Psychology MSci
AAA at A level, at least one science; graduates earn a median £24,500 three years on.
Typical A level offer
AAA
at least one science · 96% of entrants came with A levels · 95% stay on after year 1 · York course page, Discover Uni
Year 13 · applying
What do you need to get in?
AAAtypical A level offer; we include biology, chemistry, further maths, maths, physics, psychology and statistics as science subjects. for other possible science subjects please contact the admissions tutor.
Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. Contextual offer: ABB, for applicants from under-represented backgrounds.
York course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile
- 1at least one science
Who actually got in: 96% with A levels. Based on 55 entrants.
Other qualifications5
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Obtain Access to HE Diploma (Science) with 39 credits at Distinction and 6 crediObtain Access to HE Diploma (Science) with 39 credits at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit or higher. Other Access to HE Diplomas are considered but must include science/psychology modules. Please co | — |
| BTEC | DDDDDD in a science subject We consider a range of BTEC qualifications equivalent to 3 A Levels, or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications. For example: Distinction, Distinction in BTEC Lev | — |
| IB | 36 points36 points including 6 in one Higher Level science subject, which may include Psychology. A second science subject may be desirable but is not essential. | 6 in one Higher Level science subject, which may include Psychology |
| Scottish Highers | BBBB | — |
| Advanced Highers | A in one Science/Mathematics plus | — |
Years 1–4
What do you study?
6compulsory modules in year 1
Compulsory modules this year: natural sciences 54% · health & safety 12% · social & cultural skills 10% · transversal skills 8%.
Module — one course unit, usually a term or a year long; “core” means everyone takes it. One UK credit is about ten hours of study; a full year is 120 credits.
York course page · optional modules vary by year
Year 1 · 6 core · 120 credits ≈ 1,200 hours
- Applying Psychology
What you learn (10)
- evaluate evidence for drug-based treatments of mental disorders
- evaluate evidence for cognitive behavioural therapy effectiveness
- explain practical challenges of applying research findings in educational settings
- explain the impact of research-informed interventions on educational outcomes
- evaluate techniques used in personnel selection and assessment
- explain methods occupational psychologists use to improve employee motivation
- explain how occupational psychologists manage team performance and organisational change
- design an advertising campaign for a charity using behaviour-change principles
- reflect on personal strengths demonstrated during a group challenge
- identify career paths matching personal strengths and goals
- Research Methods in Psychology I
What you learn (13)
- explain fundamental concepts underlying experimental design
- explain why data analysis matters in experimental psychology
- distinguish between different experiment types used in psychology
- classify different data types encountered in psychological research
- identify appropriate statistical tests for different research scenarios
- describe key qualitative research methods used in psychology
- evaluate strengths and limitations of qualitative methods
- conduct content analysis independently on qualitative data
- compute summary statistics and z-scores using statistical software
- perform chi square and binomial tests using statistical software
- perform parametric and non-parametric comparisons of means using software
- justify the choice of a statistical test for a given dataset
- report statistical results accurately in text, tables or figures
- Social Psychology and Individual Differences I
What you learn (10)
- apply social psychology models to explain effects of relationships on behaviour
- describe difficulties involved in defining psychological disorders
- evaluate different approaches to defining psychological disorders
- explain neurobiological causes of a range of mental disorders
- explain psychological causes of disorders such as addiction, anxiety and schizophrenia
- apply basic therapeutic techniques to support people with mental health difficulties
- describe psychological research explaining development of self-identity
- compare different psychological theories of self-development
- design a measurable intervention addressing knife-crime using psychological knowledge
- present a group project proposal to an audience
- Perception and Cognition I
What you learn (10)
- describe diverse research methods used to study cognition
- describe physical properties of sound waves
- explain how sound properties produce perceived loudness and pitch
- explain how sound properties produce perceived timbre and location
- describe theoretical approaches to human memory
- describe empirical methods used to investigate memory
- describe the anatomy of the eye and early visual pathways
- explain how early visual system physiology shapes perception
- design a simple psychological experiment
- explain ethical considerations and procedures in research
- Language and Development I
What you learn (11)
- distinguish mechanisms underlying typical language acquisition
- distinguish mechanisms underlying atypical language acquisition
- describe research methods used in developmental psychology
- evaluate research methods used in developmental psychology
- evaluate theories of attachment, cognitive and sociocultural development
- explain major theoretical approaches to studying language
- evaluate implications of language theories for animal and human communication
- evaluate implications of language theories for the link between language and thought
- appraise cognitive changes occurring from conception to age two
- appraise social changes occurring from conception to age two
- evaluate methodologies used to investigate infant cognition and behaviour
- Brain and Behaviour I
What you learn (8)
- describe basic principles of how the brain performs cognitive processes
- relate dementia symptoms to underlying patterns of neurodegeneration
- explain the causes and progression of Alzheimer's disease
- describe current treatment approaches for Alzheimer's disease
- evaluate strengths and limitations of major cognitive neuroscience methods
- define attention and working memory as cognitive constructs
- identify brain regions involved in attention and working memory
- explain how attention and working memory processes operate
Year 2 · 5 core, 1 optional · 100 credits ≈ 1,000 hours
- Perception and Cognition II
What you learn (11)
- evaluate major theories of attention
- assess empirical evidence supporting attention theories
- describe methods for studying attention in real-world settings
- evaluate how attentional limits affect everyday behaviour
- evaluate experimental methods for studying reasoning and decision making
- identify key theories underpinning reasoning and decision making research
- explain neural mechanisms underlying perception of complex stimuli
- explain psychological theories of complex stimulus perception
- describe psychological research on emotion's influence on cognition
- compare different research approaches on emotion-cognition interactions
- evaluate accuracy of human face matching ability
- Social Psychology and Individual Differences II
What you learn (9)
- explain different theoretical models of personality
- evaluate the application of personality measures in real-world contexts
- evaluate cross-cultural use of personality assessment tools
- explain core concepts used in analysing interpersonal communication at a detailed level
- explain how social factors shape thoughts, emotions and behaviour
- describe theoretical conceptions of intelligence
- describe historical and current methods of measuring intelligence
- explain the purpose and development process of psychometric tests
- identify common issues and considerations in psychometric test design
- Language and Development II
What you learn (9)
- define key psycholinguistic terms such as ambiguity, parsing and syntax
- explain why these terms matter for theories of language comprehension
- describe how children's social cognition changes across development
- describe how children's social behaviour changes across development
- explain the brain mechanisms underlying language processing
- relate these brain mechanisms to neuropsychological disorders
- relate these brain mechanisms to neural development
- evaluate how theories of conceptual knowledge development have evolved
- evaluate how theories of cognitive ability development have evolved
- Research Methods in Psychology II
What you learn (10)
- use statistical software to analyse quantitative datasets
- explain the concept of reliability in measurement
- explain the concept of validity in measurement
- explain the concept of effect size
- verify that statistical test assumptions are satisfied
- describe key qualitative research approaches used in psychology
- apply a qualitative analysis technique to psychological data
- justify the need for statistical power calculations
- calculate statistical power for a research design
- present quantitative and qualitative findings using APA formatting conventions
- Brain and Behaviour II
What you learn (12)
- describe brain structures involved in different memory types
- explain how neural damage produces amnesic symptoms
- identify links between interoception and emotional response
- identify links between interoception and behaviour
- compare brain structures of patients with mental illness and healthy controls
- apply neuropsychological assessment methods to diagnose parietal lobe damage
- explain how predictive brain processes shape bodily self-experience
- explain how predictive brain processes shape perception of the environment
- evaluate factors influencing human decision making
- explain cognitive constraints that limit rational decision making
- describe core principles of sound experimental design
- apply experimental design principles to mental health research
1 optional module
- Psychology of Wellbeing or Psychology for the Public Good
What you learn (6)
- identify key factors that contribute to psychological wellbeing
- evaluate how multiple factors combine to shape an individual's wellbeing
- explain how intersecting identities affect experiences of wellbeing
- explain the connection between psychological wellbeing and resilience
- apply wellbeing research findings to address student population needs
- describe methods used to research psychological wellbeing
Year 3 · 6 core, 20 optional · 120 credits ≈ 1,200 hours
- Clinical Psychology and Applications of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
What you learn (6)
- explain the theoretical foundations of cognitive behavioural therapy
- explain how cbt is applied to different clinical groups
- evaluate the effectiveness of cbt across different clinical groups
- describe the core components of a clinical case formulation
- interpret findings from clinical psychology research papers
- present balanced conclusions on research findings during group discussion
- Professional Issues in Clinical Psychology
What you learn (8)
- describe the core competencies required of a clinical psychologist
- explain why these competencies matter for clinical psychology practice
- identify why the therapeutic relationship matters in clinical practice
- identify situations where a psychologist could misuse professional power
- explain the function of clinical supervision in psychological practice
- identify factors that cause occupational stress for practitioners
- describe strategies for managing occupational stress
- explain how the clinical psychologist's role within the NHS is evolving
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
What you learn (6)
- describe behavioural symptoms of common neurodevelopmental conditions
- explain biological mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental conditions
- explain cognitive mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental conditions
- discuss co-occurrence of different neurodevelopmental conditions
- evaluate the transdiagnostic approach to neurodivergence
- discuss diversity within neurodivergent populations
- Data Analysis in Neuroimaging
What you learn (8)
- perform fMRI data analysis procedures
- perform MEG data analysis procedures
- describe the structure of scientific reports in cognitive neuroscience
- apply the conventions of cognitive neuroscience reporting
- compose a scientific report following cognitive neuroscience conventions
- report fMRI analysis results with accuracy
- report MEG analysis results with accuracy
- integrate fMRI and MEG findings to form conclusions
- Principles of Cognitive Neuroscience
What you learn (7)
- explain the interdisciplinary origins of cognitive neuroscience
- describe the role of imaging techniques in cognitive neuroscience
- describe how brain activity relates to neuroimaging signals
- evaluate the use of fMRI, MEG, EEG and TMS for research questions
- explain special considerations for designing fMRI and MEG experiments
- explain special considerations for analysing fMRI and MEG data
- design a valid experiment to address a cognitive neuroscience problem
- Assessment and Treatment of Developmental Disorders
What you learn (9)
- describe common developmental difficulties in children and young people
- explain features of co-occurring developmental conditions
- apply assessment methods to identify a child's strengths and needs
- differentiate between global and specific developmental difficulties using assessment data
- explain the theoretical principles underlying psychometric test development
- critique the validity and reliability of psychometric tests
- interpret assessment findings to inform professional judgements
- produce a specialist written report on assessment outcomes
- critically evaluate the suitability of clinical or educational interventions
20 optional modules
- Face Perception
What you learn (7)
- describe types of information conveyed by facial features
- summarise key research findings on face perception across disciplines
- explain biological factors influencing face perception
- explain social factors influencing face perception
- evaluate implications of face perception findings for psychological theory
- evaluate implications of face perception findings for society
- discuss how technological advances have shaped face perception research
- The Cognitive Psychology of Sleep
What you learn (7)
- differentiate theoretical models of sleep-dependent memory consolidation
- describe research findings on how sleep affects memory
- describe research findings on how sleep affects cognitive performance
- relate specific sleep stages to observed behavioural changes
- explain how sleep deprivation impairs cognitive performance
- explain how sleep disorders affect cognitive performance
- discuss theoretical links between dreaming and waking behaviour
- Drug Addiction
What you learn (7)
- describe evidence linking dopamine to drug reward effects
- outline evidence on dopamine pathway role in secondary reinforcement
- evaluate neurological explanations of drug craving
- explain how stress sensitises the mesoaccumbens dopamine pathway
- outline the relevance of sensitisation to drug addiction
- outline major theories of drug addiction
- evaluate the strengths and limitations of addiction theories
- Microanalysis of Communication
What you learn (8)
- describe how microanalytic communication research is applied in medical settings
- describe how microanalytic communication research supports crime detection
- describe how microanalytic communication research is used in political contexts
- evaluate findings from communication studies across different applied domains
- explain core concepts used in social interaction research
- identify methods used to study social interaction
- relate theories of communication to everyday social experiences
- analyse how communication theories apply to people in positions of power
- Animal Cognition and Communication
What you learn (9)
- evaluate strengths and weaknesses of methods used to study animal behaviour
- discuss how ape language studies contribute to understanding of language evolution
- identify gaps in current knowledge of animal communication
- describe how animals learn through observing conspecifics
- evaluate evidence supporting the existence of animal culture
- describe methods used to test self-recognition in animals
- discuss evidence for self-recognition in non-human animals
- compare human and animal communication and social cognition abilities
- evaluate evidence for empathetic behaviour in non-human animals
- Autism and Social Neuroscience
What you learn (8)
- explain recent psychological theories of autistic cognition
- describe how autism affects brain structure
- describe how autism affects brain function
- discuss cognitive processes involved in social understanding
- discuss cognitive processes involved in social interaction
- describe biological mechanisms underlying social understanding and interaction
- describe neural mechanisms underlying social understanding and interaction
- evaluate how social neuroscience research informs understanding of autism
- Advanced Research Methods
What you learn (5)
- describe key data analysis methods and their theoretical assumptions
- compare different statistical analysis techniques
- select an appropriate analysis method for a given dataset or design
- design research studies that exploit advanced analysis techniques
- apply data analysis techniques using R software
- Social Cognitive Development
What you learn (7)
- summarise key research findings on prosocial behaviour development
- summarise key research findings on imitation in children
- summarise key research findings on moral development
- evaluate strengths and weaknesses of research methods used in developmental psychology
- analyse how learning processes contribute to mature social cognition
- describe cross-cultural differences in children's social behaviour
- identify implications of developmental research findings for psychology and society
- Cyberpsychology
What you learn (5)
- describe different forms of online social interaction
- explain how online interaction influences wellbeing and relationships
- identify how different technology platforms contribute to problematic use
- explain how technology can support positive behaviour change
- evaluate the limitations of technology-based behaviour change approaches
- Memory and the Brain
What you learn (7)
- evaluate challenges and debates in long-term memory research
- compare memory research findings across neuronal and network levels
- summarise research findings on episodic memory
- summarise research findings on spatial memory
- explain the role of the hippocampus within this circuitry
- describe theoretical accounts of normal hippocampal function
- describe theoretical accounts of hippocampal dysfunction
- Body Representations
What you learn (5)
- describe key concepts in body representation research
- explain methods used to study body representations
- evaluate research evidence on body representations in health conditions
- critique key experiments and findings across body representation topics
- discuss implications of research for broadening understanding of body representation
- The Transition to Parenthood
What you learn (5)
- explain how parental mental health disorders affect the transition to parenthood
- evaluate how varying experiences of conception, pregnancy or childbirth affect parents
- evaluate how these experiences influence the parent-child relationship
- identify ways to characterise individual differences in early parent-child interaction
- explain how early parent-child interaction predicts children's developmental outcomes
- The Neurobiology of Depression
What you learn (7)
- describe brain mechanisms that malfunction in depression
- identify experimental methods used to investigate depression
- explain what each neuroimaging or stimulation method measures
- explain neurochemical changes associated with depression
- describe behavioural methods for diagnosing and assessing depression
- evaluate the effectiveness of antidepressant drug treatments
- evaluate the effectiveness of alternative depression treatments
- Applications of Forensic Psychology
What you learn (14)
- describe the structure and function of the criminal justice system
- apply crime theories to analyse a real case study
- identify factors affecting the accuracy of eyewitness memory
- describe investigative strategies that reduce eyewitness memory errors
- describe psychological processes influencing courtroom behaviour
- explain why jurors are susceptible to bias
- evaluate the relationship between mental disorder and criminal behaviour
- describe the prevalence and causes of suicide and self-harm in prisons
- discuss practical implications of theories on prison suicide and self-harm
- explain typologies and theories of sexual offending
- evaluate psychological approaches explaining terrorist behaviour
- evaluate evidence on the effectiveness of crime-scene analysis methods
- present research findings confidently to an audience
- critically evaluate research findings
- Psychology of Health
What you learn (5)
- describe the biopsychosocial model of illness causation and treatment
- explain how perceptual, cognitive and social factors contribute to medical errors
- analyse empirical research on current issues in health psychology
- summarise findings from research on medical psychology topics
- evaluate how diverse health psychology research informs healthcare practice
- Human Risk
What you learn (6)
- summarise historical development of rational risk assessment approaches
- identify systematic deviations between everyday risk perception and rational assessment
- illustrate predictable patterns of biased risk judgement with examples
- describe how risk operates across brain, individual, group and societal levels
- explain how risk manifests differently across varying timescales
- evaluate how present-day decisions could shape humanity's long-term future
- Adult Mental Health: Schizophrenia and Psychoses
What you learn (9)
- describe historical approaches to diagnosing schizophrenia
- describe current approaches to treating schizophrenia
- identify models explaining delusions and hallucinations
- explain the causes of psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia
- describe the impact of psychotic symptoms on individuals
- evaluate current evidence for models of schizophrenia symptoms
- identify strategies for accommodating pluralistic mental health perspectives
- formulate questions about the nature of self and reality
- support ongoing inquiry into truth and knowledge in mental health
- Year 3 Research Project
What you learn (4)
- search academic databases for literature relevant to a chosen psychology topic
- summarise a large body of research literature in written form
- compare and contrast findings across different sources of literature
- critically appraise literature to address a specific research question
- Fear and Survival
What you learn (6)
- describe current theoretical models of emotion
- identify bodily changes associated with fear responses
- explain how cognitive processing alters under perceived threat
- summarise research evidence on emotional contagion
- evaluate possible adaptive benefits of emotional contagion
- critically discuss theories explaining fear's appeal in entertainment media
- Literature Survey
What you learn (3)
- summarise a large body of research literature
- evaluate the quality and findings of research literature
- assess how well empirical data support major theories
Year 4 · 0 core, 29 optional
29 optional modules
- Mind and Brain
What you learn (5)
- explain challenges in defining and studying the human mind
- describe theories of mind, perception and cognition
- evaluate evolutionary psychology accounts of mental processes
- compare mental processes in humans and non-human animals
- relate behavioural and neural evidence to models of cognition
- Face Perception
What you learn (7)
- describe types of information conveyed by facial features
- summarise key research findings on face perception across disciplines
- explain biological factors influencing face perception
- explain social factors influencing face perception
- evaluate implications of face perception findings for psychological theory
- evaluate implications of face perception findings for society
- discuss how technological advances have shaped face perception research
- The Cognitive Psychology of Sleep
What you learn (7)
- differentiate theoretical models of sleep-dependent memory consolidation
- describe research findings on how sleep affects memory
- describe research findings on how sleep affects cognitive performance
- relate specific sleep stages to observed behavioural changes
- explain how sleep deprivation impairs cognitive performance
- explain how sleep disorders affect cognitive performance
- discuss theoretical links between dreaming and waking behaviour
- Drug Addiction
What you learn (7)
- describe evidence linking dopamine to drug reward effects
- outline evidence on dopamine pathway role in secondary reinforcement
- evaluate neurological explanations of drug craving
- explain how stress sensitises the mesoaccumbens dopamine pathway
- outline the relevance of sensitisation to drug addiction
- outline major theories of drug addiction
- evaluate the strengths and limitations of addiction theories
- Microanalysis of Communication
What you learn (8)
- describe how microanalytic communication research is applied in medical settings
- describe how microanalytic communication research supports crime detection
- describe how microanalytic communication research is used in political contexts
- evaluate findings from communication studies across different applied domains
- explain core concepts used in social interaction research
- identify methods used to study social interaction
- relate theories of communication to everyday social experiences
- analyse how communication theories apply to people in positions of power
- Animal Cognition and Communication
What you learn (9)
- evaluate strengths and weaknesses of methods used to study animal behaviour
- discuss how ape language studies contribute to understanding of language evolution
- identify gaps in current knowledge of animal communication
- describe how animals learn through observing conspecifics
- evaluate evidence supporting the existence of animal culture
- describe methods used to test self-recognition in animals
- discuss evidence for self-recognition in non-human animals
- compare human and animal communication and social cognition abilities
- evaluate evidence for empathetic behaviour in non-human animals
- Perception of Actions and Human Behaviour
What you learn (8)
- explain recent psychological theories of autistic cognition
- describe how autism affects brain structure
- describe how autism affects brain function
- discuss cognitive processes involved in social understanding
- discuss cognitive processes involved in social interaction
- describe biological mechanisms underlying social understanding and interaction
- describe neural mechanisms underlying social understanding and interaction
- evaluate how social neuroscience research informs understanding of autism
- Professional Issues in Clinical Psychology
What you learn (8)
- describe the core competencies required of a clinical psychologist
- explain why these competencies matter for clinical psychology practice
- identify why the therapeutic relationship matters in clinical practice
- identify situations where a psychologist could misuse professional power
- explain the function of clinical supervision in psychological practice
- identify factors that cause occupational stress for practitioners
- describe strategies for managing occupational stress
- explain how the clinical psychologist's role within the NHS is evolving
- Neuroimaging of Vision
What you learn (4)
- compare competing theories explaining functional selectivity in visual cortex
- explain how distinct features of a visual scene are processed by the visual system
- evaluate the role of visual brain regions in directing attention
- compare contributions of different visual brain regions to conscious perception
- Social Cognitive Development
What you learn (7)
- summarise key research findings on prosocial behaviour development
- summarise key research findings on imitation in children
- summarise key research findings on moral development
- evaluate strengths and weaknesses of research methods used in developmental psychology
- analyse how learning processes contribute to mature social cognition
- describe cross-cultural differences in children's social behaviour
- identify implications of developmental research findings for psychology and society
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
What you learn (6)
- describe behavioural symptoms of common neurodevelopmental conditions
- explain biological mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental conditions
- explain cognitive mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental conditions
- discuss co-occurrence of different neurodevelopmental conditions
- evaluate the transdiagnostic approach to neurodivergence
- discuss diversity within neurodivergent populations
- Cyberpsychology
What you learn (5)
- describe different forms of online social interaction
- explain how online interaction influences wellbeing and relationships
- identify how different technology platforms contribute to problematic use
- explain how technology can support positive behaviour change
- evaluate the limitations of technology-based behaviour change approaches
- Memory and the Brain
What you learn (7)
- evaluate challenges and debates in long-term memory research
- compare memory research findings across neuronal and network levels
- summarise research findings on episodic memory
- summarise research findings on spatial memory
- explain the role of the hippocampus within this circuitry
- describe theoretical accounts of normal hippocampal function
- describe theoretical accounts of hippocampal dysfunction
- Body Representations
What you learn (5)
- describe key concepts in body representation research
- explain methods used to study body representations
- evaluate research evidence on body representations in health conditions
- critique key experiments and findings across body representation topics
- discuss implications of research for broadening understanding of body representation
- The Transition to Parenthood
What you learn (5)
- explain how parental mental health disorders affect the transition to parenthood
- evaluate how varying experiences of conception, pregnancy or childbirth affect parents
- evaluate how these experiences influence the parent-child relationship
- identify ways to characterise individual differences in early parent-child interaction
- explain how early parent-child interaction predicts children's developmental outcomes
- The Neurobiology of Depression
What you learn (7)
- describe brain mechanisms that malfunction in depression
- identify experimental methods used to investigate depression
- explain what each neuroimaging or stimulation method measures
- explain neurochemical changes associated with depression
- describe behavioural methods for diagnosing and assessing depression
- evaluate the effectiveness of antidepressant drug treatments
- evaluate the effectiveness of alternative depression treatments
- Forensic Psychology in Practice
What you learn (11)
- explain why resilience matters when working with vulnerable groups
- describe techniques used by forensic psychologists to interview offenders
- explain the benefits of using a motivational approach in offender interviews
- evaluate the effectiveness of psychological interventions in custodial settings
- identify skills needed to facilitate group work with offenders
- explain causes of boundary violations in therapeutic relationships with offenders
- describe strategies to reduce manipulation risk while building therapeutic relationships
- explain the value of supervision and reflective practice for practitioners
- apply British Psychological Society ethical principles to secure-setting practice
- critically analyse research findings relevant to forensic psychology
- present research findings confidently to an audience
- Applications of Forensic Psychology
What you learn (14)
- describe the structure and function of the criminal justice system
- apply crime theories to analyse a real case study
- identify factors affecting the accuracy of eyewitness memory
- describe investigative strategies that reduce eyewitness memory errors
- describe psychological processes influencing courtroom behaviour
- explain why jurors are susceptible to bias
- evaluate the relationship between mental disorder and criminal behaviour
- describe the prevalence and causes of suicide and self-harm in prisons
- discuss practical implications of theories on prison suicide and self-harm
- explain typologies and theories of sexual offending
- evaluate psychological approaches explaining terrorist behaviour
- evaluate evidence on the effectiveness of crime-scene analysis methods
- present research findings confidently to an audience
- critically evaluate research findings
- The Psychology of Consciousness and Free will
What you learn (4)
- describe major positions on free will, determinism and consciousness
- describe key experiments and findings on consciousness
- discuss strengths and limitations of research methods on consciousness
- evaluate implications for understanding mind, brain and behaviour
- Bilingualism and Cognition
What you learn (11)
- evaluate research methods for studying bilingual language processing
- assess techniques used to investigate bilingual language production
- describe challenges in defining bilingualism
- describe approaches to measuring bilingualism
- discuss theoretical models of multilingual language comprehension
- discuss theoretical models of multilingual language use
- identify reasons why bilinguals switch languages
- identify mechanisms underlying bilingual language switching
- evaluate evidence on the relationship between bilingualism and cognitive function
- examine how bilingualism may influence decision making
- examine how bilingualism may influence moral judgement
- Psychology of Health
What you learn (5)
- describe the biopsychosocial model of illness causation and treatment
- explain how perceptual, cognitive and social factors contribute to medical errors
- analyse empirical research on current issues in health psychology
- summarise findings from research on medical psychology topics
- evaluate how diverse health psychology research informs healthcare practice
- Human Risk
What you learn (6)
- summarise historical development of rational risk assessment approaches
- identify systematic deviations between everyday risk perception and rational assessment
- illustrate predictable patterns of biased risk judgement with examples
- describe how risk operates across brain, individual, group and societal levels
- explain how risk manifests differently across varying timescales
- evaluate how present-day decisions could shape humanity's long-term future
- The Psychology of Number, Developmental Disorders, and Mathematics Anxiety
What you learn (10)
- describe how number processing skills develop in children
- describe the typical progression of arithmetic skill acquisition in childhood
- critique empirical studies addressing current debates in numerical cognition
- evaluate theoretical models of developmental dyscalculia using empirical evidence
- evaluate theoretical models of mathematics anxiety using empirical evidence
- compare findings generated by diverse research methodologies in this field
- propose ways to enhance the delivery of mathematical interventions
- assess the effectiveness of mathematical interventions for improvement
- explain how cultural factors shape number processing and arithmetic
- explain how language factors shape number processing and arithmetic
- Moral and Political Psychology
What you learn (6)
- discuss module content constructively and respectfully with peers
- explain key psychological theories of morality
- discuss empirical research findings on moral judgement
- describe alternative political and ideological perspectives
- distinguish between morality, ideology and objective truth
- evaluate the advantages and drawbacks of ideological reasoning
- Developmental Social Neuroscience
What you learn (7)
- review current debated topics in developmental social neuroscience
- describe examples of empirical studies in developmental social neuroscience
- evaluate the quality of empirical evidence used in developmental social neuroscience
- discuss the contested nature of findings on empathy and antisocial behaviour development
- synthesise literature from multiple sources into a coherent argument
- judge the relevance of academic sources to a research topic
- communicate a personal viewpoint on debated topics in the field
- Fear and Survival
What you learn (6)
- describe current theoretical models of emotion
- identify bodily changes associated with fear responses
- explain how cognitive processing alters under perceived threat
- summarise research evidence on emotional contagion
- evaluate possible adaptive benefits of emotional contagion
- critically discuss theories explaining fear's appeal in entertainment media
- Clinical Research Methods
What you learn (4)
- explain key clinical research methods for development and disorders
- select an appropriate clinical research method for a study design
- evaluate the strengths and limitations of clinical research methods
- produce a systematic review in written format
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health
What you learn (6)
- describe the clinical psychologist's role within CAMHS teams
- explain challenges of delivering mental health services in difficult contexts
- identify professional skills required for working in caring professions
- evaluate evidence-based interventions for children's and adolescents' mental health needs
- compare theoretical approaches for working with children and families
- identify factors influencing choice of support strategies for families
- Final Year Project
What you learn (9)
- formulate an empirically testable research question
- explain ethical issues relevant to psychological research
- produce a research ethics application for approval
- design a scientifically rigorous research study
- conduct the designed study following research protocols
- apply appropriate statistical and analytic techniques to data
- use computer software to perform statistical analyses
- produce a research report meeting publication standards
- present research findings using formats such as conference posters
“What you learn” restates each module’s published learning outcomes in our own words, as short skill statements in the same form as the GCSE and A level curriculum, with the help of an AI model; fields of knowledge follow the twelve fields of the knowledge sphere. The university’s module page, linked from each title, is the authoritative description.
After graduating
Where does it lead?
£24,500median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£21k
Median£25k
Upper quarter£30k
Median — the middle earner: half earned more, half less. Pay is for graduates of this subject at this university who finished in 2016-18, not adjusted for inflation; based on 160 graduates.
Discover Uni dataset (HESA and Office for Students, CC BY 4.0, contains HESA data); earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data (Department for Education) · aggregation level 14, 13, 23
Half of graduates earned between £21,000 and £29,500. Five years on, the median is £32,000. 95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 70% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 15% left | 95% | 50 |
| In work or study, 15 months on5% studying | 95% | 35 |
| Professional or managerial job | 70% | 30 |
| Pay 15 months on, median | £27,000 | 75 |
| Pay 3 years on, median | £24,500 | 160 |
| Pay 5 years on, median | £32,000 | 180 |
Money
What does it cost?
£10,050a year for UK students, 2027/28 entry
Tuition fee loan — paid straight to the university; repayments start the April after you leave, at 9% of income above the threshold. UK fees are capped by government and rise with inflation; placement and study-abroad years are usually charged at a lower rate.
York fees page · source
About £40,200 in fees over 4 years, covered by a tuition fee loan you repay only when earning above the threshold. International students: £33,500 a year (2027/28).
National Student Survey 2025-26
What do students say?
85%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 92% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 55 students answered
Highest: 96% agreed on question 1; lowest: 64% on question 14.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 96% |
| Question 2 | 89% |
| Question 3 | 95% |
| Question 4 | 84% |
| Question 5 | 85% |
| Question 6 | 85% |
| Question 7 | 80% |
| Question 8 | 75% |
| Question 9 | 89% |
| Question 10 | 73% |
| Question 11 | 76% |
| Question 12 | 75% |
| Question 13 | 89% |
| Question 14 | 64% |
| Question 15 | 87% |
| Question 16 | 93% |
| Question 17 | 91% |
| Question 18 | 85% |
| Question 19 | 87% |
| Question 20 | 85% |
| Question 21 | 89% |
| Question 22 | 91% |
| Question 23 | 84% |
| Question 24 | 65% |
| Question 25 | 67% |
| Question 26 | 85% |
Question texts are published by the Office for Students; the dataset carries only the question numbers.
Modules, entry requirements and fees are facts read from University of York’s course page on 2026-09-19 and may change; the university’s page is authoritative. Descriptions are not reproduced. Outcome figures are from the Discover Uni dataset. University of York is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.