Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes, asking how the brain produces experience, how people perceive, learn, remember, and reason, how personality and identity develop, and how mental health and wellbeing can be understood and supported. It is a discipline that combines laboratory science and clinical insight with social and developmental understanding, and it is one of the most popular degree subjects in the UK, partly because its questions are genuinely fascinating and partly because its analytical and interpersonal skills are valued across a remarkably wide range of careers.

At the University of Sunderland this three-year, full-time BA takes a comprehensive and integrated approach to examining the brain and human behaviour, studying a wide range of phenomena from perception and cognition to personality, social influence, and abnormal psychology. The programme includes a foundation year for students who want additional preparation before the main degree, and a sandwich year and work placement opportunities are also built in, giving you professional experience in relevant settings alongside your academic formation. The combination of structured academic learning and practical experience is designed to develop both your understanding of psychology as a science and the transferable skills you can apply in any professional context.

Graduates of psychology go on to a remarkably wide range of careers. Many use the degree as the foundation for further professional training, including programmes in clinical psychology, educational psychology, forensic psychology, occupational psychology, or counselling. Others move directly into careers in human resources, marketing and consumer research, management consultancy, healthcare, social work, education, and the public sector, where the ability to understand behaviour and communicate effectively with a wide range of people is valued.

The analytical and research skills the degree develops are also assets in data analysis, communications, and policy work. Further study at Masters or doctoral level is typically required for routes to professional registration as a psychologist.