Advanced Psychology

Advanced psychology is a degree that takes the standard undergraduate curriculum in psychology and goes significantly further, allowing you to develop your knowledge and skills to a level that prepares you more thoroughly for research, clinical practice or postgraduate study. Psychology as a discipline studies mind, brain and behaviour through scientific methods, investigating topics from perception, memory and decision-making to personality, social influence, mental health and the neurological bases of human experience. An advanced programme deepens your engagement with both the theoretical foundations and the research methods of the field.

At Leeds, this four-year full-time programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society, which is a critical professional recognition for anyone considering a career in psychology. The BPS accreditation satisfies the Graduate Basis for Chartership, which is the first step towards a range of professional psychology qualifications. The programme includes a sandwich year, a year abroad and a work placement, giving you a substantial combination of professional experience and international academic exposure alongside the advanced academic content.

The sandwich year allows you to apply your psychological knowledge in a real professional context, whether in research, clinical, organisational or educational settings.

You will develop advanced research skills, statistical competence and a deep understanding of psychological theory, alongside the professional and applied dimensions of the discipline.

Graduates are well positioned for postgraduate training in clinical psychology, educational psychology, occupational psychology, forensic psychology and research psychology, all of which require or benefit from BPS-accredited undergraduate study. Many graduates also move directly into roles in research, human resources, mental health support, education and market research, where psychology training is valued.