BSc Psychology with Foundation at University of Reading

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.

Throughout your studies, you will:

build your knowledge of current and historical approaches in psychology
explore and evaluate current research methods and applications – and learn how to conduct research of your own
develop a critical understanding of ethical issues in research and professional practice.

You'll also benefit from our superb facilities, which include:

MRI scanner, TMS, and EEG/ERP
virtual reality, vision, pain, sensory and psychophysiology labs
infant observation rooms.

Accreditation

Our BSc Psychology with Foundation course is accredited by the British Psychological Society, providing you with the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.

Your learning structure

The Foundation Year will provide you with the skills and knowledge to succeed at university. You'll complete two psychology focused modules, offering a broad foundation in the subject. These will be complemented by a module in academic skills and a selection of optional modules taught across the University.

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.

92% of students in the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences said our teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things (91.8% National Student Survey, 2023).

For more information, please visit the School of Psychology website.

Placement with BSc Psychology with Foundation

Gain professional experience at one of our in-houseclinics, 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.

Overview

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.

Throughout your studies, you will:

build your knowledge of current and historical approaches in psychology
explore and evaluate current research methods and applications – and learn how to conduct research of your own
develop a critical understanding of ethical issues in research and professional practice.

You'll also benefit from our superb facilities, which include:

MRI scanner, TMS, and EEG/ERP
virtual reality, vision, pain, sensory and psychophysiology labs
infant observation rooms.

Accreditation

Our BSc Psychology with Foundation course is accredited by the British Psychological Society, providing you with the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.

Your learning structure

92% of students in the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences said our teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things (91.8% National Student Survey, 2023).

For more information, please visit the School of Psychology website.

Placement with BSc Psychology with Foundation

Study abroad

To find out more about the benefits of studying abroad, and discover where you could go, visit the Study Abroad website.

Entry requirements A Level CCC

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

CCC

International Baccalaureate

24 points overall

GCSE

Science at grade C (4)

BTEC Extended Diploma

DMM

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.

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 Programme

If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.

Learn more about our International Foundation programme

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

Foundation in Academic Skills

Acquire academic skills crucial for excelling in the foundation year and undergraduate studies. You'll develop proficiency in oral and written assessments, become adept in sourcing and managing information, and gain an understanding of various assessment formats and exam preparation tactics. Additionally, you'll learn about academic culture norms, responsibilities, and expectations.

Foundation Introduction to Psychological Research

Learn about psychological research methods and acquire fundamental numerical and data analysis skills to support your studies in psychology degree.

Foundation Topics in Psychology

Develop a comprehensive understanding of key topics in psychology, to support your learning throughout the psychology degree programme. You’ll examine research studies and theories and gain a fundamental understanding of the concepts and mechanisms of psychological phenomena.

Identities

Explore the theme of identity across various texts and teachings from colleagues in the School of Literature and Languages with a focus on gender and sexuality identity, and race and national identity. You'll learn the thinking and learning expected during your undergraduate degree, supporting your exploration of identity in yourselves and society.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 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

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.

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

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.

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: £9,535 per year for 2025/26 then fixed per year at this fee for the standard duration of your course.

New international students: £29,950 per year for 2025/26 then fixed per year at this fee for the standard duration of your course.

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.

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.

Careers

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

You’ll graduate with a range of transferable skills, including analytical abilities, writing experience, presentation skills, and the ability to think scientifically.

You could pursue a career in the NHS, civil service, education, or the charity sector. Skills learned on the course are also suited to roles in the private sector such as HR and recruitment, management consultancy, marketing, finance, and journalism. Alternatively, you could further develop your psychology skills by moving into research or postgraduate studies.

BSc Psychology with Foundation

Accreditation

Your learning structure

Placement with BSc Psychology with Foundation

Study abroad

Tuition fees

Additional costs

Financial support for your studies

Ready for more?