Ranking
Top 70
QS World Rankings 2027
Hear from our students
Discover first-hand experiences from current students and recent graduates. Learn about studying at Birmingham, life on campus, and living in Dubai.
Course overview
Dive into the fascinating world of psychology! From brain science to social behavior, development, and neuropsychology, discover how research, therapy, and various roles shape transformations in corporate, healthcare, education, and law enforcement.
Fully accredited by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, our research-driven, hands-on degree is the first step in a range of careers within psychology or beyond. Study at our award-winning smart campus, learn from experts in the field and build you knowledge and transferable skills to kickstart your journey.
Study Psychology at the University of Birmingham Dubai
Join a dynamic community and shape the future of psychology.
One key reason I chose to study a BSc Psychology here at the University of Birmingham Dubai was mainly because of the emphasis on applied knowledge rather than solely testing on theoretical knowledge and aiding us in translating our soft skills into hard skills, which would become core as a psychologist in the near future. The classes are held interactively, making it fun and engaging.
This programme is accredited by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Course structure
Foundation Year
Foundation Year
You’ll dive into Biology, Mathematics, and Psychology while honing your English and study skills. Immersed in the university environment and UAE culture, you'll gain critical expertise in Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Sustainability, and Arabic—arming you with the tools to excel and elevate your employability in a competitive world.
Year 1
Year 1
In your first year, you'll build a strong foundation in cognitive psychology, psychobiology, and developmental psychology. Through hands-on projects, you'll master research design and data analysis. With modules in entrepreneurship, innovation, you'll sharpen professional skills, preparing for success in a fast-paced, global landscape.
Year 2
Year 2
In your second year, you'll delve into language, communication, social psychology, and cognitive development. You'll further develop your research skills, explore neural mechanisms of vision and action, and deepen your understanding of brain function. Engaging in campus research and employability sessions will further sharpen your career focus, shaping your path as a future psychologist.
Year 3
Year 3
In Year 3, you'll engage in advanced research and deepen your expertise. This final year sharpens your skills, preparing you to excel as an applied psychologist, ready to make a real-world impact.
Course highlights
Study at a leading Russell Group university in Dubai, where world leading research shapes your education. Learn from experts at the forefront of psychological science and stay at the cutting edge of the field.
Our prestigious, globally focused course offers international opportunities, preparing you for success in psychology, neuroscience, and beyond. With a strong foundation in critical thinking and transferable skills, from analytical reasoning to effective communication, you’ll be equipped to thrive in diverse industries and make a meaningful impact in your career.
- A research-driven program led by expert academics
- Hands-on applied teaching
- Highly sought-after graduates
Our Integrated Foundation Year offers a preview of the academic environment, giving you a head start and a solid foundation before you embark on your Psychology degree. This preparatory year equips you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in your first year of study and beyond.
- 2nd
in the Russell Group for overall student satisfaction in Psychology
National Student Survey 2026
- 15th
for Psychology
Complete University Guide 2027
- Top 100
in the world
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026
Course delivery
Gain practical lab experience and learn through interactive seminars, research focused lectures, and collaborative workshops. These activities will deepen your understanding of research methods and give you valuable insights into the field, equipping you with essential skills for your professional development in psychology.
Lecture
Seminar
Workshop
Projects
Laboratory
- Innovative Teaching Methods: Learn through seminars, lectures, and small group tutorials.
- Interactive Learning: Develop teamwork and communication through group projects and presentations.
- Comprehensive Support: Get personalized academic and personal help from a welfare tutor.
- Career-Ready Skills: Gain practical knowledge for a smooth transition into professional life.
Assessment
You will be challenged through a dynamic array of assessment methods: from written assignments and research reports to compelling group poster presentations and engaging talks. From Year 1 to Year 3, you will lead your own research, mastering critical skills in research design, data analysis, and interpretation. Most importantly, you'll sharpen your ability to deliver impactful reports on your findings, setting the stage for a transformative academic journey.
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Modules
Foundation Year
Foundation Year
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LF History, Culture, Society and Economy in the UAE | 20 | Full Term |
| LF Introduction to Biology and Mathematics for Psychology | 20 | Full Term |
Students must take one of the following modules:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LF Academic English and Study Skills | 40 | Full Term |
| LF Advanced Academic English and Study Skills | 40 | Full Term |
| LF Advanced Academic Skills (STEM) | 40 | Full Term |
Year 1
Year 1
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LC Research Methods (Assessment Block 1) | 20 | Full Term |
| LC Research Methods (Assessment Block 2) | 20 | Full Term |
| LC Research Methods (Study Block A) | 0 | Semester 1 |
| LC Research Methods (Study Block B) | 0 | Semester 2 |
| LC Developing Skills for Psychologists/Neuroscientists 1: Making it Work at University | 10 | Semester 1 |
| LC Ideas, Concepts, and Ethics in Psychology and Neuroscience | 10 | Semester 2 |
| LC Lifespan Psychology A: Introduction to Developmental Psychology | 10 | Semester 1 |
| LC Cognitive Psychology | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LC Introduction to Psychobiology: From Ion Channels to Abnormal Behaviour | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LC Lifespan Psychology B: Social Psychology of the Person | 10 | Semester 2 |
Year 2
Year 2
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LI Language and Communication | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LI Neural Basis of Vision and Action | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LI Research Methods C | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LI Research Methods D | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LI Social and Cognitive Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LI Topics in Social and Differential Psychology | 20 | Semester 1 |
Year 3
Year 3
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LH Research Project | 40 | Full Term |
Teaching staff
Dr Jane Williams
Assistant Professor
Dr Jane Williams is an Assistant Professor in Psychology at the University of Birmingham Dubai.
Dr Shereen Sharaan
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Dr. Shereen Sharaan leads an inclusion-focused interdisciplinary research agenda focused on autistic individuals – encompassing aspects of culture, race, ethnicity and social class - to better understand human diversity.
Dr Afsana Faheem
Programme Director for MSc Clinical Psychology & MSc Mental Wellbeing Programmes
Dr Afsana Faheem joined the Department of Psychology at the University of Birmingham (Dubai campus) in 2023. Afsana's research background predominately focuses on inequalities in mental healthcare and treatment.
Dr Christian Perrin
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Dr Christian Perrin is an Assistant Professor of Forensic Psychology, a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (BPS), and a Psychological Researcher exploring desistance from offending behaviour.
Olivia Goncalves
Assistant Professor in Psychology
Olivia Goncalves is an Assistant Professor in Psychology and Programme Director at the University of Birmingham Dubai. Discover her research and academic profile.
Professor Rasha Bayoumi
Head of Research, Dubai
The Academic profile of Rasha R. Bayoumi, University of Birmingham Dubai
Entry requirements
To secure your place at the University of Birmingham Dubai, you must meet both our general entry requirements and the specific criteria for your chosen course. Your application will be carefully reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will determine if you will receive an offer.
- A Level
BBC - BCC We normally require BBC but BCC will be considered depending on A-level subjects.
- IB
28 Points. Or 554 at HL with 24 overall with no subject requirements.
English language requirements
To study at the University, you must be able to demonstrate a good level of written and spoken English. Many applicants do this by submitting a recent IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE result, or by completing a Presessional English course.
The level of English language proficiency required varies depending on your level of study and subject area.
You can view the full English language requirements, including accepted tests and required scores, on our entry requirements page for the Dubai campus.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination, and graduation.
Integrated Foundation Year
The tuition fee listed applies to the Integrated Foundation Year only.
- AED 149,106
January 2027 (full-time) per year
- AED 162,203
September 2027 (full-time) per year
Undergraduate degree
After progressing to the BSc Psychology, tuition fees for the remaining years of the course will be:
- AED 149,106 (full-time) per year for January 2027 entry
- AED 162,203 (full-time) per year for September 2027 entry
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your programme. To help you manage the cost of study, you can pay fees in full or in three instalments per academic year.
To secure your place, you must pay a non-refundable tuition fee deposit of AED 5,000 by the deadline stated in your Conditional Offer. This deposit will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Scholarships
Birmingham attracts the best and brightest students from across the globe. Eligible applicants are automatically considered for a range of scholarships following a Conditional Offer from the University of Birmingham Dubai.
- Up to 30%
Tuition fee scholarships available for eligible students.
Application process
Applying to the University of Birmingham Dubai is straightforward. Applications are made directly through our online Admissions portal, with no application fee.
To avoid delays, please ensure all required documents are included with your application.
Find guidance on how to apply, key steps in the process and answers to frequently asked questions.
Career opportunities
We're consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers (The Graduate Market, 2026). As a Psychology graduate, you'll be equipped to apply your skills in diverse fields such as business, HR, and teaching, or pursue specialisations in clinical, forensic, or educational psychology. Many graduates go on to prestigious Masters and PhD programmes, further enhancing their career prospects.
Careers Network
In a competitive global market, you need to be ready for work before you graduate. At the University of Birmingham Dubai, our careers services will help you plan and achieve your ambitions. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network Dubai information, advice, and guidance service offers support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life at our Dubai campus.
Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus, with its iconic buildings overlooking stunning parkland and friendly community, will quickly make you feel at home in the UAE's second city. Expect plenty of exciting activities to get involved in outside of your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to the University of Birmingham Dubai to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation partners allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming, and sociable surroundings.
Living in Dubai
Enrich your life with endless attractions, entertainment and lifestyle opportunities. In just over 50 years, Dubai has transformed itself from a tiny settlement to a glistening city and world-class destination. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus is where our diverse community comes together, providing a home for up to 3,000 students to learn, relax, and socialise.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our Dubai campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
Student stories
Find new perspectives. Hear first-hand about life at Birmingham Dubai from our students, past and present.
What our students have to say
Vipin Shaji
Student
Psychology
Hello! I’m Vipin, a Psychology student based at the Dubai campus with an exchange year at the Edgbaston campus.
- Home country: India
Riya Bhatnagar
Student
Psychology
Hi! I’m Riya, a Psychology student who enjoys morning walks in DIAC Park and serving as President of the Photography, Videography, and Editing (PVE) Studio.
- Home country: India
Andrea Dcunha
Student
Psychology
Hey! I’m Andrea, studying Psychology and serving as Vice-President of the Photography, Videography, and Editing (PVE) Studio.
- Home country: India