Psychology

Psychology at University College London offers a comprehensive and rigorous undergraduate program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the scientific study of behaviour and mind. Combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills, this programme prepares students to explore various aspects of human and animal behaviour, cognitive processes, social interactions, and neurological mechanisms. Throughout their studies, students will engage with core areas such as developmental, social, cognitive, biological, and clinical psychology, gaining insights into the complexities of mental health, perception, learning, and personality.

The programme adopts a multidisciplinary approach, integrating research methods, statistical analysis, and experimental techniques to equip students with essential tools for scientific investigation. Students will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and resources, enabling them to participate in cutting-edge research projects. The curriculum is structured to promote critical thinking, data analysis, and the application of psychological theories to real-world situations, including issues related to well-being, mental health disorders, and societal challenges.

Additionally, the course emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and cultural diversity in psychological research and practice. Students are encouraged to develop strong communication skills through presentations, reports, and collaborative projects. The flexible modular structure allows learners to tailor aspects of their studies according to their interests, whether leaning towards neuroscience, clinical practice, or applied psychology.

Graduates of the programme will be well-positioned for careers in health and social care, research, education, human resources, or further postgraduate study including clinical psychology, neuroscience, or academic research. UCL’s vibrant academic community and extensive network of professionals provide a stimulating environment for learning and professional development. Overall, the Psychology undergraduate degree at UCL aims to cultivate inquisitive, analytical, and ethically responsible psychologists ready to contribute to understanding and improving human behavior across diverse contexts.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

The first two years of your degree comprise a combination of compulsory and optional modules. Compulsory modules make up the majority of credits in both years and include the study of experimental design in psychology, the neurological underpinnings of behaviour, health and clinical psychology, language, cognition, individual differences, social psychology and perception.

Optional modules in the first two years may be taken from a wide variety of subjects, in the arts or sciences, taught within UCL.

In your third year, all modules are taken in psychology and you will undertake a compulsory research project on a subject of your choice. Your project will be supervised by a staff member and will be an empirical and usually experimental piece of research utilising the skills you have learned previously.

In the final year you will take Master’s-level modules in advanced data analysis techniques. Students on the applied route will take a compulsory module on behavioural research methods in applied settings.

Students on both routes will take other Master’s-level modules relevant to their research interests, in order to prepare them for the independent piece of research carried out in either a UCL laboratory (on the research route) or in an applied setting (for the applied route).

A levels

Grades

A*AA

Subjects

To include two subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology.

GCSEs

English Language, Mathematics and two Sciences (double award acceptable) at grade B. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

39

Subjects

A score of 19 points in three higher level subjects to include grade 6 in two subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology, with no score lower than 5.

The University College London offers a variety of funding options for students enrolled in the Psychology undergraduate and postgraduate programs. For undergraduate students, UCL provides several scholarships and bursaries designed to support domestic and international students financially throughout their studies. These include the UCL Undergraduate Support Scheme, which offers non-repayable bursaries to students in financial need, and scholarships based on academic merit or specific criteria such as nationality or subject interest. Postgraduate students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in Psychology can access a range of funding opportunities, including government-funded scholarships such as the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) grants, as well as UCL-specific funding like the Graduate Teaching Assistantships and Research Fellowships.

International students are encouraged to explore external sponsorships and international scholarship schemes, including those provided by their home countries or international organizations. UCL also offers a loan scheme for eligible students to cover tuition fees and living expenses, with options to access government-backed student loans where applicable. For those pursuing research degrees, additional funding may be available through competitive research council grants, which often require a detailed research proposal and academic merit.

Students are advised to check the specific funding deadlines and eligibility criteria for each scheme, as well as the application processes, which typically involve submitting an online application form, supporting documents, and, in some cases, an interview. UCL also features a dedicated Financial Support Office that provides guidance and advice for prospective and current students seeking funding. It is important for applicants to thoroughly research and plan their financing options early, as securing adequate funding is essential for a smooth academic experience at UCL. Overall, the university aims to make studying psychology accessible and affordable by providing comprehensive financial aid programs tailored to diverse student needs, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder academic pursuit in this distinguished program.

The BSc Psychology program at University College London (UCL) offers a comprehensive and rigorous education in the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The program is designed to equip students with a solid foundation in psychological theories, research methods, and data analysis. Throughout the course, students explore a wide range of topics including cognitive psychology, biological psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and clinical psychology. The curriculum emphasizes empirical research, critical thinking, and the application of psychological knowledge to real-world issues. Students have opportunities to participate in laboratory experiments, fieldwork, and independent projects, fostering practical skills and a strong research ethos. UCL's Psychology department is renowned for its research excellence, and students benefit from access to cutting-edge facilities and collaboration with leading academics in the field. The program also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from neuroscience, biology, philosophy, and sociology. As part of their studies, students develop competencies in scientific writing, presentations, and ethical considerations in research. The university offers various support services, including academic mentoring and research seminars, to enhance student learning and professional development. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in mental health, research, education, healthcare, and industry, or for further postgraduate study in psychology or related disciplines. The program typically spans three years for full-time students, with options for part-time study or joint honours. UCL's diverse student community and vibrant campus environment provide a stimulating context for academic and personal growth. Overall, the program aims to produce reflective, knowledgeable, and skilled psychologists who can contribute meaningfully to society and scientific understanding of human behavior.