Psychology
Immerse yourself in psychology. Learn how we act, react, and interact with each other. Examine the brain, human behaviour, and a wide range of phenomena to develop transferable skills you can use in any context.
Welcome to Psychology
Is your mind made up about studying psychology? At the University of Sunderland, we offer a variety of psychology courses to suit a wide range of specialisms.
We currently have four undergraduate pathways available, which are:
- BSc (Hons) Psychology
- BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling
- BSc (Hons) Clinical Psychology
- BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology
Each of these routes are also available with an Integrated Foundation Year.
If you have studied a different undergraduate programme but aspire to become a psychologist, we offer the MSc Psychology (Conversion) course. For practicing counsellors, you can advance your undergraduate training and experience through our MA Advancing Counselling Practice.
What is psychology?
Psychology is the understanding and explanation of behaviour in both human and non-human species. We reach these conclusions about behaviour by analysing and conducting research, as this is pivotal to the study of psychology. You will be trained in a variety of approaches to cover different psychology pathways, creating a wealth of transferable skills and understanding.
Our courses are accredited by the British Psychological Society, who outline five key areas in the learning of the subject, which are:
- Social Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Biological Psychology
- Developmental Psychology, Personality and Individual Differences
- Research Methods
While many undergraduate psychology courses teach these topics as separate entities, we take an integrated approach specific to your level of learning, incorporating several of these areas into our modules. For example, rather than covering just one topic within one module, we will also consider additional factors. This gives you a thorough understanding of these key areas and ensures a well-rounded approach to psychology.
Why study Psychology?
With a psychology degree, you can choose what you want to do, whether it be while studying or as part of your career. We offer bespoke content through our optional modules in stages two and three which means you can build and shape your degree to suit your interests.
If you’re seeking a career in psychology, our undergraduate courses offer students who graduate with a 2:2 or above a Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership to the British Psychological Society, which is an essential step to becoming a psychologist.
At Sunderland, we offer a diverse, friendly, and supportive environment, with a focus on inclusivity. As a psychology student, we want you to feel part of our community, and that you can be yourself, whoever you are.
Why us?
- Our team Meet our team of expert lecturers knowledgeable in a variety of Psychology subject areas
- Our student stories Hear from our Psychology students and graduates about their experiences
- Our research Find out more about our ongoing Psychology research
- Our projects Be inspired by Psychology projects from our final year students
- Our community Get involved with our community in the School of Psychology
- Our facilities View the facilities available to students of the School of Psychology
- Our placements Discover how you can apply for placements in your third year
- Our careers Learn more about where a degree in Psychology can take you in your career
Our Psychology courses
Take a look below to find the right course for you.
Undergraduate courses
Full-time
BSc (Hons) Psychology
With an exciting range of modules to suit an array of different interests, BPS accreditation and specialist psychological laboratories, you’ll be perfectly set up for a career in Psychology.
Find out more about Psychology
Full-time
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BSc (Hons) Psychology course, with an integrated foundation year. Boasting a Psychology Department rated fourth in terms of teaching excellence in the UK, you can have great confidence in the quality of our Psychology course. With an exciting range of modules to suit an array of different interests, BPS accreditation and specialist psychological laboratories, you’ll be perfectly set up for a career in Psychology.
Find out more about BSc (Hons) Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year
Full-time
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling
Add a counselling strand to our outstanding psychology course and explore two complementary and exciting disciplines. Gain wide-ranging insights into how people behave and how they can be helped to tackle problems.
Find out more about Psychology with Counselling
Full-time
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling with Integrated Foundation Year
This is a four-year version of our popular BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling course, with an integrated foundation year. Add a counselling strand to our outstanding psychology course and explore two complementary and exciting disciplines. Gain wide-ranging insights into how people behave and how they can be helped to tackle problems.
Find out more about BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling with Integrated Foundation Year
Full-time
BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology
Study criminals and their crimes with our BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology course. This course will directly prepare you for application to postgraduate forensic psychology courses and graduate jobs in prisons, rehabilitation units, and secure hospitals as well as in public services, social work and teaching positions. Specialist forensic psychology modules will develop your knowledge and skills. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a work-based placement to gain real-life experience of the field.
Find out more about Forensic Psychology
Full-time
BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year
Study criminals and their crimes with a four-year version of our popular BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology course. This course will directly prepare you for application to postgraduate forensic psychology courses and graduate jobs in prisons, rehabilitation units, and secure hospitals as well as in public services, social work and teaching positions. Specialist forensic psychology modules will develop your knowledge and skills. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a work-based placement to gain real-life experience of the field.
Find out more about BSc (Hons) Forensic Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year
Full-time
BSc (Hons) Clinical Psychology
This course will introduce you to the field of clinical psychology and will encourage you to develop a comprehensive understanding of core psychological theories and concepts. You will learn how to apply these theories and concepts to understanding how mental health problems develop such as anxiety, depression, addiction and learning difficulties and how they can be treated. You will not only gain knowledge about mental health problems but also acquire the skills to work in mental health services.
Find out more about Clinical Psychology
Full-time
BSc (Hons) Clinical Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year
This new course will introduce you to the field of clinical psychology and will encourage you to develop a comprehensive understanding of core psychological theories and concepts. You will learn how to apply these theories and concepts to understanding how mental health problems develop such as anxiety, depression, addiction and learning difficulties and how they can be treated. You will not only gain knowledge about mental health problems but also acquire the skills to work in mental health services.
Find out more about BSc (Hons) Clinical Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year
Full-time
BA (Hons) Counselling (Top-Up)
Top-up a Foundation Degree in Counselling to a full honours degree, whilst still having the time to complete work experience whilst you study. Build on your existing knowledge, enhance your practice and reflect more widely on your professional development.
Find out more about Counselling (Top-Up)
Part-time
FdA Counselling
Reflect on your workplace experiences by studying this Foundation course at partner colleges on a part-time basis, allowing you to combine it with practical placements or paid work.
Find out more about Counselling
Full-time/Part-time
Customised Awards Scheme
Pick and choose the modules you want to study to build a tailor-made course. Available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, this course allows you to gain a qualification that closely matches your particular needs.
Find out more about Customised Awards SchemePostgraduate courses
Full-time/Part-time
MSc Psychology (Conversion)
Take the first step to becoming a chartered psychologist. Undertake the same grounding in psychological science as a three-year undergraduate course. Explore the six core areas of psychology, including social psychology, individual differences, and developmental psychology, as well as cognitive psychology, biological psychology, and conceptual and historical issues in psychology.
Find out more about Psychology (Conversion)
Part-time
MA Advancing Counselling Practice
Deepen and extend your professional knowledge. Develop your skills in the context of the contemporary mental health landscape. Advance your professional practice and experience as a qualified counselling practitioner.
Find out more about Advancing Counselling Practice
Full-time/Part-time
MSc Public Health
Are you committed to the goal of improving people’s health? Undertake specialist training for you to make a real difference. Cover three key domains, including health improvement, improving services and health protection. Analyse global and national policy, and its practical implications in an environment that encourages interdisciplinary learning.
Find out more about MSc Public Health
Part-time
MSc Psychology
Our BPS-accredited 100% online MSc Psychology course is designed for professionals seeking career advancement and individuals without a psychology background looking to embark on a career in this fascinating field. The course offers a unique, integrated approach to core topics, applying a 360-degree psychological perspective to real-world issues.
Find out more about MSc Psychology
Full-time
MSc Psychology via Study Centres
Take the first step to becoming a chartered psychologist, without leaving your home country. Explore the six core areas of psychology, including social psychology, individual differences and developmental psychology, as well as cognitive psychology, biological psychology and conceptual and historical issues in psychology.
Find out more about Psychology via Study Centres
Full-time/Part-time
MPhil Master of Philosophy
Take your education to the next level. Choose the areas you want to study, and which questions you want to research. Take the initiative while we support you with advice, guidance and facilities.
Find out more about MPhil Master of Philosophy
Full-time/Part-time
PhD Doctor of Philosophy
Refine your own agenda and do what you find interesting every day. Develop mastery of research methods that are appropriate to your chosen field. Discover things that no-one else has ever discovered.
Find out more about PhD Doctor of Philosophy
Part-time
DProf Professional Doctorate
Study for a doctoral qualification based on your professional role. Reflect on contemporary issues in the workplace.
Find out more about DProf Professional Doctorate
Part-time
PhD by Existing Published or Creative Work
Take the fastest route to a PhD. Convert your previous research outputs into a qualification which will increase your employability and open up new opportunities. Progress your academic career and add credibility in applications for research funding.
Find out more about PhD by Existing Published or Creative Work
Part-time
Higher Doctorate
Take your academic career to the highest level. Make a very significant and sustained contribution to your subject. Gain an elite qualification that will mark you out as an outstanding contributor to your field.
Find out more about Higher DoctorateResearch courses
Partner Centres
Part-time
FdA Counselling
Reflect on your workplace experiences by studying this Foundation course at partner colleges on a part-time basis, allowing you to combine it with practical placements or paid work.
Find out more about Counselling
Full-time
MSc Psychology via Study Centres
Take the first step to becoming a chartered psychologist, without leaving your home country. Explore the six core areas of psychology, including social psychology, individual differences and developmental psychology, as well as cognitive psychology, biological psychology and conceptual and historical issues in psychology.
Find out more about Psychology via Study CentresOnline
Part-time
MSc Psychology
Our BPS-accredited 100% online MSc Psychology course is designed for professionals seeking career advancement and individuals without a psychology background looking to embark on a career in this fascinating field. The course offers a unique, integrated approach to core topics, applying a 360-degree psychological perspective to real-world issues.
Find out more about