Program Overview

About this course

The Psychology BSc (Hons) (2+2 programme with Foundation Element) is designed for students with non-standard academic backgrounds. This four-year degree is run in collaboration with Wirral Metropolitan College and is intended for students from various vocational, academic, and non-academic backgrounds who have had a break in their education.

Introduction

The University of Liverpool is a research-intensive university, and many of its academic staff are leading researchers in their fields. This means that students' learning will be informed by the latest developments in psychology. The Psychology department offers professionally accredited, flexible, and research-driven programs of study.

What you'll learn

• Gain an in-depth understanding of developmental and clinical psychology, psychological debates, research methods and statistics, social and investigational psychology
• Expand your knowledge on areas such as cognitive neuroscience, developmental and forensic psychology, psychosis, psychological issues of adult ageing, and the psychology of expertise
• Undertake a research project working with postgraduates and research assistants

Accreditation

The degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society and provides Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.

Course content

The course content includes:

Year zero

• Students take eight modules that provide a foundation to the principal topic areas and methods of research in psychology
• The curriculum is delivered on the Wirral Metropolitan College campus via small group teaching by college staff and supported by online resources through the University's virtual interactive teaching environment (VITAL)
• Compulsory modules include:
  • INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS AND STATISTICS 1 (WIRR010)
  • INTRODUCTION TO COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY (WIRR011)
  • INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGICAL DEBATES (WIRR012)
  • INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY 1 (WIRR013)
  • INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS & STATISTICS 2 (WIRR014)
  • INTRODUCTION TO DEVELOPMENTAL AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY (WIRR015)
  • INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL & INVESTIGATIVE PSYCHOLOGY (WIRR017)
  • INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2 (WIRR016)

Teaching and assessment

• The programs are taught using a balanced mix of lectures, workshops, seminars, and practical laboratory sessions
• Students are encouraged to work in small groups from the beginning of the program
• The final degree classification is calculated from grades obtained in years two and three, with a weighting of 30/70% between the second and third years
• Assessed work, including essays, presentations, group work, and qualitative and experimental reports, together with examination results, contribute to the final degree classification

Course options

• Global opportunities: University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide
• Year in China: Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou
• Year abroad: Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study
• Semester abroad: Take a semester of your second year of study at one of the University's worldwide partner institutions
• Summer abroad: Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of the University's worldwide partner institutions
• Language study: Every student at the University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree

Your experience

• The University of Liverpool provides a range of support services, including careers and employability support, a dedicated student services team, confidential counselling, and support for students with differing needs
• The University is committed to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students and has a core value of inclusivity

Careers and employability

• A Psychology degree can equip you for any job in which you will have contact with other people
• The program provides a wide range of key academic and transferable skills, such as an understanding of how to manage projects, work as a team, think analytically, write cogently, and conduct effective research
• Around 60% of graduates are involved in health-related, social, public service, commercial, retail, or financial employment within six months following graduation
• About 25% of graduates go on to postgraduate study and training, many within other leading research institutes as well as at the University of Liverpool

Fees and funding

• Tuition fees:
  • UK fees: £9,790 per year (full-time), £8,500 (foundation year), £1,955 (year in industry), £1,465 (year abroad)
  • International fees: £32,000 per year (full-time), £1,955 (year in industry), £16,000 (year abroad)
• Scholarships and bursaries: The University of Liverpool offers a range of scholarships and bursaries, including The Liverpool Bursary, Asylum Seekers Scholarship, Care Leavers' Opportunity Bursary, and others

Entry requirements

• Qualification: Foundation programs have flexible entry requirements
• A levels: Not specified
• T levels: Considered in a relevant subject and specialism
• GCSE: 4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics
• Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced: Not accepted
• International qualifications: Select your country or region to view specific entry requirements
• English language requirements:
  • IELTS: 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5
  • TOEFL iBT: 100 overall, with minimum scores of listening 21, writing 21, reading 21, and speaking 23
  • Duolingo English Test: 130 overall, with no component below 120
  • Pearson PTE Academic: 69 overall, with no component below 61
  • LanguageCert Academic: 75 overall, with no skill below 70
  • Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening
  • Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990: Grade 6 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening
  • Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511: 0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking; 0511: Grade B overall
  • Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991: 0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking; 0991: Grade 6 overall
  • Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced: 185 overall, with no paper below 176
  • International Baccalaureate English A: Literature or Language & Literature: Grade 6 at Standard Level or grade 6 at Higher Level
  • International Baccalaureate English B: Grade 7 at Higher Level

Alternative entry requirements

• If your qualification isn't listed, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact the University for advice
• Applications from mature students are welcome

Pre-sessional English

• The length of the Pre-sessional English course you'll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability
• The University offers Pre-sessional English courses of different lengths, ranging from 6 to 40 weeks, depending on your IELTS score or equivalent English language qualification