Psychology with Human Biology

Psychology with human biology is a combination that approaches the human mind and behaviour from two complementary angles, one predominantly social and cognitive, the other grounded in the biological mechanisms that underlie all mental and physical function. Psychology examines how people think, feel, and behave, developing theories of cognition, emotion, development, social interaction, and mental health. Human biology grounds this in the body: anatomy, physiology, genetics, and the biological systems that support and constrain psychological function.

Together the two disciplines give you a richer and more complete picture of what it means to be human than either could offer alone.

At the University of Plymouth, this three-year full-time programme includes a sandwich placement year, a year abroad, and work placement opportunities, giving it a strong professional and international dimension alongside the core academic content. The biological side of the programme provides you with knowledge of cell and tissue biology, genetics, embryology, human development, and the anatomy and physiology of major organ systems, grounding your psychological understanding in the physical structures and processes that make mental life possible. The psychology element covers cognitive, developmental, social, and clinical psychology, alongside research methods and statistics that are central to scientific psychology.

You will develop both laboratory and research skills, the ability to interpret biological and psychological evidence critically, and the communication skills to apply your knowledge in professional contexts. The placement year gives you direct experience in a relevant setting before graduation.

Graduates from psychology with human biology programmes pursue careers in health psychology, healthcare, research, pharmaceutical science, education, social work, and a range of other fields where understanding both the biological and the psychological dimensions of human experience is valued. Further professional training in clinical or health psychology, medicine, physiotherapy, or occupational therapy is a common pathway. Postgraduate study in psychology or a biological science is a natural next step.