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School of Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year

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UCAS tariff 32 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code C818
Institution code P60
Duration

4 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth

If you are looking for an alternative route onto our psychology degree, the integrated foundation year will build confidence and develop the academic and study skills to provide you with a firm foundation to progress and succeed on our BSc (Hons) Psychology. The foundation year is wholly taught within the school, ensuring that our content and study skills are specifically tailored to your needs, as you take the first steps along your path towards a career in professional psychology and beyond.

What is a foundation year?

A Foundation year provides an additional entry-level year for you to gain further knowledge of a subject before starting a full degree course.
On completing the Foundation year successfully, you progress automatically onto the full degree course, which is usually three years. You don’t need to apply for a place on the full degree course.
Progression opportunities include ...

A course with a foundation year is for you if…

  • You would like to build your confidence to study at university level.
  • You want to gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete a full degree.
  • Your qualifications don't meet entry requirements for a three-year degree.
  • You want to study a new subject that your previous qualifications or experience haven’t prepared you for.
  • You may have thought university wasn’t an available option for you.
  • You want to join a university course that is needed for the career you’d like.

Careers with this subject
Our degree prepares you for a wide range of careers by equipping you with valuable skills and knowledge that provide you with a deep understanding of human behaviour, mental processes, and social interactions. This knowledge and experience will be critical in fields such as mental health, education, business, social care, but have incredible versatility across any vocations that benefit from an understanding of human behaviour.
The School of Psychology, within the Faculty of Health, is a centre of excellence in Clinical Psychology, with undergraduates benefiting from the instruction and clinical experience of practitioners on our professional training programmes offered at Master and Doctoral level. These links, along with the hands-on experience and opportunities of placements in clinical settings provide privileged opportunities to develop essential mental health skills.
Our BPS accredited degrees provide you opportunities to peruse further postgraduate qualifications, that can lead to specialised roles like clinical psychologist, educational psychologist, forensic psychologist, or organisational psychologist.
The degree also helps you develop transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and data analysis, which forms the basis for many careers beyond psychology.
Our hands-on teaching approach, combined with a placement year and research apprentices, offers you valuable real-world experience to give you a competitive advantage in your future professional life.

Key features
  • This course is an integrated part of our psychology degree at the University of Plymouth. Successful completion of the foundation year (Year 0) provides progression onto Year 1 of our BSc (Hons) Psychology degree.
  • The foundation year is taught entirely within the School of Psychology, specifically tailored to give you the background, skills, and support to progress to our psychology degree.
  • You will benefit from the full University experience from day one – taught by the same world-leading psychology lecturers and Professors that support our other courses - providing seamless progression from the foundation year to subsequent years of our degree course.
  • Hands-on learning in our psychology experiential learning lab. We embedded practical activities throughout the course, so you can put new knowledge into practice and build practical skills for future careers.
  • Shape the psychologist you want to be. Course choices and our option-based final year give the freedom to explore the areas of psychology that interest and benefit you the most.
  • As a successful graduate, you are eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society.
  • Gain valuable real-world experience by putting your skills and knowledge into practice with an optional placement year, or take part in an international exchange year by studying abroad.

Course details

  • Foundation year

  • This year has been designed to provide the theoretical knowledge, study skills and support to provide a foundation for further undergraduate study in psychology, providing instruction on a wide variety of psychological approaches. You will gain an understanding of how psychological theories are evaluated using empirical data, and how they can be applied to everyday experience, with a specific focus on health-related issues. This year will also introduce some of the most common careers in psychology, providing early direction along potential career paths.

    Core modules

    PSYC001
    The Foundations of Psychology 30 credits

    This module provides an introduction to the foundational theories and approaches to psychology as a discipline. Psychodynamic, behaviourist, cognitive, humanistic, and systemic approaches are discussed, alongside their associated methodologies. Consideration is also given to how an understanding of these theories and approaches can contribute to other modules studied by the students enrolled in this programme year.

    100% Coursework

    PSYC002
    The Psychology of Everyday Experience 30 credits

    Students are introduced to psychological research into various aspects of everyday experience. They gain an appreciation of how life experiences are related to psychological knowledge, and learn how to apply psychological theory to world events. Lectures are supported by workshops and tutorials (or online equivalents) using a blended learning approach.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    PSYC003
    Psychological Influences on Health and Behaviour 30 credits

    This module introduces the psychology of choices and behaviour, with an emphasis on health. We will examine health behaviours and risks with a consideration of how these are influenced by psychological factors. Students will design and run a small research project in groups, with a poster presentation forming the module assessment. Lectures are supported by workshops.

    70% Tests

    30% Practicals

    PSYC005
    Connecting Psychology 30 credits

    Connecting Psychology provides an interdisciplinary exploration of how psychological principles intersect with societal structures and healthcare practices. Students examine the impacts of power and inequality, explore the psychology of behaviour, and learn about translating theory into practical interventions in healthcare and social care settings. Lectures are supported by workshops.

    60% Tests

    40% Examinations

  • Year 1 - BSc (Hons) Psychology

  • Build knowledge and skills across the breadth of psychology. You will learn about how we think, perceive the world, and interact with each other. You will also study key topics in clinical and developmental psychology, how we interact with our environment and how it shapes us, and how we are motivated to achieve our goals.

    Core modules

    HIPL400
    Interprofessional Learning 1

    PSYC421
    Cognitive Psychology 20 credits

    This module introduces some of our fundamental mental processes, such as learning, memory, attention and reasoning. Across a series of lectures and practical workshops you’ll explore some of the core concepts in cognition – designing and testing your own experiments to build skills and experience in basic research skills, such as problem solving, hypothesis testing, data collection and the communication of your findings

    100% Coursework

    PSYC422
    Clinical and Developmental Psychology 20 credits

    This module will establish an understanding of clinical and developmental psychology. You will learn about contemporary issues relating to mental health and neurodiversity, as well as the history of how conditions are classified, diagnosed, and treated. You also examine how cognitive, social and emotional abilities develop and change over childhood, informing our understanding of their origins and limitations on maturation.

    100% Examinations

    PSYC423
    Environmental Psychology 20 credits

    Examining the interplay between people and their environment, in this module you will explore the psychology behind how we interact with our environment, and the effect our environment has on our mental state and wellbeing. In embedded practical workshops you will design a project to examine these relationships and understand how best to analyse and present your findings.

    70% Coursework

    30% Practicals

    PSYC424
    Social Psychology 20 credits

    Introducing fundamental topics forming the basis of social psychology you will learn about the formation of personality, relationships and our perceptions and prejudices of others, as well as our understanding of how particular social situations affect our thoughts and behaviours. Embedded workshops provide practical training on the research skills and techniques specific to the study of social psychology.

    100% Coursework

    PSYC425
    Perception and the Brain 20 credits

    In this module you will learn about the biological bases of behaviour and the mechanisms of sensory perception. One strand of lectures focuses on the fundamentals of neuroscience, brain anatomy and function, and research methods in neuroscience including studies of disorders of the mind and brain. Another lecture strand concerns perception, with a particular focus on the mechanisms of human vision and hearing.

    100% Examinations

    PSYC426
    Motivation and Performance 20 credits

    In this module you will explore the psychology behind individual and group motivation and performance. Drawing upon principles from sports psychology, military and commercial excellence, and personal development, you will learn about the psychological theories and principles that shape our future potential. In embedded practical workshops you will explore the motivational factors that allow individuals and teams to fulfil their goals and improve performance.

    70% Coursework

    30% Practicals

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

32

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

A level/AS level:For level 3 entry the tariff points entry level will normally be 32 UCAS points from A level or equivalent. Non-standard applicants will normally be interviewed.
BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: PPP in any subject.
Access to Higher Education: Pass Access in any subject
Welsh Baccalaureate: All applications to be referred to the Admissions Tutor.
Scottish Qualifications: 32 UCAS points at Advanced Highers.
Irish Leaving Certificate: 32 UCAS points.
International Baccalaureate: 24 points overall. If overseas and not studying English within IB, must have IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 in all other elements.
T Level: Pass in any subject.
GCSE: English and Maths grade C / 4 or above or equivalent.
We particularly welcome applications from candidates returning to study, who can offer work or other related experience in lieu of formal qualifications. Therefore candidates with non-standard qualifications are assessed on an individual basis, usually via interview. We encourage any candidate who is unsure regarding the suitability of their qualifications or experience to contact Admissions in the first instance, who will then liaise with the Admissions Tutor and Programme Lead.
Extended entry requirements
  • English language requirements
  • We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.
  • Students under the age of 18 at the start of the programme are eligible to apply for this programme.

Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,535
International £18,100 £18,650
Part time (Home) £770 £795
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Health and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Faculty of Health additional costs .

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for home undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2025/2026 is £1,905.
The fee for home undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2025/2026 is £1,430.
 Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Active learning

At Plymouth you will learn as you practise, applying your knowledge in practical activities within our psychology experiential learning lab, and building experience from the start.

Real-world experience

You also have the opportunity to apply your skills and knowledge with an optional placement year, or take part in an international exchange year by studying abroad. This builds your confidence and broadens your experience.

Personalise your studies

You'll get to know the subjects you love. Our option-based final year gives you complete flexibility to focus on the areas of psychology that interest you the most.
This course is for you if...
  • you're intrigued by how thoughts, feelings and motivations shape behaviour
  • you value hands-on learning to understand your subject
  • you want to gain practical skills to set you apart in your career in education, health, business, or media
  • you seek the freedom to explore areas of psychology that interest you
  • you aspire to gain real-world experience that makes a difference to people's lives.
Psychology students around table working together

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No.1 for Industry Offering Psychology in the UK
Times Young University Rankings 2024

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Top 2 overall for Psychology in the UK for 2024
Times Young University Rankings 2024

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Top 3 for Teaching in the UK for Psychology
Times Young University Ranking 2024
 

A world of opportunity

My eyes have been opened to so many areas of psychology that I love, psychology graduates can go into so many areas - if something involves people, then at some level psychology is involved.

BSc (Hons) Psychology student Lucy tells us about how studying at Plymouth ignited her passion for Psychology. 

A great lecturer once said that psychology is the subject of everything. It is a topic that does not restrict your interests, but it allows them to grow. What I also love about the course is it not only provides you with the content, but it also equips you with skills that you can take into the real world. You learn to problem solve, analyse data, work as a team, and build a bank of knowledge for many future careers.

Chloe, BSc (Hons) Psychology student 

Experiential learning

We've redesigned the way we teach psychology. We always seek feedback from students in order to continually improve our courses. As a result, we have created a curriculum that focuses on active learning. Our range of practical activities and specialist facilities are embedded throughout our courses, enabling you to put your knew knowledge into practice from the outset and shaping you into the best psychologist and professional you can be.
Our state-of-the-art facilities and equipment are available for students to book and use, supporting your learning across the breadth of psychology, enhancing your potential, and helping you develop essential skills.
A patient sits in a chair with an ultrasound device on their head for Dr Elsa Fouragnan's research
 
 

Real-world experience

All psychology students have the option to take a voluntary placement year without needing to enrol in a specific course. This opportunity allows you to gain invaluable experience and build professional connections. The process begins in your second year with dedicated information sessions to help you determine if a placement year is the right choice for you.
BSc (Hons) Psychology student Kieran

The University is really good at preparing you for placement, running you through skills courses and teaching how to do interviews, how to go out and get placements and the etiquettes of being in different workplaces.

My placement was in a neuro rehabilitation ward working with patients that had brain injuries. I feel more qualified now going out into the world of work and feel prepared in order to go and get a job.
Kieran, BSc (Hons) Psychology 
 

Shape the psychologist you want to become

In your final year, you will shape the psychologist that you want to become with freedom of choice across a wide range of current psychology topics.
The list goes on with 32 different specialist psychology options to select from.
You are free to explore the areas of psychology that interest and benefit you the most. These studies will build up to a supervised research project, which you will undertake while working alongside one of our world-class academics on a research question of your choice.
Topic examples you may choose include:

  • ÆMorals

  • ÆPsychopharmacology

  • ÆMusic and emotion

  • ÆDeception

  • ÆAnimal behaviour

 
 
 
 

Graduate experience