Course information
Are you fascinated by what drives human behaviour? Do you find yourself asking why some people thrive under pressure while others struggle, or how we can tackle challenges like inequality, mental health, and wellbeing? At Hartpury University, we’ll help you turn that curiosity into a career that makes a real difference.
Our BSc (Hons) Psychology degree is designed to give you far more than textbook knowledge. Rooted in real-world application, this course offers practical experiences not widely available elsewhere.
You'll study all the core areas of psychology required for British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation, including biological, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology, while also exploring how psychology can be applied in our specialist areas including sport, exercise, agriculture, health, education, and inclusive of innovative approaches such as animal-assisted and green therapy.
You’ll benefit from access to outstanding on-site facilities, including our modern biomechanics and human performance laboratories, equine-assisted therapy spaces, Digital Innovation Farm complex, the professional environments related to our high-performance sports teams, and commercial businesses. Our 360-hectare campus also offers unique opportunities for nature-based and green therapy research and practice, something few other institutions can provide. These environments enable you to apply psychological theory in practical, meaningful ways throughout your degree.
Teaching is delivered by expert academics and practitioners, including those registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and enriched by guest lectures from leaders in specialist fields. From the very start, you’ll be supported to develop the practical skills, critical thinking, and research capabilities you’ll need for a wide range of careers in psychology and related sectors.
UCAS tariff points | 112 UCAS tariff points.
A Levels | BBC or equivalent from at least two full A Levels.
Vocational Awards | DMM in an Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.
Access | 112 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma.
International Baccalaureate | 112 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include two Highers at H3 or above.
Scottish Highers | 112 UCAS tariff points from at least two Highers. You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.
Irish Leaving Certificate | 112 UCAS tariff points from at least two Highers.
T Level | An overall grade of Merit, to include grade C or above in the Core component.
Additional Information
In addition to the above, we require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), to include English, Maths and a science. We will consider equivalencies including but not limited to functional skills level 2, Irish Ordinary level, National 5s, IB standard level.
We will consider combinations of level three qualifications.
We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process.
The minimum academic entry requirement for this programme is 80 UCAS tariff points, providing this is combined with relevant experience.
Industry links within this course are diverse to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Industry professionals and psychology specialists will provide guest lectures across the curriculum from different domains of application, including counselling, clinical, educational, organisational, and sport and exercise psychology.
Continued Professional Development is a key part of the Psychology curriculum. Although not compulsory, Hartpury University may host or promote various extra-curricular activities and courses. Prices will vary depending on the nature and duration of the course, as well as the external provider.
In completing the BSc (Hons) Psychology, you will also gain the transferable skills you need for other graduate careers. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare you for employment.
Your support network
You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams, including learning support (Achievement and Success Centre) and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.
Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.
Teaching mode and contact
Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory modules that cover the core areas of psychology required by the British Psychological Society for accreditation (e.g., biological, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology), building your portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your future career.
The course will be delivered through a series of taught lectures, online learning, practical seminars/activities, alongside independent learning to highlight and develop the competencies required for a career in psychology. The course will utilise a variety of learning and teaching methods to encourage reflective and critical thinking and research skills, enabling you to become confident and autonomous learners. You will develop sound academic competencies so that you are readily employable and well-equipped for lifelong learning.
The course is taught in English.
Assessments
You will be assessed using a range of methods including written coursework assignments, oral presentations, case studies and practical work. There are formative assessment opportunities within all modules to help you prepare for summative assessments. Following completion of any summative assessment, you will receive feedback on your performance, as well as guidance on how to improve for future assessments.
Course information
Overview
Are you fascinated by what drives human behaviour? Do you find yourself asking why some people thrive under pressure while others struggle, or how we can tackle challenges like inequality, mental health, and wellbeing? At Hartpury University, we’ll help you turn that curiosity into a career that makes a real difference.
Our BSc (Hons) Psychology degree is designed to give you far more than textbook knowledge. Rooted in real-world application, this course offers practical experiences not widely available elsewhere.
You'll study all the core areas of psychology required for British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation, including biological, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology, while also exploring how psychology can be applied in our specialist areas including sport, exercise, agriculture, health, education, and inclusive of innovative approaches such as animal-assisted and green therapy.
You’ll benefit from access to outstanding on-site facilities, including our modern biomechanics and human performance laboratories, equine-assisted therapy spaces, Digital Innovation Farm complex, the professional environments related to our high-performance sports teams, and commercial businesses. Our 360-hectare campus also offers unique opportunities for nature-based and green therapy research and practice, something few other institutions can provide. These environments enable you to apply psychological theory in practical, meaningful ways throughout your degree.
Teaching is delivered by expert academics and practitioners, including those registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and enriched by guest lectures from leaders in specialist fields. From the very start, you’ll be supported to develop the practical skills, critical thinking, and research capabilities you’ll need for a wide range of careers in psychology and related sectors.
Entry requirements
UCAS tariff points | 112 UCAS tariff points.
A Levels | BBC or equivalent from at least two full A Levels.
Vocational Awards | DMM in an Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.
Access | 112 UCAS tariff points in an Access to Higher Education Diploma.
International Baccalaureate | 112 UCAS tariff points in an IB Diploma, to include two Highers at H3 or above.
Scottish Highers | 112 UCAS tariff points from at least two Highers. You must have completed two years study at Higher Level.
Irish Leaving Certificate | 112 UCAS tariff points from at least two Highers.
T Level | An overall grade of Merit, to include grade C or above in the Core component.
Additional Information
In addition to the above, we require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C), to include English, Maths and a science. We will consider equivalencies including but not limited to functional skills level 2, Irish Ordinary level, National 5s, IB standard level.
We will consider combinations of level three qualifications.
We welcome applications from individuals with equivalent, non-UK qualifications and mature students (over 21). We may interview as part of the application process.
The minimum academic entry requirement for this programme is 80 UCAS tariff points, providing this is combined with relevant experience.
Employability
Industry links within this course are diverse to ensure you develop the skills, experience and connections needed for your graduate career. Industry professionals and psychology specialists will provide guest lectures across the curriculum from different domains of application, including counselling, clinical, educational, organisational, and sport and exercise psychology.
Continued Professional Development is a key part of the Psychology curriculum. Although not compulsory, Hartpury University may host or promote various extra-curricular activities and courses. Prices will vary depending on the nature and duration of the course, as well as the external provider.
In completing the BSc (Hons) Psychology, you will also gain the transferable skills you need for other graduate careers. Our careers team can support you to find and prepare you for employment.
How you'll study
Your support network
You’ll have your own personal tutor while you’re here who will support you to succeed in your studies. You’ll also have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams, including learning support (Achievement and Success Centre) and employability (Innovation, Careers and Enterprise) centres who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online.
Alongside this, we have a comprehensive bank of online study skills resources to help you make the most of your qualification.
Teaching mode and contact
Each year of your course will be made up of two semesters, within which you’ll study compulsory modules that cover the core areas of psychology required by the British Psychological Society for accreditation (e.g., biological, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology), building your portfolio of knowledge, skills and experience, ready for your future career.
The course will be delivered through a series of taught lectures, online learning, practical seminars/activities, alongside independent learning to highlight and develop the competencies required for a career in psychology. The course will utilise a variety of learning and teaching methods to encourage reflective and critical thinking and research skills, enabling you to become confident and autonomous learners. You will develop sound academic competencies so that you are readily employable and well-equipped for lifelong learning.
The course is taught in English.
Assessments
You will be assessed using a range of methods including written coursework assignments, oral presentations, case studies and practical work. There are formative assessment opportunities within all modules to help you prepare for summative assessments. Following completion of any summative assessment, you will receive feedback on your performance, as well as guidance on how to improve for future assessments.
Modules
What you'll study
All modules are compulsory ensuring solid foundational knowledge in all the core areas of psychology required by the Psychological Society for accreditation.
In your first year, you will explore all seven BPS core areas: social, biological, cognitive, developmental, individual differences, conceptual and historical issues, and research methods. You will also examine the application of psychology across diverse disciplines, incorporating Hartpury's unique strengths in sport, exercise, health, education, and innovative approaches such as animal-assisted and green therapy.
In your second year, you will study the seven core areas of psychology in greater depth, supporting breadth and depth of understanding of human behaviour across various contexts. Specialist guest lecturers, who are qualified practitioners in their field, will enable real-world and applied illustrations of theory and concepts relevant to practice from across a range of professional domains (e.g., counselling psychology, sport and exercise psychology, health psychology).
In your third year, you will have the opportunity to consolidate your learning from years one and two by applying this to contemporary issues in psychology, and in developing your understanding of the contexts in which psychological interventions are developed and delivered. You will also complete an independent research project under expert supervision, which allows focused investigation of an area of interest.
Modules
Overview
What you'll study
All modules are compulsory ensuring solid foundational knowledge in all the core areas of psychology required by the Psychological Society for accreditation.
Level four (year one)
In your first year, you will explore all seven BPS core areas: social, biological, cognitive, developmental, individual differences, conceptual and historical issues, and research methods. You will also examine the application of psychology across diverse disciplines, incorporating Hartpury's unique strengths in sport, exercise, health, education, and innovative approaches such as animal-assisted and green therapy.
Level five (year two)
In your second year, you will study the seven core areas of psychology in greater depth, supporting breadth and depth of understanding of human behaviour across various contexts. Specialist guest lecturers, who are qualified practitioners in their field, will enable real-world and applied illustrations of theory and concepts relevant to practice from across a range of professional domains (e.g., counselling psychology, sport and exercise psychology, health psychology).
Level Six (final year)
In your third year, you will have the opportunity to consolidate your learning from years one and two by applying this to contemporary issues in psychology, and in developing your understanding of the contexts in which psychological interventions are developed and delivered. You will also complete an independent research project under expert supervision, which allows focused investigation of an area of interest.
The modules contain a mixture of scheduled learning – lectures, seminars and practical sessions, alongside independent learning. Students are expected to dedicate at least two to three hours of independent study per contact hour. The course also includes work placement learning as part of a module.
The course is taught in English.
| Year | Contact learning | Placement learning | Independent learning |
| Level four (year one) | TBC | TBC | TBC |
| Level five (year two) | TBC | TBC | TBC |
| Level six (year three) | TBC | TBC | TBC |
You’ll be assessed through a mixture of written, oral and practical exams, as well as written assignments. Many of the modules will be marked based on a mixture of assessment types, whilst others will be based solely on one type of assessment. Written feedback will be provided for all assignments, specific exam feedback is available via the module team.
| Year | Written exam | Practical exam | Coursework |
| Level four (year one) | TBC | TBC | TBC |
| Level five (year two) | TBC | TBC | TBC |
| Level six (year three) | TBC | TBC | TBC |
Year one, two, and three of this course are taught over two semesters, normally consisting of 12 weeks of scheduled teaching and then assessment weeks, with an overview below.
- Scheduled teaching takes place Monday to Friday
- Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities
Timetables are available during enrolment week.
Please visit our student finance page for information on tuition fees and student loans, as well as non-repayable grants, bursaries and scholarships, eligible to different groups, to support with study costs.
Below, you'll find extra costs associated with studying this course.
Accommodation and living costs
Please visit our student accommodation page for details.
Additional costs
Hartpury University may host various extra-curricular activities and courses, prices may vary dependent on the nature and duration of the course and external provider, but these are not compulsory.
Student membership of the British Psychological Society
We encourage student membership of the British Psychological Society. Whilst the first year of membership is free, at the time of writing annual membership after this first year costs £26 per year. The benefits of membership include:
- Free online and app access to our official magazine, The Psychologist, where you'll find the latest thought leadership, news, reviews and more.
- Free access to our dedicated student publication, PsychTalk. As a member you can also submit your own writing and take your first steps into publication.
- Free access to BPS academic journals (plus 32 related Wiley titles) via PsychHub
- Free access to EBSCO online resources - over 300 non-open access journal titles and a further 140 peer-reviewed magazines.
- Discounted tickets to conferences, events and webinars.
Our Resource Library is where you'll find all the essential details about Hartpury University's courses. It includes Programme and Module Specifications, along with Course Information Sheets for every course. You can easily download a complete revision history for each of these, clearly showing the dates changes were made.
Course Information Sheets: These are PDF versions of the course webpages. They provide an overview of the course, what to expect during your studies, and the topics covered.
Programme Specifications: These are detailed, validated documents containing academic specifics for each programme. They include descriptions of the programme, its aims, learning outcomes, year and module structure, as well as teaching, learning, and assessment strategies.
Module Specifications: Each Programme consists of several Modules. Our Module Specifications outline the topics covered and the expected outcomes for students studying each Module.
Settle into an accommodation option to suit your taste and budget – at Hartpury University, undergraduate students can choose to live on-campus surrounded by Gloucestershire’s beautiful countryside or off-campus in the heart of Gloucester City centre. Enjoy the best of both worlds.
We can help you understand how it all works, and what you need to do next. Find out everything you need to know about tuition fees, student loans and bursaries and scholarships. In 2021/22, we provided assistance to over 1/3 of our students through bursaries, scholarships and grants, totalling a little under £1million.
When you become a student at Hartpury, you become part of our community. As a small university, we provide personalised support based on your individual requirements and aspirations. Our teams cover wellbeing, achievement and success, learning support, careers, and more. From wellbeing, safety and employability, to finance, accommodation and IT, our staff will answer your questions or get you set up with someone who can.
TEF Gold
Our undergraduate provision has been awarded Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold in all aspects - Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes.
Teaching quality
Ranked in the top 10 universities for teaching quality (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025).
Graduate employability
97% of our graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity (Graduate Outcomes, 2024).
Academic support
We’re a top 10 university for academic support (NSS 2024, UK universities).
Guardian University Guide
We're ranked 4th out of 86 universities for Sports Science, marking an impressive 65-place jump in just four years.
Important information
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are reviewed and developed regularly. Changes or cancellation of courses may be necessary to ensure alignment with emerging employment areas, to comply with accrediting body requirements, revisions to subject benchmark statements or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make necessary changes and will notify all offer-holders of changes as and when they occur.
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