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
Empower your future with a Psychology degree that combines modern theory and practical learning, from child development to neuroscience. Build essential skills in biology, math, and academic English, and gain the expertise to make a real impact across many sectors, studying at one of the world’s top schools.
Study Psychology at the University of Birmingham Dubai
Join a dynamic community, deepen your understanding of the mind and behaviour while mastering how to apply this knowledge to real-world business challenges, preparing you to lead and innovate in any industry.
The Psychology course structure really appealed to me; it’s research-driven but also very focused on real-world application. It’s not just about theories, but also about understanding real people and helping them. I’ve always been interested in areas like mental health, motivation, and personality, so Psychology felt like the perfect fit. I also liked how approachable the lecturers were and the support available for students, both academically and personally.
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 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 sharpening your 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 and cognitive development. 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 focus on specialised topics like Media, Body image and Prejudice. 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 directly shapes your education. You'll learn from experts at the forefront of their fields, staying at the cutting edge of psychological science.
Our prestigious, globally focused programs offer international opportunities and prepare you for success in psychology, neuroscience, and beyond. Graduates are highly sought after and excel across many sectors. With a strong foundation in critical thinking and transferable skills such as analytical reasoning and effective communication, you will be ready to thrive in diverse industries and make a meaningful impact in your career.
- Research-driven degree led by expert academics
- Hands-on applied teaching
- Highly sought-after graduates
- 2nd
in the Russell Group for overall student satisfaction in Psychology
National Student Survey 2026
- 15th
Psychology
Complete University Guide 2027
- Top 100
in the World
Course delivery
Gain practical lab experience and develop through interactive seminars, research focused lectures, and collaborative workshops. These activities will strengthen your understanding of research methods and provide valuable insights into the field, equipping you with the skills needed for professional growth in psychology.
- Innovative Teaching Methods: Dive into a dynamic mix of seminars, lectures, and small group tutorials to master your subject.
- Interactive Learning: Excel through collaborative peer group projects and presentations, honing your teamwork and communication skills.
- Comprehensive Support: Benefit from a strong support system with a welfare tutor offering personalised help for all your academic and personal needs.
- Career-Ready Skills: Seamlessly transition to the professional world with practical skills and knowledge gained from diverse learning experiences.
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 Introduction to Psychology 1 | 20 | Full Term |
| LF Introduction to Psychology 2 | 20 | Full Term |
| LF Advanced Study Skills in Biological Sciences | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LF Human Biology | 20 | Semester 2 |
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
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Code | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| LC Lifespan Psychology A: Introduction to Developmental Psychology | 03 36716 | 10 | Semester 1 |
| LC Accounting, Accountability and Financial Decision-making | 07 41325 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LC Economics for Business | 07 31685 | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LC Introduction to Psychobiology: From Ion Channels to Abnormal Behaviour | 03 33163 | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LC Lifespan Psychology B: Social Psychology of the Person | 03 36718 | 10 | Semester 2 |
| LC Research Methods B | 03 33166 | 20 | Semester 2 |
Year 2
Year 2
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LI Human Resource Management | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LI Research Methods C | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LI Research Methods D | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LI Responsible Business: Theory and Practice | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LI Social and Cognitive Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LI Topics in Social and Differential Psychology | 20 | Semester 1 |
Year 3
Year 3
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Code | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| LH Contemporary Issues in Marketing | 07 31694 | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LH Contemporary Issues in Social Psychology: Media, Body Image and Prejudice | 03 38397 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LH Research Project | 03 33213 | 40 | Full Term |
| LH Small Business and Entrepreneurship | 07 31697 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LH The Neurobiology of Mental Illness | 03 40323 | 20 | Semester 1 |
Teaching staff
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 Aytac Karabay
Assistant professor
Dr. Aytaç Karabay is a cognitive scientist specializing in attention and working memory, combining experimental and computational approaches to study how the mind processes and retains information.
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 gain a place at the University of Birmingham Dubai, you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- A Level
BBC - BCC depending on A-level subjects.
- IB
28 Points. Or 554 at HL with 24 overall with no subject requirements.
Number of A levels required: 3
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.
January 2027 entry
- AED 134,922
Per year for the foundation year only.
- AED 149,106
Per year for the subsequent years of the undergraduate course.
September 2027 entry
- AED 146,806
Per year for the foundation year only.
- AED 162,203
Per year for the subsequent years of the undergraduate course.
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