BSc (Hons) Environmental Psychology

Topics studied:

• Bio-psychology 
• Cognitive Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Individual Differences
• Neuropsychology
• Research methods

In addition to these core topics, you will develop specialist knowledge and skills regarding the reciprocal behaviour-environment relationship. You will learn about how the environment influences human behaviour: this includes how we perceive and navigate our environments, the role of built and natural environments on behaviour; as well as how other environmental influences - such as noise, temperature crowding - can shape and impact on our behaviour. You will also study how human behaviour impacts the environment: you will learn about the environmental issues that we face today (such as climate change, air pollution), and what we can contribute as psychologists to encourage pro-environmental behaviour. 

You will learn how to apply your theoretical and research knowledge to practical problems. This programme is led and hosted by the School of Psychology, and we work in collaboration with the UEL's centre of excellence - the Sustainability Research Institute (SRI) - to deliver some of the material, placement work and co-supervise projects. In joining us at UEL, you will have a unique student experience as well as learning the requisite knowledge base and skills to contribute to the creation of a sustainable future. 

Upon graduation, you will be able to progress your career in central and local government focused on research-based policies on a variety of environment-related behaviour issues, climate science and environmental communicators, private sector in the research and design of behavioural interventions, or further study at MSc or PhD level. 

This course is currently seeking accreditation from the British Psychological Society (BPS) and covers the core content you need to apply for graduate membership.

There are many jobs and careers that are options for you with a BSc Psychology degree. These include jobs within the Allied Psychology sector, such as: Employment Specialist, Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, Social Prescribing Link Worker, Wellbeing Manager, Mental Health Social Worker, FE Psychology teacher, Research Assistant or Assistant Psychologist. Some of these many require further training that we can help you with.

Some of our graduates choose to seek employment in non-Psychology areas. These are jobs in areas where there are employers who want psychology graduates, due to the transferable skills you will gain during your studies. These include Human Resources, Market Research, Civil Service, Business Graduate Training Schemes, Teaching, Third sector & Charity roles, administration, self-employed or entrepreneur, data work in public and private sectors and allied health professions.

BSc Psychology is also an essential qualification for students seeking further training and careers in Academia, Research, Clinical, Counselling, Occupational and Educational Psychology. All of these options are possible with our BPS-accredited degrees alongside experience. Other postgraduate options that you may wish to specialise include Health Psychology, Sports Psychology, Neuropsychology or Neuroscience.

In addition to this, you will learn about the environment: how it influences human behaviour, and how our behaviour impacts the environment. The British Psychological Society states that "psychology has an important role in combating climate change". Changing human behaviour and public acceptability of 'green' policies are, however, not straightforward.

This course aims to teach and engage you with the importance of the psychology of behaviour change in different environmental contexts and sustainability. We will explore theories, methods and research into environment and sustainability behaviour change.

You will develop specialist knowledge and skills of psychology applied to the different environments around us and sustainability. Including:
 

• How do we perceive and process the environment around us?
• How can a change in environment restore our attention when fatigued?
• Why do we travel the way we do?
• How can we create persuasive environmental campaigns?
• How can we reduce our contribution and exposure to air pollution?

During your studies, you will be offered teaching support, organised placements with industry partners and co-supervise research projects, led and hosted by the School of Psychology and in collaboration with UEL's centre of excellence - the Sustainability Research Institute (SRI).

We consistently review our courses to ensure we are up to date with industry changes and requirements from our graduates. As a result, our modules are subject to change. 

• Tawjihi: 60% for Foundation
• 3 x AS Levels: Foundation
• US High School Diploma: GPA 2.0 for Foundation
• US High School Diploma: GPA 3.0 + SAT1 1070 for Direct Entry to Bachelor's
• International Baccalaureate (IB): 25 points with minimum 15 at Higher Level for Direct Entry to Bachelor's
• 3 x A Levels: Direct Entry to Bachelor's

This programme will offer an enriching learning and employability experience, particularly within the environmental communication and behaviour change sector. Jobs available within this sector are set to increase; the last election pledges from the main political parties have indicated an investment in 'green' jobs and greening the workforce. Careers and graduate prospects for students who complete the Environmental Psychology degree include central and local government focused on research-based policies; environmental organisations focused on how to communicate the issues of climate change more effectively; working in the private sector in the research and design of behavioural interventions.

In offering this programme with UEL's Sustainability Research Institute, you will have the opportunity to be involved in community engagement and participation programmes with various stakeholders. As well as adding value to the learning experience, the real-world employability skills developed will add further 'work ready' competencies which will prove valuable in the competitive job market. You can tailor your studies to career-driven, industry-connected, research-led outcomes as you wish. Those who engage in placements with local community connections will develop the skills and confidence to apply and interview for jobs they want.

In addition to added employability skills following completion of this degree, you will also be able to use this programme as a springboard to further your education or academic research interests. This could include furthering your studies by undertaking existing programmes within the School of Psychology. For example, in response to the global climate emergency there will be an increase of environmental migrants or climate refugees i.e., people who are forced to leave their home due to the effects of climate change. If you wish to specialise further in this area, the School of Psychology offers an MSc in Humanitarian Intervention. In addition, our newly proposed BSc programme will provide a solid foundation for applied environmental psychology research, thereby creating opportunities for you to pursue a PhD should you wish.

In addition to the unique collaborative learning and placement experience, this programme will be accredited by the British Psychological Society, allowing graduates to enter a broader range of professional psychology jobs and/ or postgraduate programmes should you seek to do so. Those who engage in placements and research with community connections can use this as an opportunity to establish relationships with prospective employers, leading to additional support when searching for work.

Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.