BSc Psychology with Foundation
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UCAS code
C802 -
A level offer
CCC -
Year of entry
2026/27 See 2027/28 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
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Year of entry
2026/27 See 2027/28 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 4 Years
Examine the concepts and approaches of modern psychology, and develop core academic skills, on our BSc Psychology with Foundation course.
This four-year programme includes a foundation year that leads directly into the three-year course.
Choose BSc Psychology with Foundation at the University of Reading
- This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), making you eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) – a key step for those pursuing a career in psychology.
- 93% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2025, 71% of respondents from the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences).
- 99% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience) and 100% of our research impact has been classed as ‘outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience).
What you'll learn
You will be able to pick modules that suit your specific interests, including a range of modules from other subjects. Should you wish to study abroad, you can study at a partner institution for a semester during your second year.
The first year of the course will introduce you to the concepts required for British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation, including:
- cognition
- neuroscience
- development
- personality
- social psychology.
You will then cover these subjects in far greater depth during your second year.
In the final year of your degree, you can develop your knowledge by exploring the areas that interest you most. Most modules in this year are optional and are regularly revised to incorporate the latest developments in psychology.
Recent modules have included subjects such as:
- Autistic Spectrum Conditions
- Behavioural Economics
- Nutritional Psychology
- Cognitive Behavioural Theory and Therapy.
For more information, please visit the School of Psychology website.
Placement with BSc Psychology with Foundation
Gain professional experience at one of our in-house clinics, or via an outside organisation such as a charity. Our clinics treat a variety of conditions, including:
- anxiety
- dementia
- and speech and language disorders.
We also offer research assistant placements, which allow you to get involved in grant-funded projects.
Study abroad
Depending on your course, you could spend two weeks, a semester, or an academic year abroad. We'll help you decide where to go and for how long, guide you through the application process, and support you when you're abroad.
To find out more about the benefits of studying abroad, and discover where you could go, visit the Study Abroad website.
Taught by passionate experts
We aim to provide you with the knowledge, skills, support, and opportunities to thrive in a global workplace.
You’ll have the opportunity to learn from academic staff who are passionate about teaching and are experts in their field.
How you'll learn
Throughout your studies, you will:
- build your knowledge of current and historical approaches in psychology
- explore and evaluate current research methods and applications
- learn how to conduct research of your own
- develop a critical understanding of ethical issues in research and professional practice.
Your learning structure
The Foundation Year will provide you with the skills and knowledge to succeed at university and a broad foundation in psychology.
The first year of the programme will introduce you to the British Psychological Society (BPS) core areas, including psychological research methods, and build your understanding of how these core topics are connected.
In the second year, you'll gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of the BPS core areas, along with focused training in practical skills such as conducting experiments, collecting and analysing data, observation techniques, interview skills, and psychometric testing.
The third year offers the opportunity to apply your knowledge to more specialist areas, with a variety of optional modules to choose from. You'll also design and implement your own research project.
Practical experience
Throughout the course you will gain practical experience and learn how to devise and run your own experiments. During the final year you will carry out an original piece of research on a topic of your choice. In the past, these have included:
- the effects of emotion on cognition
- the effects of Huntington's Disease on quality of life
- using puppets to test children's IQ.
You may even have the opportunity to present your work at conferences, and a number of past projects have won awards from the BPS and British Neuroscience Association.
Specialist facilities and clinics
The School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences’ facilities support research and learning, including eye-tracking and specialist equipment for electrophysiology and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Additionally, we have various onsite clinics:
- our NHS-partnered Anxiety and Depression in Young People Clinic
- the Speech and Language Therapy Clinic
- the world-renowned Charlie Waller Institute for evidence-based psychological treatments.

