Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

This programme comprises an initial foundation year followed by the core undergraduate psychology curriculum. The foundation year focuses on academic skills, study techniques and introductory psychology content to prepare you for degree-level study.

• Foundation year modules (typical): study skills and academic communication; academic English for university study; introductory statistics and numeracy; introduction to research methods; foundations of biological, cognitive and social psychology; developmental psychology; learning and memory.
• Year 1–3 undergraduate core modules (typical): research methods and experimental design; quantitative and qualitative statistics for psychology; cognitive psychology and perception; social psychology; developmental and lifespan psychology; biological bases of behaviour; individual differences and personality; mental health and abnormal psychology.
• Optional and specialist modules (typical): forensic psychology; health psychology; occupational and organisational psychology; neuropsychology; counselling skills; educational psychology; applied research projects or placement modules. Final-year work commonly includes an independent research project or dissertation, giving hands-on experience of designing and conducting psychological research.

Entry requirements

The foundation year is aimed at applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements for direct entry to the undergraduate degree. Typical entry expectations include a secondary school qualification equivalent to UK GCSEs, including passes in English and mathematics, or other recognised qualifications considered suitable for undergraduate study.

Applicants will be considered on the basis of academic qualifications, personal statement and, where relevant, references. International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English through an accepted qualification or pathway recognised by the university. Mature applicants and those with relevant work or life experience are encouraged to apply; admissions tutors review applications on an individual basis.

Successful completion of the foundation year is required to progress to the BSc Psychology degree; progression is subject to meeting the university's progression criteria.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BSc in Psychology from Oxford Brookes follow a broad range of career paths. The undergraduate degree provides a solid grounding for roles such as research assistant, assistant psychologist, learning and development officer, mental health support worker, or roles in human resources, marketing and education. Many graduates go on to postgraduate training or professional conversion courses to become chartered or clinical psychologists, educational psychologists or occupational psychologists—these careers typically require further study and professional qualifications.

The programme emphasises research methods, data analysis and transferable skills (communication, teamwork, problem-solving) that are valued by employers across public, private and third sectors. Opportunities for placements, applied projects and dissertation work help build employability and practical experience.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes combines an active research environment with a strong emphasis on applied learning and student support. The psychology provision is delivered by staff with research and professional experience across cognitive, developmental, social and applied psychology, and students benefit from well-equipped teaching facilities and opportunities for practical laboratory work.

The foundation year route offers a supportive transition into higher education, with small-group teaching, academic skills development and tailored feedback. Progression into the BSc psychology degree provides access to a curriculum aligned with professional standards and opportunities for independent research, placements and specialist option choices to tailor the degree to your interests and career aims.