Psychology with Placement Year

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.

About the Placement Year

A placement year enables you to undertake a year of experience in an organisation between your second and final year.

It will enable you to:

• apply the knowledge and skills you gain from your course in a work setting

• build your commercial awareness and insights into organisations and industries you might want to work in

• develop your professional skills through company training, networking skills and confidence in the workplace

• get some great experience for future job applications or even land a graduate job.

Support from St Mary’s every step of the way

Securing a placement can really help you develop your job search skills and the Employability Service placement and Careers Teams can support you to find and apply for available opportunities.

Please note: in the event that you cannot secure a placement you will be able to transfer onto the three year version of your degree programme.

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.