Psychology and Anthropology

Program Description:

The undergraduate BSc Psychology and Anthropology program at Brunel University London offers students a comprehensive exploration of human behavior, societies, and cultures through an interdisciplinary approach. This innovative program combines the scientific study of the mind and behavior provided by psychology with the cultural and societal understanding offered by anthropology. Over the course of three years, students will gain a wide range of knowledge, practical skills, and research experience that prepare them for careers in diverse fields such as mental health, social research, community development, or further postgraduate study.

The program begins with foundational modules in both psychology and anthropology, enabling students to understand core theories, methods, and key concepts. As students progress, they delve into specialized areas such as developmental psychology, social psychology, biological psychology, cultural anthropology, archaeological methods, and ethnographic research. The curriculum emphasizes active learning through a combination of lectures, seminars, laboratory experiments, fieldwork, and project-based assessments. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to critically analyze human behavior in individual, social, and cultural contexts.

One of the distinctive features of this program is the opportunity for hands-on experience. Students engage in fieldwork projects and gain practical skills in data collection, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and research ethics. The program also emphasizes the development of transferable skills including analytical thinking, effective communication, teamwork, and digital literacy, which are highly valued in today's job market.

The degree also prepares students for postgraduate opportunities or careers in consultancy, education, healthcare, community services, and research organizations. With dedicated support from faculty members who are experts in their fields, students are encouraged to pursue independent inquiry and develop a nuanced understanding of the complexities of human behavior and societies across different cultural settings.

By integrating psychological and anthropological perspectives, students of the BSc Psychology and Anthropology at Brunel University London emerge as well-rounded graduates equipped with a unique skill set and global outlook essential for making meaningful contributions in an interconnected world. The program's dynamic curriculum, combined with its emphasis on experiential learning and research, makes it an ideal choice for students passionate about understanding what makes us human across individual, social, and cultural dimensions.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 13000 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

Anthropology

This degree will introduce you to the history, theory and main contemporary issues within the discipline. You will also apply the ideas of anthropology to practical issues in the field of medical anthropology, in the anthropology of childhood, and in the analysis of cultural diversity in Britain, Europe, Africa and parts of Asia.

The course addresses contemporary issues such as war, nationalist movements, racial prejudice, inter-ethnic conflicts, and gender inequalities. Popular modules include: Family, Household and Domestic Domain, South Africa:Culture Politics and Ethnicity, Religion and Power, Britain's Ethnic Minorities, Anthropological Perspectives on War, and the Ethnography of Melanesia.

Psychology

The Psychology courses a Brunel emphasise the everyday and real-life significance of psychology by encouraging you to explore the relationship between the practical and theoretical aspects of the subject, both through your academic study and your work placements.

Typical Modules

Level 1 Core

• Foundations of Psychology I: Learning and Social Psychology
• Foundations of Psychology III: Brain and Cognition
• Statistics and Research Methods I
• Statistics and Research Methods II
• Introduction to Anthropology: Themes
• Introduction to Anthropology: Beliefs and Institutions

Level 2 Core

• Development and Cognitive Psychology
• Biologist Psychology (Brain and Behaviour)
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Ethnography in the Contemporary World
• Issues in Social Anthropology
• History and Theory of Social Anthropology

Level 3 Core

• Dissertation (individual supervision on topic of your own choosing)
• Social Psychology, Personality, Psychology and Intelligence Testing

Level 3 Options

Options may be approved non-Psychology modules within the School of Social Sciences.

Dissertation/Project

A major part of the final year is the writing of a joint psychology and social anthropology project which is normally based on research carried out during the second work-placement e.g. a combination of an ethnographic study and quantitative or qualitative research methods from Psychology to investigate a specific topic of interest.

Our approach

We pursue excellence in both teaching and research. Our aim is to produce degree programmes which combine innovative and classical teaching methods with leading-edge research, and which recognise the value of practical work experience in the learning process. We take great pride in both the quality of teaching and the extensive pastoral care of our students.

Practical skills

This course will help you to develop specific skills in the practical methods associated with psychology. A full range of laboratory and technical facilities is used in the teaching of experimental psychology, psychophysics and the use of information technology.

Staff expertise

All members of the academic staff are actively engaged in research and many have international reputations in their field. Their innovative findings feed into your courses to ensure that teaching is up-to-date.

Hours

Each module will involve two to three hours of contact time per week. Students will also spend a great deal of their time in private study and preparing assignments.

How will I be taught?

Teaching methods include tutorials, seminars, laboratory classes and integrated or formal lectures.

Students are assessed using a range of methods, including coursework assignments, poster presentations, oral presentations and seen and unseen examinations.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 CAE score : 60(Grade C)

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• GCE A-level AAB – ABB. Typical offer AAB (General Studies not accepted for this subject at all).
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma D*D*D in a related subject.
• BTEC Level 3 Diploma D*D in a related subject with an A-level at grade A.
• BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma D in a related subject with A-levels grade AA.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma 35 points.
• Access to Higher EducationDiploma Complete and pass a related subject Access course with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher.

GCSE Mathematics grade C and GCSE English grade C are also required.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Brunel University.

The Psychology program at Brunel University London offers a comprehensive exploration of human behavior, mental processes, and the scientific methods used to understand individuals and groups. Students will engage with core areas such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and biological psychology, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The program is designed to equip graduates with a strong foundation for careers in mental health, clinical practice, research, or further academic study. It emphasizes research methods and data analysis, preparing students to critically evaluate psychological theories and apply them in real-world contexts. Brunel's Psychology program benefits from modern facilities, including dedicated laboratories and research centers, allowing students to participate actively in innovative research projects.

The curriculum is structured to ensure a balanced mix of lectures, seminars, group work, and practical sessions. Students have opportunities for hands-on experience through laboratory work, psychology clinics, and placements, which enhance employability skills. The program also offers pathways for specialization in areas such as clinical psychology, forensic psychology, or health psychology, depending on students’ interests and career ambitions. Throughout their studies, students develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills essential for professional success.

Brunel supports student integration and career development through dedicated employability services, including internships, industry placements, and networking events with professionals in the field. The program is suitable for students interested in understanding the scientific basis of behavior and gaining skills applicable in various sectors, including healthcare, social services, education, and private industry. Graduates of Brunel’s Psychology program are well-prepared for postgraduate study or entry-level roles in psychological research, counseling, human resources, or social work. Overall, Brunel’s Psychology program offers a rigorous, engaging, and practical education that combines scientific inquiry with real-world application.

The Anthropology program at Brunel University London provides students with an in-depth understanding of human societies, cultures, and biological evolution. The curriculum covers areas such as cultural anthropology, archaeological methods, biological anthropology, and ethnographic research. Students explore how humans have adapted and interacted with their environments over time, examining issues related to identity, globalization, migration, and social change. The program is designed to develop analytical and research skills through theoretical coursework and practical fieldwork, including opportunities for students to participate in archaeological excavations, ethnographic studies, and lab-based analyses.

Brunel’s Anthropology program emphasizes critical thinking and encourages students to analyze contemporary social issues from a multidisciplinary perspective. Students learn qualitative and quantitative research techniques, data interpretation, and ethical considerations involved in anthropological research. The program prepares graduates for diverse careers such as cultural resource management, heritage conservation, social research, international development, and museum work. It also provides a solid foundation for those wishing to pursue postgraduate studies in anthropology, archaeology, or related fields.

The university offers state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories, a dedicated anthropology resource center, and access to local and international research sites. Students benefit from close faculty mentorship, facilitating personalized academic progress and research projects. Internship and placement opportunities help students gain practical experience and networks within industry sectors. The program aims to foster global awareness, cultural sensitivity, and a nuanced understanding of human diversity, making graduates valuable contributors to sectors requiring cultural competence and social insight.

Overall, Brunel’s Anthropology program combines academic rigor with practical application, offering students a broad understanding of human biological and cultural evolution, societies, and contemporary issues. The program is designed to cultivate inquisitive, culturally aware graduates equipped to contribute positively to global challenges and multidisciplinary fields.