BSc (Hons) Psychology
- Entry year:
- 2026/27
- Start date:
- September
- Study mode:
- Full-time
- Campus:
- City
- UCAS Code:
- C870
Available in Clearing for 2026 entry
Visit our Clearing hub: You can call one of our helpful and friendly Clearing advisors on 0808 5 564 565 or complete our online application form.
Why study this course with LJMU?
- Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)
- Opportunity to undertake a 10-hour (minimum) work placement in your second year
- Excellent spring board into careers as diverse as teaching, the police, media, management, counselling, clinical, educational, occupational and health psychology
- State-of-the-art facilities including a driving simulator and human performance lab
- Fascinating range of topics ranging from psycho-social problems and drug use to understanding the criminal mind and the functions of the brain
- 95% of students on this course were positive about the learning resources provided (National Student Survey 2025)
- International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme - visit LJMU's International Study Centre to find out more
About your course
The professionally-accredited BSc (Hons) Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University is informed by internationally important research and taught by experts in the field.
The study of psychology is about understanding fascinating concepts such as human thinking, memory, problem-solving, emotion, development, communication, relationships, and using a scientific approach to apply them in a broad range of areas from health, education and work to more specific areas, like teamwork, stress management and conflict resolution.
The course builds your understanding of psychological theory to the stage where you will be able to apply it in practice. The first and second years provide you with a grounding in all the core areas of Psychology. Options in third year then allow you to specialise in areas as diverse as education, forensics, health, work psychology, cognitive neuroscience, positive psychology and substance use.
The programme has been designed to help you develop not only your knowledge and skills but also your self-awareness, self-management, self-expression and self-presentation, so that you emerge from your studies as a fully-rounded and practical individual who is well prepared for the world of work.
Throughout your course you will be supported by a team of research-active tutors in the purpose-built environment at Byrom Street. Facilities include:
- a driving simulator
- an EEG laboratory
- testing booths
- a human performance lab
- a neuroscience lab
- a health psychology lab
Course modules
What you will study on this degree
This course is currently undergoing its scheduled programme review, which may impact the advertised modules. Programme review is a standard part of the University’s approach to quality assurance and enhancement, enabling us to ensure that our courses remain up to date and maintain their high standard and relevancy.
Once the review is completed, this course website page will be updated to reflect any approved changes to the advertised course. These approved changes will also be communicated to those who apply for the course to ensure they wish to proceed with their application.
At Levels 4 and 5, all of your modules are Core, which means all students on the degree will undertake them. Each module carries either 10 or 20 credits.
At Level 6, you will undertake your dissertation module (Core, 40 credits). You then have a choice of Option modules to meet the remaining 80 credits, made up from three 20 credit modules and two 10 credit modules.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology 1: Relationships and Associations
10 credits
10 credits
This module will introduce the tools needed for carrying out a literature search. It will provide you with a practical introduction on how to design an experiment, collect data in an ethical manner, perform statistical analysis and write up findings in a manner consistent with published material.
Introduction to Developmental Psychology and Individual Differences
20 credits
20 credits
The aim of this module is to present a range of topics in developmental psychology and individual differences research. You will be introduced to methods applied to understanding key issues in developmental psychology and individual differences research to enable you to consult and summarise appropriate sources to explain key issues.
Psychological Themes
20 credits
20 credits
This module will introduce you to psychological themes of aggression, helping behaviour, stress and emotion. It will develop your ability to identify unique contributions of different theoretical perspectives to the psychological research on a particular theme and encourage you to critically compare different theoretical perspectives on a psychological theme.
Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology 2: Testing for Differences
10 credits
10 credits
This module will introduce the tools needed for carrying out a literature search. It will provide you with a practical introduction on how to design an experiment, collect data in an ethical manner, perform statistical analysis and write up findings in a manner consistent with published material. Building on from Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology 1: Relationships and Associations, you will learn more complex statistical tests.
Core modules
Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology 4: Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
20 credits
20 credits
This module enables you to examine the use of advanced tests of differences and relationships in psychological research. You will develop an understanding of factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), simple regression and multiple regression.
Cognitive and Biological Psychology
20 credits
20 credits
This module covers key topics in the area of cognitive and biological psychology. This module builds on the biological and cognitive psychology materials introduced in level 4. You will explore current research relating to biological underpinnings that account for commonalities and individual differences in vision, touch, sleep, motivation, learning and consciousness.
Contemporary Issues in Applied Psychology
20 credits
20 credits
This module will introduce you to the psychology of risk-taking behaviours and threat assessment in the context of health, digital communication and crime. It will develop your ability to evaluate risk-taking behaviours and threat assessment in applied psychology from multiple perspectives.
Optional modules
Study Year Abroad - Psychology
120 credits
120 credits
The aim is to provide students with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement their programme at LJMU. This is an additional year of full-time study at an approved higher education institution. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be appropriate for the student's programme of study. Assuming successful completion of this year, mark-bearing credit will be awarded by the University Recognition Group. The grade conversion scale to be used will be made available in advance of the year abroad.
Sandwich Year - Psychology
120 credits
120 credits
Within this module you will have the chance to undertake an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement your programme of study at LJMU. This will give you the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to your programme of study as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment.
Core modules
Psychology Dissertation
40 credits
40 credits
This module aims to allow you to develop and independently apply your empirical research skills in your chosen area of psychology. You will explore in depth, recent and relevant literature in your chosen field and use it to guide the design of a methodologically appropriate study to address a specific research question.
Optional modules
Forensic and Investigative Psychology
20 credits
20 credits
This module aims to allow you to critically evaluate and apply psychological theories and knowledge in relation to real-world forensic problems. You will work in cross-disciplinary groups to critically explore and evaluate a range of potential solutions to real-world problems.
Health Psychology
20 credits
20 credits
This module will explore psychological theory, as it relates to public health care. It will also examine some of the major threats to public health, including obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. You will explore in-depth the major concepts and research methods used in the field of health psychology.
Cognitive Neuroscience
20 credits
20 credits
Cognitive Neuroscience addresses the question of how the brain enables human cognition and behaviour by employing a variety of different methodologies. The module will examine how methodologies as for example lesion studies, functional brain imaging, electrophysiological studies and behavioural experiments contribute to our understanding of a variety of cognitive functions such as memory, attention and perception.
Positive Psychology
20 credits
20 credits
The aim of this module is to explore in-depth the major concepts and research methods used in the field of positive psychology. You learn in-depth discussions of the psychology science associated with human strengths, flourishing and positive emotions. You will also explore the position of Positive Psychology in relation to other branches of Psychology.
Psychology in Education
20 credits
20 credits
This module will be of interest if you are considering a career in teaching or Educational Psychology. Factors affecting individual differences in children's academic performance will be explored with a particular emphasis on cognitive factors. In considering educational interventions you will learn about the ethics of research into interventions. You will think critically about the selection of interventions for specific learning difficulties based on research evidence and develop psychological literacy that would be relevant for a career in education.
Psychopharmacology and Addictive Behaviour
10 credits
10 credits
This module will introduce you to popular drugs of abuse, their mechanisms of action and their effects. You will learn how the effects of drugs can be harmful and are related to many factors including purity, dose and route of administration.
Face Perception: Processes and Disorders
10 credits
10 credits
The aim of this module is to introduce you to theory and research relating to the processes of attending to, categorising and recognising human faces. You will also be able to examine the forensic applications of research in face perception.
Social Cognition
10 credits
10 credits
The aim of this module is to introduce you to theory and research concerning social cognition and to analyse and evaluate key models and theories within the field of social cognition. You will also be able to explore contemporary applied issues in social cognition.
Work Psychology
10 credits
10 credits
The module is designed to provide a clear introduction to work psychology by covering contemporary research material to enable students to develop a critical understanding of some of the key themes in work psychology.
Experimental Psychology
20 credits
20 credits
The aim of this module is to Introduce theoretical perspectives in the experimental study of human cognition and behaviour. The module will provide you with the skills needed to prepare a research report in a concise manner in the style needed for publication including focusing on the key elements of this work.
Psychology of Sexual Violence
10 credits
10 credits
This module aims to provide criminal justice practitioners of the future a basic understanding of sexual violence and sexual offenders, providing you with an understanding of the different types of sexual violence and an understanding of the psychological theories and motivational explanations which underpin our current understanding of why offenders commit such offences.
Work-based learning
10 credits
10 credits
This module will provide you with opportunities for skill development in a workplace context. This will help you to articulate your current and required skillsets when planning your career progression after leaving LJMU.
Professional accreditation
Our BSc (Hons) Psychology courses are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). For students graduating with a 2:2 degree classification or above, they confer eligibility for graduate membership of the BPS and the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.
Graduate membership of the society is the starting point for your career as a psychologist and is a prerequisite for many of the society's accredited postgraduate and Doctoral programmes, and is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. You can read more about BPS accreditation at bps.org.uk.
Your Learning Experience
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
Teaching is via lectures, seminars, online activities and workshop groups, with the time allocated to private study increasing as you progress through the course, although you will always have the regular support of tutorial group meetings. You will be expected to write a dissertation in your third year, with ten hours one-to-one support provided by your personal tutor.
Work-related Learning
The discipline of psychology can lead to such a wide variety of careers, and employers increasingly recognise its value. This programme is carefully designed to help you develop not only your knowledge, skills and competencies in your subject area, but also your personal skills to ensure that you emerge from your degree studies as a fully-rounded, balanced, well-adjusted and practical individual: all qualities that are highly valued by employers. Although this is a full-time course, you will have the opportunity to put your practical skills and knowledge into practice in your second year when you are offered the opportunity to complete a work placement and present a report on it.
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
As a Psychology student, you will benefit from a structured and supportive learning environment where your development as a highly employable individual is paramount. A tutorial system is built into every level of your course so you will have constant support, whether it involves getting feedback on your work or discussing more general course issues.
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
All students perform differently depending on how they are assessed, which is why we use a combination of assessment methods. These include exams (seen/unseen, multiple choice tests, short answer questions), written work (essays), individual verbal presentations, practical/lab reports and a dissertation. Final year option modules vary in assessment from 100% course work to 100% exams.
You will receive feedback on your coursework within three weeks of submitting it and your personal tutor will give constructive advice and discuss any issues with you.
Where you will study
Our Psychology team is based in the Tom Reilly Building on LJMUs City Campus (Byrom Street site), which is located in the heart of Liverpool city centre. Byrom Street offers undergraduate students excellent laboratory and research facilities and a host of cafes and social spaces. Its easy access to the City Campus Library on Tithebarn Street, which is a few minutes away. You will have tutorials, lectures and seminars in several different buildings around City Campus.
The course gave me the opportunity to do a placement in a residential home for people with schizophrenia. This really opened my eyes to the importance of drug therapy.
Career paths
You will enjoy varied career opportunities with a Psychology degree, plus it provides an excellent foundation for further study or research.
The course is an excellent springboard into many areas of psychology, from health and the caring professions to education, forensics and clinical and occupational practice. Psychologists can pursue careers as diverse as teaching, the police, media, business, human resources, management, counselling and clinical, educational, occupational and health psychology.
Teaching in schools and universities or postgraduate study are popular choices too. As an LJMU graduate you have a strong advantage when it comes to applying for research posts because of the thorough training in methodology provided by the course.
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website.
Tuition fees and funding
Fees
Tuition fees for home students beginning their studies in September 2026 will be £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year, subject to Parliamentary approval.
In England and Wales, tuition fees for home undergraduate students are set in accordance with the Government’s regulated fee cap. The Government has confirmed that this cap will be £9,790 for 2026/27 and £10,050 for 2027/28, in both cases subject to Parliamentary approval.
The Government has also indicated that from the 2028/29 academic year onwards, the fee cap may be adjusted annually in line with inflation. As a result, tuition fees in future years may increase in line with inflation. We will provide confirmation of any changes as early as possible in advance of each academic year.
The university reserves the right to increase tuition fees in accordance with any changes to the maximum allowable fees set by the UK Parliament.
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus Wi-Fi.
Financial Support
The University offers a range of scholarships to support students through their studies. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist funding pages, including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs including those for placements, visas and travel for studying abroad and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
As a student on a BPS accredited course, you have the option to join the BPS as a student member. Membership starts from 26 per year (2021). For the latest society fee information, including fees for Graduate membership, please visit bps.org.uk.
Applying via Clearing
Minimum UCAS points required:
For the latest entry requirements, complete our Clearing Application Form or call our Clearing hotline on 0808 5 564 565.
You can find out a wealth of useful information and support with the Clearing process on our Clearing webpages.
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