Psychology

Investigate the developing mind, apply social psychology to current events, and develop a scientific understanding of human experience with our BSc Psychology degree

Explore human psychology, from behaviour to emotions and brain development with our BSc Psychology degree. On this course, you will learn how psychology applies to the individual, institutions, and even to politics.

Our psychology programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society. By successfully completing this course you will be eligible for the Graduate Membership with the British Psychological Society (BPS).

A supportive community

We are smaller than many other universities. This means the psychology department can foster a community that provides you with support from staff and peers. Our BSc Psychology student, Maya, tells us their teachers were “warm and friendly, committed to providing amazing opportunities for all of their students”.

Exceptional teaching from research-active staff

We rose 42 places in the Complete University Guide (2023). Our student, Lara, explains that the teaching on the psychology course is “to the highest standard” and that “the lecturers are incredibly knowledgeable”.

Our staff also actively contribute to research, covering:

• non-traditional romantic relationships

• intergroup relationships

• attentional biases associated with anxiety

• intergenerational relationships within family contexts

• decision making

• visuomotor processing.

Attend talks on key developments

With our Student Psychology Society, you can attend exciting talks hosted by guest speakers, so you keep up to date with pressing issues and key developments.

Work placements: build professional experience

During your Psychology degree, you may also undertake a paid work placement. Our Workplace Learning Team will help organise this and will make sure yours is in a convenient location.

Previous students have worked with:

• charities

• schools

• hospitals

• care settings

• businesses.

Why St Mary’s?

You will gain skills and support to make a positive impact – for yourself and for others – through high-quality teaching, real-world experience, and a community that lifts each other up. Our campus is a London oasis – blending city energy with open green spaces to think, connect, and grow.

Students complete six modules during their first year which will give them an introduction to Research Methods, and Biological, Social, Cognitive and Developmental Psychology. Conceptual and historical issues will give context and background to current understanding. Alongside your knowledge of the subject, you will also be acquiring and practising academic skills that will underpin your studies. Your second year will again be based around the core themes of the BPS syllabus: Research Methods, Cognitive Psychology, Psychobiology, Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Individual Differences. Students wishing to graduate with a BPS accredited programme will complete an Empirical Research Project in a psychology or psychology-related topic. This is an opportunity to carry out original research in an area of your choosing. Although closely supervised by a member of staff, this is very much the student's own work.