychology, it has also provided opportunities for personal and professional development, volunteer experiences, and incredible contacts. The supportive environment nurtures and encourages students to fulfil their own potential and begin a long and successful working life.
Becky Psychology graduate
98%
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023
CCCU Psychology students were in work or further study 15 months after finishing their courseFees
Although we aim to minimise any additional costs to students over and above the course tuition fee, there will be some additional costs which students are expected to meet.
Costs applicable to all students
|
Category |
Description |
|
Text books |
Own purchase text books |
|
Travel to other sites |
Where travel to other sites is required, this will be payable by the student |
|
Library Fees and Fines |
Where students fail to return loaned items within the required time they will be responsible for the cost of any Library Fees and Fines applicable |
|
Printing & Photocopying |
The cost of printing and photocopying undertaken by students to support their individual learning are payable by the student |
|
Graduation ceremonies |
It is free for the student to attend the ceremony itself. Guest tickets and robe hire / photography are additional costs payable by the student |
The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:
| UK | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,535 | £15,500 |
Tuition fees for all courses are payable on an annual basis, except where stated. The fees represented here are for study with Canterbury Christ Church University. If you are looking to study at a partner institution, please visit their website for fees information.
Please read the 2025/26 Tuition Fee Statement for further information regarding tuition fees and year on year fee increases.
Home (UK) Fees
The Government has announced that it will increase the tuition fee cap by 3.1%, in line with inflation, for the 2025/26 academic cycle. Subject to parliamentary approval, the University intends to increase our tuition fees in line with this and as per our terms and conditions. This means that from September 2025 our undergraduate home tuition fees are expected to be £9,535.
Overseas/International Fees
Undergraduate / PGCE tuition fees for international students are not set by the UK Government.
- Read advice about funding your degree
- See information about the financial support available for undergraduate studies
- If you would like information about paying your fees, please contact accounts.receivable@canterbury.ac.uk
- For specific fee queries, please contact fees@canterbury.ac.uk
Placement further information
The responsibility for finding, applying for and securing a placement ultimately rests with you. This is because if you make the initial investment in securing the role, you gain the most benefit at the end. However, the Psychology Team are on hand to help with your search and to find suitable placement roles to apply for.
The year-long placement is overseen by the academic lead for placements with mentor sessions for each student. Support is also available via the University Careers Team to develop your CV and covering letter, as well as help preparing for placement interviews.
Although a placement benefits you enormously, it is not guaranteed and if you are unsuccessful in securing a role you’ll continue on with the non-placement version of your course.
Industry links
Throughout your studies you will have multiple opportunities to gain work-related experience and skills necessary for later employment. This includes two modules which are specifically targeted towards graduate employment, covering practical aspects like how and where to look for graduate jobs, writing a graduate CV, and how to perform at interview.
We embrace work-based learning, with many modules featuring visits and talks from professional psychologists working in educational or clinical settings. We are actively expanding our network of local practitioners and service providers as well as charities and organisations to form collaborations for research, volunteering and work-related experiences for students and staff.
One of the highlights of your course is that you will have the opportunity to spend a year on professional placement between Year 2 and Year 3, shadowing or assisting in settings where professional Psychologists do their work. The placement year will provide you with contacts, personal development opportunities, and an invaluable experience that will help you shape your career goals.
Regulated by the Office for Students
The Office for Students (OfS) regulates Canterbury Christ Church University. The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education in England. It aims to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers. Further details about its work are available on the OfS website.
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Duration:
3 yearsUCAS code:
C800Location(s):
CanterburyAny questions?
Find out more
There's so much to get involved in as a Psychology student at CCCU. Read how our student and President of Psy Soc spent the last year of her degree.
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