University of Liverpool

What you'll study

The programme provides a comprehensive introduction to the major areas of psychological science across biological, cognitive, developmental, social and individual differences perspectives. Teaching combines lectures, small-group seminars, laboratory practicals and hands-on research experience. You will study:

• Core research methods and statistics, including experimental design, quantitative analysis and qualitative approaches.
• Biological bases of behaviour and introductory neuroscience.
• Cognitive psychology topics such as perception, memory, attention and language.
• Developmental psychology across the lifespan, from infancy to ageing.
• Social psychology covering attitudes, social cognition, group processes and interpersonal behaviour.
• Individual differences including personality, intelligence and psychopathology.
• Applied areas and options such as health psychology, forensic psychology, clinical concepts, organisational/occupational psychology and neuropsychology.
• A substantive empirical research project or dissertation in the final year, supervised by academic staff, allowing you to design, run and report an original study.

The programme typically progresses from broad introductory modules in the early years to more specialised and advanced modules later on. There are opportunities to gain practical experience in research laboratories and to take optional modules that reflect staff expertise and contemporary topics in the field. Some modes of study include an optional placement year or study abroad options to gain professional or international experience.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and based on a combination of academic qualifications and, where required, other evidence of readiness for degree-level study. Applicants are expected to have strong secondary-school level qualifications (A-levels, IB or equivalent); qualifications in a science or mathematics-related subject are advantageous because of the quantitative content of the programme. The University accepts a range of UK and international qualifications, including BTECs, and considers mature applicants and those with relevant experience.

International applicants should demonstrate English language proficiency to the University’s required standard. If you have questions about specific qualifications or contextual circumstances, the admissions team can provide guidance on eligibility and acceptable evidence.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with core research skills, statistical literacy and a broad understanding of psychological theory, which are valued across multiple sectors. The degree confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society, subject to meeting the Society’s criteria for the programme.

• Clinical, counselling and educational psychology roles typically require further postgraduate professional training (e.g. conversion courses, MSc/Doctorate programmes and professional qualifications).
• Research careers: research assistant posts, support roles in academic or commercial research, and progression to postgraduate research degrees (MSc, MRes, PhD).
• Applied and business roles: human resources, organisational development, marketing and consumer insight, user-experience research, data analysis and policy roles.
• Health and social care roles: work supporting mental health services, health promotion, and allied professions, often combined with additional vocational training.

Why study at University of Liverpool

The University of Liverpool’s psychology provision is research-led, with teaching delivered by staff active in a range of fields from cognitive neuroscience to social and applied psychology. Students benefit from access to modern laboratories, specialised equipment for behavioural and neurocognitive research, and opportunities to work on live research projects. The department places emphasis on research methods and employability, offering careers support and placement pathways to help students gain practical experience and prepare for postgraduate training or graduate employment.

Studying in a major research university environment also provides cross-disciplinary connections with allied areas such as biomedical sciences, computer science and education, which can enrich project work and open interdisciplinary career routes.