Psychology undergraduate courses

Choose a psychology degree that is right for you from our range of accredited courses. Learn from lecturers at the forefront of psychological research and work on a variety of research projects exploring real-world issues on a challenging and dynamic course.

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Undergraduate Psychology courses

_Top20for student satisfactionPsychology subject area - Complete University Guide 2025

_Top10for assessment and feedbackBSc (Hons) Psychology - National Student Survey 2024

_Top20for learning opportunitiesBSc (Hons) Psychology - National Student Survey 2024

Why study Psychology at Derby?

Our British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation means we deliver a high standard of psychology education designed to support your progression into professional psychology, wider psychological professions, and a range of careers beyond psychology. Our courses provide a foundation of psychological knowledge and skills, covering all the main areas of psychology, as well as a range of specialist optional modules and placement opportunities. Our expert academics are conducting impactful research into areas of psychology such as compassion and wellbeing, stalking behaviour and nature connectedness. We are one of the few universities in the UK to offer an integrated degree dedicated to the intersection between psychology and the criminal justice system.

I am so lucky and privileged to have attended this University and be taught by knowledgeable, passionate, hardworking lecturers. The course is definitely value for money and if I could I would do it all again!

Daniel Gaffiero

Graduate of BSc (Hons) Psychology and MSc Health Psychology

What psychology research can you get involved in as a student?

Find out more about the range of research happening in the School of Psychology at the University of Derby.

Expert teaching

You'll benefit from working with lecturers who have a wealth of experience in their chosen profession, so you're getting industry-relevant teaching to help you shine in your chosen career. Many are also involved in research, bringing the latest theories into the classroom. Their wide-ranging work includes research into:

Maternal health and the cognitive, motor and social development of new-borns, to help improve health care during childhood
Different aspects of mental health and wellbeing on themes such as maths-induced anxiety, eating disorders, addiction and irrational thinking
Compassion and mindfulness, delivering findings that can help tackle issues of self-esteem and foster sensitive support for others
The psychological aspects of pain, anxiety and addiction, and the effects each can have on identity and relationships
Emotional processing in relation to well-being, compassion and attentional biases and visual attention
The positive benefits that can be derived from engagement with the natural environment

You’ll benefit from this research as your lecturers bring the latest thinking to your studies, and in some cases you will have opportunities to get involved in research projects yourself.

"The pleasure in teaching psychology students is that they tend to be highly motivated and open to exploring ideas. A vital part of our role is to help them chart their future career direction as studying psychology opens so many doors to so many different sectors and professions - anywhere that an understanding of people is valued." Dr Ian Baker, Senior Lecturer in Psychology

An arm attached to a lie detector machine

A close up image of a male Psychology student wearing eye tracking glasses while a female Psychology student analyses the results on a phone.

Careers

Our Psychology graduates embark on careers in sectors such as scientific or clinical research, clinical psychology, mental health support and management, forensic psychology, teaching, probation service and police, and psychological research. Our courses prepare you for further training in psychology and provide an excellent platform to become a professional psychologist. You could also consider masters level or PhD study.

To boost your employment skills, you can access the University's Careers and Employment Service. The team can connect you with employers to help find opportunities for work placements, part-time jobs, and volunteering. Our careers consultants are also on hand to guide you through the career options for your degree, CV writing, or starting your own business - and we commit to helping you for three years after you graduate to find a job.

"The enthusiasm and expertise of the teaching team was the most inspiring because of their ability to talk about their subject areas with ease and confidence - this gave me motivation and eased uncertainty. Their support and guidance throughout my degree was essential to my success and attaining my PhD Scholarship. The staff and the course have given me all the right tools to push myself to the limit, and prove to myself that anything is possible." - Ivana Babicova, BSc (Hons) Psychology graduate

Professional bodies

The British Psychological Society have eight overarching standards which we have met and achieved, so you can be sure that the quality of our teaching, and the content of our course is of the highest standard. The BPS commended our psychology team for their strong commitment to student development, support and inclusion.

As our degree is accredited by the BPS, if you achieve at least a second class honours qualification and obtain at least 40% in your Independent Study in Psychology, you will be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the Society. You can then progress to accredited postgraduate qualifications and training to gain chartered membership.

Professional experience

Our Psychology courses offer an ‘Industrial Placement Year’ giving you the opportunity to enhance your practical skills by putting theory into practice, network in your industry and stand-out in the graduate job market. The placement year takes place in your third year, once completed, you would return to University to complete your final year of studies.