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The University of Northampton · Undergraduate
BSc (Hons) Psychology Bachelor's degree at Northampton
BSc (Hons) Psychology at Northampton is accredited as a nationally recognised UK degree and has received Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
BSc (Hons)
Award
3
Years
Full-time
Study mode
75%
in work/study (15m)
About this course
Explore human behaviour from different perspectives with our BSc Psychology degree, accredited by the British Psychological Society. Apply today! From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Psychology is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Northampton, based in Waterside Campus, University of Northampton. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Psychology graduates from this provider, 75% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 30% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Psychology, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
7.6
/ 10
Strong
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Strong72
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Strong75
Limited evidence Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 75% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Excellent82
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 82% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 6 modules
- Psychology in PracticeCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module introduces students to applications of psychological knowledge in the real world. It aims to help students acquire knowledge and understanding of theory and research relating to key topics in Applied Psychology and to develop the critical skills necessary to the evaluation of different approaches within Applied Psychology.
- Introduction to PsychologyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to provide students with a broad understanding of psychology by introducing four core areas (social, developmental, cognitive and biological psychology). Students will develop critical thinking and evaluative skills of psychological material by focusing on theory, empirical research and real-life examples.
- Investigating PsychologyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to promote reflective critical thinking and evaluation skills using a wide variety of psychological materials, and develop student confidence in evaluating and conducting Psychological research.
- Becoming a PsychologistCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to provide a fundamental introduction to research design, analysis and interpretation in psychology. Students need to understand common methods of investigation, in order to appreciate the source and context of theories and research findings encountered in specific subject areas studied in other psychology modules.
- Positive PsychologyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module aims to develop student's intra-and-inter-personal skills through exploring Positive Psychology theory and application and increasing self-awareness. Throughout the module, you will gain understanding for how these are experienced, how we relate to them, and what psychology has begun to understand about them.
- Psychology for LifeCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to be personally relevant to students' psychological studies and enable them to start to build psychological literacy – using psychological skills and knowledge to solve real-world problems and interact ethically and responsibly with others.
Year 2 8 modules
- Independent Practical WorkCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to develop students' skills in collaboratively and independently developing research questions, conducting psychological research, performing data analyses, drawing appropriate conclusions and reporting empirical research.
- Research Methods and StatisticsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to continue development in research skills established in 'Becoming a Psychologist' (PSY1006). Students will increase psychological competency in preparation for the dissertation via engaging in ethical thinking and enhancing core skills at all levels of the research process
- Biological and Cognitive Psychology: Mechanisms of the MindCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to build on the introduction to biological and cognitive approaches in psychology provided in Introduction to Psychology (PSY1003). It introduces new and more complex material with a view to developing students' knowledge, understanding and critical appreciation of the theories and research applied in these approaches
- Development and SocietyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to build on the Social and Developmental Psychology material introduced in the Level 4 module PSY1003 – Introduction to Psychology. This module covers contemporary and critical perspectives related to development across the lifespan within complex social worlds and will be of interest to students wishing to deepen their knowledge of theories, research and methods in Social and Developmental Psychology.
- Personality & the Fundamentals of PsychologyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to build upon material presented at Level 4 by tracing the historical development of Psychology as an academic discipline and exploring key theories and research in personality and individual differences. Special consideration will be given to conceptual issues that continue to generate debate.
- The Psychology of Well-beingOptional20 credits
Module details
The objective of this module is to further develop the knowledge acquired in Positive Psychology (PSY1011) by specifically considering the application of theories to a range of contexts. The module refers to a range of psychological processes, recognizing the importance of biological, cognitive, emotional and social factors in understanding well-being.
- The Psychology of Learning and Teaching in Educational SettingsOptional20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to enable students to view education from a psychological perspective and to become aware of the ways in which Psychology can be used to understand and to improve learning and teaching. Students will spend time observing and/or participating in an educational environment, which could be a school, college, training environment or other relevant setting.
- Evolutionary PsychologyOptional20 credits
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This degree explores human behaviour from different perspectives, building from psychological foundations to specialist options. You'll usually begin with core topics spanning cognitive, social and biological psychology, alongside research methods and statistics, skills central to BPS-accredited study. In Year 2, you'll progress to cognitive psychology, social and developmental psychology, and advanced research techniques. By Year 3, you'll choose specialist options such as clinical psychology, forensic psychology, neuroscience, child development or health psychology, whilst studying individual differences and psychopathology. You'll complete the degree with your own empirical dissertation, a supervised research project involving data collection, analysis and write-up.
Who it's for
This course suits students with A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent, with a typical UCAS tariff of 80–95 points. You should have a genuine interest in understanding human behaviour, mental processes and psychological research. The course is appropriate whether you're considering psychology as a profession or exploring the subject as part of broader academic study.
Careers & job market
Nationally, 85% of psychology graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Of those working, 45% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. Graduate earnings across the UK vary: starting salaries (at 15 months) typically range from £22,250 to £28,000; after three years, £19,125 to £27,000; and after five years, £22,950 to £32,400. These figures reflect national outcomes data and are not guaranteed. Psychology graduates pursue careers in clinical settings, research, occupational health, forensic services and education, among other fields.
University & format
This is a 3-year full-time BSc (Hons) degree at The University of Northampton, taught in English at Waterside Campus. The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body. The course holds accreditation from the British Psychological Society and carries Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework (2023).
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Application timelineWhat happens next
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Published entryBBC at A Level typical offer
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
AccreditationBPS
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
PlacementPublished placement option
Optional work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
Open daysOpen Days
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of BBC. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent93% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 80 - 95 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check Northampton's official course page for the current offer.
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 93% |
| another higher-education qualification | 4% |
| an Access course | 2% |
| Other | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accessible entry
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Your UCAS points0
▾
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Add your grades to see where you land
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesCCDA-level equivalent admitted students held
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask Northampton whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Home£9,790 / yr
International£17,000 / yr
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at Northampton →For students who normally live in England
illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, published course home fee
illustrative borrowing over 3 years
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Funding matched to this course
All Northampton funding →Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check
Careers & earnings
What Psychology graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £25,000 | £23,500 – £29,000 | 25 |
| 3 years after | £22,000 | £18,000 – £26,000 | 155 |
| 5 years after | £27,000 | £21,500 – £32,000 | 165 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
75%
in work or further study 15 months on
30%
in highly skilled work or study
82%
continue past their first year
85%
find their work meaningful
60%
say work fits their future plans
- 1Assistant / Graduate roleAssistant psychologist or research · 0–2 yrs
- 2Trainee / PractitionerDoctoral training or applied role · 2–6 yrs
- 3Qualified PsychologistChartered / HCPC-registered · 6–10 yrs
- 4Senior / ConsultantLeading services or research · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Psychology nationally
Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£25,000
£22,250 – £28,000After 3 years LEO
£22,000
£19,125 – £27,000After 5 years LEO
£27,000
£22,950 – £32,400national rangethis course’s medianaxis £18,000 – £33,500
National figures for Psychology graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
75 of 100
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
65% working5% working and studying10% in further study30% in highly skilled work or study
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Psychology courses at the same study level.
This course £27,000Peer median £26,500Middle 50% £25,000–£30,500
53rd percentile
Compared with 758 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Teaching and Childcare Support OccupationDiscover Uni category · 15% of published destinations
- Caring personal servicesSOC 2020 613 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,668
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 60; response rate: 50%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BSc (Hons) Psychology worth it?
Weigh it carefully. On these figures graduates of BSc (Hons) Psychology earn close to non-graduate pay, so on cost alone the course is slow to pay off.
Slower payoff: a long break-even relative to what this course adds
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 3 years of wages given up while studying. The line clears zero around year 39.1. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
+£630
10-year payoff
extra earnings over the first decade, after the fees you pay
1.0×
Return on investment
extra earnings over 10 yrs per £1 of fees
£29,370
Tuition over the course
£9,790/yr × 3 yrs (published course home fee)
£27,000
Grad earnings, 5 yrs on
£3,000 above a non-graduate (£24,000)
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 3 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
Job market & outlook
How Psychology graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Psychology courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes45%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled85%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuationHow AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Survey scoring and data cleaning
- Literature-search summaries
- Routine report scaffolding
- Standard statistical runs
More human than ever
- Clinical judgement and formulation
- Empathy and the therapeutic relationship
- Designing and interpreting studies
- Ethics with vulnerable people
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Psychology graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- The NHS
- Schools
- Research & consultancies
- Charities
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Psychology graduates.
Psychology GraduateAcademicsPsychology Graduate: ABA Support for AutismAxcis Education RecruitmentPsychology Graduate for SEND school LincolnAspire PeoplePsychology GraduateTradewind RecruitmentPsychology Graduate TA – Special Needs School ExperienceStepintoteachingPsychology Expert Witness Lead: QA & TrainingSomek & AssociatesLive from the StudySmarter job board · as of 2026-08-01.See all matching jobs
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
💷
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
📈
Where graduates go
75% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £25,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
🎯
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
⭐
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.6 out of 10: NSS 72% · in work or study 75% · continued 82%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Northampton
All students13,505
International16.4%
Aged 25+34.8%
Psychology across the UK
Students138,290
Aged 25+37.3%
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Waterside Campus, University of Northampton
2,220 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Violent Crime 679Anti Social Behaviour 509Shoplifting 183Public Order 163Other Theft 143
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Psychology right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Northampton from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £17,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Northampton’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Northampton and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Northampton
Psychology at other universities
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
Entry is historically accessible, accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 80 - 95 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
What are the entry requirements?
Set by Northampton. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
What do graduates go on to do?
For Psychology graduates from this provider, 75% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 30% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
What will it cost me?
The published home tuition is £9,790 per year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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