BSc Psychology with Professional Placement

Gain valuable clinical experience with BSc Psychology with Professional Placement, a course that can be tailored to meet your interests.

Choose BSc Psychology with Professional Placement 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.

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

You can gain experience of working with professional psychologists by spending a year working within an NHS clinic, research lab or organisation.

You may have the opportunity to carry out this placement at one of our in-house organisations. These include:

Anxiety and Depression in Young People Clinic
Speech and Language Therapy Clinic
Charlie Waller Institute
Centre for Autism
Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health.

Placement year fees

During your placement year you will pay 15% of the full course fee.

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 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 British Psychological Society 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.

Overview

Gain valuable clinical experience with BSc Psychology with Professional Placement, a course that can be tailored to meet your interests.

Choose BSc Psychology with Professional Placement 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.

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.

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

You can gain experience of working with professional psychologists by spending a year working within an NHS clinic, research lab or organisation.

You may have the opportunity to carry out this placement at one of our in-house organisations. These include:

Anxiety and Depression in Young People Clinic
Speech and Language Therapy Clinic
Charlie Waller Institute
Centre for Autism
Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health.

Placement year fees

During your placement year you will pay 15% of the full course fee.

Learning

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

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 British Psychological Society and British Neuroscience Association.

Specialist facilities and clinics

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.

Entry requirements A Level AAB

Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.

Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.

Typical offer

AAB (some preference is given to science A levels, including Psychology)

International Baccalaureate

34 points overall

GCSE

Grade C (4) in Science

Extended Project Qualification

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDD

Choosing between Psychology courses

If you are interested in the BSc Psychology with Professional Placement, you may also wish to include Psychology with Foundation Year as an additional choice on your UCAS form. This is a separate four-year programme designed to provide an alternative route into the degree, offering additional preparation for undergraduate study.

Each course has its own UCAS code and is considered independently – the University will not automatically transfer your application from one to another unless you have applied for each. Including more than one option means admissions can assess you for each course based on its own entry criteria.

Similarly, you can apply for both the BSc Psychology with Professional Placement and the standard BSc Psychology on UCAS. These are distinct course choices and will each be considered separately in your application.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students

For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.

International Foundation Pathway

If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme (IFP).

International Foundation Programme – September entry

Successful completion of the International Foundation Programme, along with any other relevant degree entry requirements, guarantees you the opportunity of a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.

Learn more about our International Foundation Pathways

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Compulsory modules

Applied and Professional Psychology

Explore how psychology can be applied in the real world, with broad consideration of professional values and ethics. You’ll gain knowledge on various areas of professional psychology, such as educational, occupational, health and forensic psychology and academia, research and teaching. You’ll develop professional skills and competencies that are required to become a psychologist.

Debates in Mental Health

Explore key current and historical issues in clinical psychology and develop your understanding of psychological disorders, their assessment and current evidence-based interventions.

Introduction to Psychological Research

Explore quantitative and qualitative research methods, and develop skills in planning, data gathering and dissemination stages of psychology-related research.

Learning about Learning

Develop an understanding of learning and memory and use this knowledge to reflect on their own learning. You’ll gain knowledge on the nature of learning and the theoretical models underpinning these processes.

The Person and the Brain

Build a broad understanding of psychology and its fundamental concepts and theories. You’ll gain knowledge on key principles of organisation of systems while covering topics such as neural and hormonal function, genetic contributions to behaviour, personality, and group dynamics.

Optional modules

Introduction to Neuroscience Methods

Discover the methods and scientific philosophy of modern human neuroscience. You’ll explore key concepts and applications such as human neuroimaging, brain stimulation, neuropsychology, psychophysics, psychophysiology, brain-body physiology, and scientific data visualisation.

Language in the Brain

Discover how the brain correlates with language acquisition and processing. You’ll examine the aspects of language including comprehension (reading and listening) and production (spoken and written) as well as development language disorders and the methods employed in the study of the neuroscience of language.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2025/26 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Cognitive and Biological Psychology

Develop an understanding of biopsychology and cognition, perception and neuroscience through the study of topics such as attention and consciousness, object and face recognition, multisensory integration, pain, and cognitive control.

Development Across the Lifespan

Discover how individuals change and develop from the neonatal period, throughout childhood, into adolescence and old age. Explore theories and research in typical and neurodivergent development and enhance your knowledge about observational methods.

Professional and Clinical Practice

Develop a range of work-related skills required of professional psychologists. You’ll participate in workshops, complete a placement in a psychology-related career field, and gain knowledge and expertise to boost your employability.

Research Methods in Psychology

Extend your knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods in psychology, examine methods of conducting and analysing quantitative and qualitative research, and enhance your data analysis and critical evaluation skills.

Social Psychology and Individual Differences

Deepen your knowledge and understanding of the complex interplay between social psychology, typical social phenomena and individual differences.

Optional modules

Behaviour Change

Explore the principles of behaviour change and gain an understanding of the research methods used to inform the development, implementation, and evaluation of interventions. You’ll learn how to apply evidence-based frameworks to a wide range of practical problems.

Scientific Computing for Psychologists

Develop your knowledge of scientific computation for data analysis and visualisation. You’ll explore examples and problems drawn from neuroscience, psychology, psychophysics and neuroimaging and gain key programming skills.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Professional Placement

Gain an insight into a psychology-related industry, applying the knowledge and skills developed in your studies.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Project

Conduct an independent piece of original research that involves literature review, planning, ethical considerations, data collection, data analysis, and a final written project report.

Communicating Current Psychology

Explore issues of current theoretical, ethical and practical importance to psychology and learn to disseminate information about these issues to wider audiences.

Optional modules

Psychology of Health and Wellbeing

Study psychological theories to understand key topics in health psychology. You’ll consider them in relation to different developmental stages such as food preferences in children, sleep among adolescents, stress in adults and chronic illness in older adults. You’ll develop practical skills as you apply scientific theory and prepare for further study.

Clinical Neuroscience

Discover and understand diverse methodologies, dissect, criticise and propose empirical research, and navigate the challenges in studying clinical populations. You'll not only uncover the secrets of atypical human functioning but also develop practical insights and research skills essential for addressing real-world clinical challenges.

Emotion and Motivation

Enhance your understanding of the science of emotion and motivation as you study historical perspectives and current theory related to topics such as emotional expression and regulation, brain-body interaction, and behaviour change. You’ll learn by engaging with conceptual and historical issues, social and biological psychology, individual differences and key research methods of the past and present.

The Psychology of Pain and Ill Health

Explore how pain is changed by emotions, motivations, thoughts, and social factors. You’ll also learn how important psychology is for the development of chronic pain, and how living with pain can lead to depression and anxiety.

Clinical Neuroscience

Neurodegeneration: Theory and Practice

Draw on current and past research to understand theoretical models and brain mechanisms implicated in neurodegenerative disorders, which affect up to one billion people worldwide.

Developmental Psychopathology

Learn about the interplay between the child as an active agent and the environment as sources of risk or resilience for psychopathology. You will be able to evaluate the strengths and limitations of different study designs for investigating developmental processes in psychopathology.

Forensic Psychology: Applying Theory and Practice

Evaluate explanations of offending behaviour by understanding the role of psychological factors, such as psychiatric disorders, and the use of methods for analysing offender characteristics, such as offender profiling.

Computation and Modelling in Psychology

Use the programming language R and its integrated development environment RStudio for performing advanced statistics, data analysis, and computational modelling in psychology.

Nutrition, Cognition and Mental Health

Explore the effects of nutritional compounds and metabolic processes on cognitive function and mood. You’ll evaluate the existing literature across a number of populations including adults, children and Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, and will explore the neuroscientific and physiological underpinnings of nutritional and metabolic effects on the brain.

Neurodevelopmental Differences

Explore the experiences of neurodivergent individuals and the theoretical and practical implications of neurodevelopmental differences. Topics may include sensory processing, speech and language, music, and emotion processing across different neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, dyslexia and ADHD.

Psychology of (In)Equity

Gain a fundamental understanding of the psychology of equity and inequity. You’ll consider examples of inequity, prejudice and discrimination within society and psychological research, and the consequences of each. You’ll explore some mechanisms behind the occurrence of inequity, and examine ways in which the status quo can be challenged in the pursuit of greater social justice.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: The home tuition fee for 2026 entry is £9,790. The home tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study.

New international students: £30,650 for 2026/27. The international tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study as set out in your student contract. For more details, please visit our Fees for International Students page.

Tuition fees

To find out more about how the University of Reading sets its tuition fees, see our fees and funding pages.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Placement year fees

If you spend a full year on placement, you will only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee for that year. For more information, please see our fees and funding pages or contact placements@reading.ac.uk.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Become a Global Sustainability Leaders Scholar

This exciting new undergraduate scholarship scheme is focused on creating a community of global sustainability leaders of the future. We are offering up to 400 scholarships per year, for high-achieving students from the UK and overseas.

Each scholar will receive £6,000 a year for maintenance and living costs, for up to four years of full-time study on their course (subject to terms and conditions).

Find out more about the Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship scheme.

Careers

As a graduate of this course you will be qualified for further training to become a professional psychologist. Our BSc Psychology with Professional Placement course is accredited by the British Psychological Society and provides you with the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.

This course will provide you with a range of transferable skills, including analytical qualitative abilities, writing experience, presentation skills and the ability to think and analyse scientifically.

You could go on to work for organisations such as the NHS, civil services, schools or charities. Skills learned on the course also open up many doors within the private sector, in areas such as HR, recruitment, management consultancy, publicity, finance and journalism. Alternatively you can choose to further develop your skills by moving into research, teacher training or postgraduate studies.

Build the skills to succeed in your career – and contribute to a sustainable future

At the University of Reading, we help you turn your environmental and sustainability values into opportunities that make a difference to your career and the wider world.

Employers are already reshaping their businesses to respond to climate change, and they increasingly value graduates with expertise in environmental stewardship – one of the fastest-growing skill areas (World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report 2025).

During your time at Reading, you’ll have access to a wide range of opportunities and support. This will help you graduate with the knowledge and confidence to tackle environmental and sustainability challenges in your career.

In 2025, the University of Reading won the AGCAS Green Careers Award. Judges highlighted the impact of our Careers service and the positive outcomes our students achieve.

Explore climate and sustainability initiatives you can get involved with as a student at Reading.

BSc Psychology with Professional Placement

Choose BSc Psychology with Professional Placement at the University of Reading

What you'll learn

Placement

Placement year fees

Taught by passionate experts

How you'll learn

Specialist facilities and clinics

Tuition fees

Additional costs

Financial support for your studies

Become a Global Sustainability Leaders Scholar

Build the skills to succeed in your career – and contribute to a sustainable future

Ready for more?