Artificial Intelligence in Psychology

Artificial intelligence and Psychology is a new degree in this emerging field where you will study intelligent behaviour in machines and in human beings. You will be at the forefront of this exciting new discipline and a future thought leader in what is an ever-growing area of impact.   

This course develops student understanding of how natural cognition can be understood with the help of artificial cognition and how psychological phenomena arise in artificial cognition. Students will learn how to apply this understanding of human psychology in the complex programming of AI technology.  

You will consider simple and complex AI alongside a broad range of theories of human behaviour. Psychologists have the unique perspective to consider the ethics and impact of AI on human beings. Scientists are examining how much is AI shaping our world, changing our daily lives and interactions, and creating a new reality.   

AI is perhaps the future modern forum for individuals, companies, and even countries. The psychologist who can understand, interrogate and navigate this technology and its impact will be integral to our future at all levels in society.   

There are many positives to be gained from AI. It can analyse huge amounts of data swiftly, provide therapy services, it can help doctors predict health challenges in groups and patients earlier and create automated bespoke treatment plans.   

You will graduate with the skills to tackle some of the biggest challenges in the study of the human mind and machine behaviour, whilst applying your knowledge to offer future focused solutions.  This course will position you at the cutting edge of this graduate job market. You will graduate with the skills, knowledge and expertise to maximise the opportunities that this new technology will provide.  

This course will help you learn the mathematical foundations of AI and how to construct AI systems and models. Dealing with data is one of the biggest challenges that society faces – but it also offers huge opportunities from autonomous vehicles to medical systems. Combining this expertise with psychological theories means you will have an advantage in understanding the human mind, behaviour and how this influences AI. 

Specialist Facilities 

Our facilities are used for both teaching and research. They include computing labs with specialist software for designing experiments and research. You'll use a range of psychological recording equipment such as the latest eye-tracker equipment for analysing eye movement and our Babylab for ethical research with babies and young children. 

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

You’ll learn in different ways, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and team working. On the Individual Project module, you’ll be encouraged to use and apply research and innovation tools and approaches in a practical context.  

You will learn from lecturers and tutors who are carrying out research designed to offer fresh perspectives on issues that are significant at every stage of life as well as those who develop and apply the latest AI tools in domains ranging from health to manufacturing. Your lecturers bring their latest thinking to your studies. And, in some cases, you’ll have opportunities to get involved in research projects yourself. 

How you are assessed 

For Artificial Intelligence with Psychology, a variety of assessment methods are used. Some modules are assessed through coursework only, others by a combination of:  

• Coursework
• Portfolios
• Assignments
• Case studies
• Oral and graphic presentations
• Collaborative and interdisciplinary teamwork projects
• Computer testing and examinations
• Independent scholarship (you can choose to focus on an area of personal interest to stand out in the graduate jobs market) 

Artificial Intelligence careers include: 

• Machine Learning Engineer  
• Data Scientist  
• Business Intelligence Engineer  
• Robotics Engineer  
• AI Research  

Studying psychology opens doors to many different sectors and professions - anywhere an understanding of people is valued - so your career options will be broad. Our Psychology graduates have gone on to successful roles in sectors such as:    

• Psychological research    
• Scientific or clinical research    
• Charity leadership    
• Mental health support and management    
• Health services and therapeutic care    
• Probation service and police    
• Human resources    
• Health psychology  
• Educational psychology    
• Occupational psychology    
• Forensic psychology    
• Clinical psychology    
• Teaching    

Through our Professional Development Package, you'll gain valuable transferable skills, including:   

• Written and verbal communication   
• Research and analytical   
• Personal motivation, organisation and self-reflection   
• Numeracy   
• IT literacy   
• Critical awareness  

2025 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2025 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

2025/26

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.