Applied Psychology (BSc)

We consider applicants with either Arts or Science backgrounds, since no previous knowledge of psychology is required to gain admission. With the exception of General Studies, almost all A-level (or equivalent) subjects are acceptable, provided that evidence is given of the ability to assimilate complex information in an organised and critical manner. Applicants are normally required to have at least grade B in GCSE Mathematics or equivalent.

Our students come from a diverse range of backgrounds and we accept a broad range of qualifications in addition to A-levels. Applications from students on QAA-approved Access to HE courses are assessed individually on the basis of attainment, references and personal statement. When made, our offer is usually conditional on passing the Access Diploma with a minimum of 30 level 3 credits at Distinction level and 15 level 3 credits at Merit level. . We also require some evidence of mathematics competence, either through possession of grade B or higher at GCE ‘O’ level/GCSE Mathematics or AS level Mathematics, or else the successful completion of mathematics or statistics components of a suitable standard as part of the Access course.

Students from overseas should visit the International| pages for further information on the entry requirements from their country and English language requirements.  Royal Holloway International offers an International Foundation Programme and English language pre-sessional courses, allowing students the opportunity to develop their study skills and English language before starting their undergraduate degree.

We make decisions based on achieved or predicted grades, personal statements and references. More information on how your application will be assessed, and tips for your personal statement can be found on our Applying| pages.

• The Department is consistently ranked in the top 10 for student satisfaction out of around 100 UK Psychology departments in the National Student Survey, and also rank near the top of independent surveys of teaching quality such as newspaper league tables (Independent, Guardian, Times).  
• We offer high quality teaching with small tutorial groups, a minimum of 12 contact hours a week, and the opportunity to undertake a research project under the supervision of an expert in the field. The Department is dynamic, friendly and engaging, and students appreciate the accessibility of our staff.
• You will study and have the chance to contribute to topics at the cutting-edge of psychological investigation – our research is rated as internationally excellent and we were ranked within the top 10 UK Psychology departments in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). Find out more about our research here.
• We have one of the best-equipped Psychology departments in the country. Our facilities include: a research-dedicated magnetic resonance scanner for measuring brain activity during various tasks, instruments for recording electrical changes in the brain (EEG), apparatus to stimulate focal areas in the brain (TMS), technology for tracking eye movements, the ability to create virtual reality environments, closed circuit TV for discreet observation of adult, child and infant behaviour and a dedicated ‘baby lab’ for studying the behaviour of young infants.
• You will be able to gain a wide variety of transferable skills such as critical reading, report writing, interviewing, survey research, observation, measurement, experimentation, and the ability to use statistical methods to assess research findings. Our graduates progress to a range of successful careers internationally, in and out of psychology-related fields, as well as to further study.

You will be able to gain insight into the motivations of people, investigate how brain processes cause behaviour, gain understanding of the principles that underlie group behaviour and find out how the malfunctioning of mental processes can lead to psychological problems. You will be able to apply this knowledge in various applied contexts from how advertising works to the importance of mental preparation for elite athletes and how to distribute workload in organization.

Course units in the first and second years are compulsory. In the final year, you will carry out an independent research project, and have a range of advanced course units tailored to the topic of Applied Psychology, several of which are related to professional careers in the field.  

By studying this course you will:

• understand and predict the many factors involved in the basis of human behaviour
• design, analyse and interpret research studies independently to answer new scientific questions
• gain quantitative skills as well as verbal and written communications skills of a professional standard.
• be able to apply your understanding and skills in a real-world context .

All undergraduate degree courses at Royal Holloway are based on the course unit system. This system provides an effective and flexible approach to study, while ensuring that our degrees have a coherent and developmental structure.

The Department’s website| gives detailed lists of the course units taken for each different degree.

View the full course specification for Applied Psychology (BSc) in the Programme Specification Repository|.

Teaching takes place in lectures, seminars, small group tutorials, laboratory classes, practical workshops and personal advisor meetings. Some course units contain a linked work experience placement component.

Royal Holloway psychology graduates are highly employable and are extremely successful in progressing to further study or employment, both in UK and internationally. According to the 2011 National Student Survey, 92% of our graduates find graduate employment within six months or enter postgraduate study. Throughout the degree we provide support for career development through work experience opportunities, Careers Workshops and other events. As well as careers directly linked to psychology (e.g. clinical, educational, forensic and organizational psychologists, therapists), the transferable skills gained on our programmes help out graduates find employment in a wide range of sectors beyond Psychology. Recent graduates have found employment in banking, publishing, journalism, media, management, local government, mental health support, youth work or other support work, as business analysts or working in human resources/personnel. In addition, a large number of students progress to further study as masters or doctoral level

To hear more from recent graduates click here|.