Ranking
Top 100
In the World
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Course overview
Embark on our thrilling four-year MSci journey in applied psychology! Blend BSc and Masters-level study with hands-on placements. Accredited by the British Psychological Society, it’s your exciting first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. We provide a specialist experience through placements and projects, giving you a competitive edge for Assistant Psychologist posts and postgraduate training. Gain hands-on experience and enhance your career prospects in clinical, educational, and forensic psychology.
The modules are so varied – we cover every area of psychology.
Join our Four-year programme comprising of core (compulsory) and optional modules. Each module will be assessed in different ways depending on the topic you're studying.
Year 1
Year 1
In Year 1, you'll build a strong foundation in psychology, developing essential research skills, understanding the complexities of the human mind and behavior, and exploring how we grow, learn, and interact. You'll also dive into the ethical aspects of psychology and neuroscience, while honing key skills to ensure your success at university. This year is all about laying the groundwork for your academic journey, preparing you to tackle deeper and more specialized topics ahead.
Year 2
Year 2
In Year 2, you’ll dive deep into fascinating core modules, including Social and Cognitive Development, Social and Differential Psychology, and the Neural Basis of Vision and Action. You’ll explore how language shapes communication in Language and Communication, and sharpen your research skills with advanced Research Methods C & D. These courses will challenge your thinking, expand your understanding, and prepare you to tackle complex psychological questions with real-world impact.
Year 3
Year 3
Expand your expertise with deeper insights into social and cognitive development, language and communication, and the neural basis of vision and action. You'll advance your research skills , while exploring the dynamic fields of social and differential psychology. Get ready for a more in-depth exploration of the mind and behaviour!
Year 4
Year 4
In the fourth year, you’ll gain hands-on psychology experience through a 30-week work placement, working closely with clinical, forensic, or educational psychologists. Engage in advanced Masters-level modules, gaining deep insights into applied psychology through seminars and lectures.
Why study Psychology and Psychological Practice at Birmingham?
- Top 100
in the World
QS World University Rankings 2025
- 18th
in the UK
Complete University Guide 2026
- Top 5
in the Russell Group for teaching
NSS 2025
- Integrated BSc and Masters: Study both undergraduate and Masters level modules in a seamless four-year programme.
- Accredited by BPS: Eligibility for Graduate Membership of the British Psychological Society, a step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.
- Pioneering Programme: First UK university to offer dedicated MSci psychology programmes, leveraging extensive training and research expertise.
Gain Specialist Work Experience
In the fourth year, you’ll spend six months working three days a week at an external placement, gaining hands-on experience in professions where psychological principles are key.
Supervised by a qualified professional, you’ll engage in direct and indirect client work, learning about psychological assessment, intervention, and reflective practice.
Alongside this, you’ll attend lectures and seminars on applied psychology, with regular contact with a qualified psychologist. This immersive experience will develop your skills as a reflective scientist-practitioner, setting you on the path to a career in applied psychology or related fields.
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
Course delivery
Our course combines theoretical learning with practical placements, offering hands-on experience in various psychology-related fields. Choose from placements in the Probation Service, educational services, or the NHS to tailor your learning to your career goals. For those aiming for clinical, educational, or forensic psychology, additional postgraduate experience and training are essential.
Lecture
Seminar
Projects
Laboratory
- Lectures and Seminars: Engage with diverse academic knowledge through lectures and interactive seminars led by professors, doctors, and postgraduates.
- Tutorials and Practical Classes: Gain hands-on experience and personalized guidance in small group tutorials and practical sessions.
- Enquiry-Based Learning: Develop independence and critical thinking skills through an enquiry-based learning approach, encouraging self-motivation.
- Academic Skills Centre: Enhance your learning with workshops and support in math, writing, and presentation skills, fostering effective and independent study habits."
Support during your studies
You will have access to our comprehensive support system to help you make a smooth transition to university-level study.
- Personal tutors - will get to know you as you progress through your studies. They will provide academic support and advice to enable you to make the most of your time here at Birmingham.
- Wellbeing Officers - provide professional support, advice and guidance to you across a range of issues. They can discuss extensions, disabilities, reasonable adjustments, extenuating circumstances, and help you access wider support on campus and beyond.
- Student Experience team - will help you get the most out of your academic and social experience, including research opportunities, study skills support and preparing for your post-university careers.
Contact hours
Get ready for an engaging learning experience with an average of 12 contact hours per week! You will take part in dynamic lectures, interactive tutorials, stimulating seminars, hands-on workshops, and immersive lab sessions. Each week is designed to keep you excited and fully engaged in your studies.
Assessment methods and feedback
Psychology uses a variety of methods to assess student performance, including exams, essays and dissertations. At the beginning of each module, you'll be given information on how and when you'll be assessed for that particular area of study.
Accredited by The British Psychological Society
Our BSc and MSci Psychology programmes are accredited by the British Psychological Society, ensuring you earn Graduate Membership with the Graduate Basis for Registration, an essential stepping stone for your career in psychology.
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.
Year 1
Year 1
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Research Methods (Assessment Block 1) | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Research Methods (Assessment Block 2) | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Research Methods (Study Block A) | 0 | Semester 1 |
| Research Methods (Study Block B) | 0 | Semester 2 |
| Developing Skills for Psychologists/Neuroscientists 1: Making it Work at University | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Ideas, Concepts, and Ethics in Psychology and Neuroscience | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Cognitive Psychology | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Introduction to Psychobiology: From Ion Channels to Behaviour | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Lifespan Psychology A: Introduction to Developmental Psychology | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Lifespan Psychology B: Social Psychology of the Person | 10 | Semester 2 |
Year 2
Year 2
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Language and Communication | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Neural Basis of Vision and Action | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Research Methods C | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Research Methods D | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Social and Cognitive Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Topics in Social and Differential Psychology | 20 | Semester 1 |
Year 3
Year 3
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Project | 40 | Full Term |
You will need to choose 2 optional modules in Semester 1 and 2 modules in Semester 2. Where modules are oversubscribed, access is determined by past performance.
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Adolescence: Mind and Brain | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Brain Health Across the Lifespan | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Clinical Psychology and Developmental Diversity | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Contemporary Issues in Social Psychology: Media, Body Image and Prejudice | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Crime and Antisocial Behaviour: Theory, Research and Practice | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Data Science for Brain and Behaviour 1 | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Different Minds: Child and Animal Intelligence | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Language and Literacy in Education | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Sleep and Health | 20 | Semester 2 |
| The Development of Anxiety in Childhood and Adolescence and Applications to Education | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Vision in the Real World | 20 | Semester 1 |
| What Motivates You? | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Psychological therapies: CBT and beyond | 20 | Semester 1 |
| The Neurobiology of Mental Illness | 20 | Semester 1 |
Final year
Final year
In the fourth year, you’ll gain hands-on psychology experience through a 30-week work placement, working in a clinical, forensic, or education setting. Through the modules, you will gain deep insights into applied psychology through seminars and lectures.
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Placement | 60 | Full Term |
| Psychology in Practice | 60 | Full Term |
Entry requirements
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
- A Level
A*AA including Chemistry / Biology / Human Biology / Physics / Psychology / Maths / Further Maths / Statistics
- IB
7,6,6 at Higher Level with a minimum of 32 points overall
Number of A levels required: 3
-
Required subjects and grades
Typical offer: A*AA
A*AA including one of the following subjects: Chemistry, Biology/Human Biology, Physics, Psychology, Mathematics/Further Mathematics or Statistics.
General Studies
We do not accept General Studies, Critical Thinking, Citizenship Studies, Communication and Culture, Critical Studies, Global Perspectives, Science in Society, Use of Maths and World Development.
Extended Project Qualification
Applicants who take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for the programme, plus an alternative offer, which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ.
Deferred Entry
Please note that due to a very limited number of places on the MSci programme, we are not able to consider applications for deferred entry. If you are made an offer and subsequently wish to defer, you can retain your offer for the BSc Psychology programme.
International Students
International Baccalaureate Diploma: 7, 6, 6 in Higher level subjects plus 32 points overall. Higher level subjects need to include the required subjects as defined for the A-level qualification, where applicable.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing.
- IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any band.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills.
- Cambridge English(exams taken from 2015): Cambridge English: Advanced Minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 33 in each skill
- Trinity ISE II: Not applicable
- Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill
Presessional English courses
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
Core Maths qualification
Applicants who take the Core Maths qualification and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in Core Maths. If you are also taking A-level Maths, you will not be eligible for an alternative offer through studying Core Maths. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
Am I likely to receive an offer for 2026?
Stay up-to-date with news and updates from the University of Birmingham including events, our courses and studying with us by registering your details. If you do so, you will be able to use our Offer Calculator.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
- £9,535*
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2026/27
*The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study, normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. The fee for September 2025 entry was £9,535 for UK students. If you are applying for 2026 entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee once it is confirmed by the Government.
Undergraduate loans
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
Scholarships, grants and bursaries
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
Financial support for Home students
If you're a UK student and starting university in September 2026, find out more about what financial support is available to you.
Financial support for International students
We want to help you reach your full potential. Explore our wide variety of scholarships available for international students.
Application process
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
- 14 January 2026
Application deadline for September 2026 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
Career opportunities
Our graduates are highly regarded among employers in the UK, as evidenced by the fact that we’re the UK university most targeted by top graduate employers (High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2025’ report). Our courses are committed to your future career, and university is just the start.
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2025, High Fliers report
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
I completed a six month placement in my final year with a physical health psychology team which I really enjoyed and found really valuable.
The MSci programme offers you invaluable, practical experience working within high-impact organisations like the Probation Service, NHS, and educational services, equipping you with the skills to excel in the psychology field.
While it does not directly lead to postgraduate professional training in clinical, educational, or forensic psychology, it positions you advantageously in the competitive job market. With two or more years of postgraduate experience typically required, your time on the MSci will significantly enhance your prospects—whether you're aiming for Assistant Psychologist posts or Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) training.
For clinical psychology, this programme gives you a competitive edge when applying for Assistant Psychologist roles, a crucial step toward securing a place in the highly competitive ClinPsyD programme.
In educational and forensic psychology, the MSci allows you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings, which is highly valued when applying for postgraduate training. The practical experience you gain will serve as clear evidence of your capability to work within these areas, demonstrating your readiness to contribute meaningfully to service delivery under supervision. With its strong foundation, the MSci programme helps you stand out and move closer to your professional psychology career.
Graduates from this programme have gone on to work for organisations including:
University of Birmingham
NHS
King's College London
UCL
Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust
East London NHS Foundation Trust
Priory
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
University of Oxford
Shout UK
MBDA
Your World Recruitment Group
Loughborough University
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Their job roles include:
Trainee Clinical Psychologist
Assistant Psychologist
Research Assistant
Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner
Trainee Educational Psychologist
Clinical Psychologist
Chief Executive Officer
Tutor
Board Trustee
Education Mental Health Practitioner
Teacher
Support Worker
PhD Student
Careers Network
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Student experience
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Campus life
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Flexible programmes to suit you
Not sure what you want to study?
Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.