Psychology

Course details How do we develop empathy? How does culture affect our behaviour? Where does prejudice come from? Learn from leading researchers in their fields as you explore some of the most challenging questions in psychology today. Our BSc in Psychology is designed to give you an understanding of the mind and behaviour. As such it shares features with other disciplines, including biology, anthropology, philosophy and education. You will study people's internal mental processes, the biological mechanisms that underlie their behaviour, and the social and developmental context in which they act. This degree follows the British Psychological Society (BPS) guidelines and offers an extensive range of options in the final year, drawing both from fundamental scientific research and applied psychology. These modules include topics in social psychology, developmental psychology, cognition and behavioural neuroscience, as well as neurorehabilitation, education and health.

Why Durham University? Our psychology degrees offer a genuinely research-led education. While learning the core principles of psychology, you will have the opportunity to work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will have access to cutting-edge technologies, including the Department’s clinical and experimental facilities which include motion capture, eye tracking and biophysical recording laboratories. Our innovative approach to learning takes us beyond the traditional student-lecturer dynamic. Through a combination of practical teaching sessions, an optional placement module, and even an employability retreat we actively prepare you for working life.

Facilities Facilities in the Department of Psychology include body scanners with integrated eye tracking, molecular psychology suites, VR suites with motion capture and mock environments for ecologically valid research. You will be ideally located in a dedicated psychology learning space, adjacent to many university departments and services, and within walking distance of Durham’s historic centre.

Rankings World Top 100 in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2024 Top 20 in the Complete University Guide 2025 Top 20 in the Guardian University Guide 2025

Careers Opportunities Your degree will equip you with the academic knowledge, analytical and problem-solving skills that are in demand across a wide range of professions. Our undergraduate degrees are recognised by the British Psychological Society – the first step towards a career as a psychologist. Our graduates also progress to postgraduate courses and have qualified in areas such as teaching, law, and speech and language therapy.