Nottingham Trent University

What you'll study

This honours degree covers core areas of psychological science across cognitive, biological, developmental, social and individual differences perspectives. You study research methods and statistics throughout the programme, learning to design studies, analyse data and communicate findings. Typical third-year work includes an independent research project or dissertation that develops practical research skills.

Core and option topics you can expect to encounter include:

• Research Methods and Statistics – experimental design, quantitative and qualitative techniques, data analysis using statistical software.
• Biological Psychology – brain and behaviour, neuroscience foundations.
• Cognitive Psychology – memory, perception, attention and cognition.
• Developmental Psychology – lifespan development, child and adolescent psychology.
• Social Psychology – social influence, attitudes, group dynamics.
• Individual Differences – personality, psychometrics and assessment.
• Applied Topics – options such as health psychology, forensic psychology, clinical approaches or organisational psychology, reflecting staff expertise and student choice.
• Final Year Project – an independent empirical or literature-based dissertation supervised by academic staff.

Teaching combines lectures, seminars, practical lab classes and small-group research supervision. The course emphasises employability through skills training, opportunities for placements or client-focused projects and engagement with local services and employers.

Entry requirements

Applicants typically require successful completion of secondary education with a combination of qualifications such as A-levels, BTEC, Scottish Highers, Access to Higher Education diplomas or international equivalents. Universities often set grade-based offers; alternative qualifications and relevant experience are also considered. Competence in English and mathematics/statistics at GCSE level or equivalent is normally expected.

Typical application steps include submission through the national admissions service, academic references and a personal statement outlining interest in psychology. Some applicants may be invited to an interview or assessment, but this varies by intake. International students should demonstrate English language proficiency through an accepted test or qualification.

Career prospects

Graduates gain the British Psychological Society (BPS) Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership if the programme is completed with the required standard, which is an important step toward professional training pathways. Career routes for graduates include roles such as research assistant, assistant psychologist, support worker, caseworker, graduate roles in human resources, learning and development, market research and data analysis.

Many students progress to postgraduate study to qualify for regulated professional careers in clinical, educational, forensic or occupational psychology. Other common destinations include health and social care, counselling, business and public services where graduates apply their skills in research, evaluation, communication and critical thinking.

Why study at Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University emphasises applied, research-informed teaching and employability. Psychology students benefit from a curriculum aligned with professional standards, opportunities for practical experience and access to campus facilities such as dedicated psychology laboratories and computing resources. Academic staff are research-active and often engage with external partners in health, education and industry.

The university also provides student support services, careers guidance and opportunities to take placements or work on live projects with employers. Located in Nottingham, the university offers a combination of city living and campus-based resources, alongside networks with local NHS trusts, charities and businesses that help translate academic learning into practical experience.