Program Overview

Introduction to BA Art and Psychology

The University of Reading offers a BA Art and Psychology program, accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). This four-year joint degree allows students to develop their creative practice while gaining their first qualification towards training as a professional psychologist.

Overview of the Program

The program is designed to build on students' skills and develop their expertise both as artists and psychology researchers. Students will learn through sustained experimentation and creative enquiry in practical studio modules, alongside complementary studies to introduce, develop, and master skills and knowledge of art and psychology.

Learning Environment

At Reading School of Art, students will have access to a dedicated studio space, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and will be assigned an academic tutor to help develop their individual and professional practice. The School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences houses state-of-the-art facilities to support research and learning, including eye-tracking and specialist equipment for electrophysiology and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Learning Journey

The degree is structured to build on students' skills and develop their expertise both as artists and psychology researchers. Students' studies in art will include set practical projects, supported by group and one-to-one feedback, weekly seminars, and guidance from their academic tutor. In psychology, students will be taught through a variety of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and lab classes.

Develop Your Skills

The course is designed to further students' skills, both critically and practically. Students will learn to:

• Reflect the relationship of art practices to their global histories, discourse, and contemporary relevance
• Share knowledge of the diversity of art practices, materials, media, techniques, and processes
• Use materials, media, and techniques in informed, effective, and skilful ways to enhance sustainability, responsibility, and safety
• Select and present art practices and outcomes using appropriate and effective methods
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of concepts, theories, and evidence in six core domains of psychology

Assessment

In art, practice-based assessment methods provide inclusive and diverse combinations that enable students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge relevant to their individual creative practice and strengths. In psychology, modules are typically assessed by a mixture of coursework and formal examination, with some modules entirely assessed by coursework.

Professional Development

Students will be encouraged to undertake placements in both art and psychology settings. Past art opportunities have included internships at Studio Voltaire and Frieze Art Fair, performances at the ICA, and participating in an international exhibition at the Seoul Institute of Arts in South Korea. Psychology students have undertaken placements at charities, at one of the three in-house NHS clinics, and at the world-renowned Charlie Waller Institute for Evidence-Based Psychological Treatments.

Entry Requirements

• A Level: ABB
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points overall
• GCSE: GCSE Science at grade C (4) required
• Extended Project Qualification: In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM
• UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma: Merit
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

Structure

The program consists of four years, with compulsory and optional modules in each year. Compulsory modules include:

• Art Studio 1
• Learning about Learning
• The Person and the Brain
• Introduction to Psychological Research
• Debates in Mental Health
• Art Studio 2
• Cognitive and Biological Psychology
• Research Methods in Psychology
• Social Psychology and Individual Differences
• Art Studio 2b
• Development across the Lifespan
• Art Studio 3b
• Project: Art and Psychology

Fees

• New UK/Republic of Ireland students: The home tuition fee for 2026 entry is ｣9,790.
• New international students: ｣30,650 for 2026/27.

Careers

As a BA Art and Psychology graduate, students will be qualified for further training as a professional psychologist. Our BSc Psychology is accredited by the British Psychological Society and provides students with the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership. Students could go on to work for organizations such as the NHS, civil service, schools, or charities. Other graduates have found employment in galleries, education, art therapy, and film and video production.