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School of Psychology

MPsych (Hons) Psychology with Human Neuroscience

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UCAS tariff 120 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 CC89
Institution code P60
Duration

4 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth

With our 4 year programme you'll stand out with masters level training in psychology and human neuroscience. Building on foundations of cognitive, clinical, developmental, social psychology and neuroscience during the first 3 years, the fourth year will use an immersive approach to human neuroscience to provide the key practical neuroimaging/neurostimulation skills to prepare you for a career in neuroscience research. The programme is built around our new Brain Research Imaging Centre (BRIC).

Have you considered?

Careers with this subject
With an emphasis on hands-on learning, the direct experience gained using our new state-of-the-art neuroimaging facility gives you some of the most sought-after skills in the discipline. This programme provides the in-depth knowledge and practical training in human neuroimaging designed to put you on a path to a range of careers in neuroscience within academia, industry, government, and health. Graduates from the programme have been accepted into PhDs in Psychology and Neuroscience-related disciplines, and have gained positions in academia, in industry, as well as in the allied health professions.
Understanding where your degree subject could take you is an important first step in career planning. Due to the transferrable nature of the skills you gain from your studies, you may discover that there is a much wider range of opportunities open to you within this profession that you may first appreciate.

Key features
  • Four year Integrated masters programmes , build the foundations of a thorough knowledge of psychology through the first three years of our BSc course, but then extend it with an additional year of masters level study specialising in Human Neuroscience.
  • Benefit from integration with our new BRIC, offering state-of-the-art facilities for fMRI, EEG, and other neuroscience techniques.
  • Our hands-on approach to learning embeds practical activities throughout the programme, with neuroimaging advanced practice providing hands-on experience in the operation of specialized equipment.
  • Work with world-leading neuroimaging researchers and engage in an original neuroscience research topic of your own choosing.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Your first-year modules provide a foundation of 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

    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

    HIPL400
    Interprofessional Learning 1

  • Year 2

  • With a focus on developing research and practical skills, you will get additional hands-on experience in designing and testing your own experiments to explore a range of topics. You also continue to build upon your knowledge of the core areas of psychology, getting to grips with key concepts from across cognitive, developmental, social and clinical psychology.

    Core modules

    PSYC513
    Cognition and Biological Psychology 20 credits

    This module provides a comprehensive examination of the core topics in cognitive and biological psychology. Here you will learn about the key phenomena, theories and biological mechanisms that underpin our cognitive processes and emergent behaviour in learning, memory, reasoning, and language.

    100% Examinations

    PSYC514
    Individual Differences, Social and Developmental Psychology 20 credits

    This module provides an in-depth and critical understanding of research in individual differences, social and developmental psychology. Here you will critically examine the leading theories that compete to explain our social behaviour and underlying psychological processes, how they developed, and why they can lead to such different outcomes.

    100% Examinations

    PSYC515
    Health and Wellbeing 20 credits

    This module examines the relationships between health, clinical and forensic psychology that influence our health-related behaviours and potential for criminality. Here you will learn about the issues and contemporary approaches to the classification of symptoms and behaviours, and critically explore the relative contributions of inherited traits and the social and environmental circumstances that influence our behaviours.

    100% Coursework

    PSYC516
    Applied Psychology 20 credits

    During this module you will explore the contribution of psychology to success in education and work. This will include a critical examination of a range of different approaches in educational assessment and risk communication, and how best to effect behaviour change strategies to encourage diversity and promote productivity and well-being.

    100% Coursework

    PSYC519
    Research Skills in Practice 1 20 credits

    Here you will develop your understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research methods through practical experience. Across a series of workshops, you will formulate a research question, design an experiment, collect data and learn about a range of statistical and qualitative techniques to analyse your findings. This will provide increasing confidence with the research process, project management, and ethics.

    100% Coursework

    PSYC520
    Research Skills in Practice 2 20 credits

    Building upon prior learning, in this module you receive practical instruction on how to undertake and communicate research of increasing complexity. Working in supervised groups across a series of workshops you will develop and empirically test research questions on inter-group differences, presenting your findings in oral presentations and a written report.

    100% Coursework

    CPIE202
    Career and Placement Planning

    HIPL500
    Interprofessional Learning 2

  • Optional placement year

  • If you choose, you can take an optional work placement after your second year, expanding your knowledge of psychology in a real world context across the UK. Apply to spend a year honing your skills on a psychological professional/work placement. Gain invaluable experience, make professional contacts and receive a Certificate of Professional/Industrial Placement. Please note some placements may require Occupation Health and/or Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

    Core modules

    CPIE501
    Placement: Psychology 0 credits

    In this professional placement you will develop and apply your psychological knowledge in the workplace, gaining invaluable working experience and connections in a psychological discipline. Our placement team will help you to secure a placement in a vocation of your choosing and, alongside your personal tutor, will guide and support you to achieve your desired learning outcomes and vocational experiences.

  • Year 3

  • Shape the psychologist that you want to become with freedom of choice across a wide range of current psychology topics. With the study of morals, psychopharmacology, music and emotion, deception, and animal behaviour to name just a few of the topics, you are free to explore the areas of psychology that interest and benefit you the most. These studies are also augmented by a supervised research project, where you will work alongside one of our world-class research academics on a question of your own choosing.

    Core modules

    PSYC601
    Current Topics in Psychology 1 20 credits

    In this module you have a free choice of two topics drawn from across the breadth of the psychology, delivered by specialist academic or practitioner from that field. This choice will allow you to focus and develop an in-depth critical appreciation, knowledge, and skill base in areas of particular interest and utility to you and your future vocation.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    PSYC602
    Current Topics in Psychology 2 20 credits

    In this module you have a free choice of two topics drawn from across the breadth of the psychology, delivered by specialist academic or practitioner from that field. This choice will allow you to focus and develop an in-depth critical appreciation, knowledge, and skill base in areas of particular interest and utility to you and your future vocation.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    PSYC603
    Current Topics in Psychology 3 20 credits

    In this module you have a free choice of two topics drawn from across the breadth of the psychology, delivered by specialist academic or practitioner from that field. This choice will allow you to focus and develop an in-depth critical appreciation, knowledge, and skill base in areas of particular interest and utility to you and your future vocation.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    PSYC604
    Current Topics in Psychology 4 20 credits

    In this module you have a free choice of two topics drawn from across the breadth of the psychology, delivered by specialist academic or practitioner from that field. This choice will allow you to focus and develop an in-depth critical appreciation, knowledge, and skill base in areas of particular interest and utility to you and your future vocation

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    PSYC605
    Research Project 40 credits

    In this module you will undertake a comprehensive research project to investigate an original psychological research question in an area of your own choosing. Research training is provided across a wide range of workshops such that, with close support from your research supervisor, you will design and conduct an experiment or study to address your question, analyse data and communicate your findings verbally and in writing.

    80% Coursework

    20% Practicals

    HIPL600
    Interprofessional Learning 3

    PSYC600
    Careers Planning 0 credits

    This zero-credit module is home to careers talks.

  • Final year

  • In the final year the programme delivers advanced instruction on the fundamental underpinnings of human neuroscience as well as in-depth knowledge of the physics and key theoretical issues in neuroimaging research. These then form the basis for skills-based training in the practical aspects human neuroimaging, with hands-on advanced practice across a range of cutting-edge brain imaging methods. Finally, with supervision and guidance of world-class neuroimaging researchers you will bring your new knowledge and skills to bear on a research question of your own choosing in the neuroscience research project.

    Core modules

    PSYC750
    Personal and Professional Development 0 credits

    This module will enhance students awareness of the transferable skills they possess, focus thinking about future employment, spur reflection on recent learning, and promote the effective use of feedback to enhance academic performance.

    PSYC724
    Advanced Practice in Neuroimaging and Neurostimulation 20 credits

    This research rotation module will provide an immersive experience for students, enabling them to obtain first-hand experience of state-of-the-art neuroimaging and neurostimulation techniques through engagement with active research labs. Rotations will cover technical aspects of safety and data acquisition and enable students to engage with proper data collection, signal processing, and analyses based on technique-specific methods.

    100% Coursework

    PSYC725
    Neuroscience Project 60 credits

    In this module, students select, develop, and carry out an original group research project on a topic associated with their specialist area of interest using a neuroimaging or neurostimulation technique. The module comprises an independent piece of research work conducted by the students within a group and written up as an independent research paper

    100% Coursework

    PSYC726
    Foundations and Applications of Neuroimaging and Neurostimulation 20 credits

    This module provides an overview of key concepts in neuroscience that form the basis of neuroimaging and neurostimulation techniques. This module will also cover the key principles of major neuroimaging and neurostimulation techniques including electroencephalography (EEG), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and (functional) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI/fMRI) illustrating their use in human neuroscience research with concrete examples and applications.

    100% Coursework

    PSYC760
    Advanced Research Design and Data Fluency for Psychology 20 credits

    This module explores approaches to formulating psychological research questions, the design of studies to effectively investigate such questions, and how to work fluently with common types of psychological data.

    100% Coursework

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

120

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
120 UCAS points from a minimum of three A levels from any subjects (excluding General Studies).
BTEC 18 Unit National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
DDM in any subject.
International Baccalaureate
32-34 points overall
Access courses
Pass Access to HE Science/Combined Science/Humanities/Social Sciences course, to include 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at distinction and 15 credits at merit or higher.
T level
Distinction in any subjects.
GCSE
5 GCSE subjects at grade C/4 or above are preferred and this does not necessarily need to be Mathematics and English subjects.
Other
English Advanced 4+ (A1) or 5 (A2/B); Standard 5+ (A1) or 6 (A2/B). Maths – Standard 4.
Extended entry requirements
  • English language requirements
  • We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.
  • Other international qualifications considered – please contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
  • 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 all undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,385.
 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.

Why choose Plymouth?

We've redesigned the way we teach psychology. We have listened to feedback from our students and created a curriculum where the focus is on active learning instead of attending lectures. As well as this hands-on approach there are many aspects to the course that we are immensely proud of.
Facilities within the School of Psychology
We have 22 specialist laboratories which can be booked by students and staff. Labs range from single participant rooms through to labs with a range of networked or standalone computers and social interaction or group participation rooms.
Placement Year
All of our psychology students can opt to take a voluntary placement year, so you do not have to apply for a particular course. You will gain invaluable experience and cultivate professional contacts. The process starts in your second year, with information sessions to help you decide if a placement year is right for you.
Psychology Research Apprenticeship Scheme
Every year around 60-70 first and second-year students volunteer to work with a member of staff as a 'Research Apprentice'. With this informally run scheme, you'll get first-hand experience of carrying out research – everything from literature searching through experimental design and data collection to analysis and even publishing papers.
Peer-Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS)
Learning alongside other students on your course can give you a greater opportunity to discuss ideas, broaden your knowledge, gain confidence and make friends. You will benefit from regular, coordinated Peer-Led Study Sessions planned and delivered by student PALS leaders from the academic year above. Your group will be small enough to work together, discussing ideas, completing tasks and checking understanding in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Discover psychology at Plymouth and explore our open days

MPsych Clinical Psychology - image courtesy of Getty Images

Research in the School of Psychology

Plymouth is a centre of excellence in psychological research. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework assessment, 100% of our research environment and research impact was rated as either world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*), along with 73% of our research outputs (publications). Within Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, the proportion of our research impact rated as 4* or 3* was equal to or higher than institutions such as Nottingham, Aberdeen, Bath, UCL, Cambridge, and York. Overall, we were ranked above Durham and Bath on 4* and 3* research, and were the top rated department in a modern university.
We have a thriving PhD community, with around 80 doctoral students, as well as purpose-built research facilities.
Learn more about the research in the School of Psychology

Brain Research & Imaging Centre

The Brain Research & Imaging Centre (BRIC) is the most advanced multi-modal brain research facility in the South West and represents a sea-change in research capability in the field of human neuroscience.
BRIC has seven cutting-edge brain research laboratories, including the most advanced 3-Tesla MRI facility in the region. The facilities are co-located with a new DDRC Healthcare development, which includes lecture theatres to align research and teaching and the most advanced hyperbaric chamber technology in the UK.
BRIC building development, December 2020

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