**Course overview**\ Psychology is the scientific study of mental processes, while cognitive neuroscience looks at how our brains support our thoughts, feelings and actions. On our BSc Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, you'll gain a solid grounding in psychology, with an emphasis on approaches and knowledge of cognitive neuroscience. Our course offers flexibility - with options to study abroad, spend a year in industry or extend your studies with pathways in Computer Science or Data Analytics and AI. This gives you the chance to broaden your experience and shape your degree around your ambitions. You’ll study with a team that includes senior academics, international research experts and industry practitioners – who all bring cutting-edge psychological science directly into your studies. From your first year, you’ll develop strong psychological literacy, exploring how identity, memory, emotion, relationships and social systems work and why they sometimes don’t. You’ll also learn the fundamentals of neuroimaging research and practical methods and analysis in cognitive neuroscience. Our course is structured so your knowledge grows confidently and progressively. As you advance on the degree, you can specialise in areas that excite you, choosing from a range of optional modules that explore contemporary psychological challenges in depth. With experts from across the spectrum of psychology, we’re able to offer you a choice from many different areas in both theoretical and applied psychology. For example, you can explore topics including forensic or clinical psychology, cognitive development, neuropsychology and educational or social psychology. Alongside this, you’ll build transferable skills in communication, analysis, teamwork and problem solving – the kind of abilities employers consistently look for. Research is a major part of the experience. Our research is transforming lives and we want our students to be part of this. For your third-year project, you’ll work closely with expert staff on a research topic that genuinely interests you, with opportunities to contribute to ongoing studies and applied projects. You will also be able to apply for our Psychology Insights project, which gives you the opportunity to work on a live brief with a local organisation. Previous project topics range from neurodiversity to addictions and post-traumatic growth. Hear from students who have taken part before and find out more about this career accelerating experience: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/articles/explore-more-articles/science/psychology-insights-project.html Throughout our course, you’ll gain the core knowledge and skills required for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society, opening the door to professional training and a wide range of careers.\ \ **Why choose this course?\ Course highlights** * Opportunities to study abroad, spend a year in industry or extend your studies with a year in Data Analytics and AI or Computer Science. * Network with potential employers through our Psychology Insights project. * Gain the training required for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society. **Proven results** * We’re ranked top 100 in the world and 18th in the UK for Psychology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026). * 93.9% of psychology graduates were in sustained employment, further study or both one year after graduation (LEO data from 2022/23 tax year, published in 2025).
A Level: AAA | Where science A levels have been taken, a pass in the practical element of science subjects is required if assessed separately. General Studies, Critical Thinking, Citizenship Studies, Science and Society, Leisure Studies and Global Perspectives are not accepted. | Scottish Higher: AAABB | This qualification is only acceptable when combined with Advanced Higher grades AA. | Access to HE Diploma: 36 UCAS points | Access to HE Diploma: 9 UCAS points | GCSE/National 4/National 5 GCSE Mathematics and English at grade B/5 required. Functional Skills is not accepted in lieu of the GCSE requirements. | Scottish Advanced Higher: AA | Considered alongside grades AAABB in Scottish Highers. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): D*D | Considered alongside A Level grade A. | International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: 34 UCAS points | or 666 in 3 Higher Level certificates | WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales: A | Considered alongside A Level grades AA. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): D*DD | Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017): H1H2H2H2H2H2 | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016): D | Considered alongside A Level grades AA.
No less than 6.0 in any element. As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/international-applicants/english-language/english-language-requirements.aspx For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course (https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/cele/pre-sessional/index.aspx). Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK. If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.
For detailed information about the modules you will study, please visit the course page.
View undergraduate tuition fees for UK and international students: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/fees/tuitionfees/202627/index.aspx — Faculty of Science (excluding Mathematical Sciences)
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