Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour, asking how people think, perceive, remember, feel and act, and what accounts for the enormous variation in these processes across individuals and contexts. It draws on biology, neuroscience, philosophy, statistics and social science to build an empirical understanding of human experience, applying rigorous research methods to questions ranging from the neural mechanisms of attention to the social dynamics of prejudice and conformity. Studying psychology at degree level means developing both content knowledge and the methodological skills needed to evaluate evidence critically and design studies that produce reliable findings.

At Teesside University, this three-year full-time degree develops the core knowledge and research skills that define psychological training. You will study cognitive, developmental, social and biological psychology, alongside research methods and statistics that allow you to read and evaluate psychological research papers with critical precision. The programme places particular emphasis on understanding cognitive biases and the common errors in reasoning that affect how people assess evidence and draw conclusions, developing your ability to think more clearly and to help others do the same.

Typical entry is around 88 UCAS tariff points.

Graduates from BPS-accredited psychology degrees gain the Graduate Basis for Chartership, which is the starting point for professional postgraduate training as a clinical, educational, occupational, forensic or counselling psychologist. Many graduates move directly into careers in human resources, market research, social research, mental health support, the legal system, public health, education and social care, where psychological knowledge is directly applicable. The analytical skills, statistical literacy and understanding of behaviour that psychology develops are broadly valued, and many employers across sectors recognise psychology graduates for their capacity to think carefully about evidence and human motivation.

Further study in psychology or related disciplines is also a common next step.