Overview

Explore the complexity of the human mind and emotions with this challenging course.

Our BSc (Hons) Applied Psychology will open the door to a variety of opportunities, including providing the foundation needed for a career as a Chartered Psychologist.

Applied Psychology will allow you to learn about psychological theory and research and how this applies to the real world. You’ll study the challenges facing individuals, society, businesses and educators – and graduate equipped to make an impact and improve many aspects of human life.

In the final year, you’ll have the opportunity to specialise in a preferred area of study. Depending on your chosen modules and research project, you can graduate with one of the following:

BSc (Hons) Applied Psychology (Counselling)
BSc (Hons) Applied Psychology (Forensic)
BSc (Hons) Applied Psychology (Health)
BSc (Hons) Applied Psychology (Sport and Exercise).

The course also offers a strong foundation for personal and professional growth, leading to increased self-awareness and many other characteristics sought by employers.

All course pathways are accredited by the British Psychological Society and meet the requirements for Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) and Graduate Level Membership with the Society.

There are also opportunities to spend a trimester abroad and the option of studying a biology or social science subject during the course.

Why study Applied Psychology at GCU?

Start your first steps with a degree that meets the accreditation requirements of the British Psychological Society.
Study a degree which focuses on learning that can be applied to the real world across psychology professions.
You will have the option to tailor modules towards specialist areas.

British Psychological Society

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What you will study

We aim to display the most up-to-date information possible.

The modules listed on this page and the Programme Specification are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course. Please note that course content, modules, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at GCU. This might be because we are required to do so by law, by a governmental authority, regulator or accrediting body. We may also make changes for quality assurance reasons, or to enhance the course.

Year 1

Foundations in Psychology

Research Methods 1A: Philosophy and Methods

Digital Psychology

Introduction to Applied Psychology

Personal and Professional Development

Research Methods 1B: Data Management

Year 2

Introduction to Biological, Cognitive and Developmental Psychology

Applying Clinical, Forensic and Counselling Psychology

Research Methods 2: Analysing Data

Applying Health, Sport and Exercise Psychology

Political and Cultural Psychology

Social Cyberpsychology

Year 3

Personality and Individual Differences

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Research Methods 3: Advanced Research Methods and Analysis

Applied Human Cognition

Applied Social Psychology

Psychobiology

Year 4

Core modules

Developmental Psychology

Psychology Empirical Project

Optional modules

Forensic Psychology

Health Psychology

Substance Use

Counselling Psychology

Sport and Exercise Psychology

Careers

This course is your first step to becoming a Chartered Psychologist with the highest standard of psychological knowledge and expertise.

To become a Chartered Psychologist, you must complete further study and practice in a particular area.

Our BSc (Hons) Applied Psychology course offers specialism in four of these areas:

Counselling
Forensic
Health
Sport and Exercise Psychology.

Psychology is valued across other exciting careers such as teaching, police work, management, human resources and marketing. You could also make a difference through research, influencing effective interventions and tackling stigma around important issues such as mental health.

Course information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BSc (Hons)	Full time	4 years	Sep 27	Glasgow	C810	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BSc (Hons)	Full Time	4 Years	Sep 26	Glasgow	C810	Enquire Apply

Please note that admission to GCU is considered on a competitive basis, and the academic entry requirements stated here may be the minimum required to be eligible for an offer.

International students can get information on entry requirements specific to their country in our International Study section.

Year 1

Standard entry requirement

Scottish Higher: AAABB

A Level: AAB

Minimum entry requirement

Scottish Higher: BBBB

A Level: BBC

Year 2 entry

Standard entry requirement

15 credit HNC Social Sciences with Graded Unit A/NextGen HNC Social Sciences with Distinction.

Specific units required.

Year 3 entry

Standard entry requirement

HND Social Sciences with Graded Units BBB/NextGen HND Social Sciences with Merit.

Specific units required.

English language

IELTS score of 6.0 with no element below 5.5 (or equivalent)

Additional information for international applicants

Entry requirements by country
Application deadlines
English language tests
Knowledge of English - Applicants from a majority English speaking country may not be required to provide further proof of your English language proficiency. Information about this requirement is available on the Student Visa section of the gov.uk website.

Additional information for all applicants

Relevant experience (Recognition of Prior Learning)

GCU's flexible entry policies exist to allow relevant work experience and prior learning to be considered towards standard entry or advanced entry into a course.

If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.

Assessment methods

Each module on the course uses its own learning, teaching, and assessment strategy to achieve learning objectives. Assessment methods vary between modules and may include traditional assessments such as essays, lab reports, presentations, and group work.

Assessments may also include novel methods such as case formulation, mock funding application, blog-writing, video, and infographic production.

Teaching methods

Throughout the course a variety of teaching methods will be used including lectures, practical work, group projects and seminars, with a strong emphasis at all levels on personal contact.

Exchange and study abroad

There will be an opportunity in Year 3 for continuing students to travel abroad for the first trimester on GCU Psychology’s exchange programme.

Currently, we have links with European and overseas destinations, with some specifically earmarked for Psychology, including the universities of Maastricht (Netherlands), Madrid (Spain), Oslo (Norway), and Aarhus (Denmark).

Facilities

Psychology has three undergraduate laboratories equipped with computers for use in practical work. You will also have access to central institutional computer laboratories with a larger number of machines.

In addition, dedicated laboratory provision exists for psycho-physiology, perception, electro-physiology, imaging and social interaction.

Please note:

There is continuous recording within the Interprofessional Simulation Centre (ISC) rooms. These recordings may be used for learning and assessment purposes to fulfil programme requirements, so all students registered on health-related programmes may be recorded while in these rooms. Recordings may be viewed by programme staff, students, and external examiners.

Recordings are routinely deleted after 28 days; however, in certain circumstances, this period may be extended to accommodate moderation and education quality requirements.

Accreditation

The course meets the accreditation requirements of the British Psychological Society and will confer eligibility on honours graduates for the graduate basis for chartered membership, providing the minimum standard of a lower second-class honours degree (2:2) is achieved and the Psychology Empirical Project is passed. Graduates can then pursue chartership via postgraduate study and practice, eventually gaining the accolade of CPsychol or Chartered Psychologist.

Visit the British Psychological Society website.

Download the programme specification

In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.

Download the programme specification for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.

Terms and Conditions

Details of the University’s terms and conditions are available here.

Overview

Why study Applied Psychology at GCU?

Accreditations

What you will study

Core modules

Optional modules

Careers

Course information