BSc (Hons) Psychology

The BSc (Hons) Psychology is a thought-provoking and stimulating course that explores the mind, brain, and human behavior. Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), this course is versatile and can open the door to various careers such as counseling, therapy, social work, research, and teaching.

Overview

• Location: Online
• Mode of study: Part-time
• Qualification: BSc (Hons)
• Indicative duration: 4 years
• Start date: March 2026, May 2026, July 2026, October 2026
• Awarding body: University of Essex
• Delivered by: Kaplan Open Learning

Course Structure

The BSc (Hons) Psychology is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 360 credits.

• Component 01: Core - Fundamentals of Effective Learning in Psychology (15 credits)
• Component 02: Core - Introduction to Social Psychology (15 credits)
• Component 03: Core - Personality and Intelligence (15 credits)
• Component 04: Core - Introduction to Cognitive Psychology (15 credits)
• Component 05: Core - Psychology and the Media (15 credits)
• Component 06: Core - Mental Health, Stress, and Wellbeing (15 credits)
• Component 07: Core - Introduction to Research, Design, and Analysis 1 (15 credits)
• Component 08: Core - Introduction to Research, Design, and Analysis 2 (15 credits)
• Component 01: Core - Biological Psychology (15 credits)
• Component 02: Core - Individual Differences, Emotions, and Behaviour (15 credits)
• Component 03: Core - Reasoning and Decision-Making (15 credits)
• Component 04: Core - Quantitative Psychology (15 credits)
• Component 05: Core - Psychological Development through the Lifespan (15 credits)
• Component 06: Optional - Forensic Psychology (15 credits)
• Component 07: Optional - Health Psychology (15 credits)
• Component 08: Optional - Education Psychology (15 credits)
• Component 09: Core - Qualitative Research Methods (15 credits)
• Component 10: Core - Advanced Cognitive Psychology (15 credits)
• Component 01: Core - Critical Social Psychology (15 credits)
• Component 02: Core - Developmental Science (15 credits)
• Component 03: Core - Occupational Psychology (15 credits)
• Component 04: Core - Psychology of Sport and Exercise (15 credits)
• Component 05: Core - Investigative Psychology (15 credits)
• Component 06: Core - Clinical and Counselling Psychology (15 credits)
• Component 07: Core - Final Psychology Project (30 credits)

Learning and Assessments

• Teaching methods: Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you. Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus.
• Assessments: You'll be assessed through a series of assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, delivering live presentations, or by submitting longer written pieces.

Your Future

Provided you gain at least a Lower Second-Class (2.2) Honours degree overall – as well as passing your Final Psychology Project with a minimum grade of 40% – you'll be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with BPS. And with additional training at postgraduate level, you'll be able to qualify as a Chartered Psychologist (C.Psychol).

Entry Requirements

We know that many people from non-traditional backgrounds would succeed on our courses! That's why we offer two different entry routes, taking into account your prior work experience and relevant qualifications. You will also need to meet our English language requirements.

Academic Entry Route

• Three A-levels or equivalent

Work Experience Entry Route

• GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above, or equivalent
• Three years' relevant work experience

English Language Requirements

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0.

Fees and Funding

• Full tuition fee: £18,500 UK / £20,396 International
• Payment plans: Simple monthly payment plan available, enabling you to spread the cost over the duration of your studies.
• Discounts: Full payment discount of 5% if you pay upfront. Regional scholarship available for international students based overseas in eligible countries. 10% corporate discount available when three or more of your employees study with us.

Graduation

On successful completion of your degree, you'll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex's Colchester campus.

University of Essex

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Overview:

The University of Essex is a public research university located in Colchester, Essex, England. It is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in the fields of social sciences, humanities, and law. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and apprenticeships.

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Services Offered:

The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

Guaranteed, affordable accommodation for new undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Student Support:

A variety of support services are available to students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.

Careers and Employability:

The university offers resources and programs to help students develop their career skills and find employment.

Essex Sport:

A wide range of sports facilities and activities are available to students, including fitness classes, performance sport, and scholarships.

Faith:

The university provides support for students of all faiths.

Cost of Living Support:

The university offers financial assistance to students who are struggling with the cost of living.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at the University of Essex can expect a vibrant and diverse campus experience. The university has a strong sense of community, with a variety of clubs, societies, and events to get involved in. The university also has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Reputation:

The university is consistently ranked highly in national and international rankings.

Excellent Research:

The university is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on innovation and impact.

Diverse and Inclusive Community:

The university is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Excellent Student Support:

The university provides a wide range of support services to help students succeed.

Beautiful Campus:

The university has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Essex offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, law, business, and science.

Postgraduate Programs:

The university offers a wide range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and professional qualifications.

Short Courses and CPD:

The university offers a variety of short courses and continuing professional development programs.

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Other:

The university has three campuses: Colchester, Southend, and Loughton. The Colchester campus is the main campus and is located in a beautiful parkland setting. The Southend campus is located on the seafront and offers a more urban experience. The Loughton campus is home to the university's drama school, East 15 Acting School.

The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Research in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Management (REIMI) and the Human Rights Centre.