Program Overview

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.