BSc (Hons) Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience

Our cutting-edge BSc Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience offers a unique approach to the study of human behaviour. The degree will develop your understanding of the processes that influence people, focusing on neuroscientific explanations of the human mind and behaviour.

• Real-world relevance: You will analyse real-world issues through a bio-psycho-social model, connecting theory, research, policy, and practice. Themed teaching blocks will address critical topics including social justice, health and wellbeing, and artificial intelligence.
• Integrated research focus: The curriculum places a strong emphasis on research, equipping you with quantitative and qualitative research skills, integrated seamlessly with module content. You'll have access to our fantastic facilities. These include behavioural testing facilities, an EEG suite for brain research, an infant lab with state-of-the-art neuroimaging methods, virtual reality laboratories and a visual perception and attention laboratory.
• Empowered learning experience: We put community at the heart of your learning journey, using group activities, peer support, an academic mentor, and active engagement with the world-leading research of the department. You will develop your own bespoke curriculum through a combination of optional modules in your second and final years.
• Comprehensive preparation for diverse careers: Our contemporary and creative curriculum prepares you for a broad range of careers. You will develop transferable skills essential for graduate level employment. This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society and gives you eligibility for Graduate Membership for Chartered Membership, which is required to study various postgraduate courses and to become a fully Chartered Psychologist.
• Specialism in cognitive neuroscience: During your final year of study, you'll carry out a research project under close supervision of a member of academic staff whose research interests and expertise are in the cognitive neuroscience field. Your personal tutor will also be an expert in this field and will help guide and support you throughout your studies.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Peter Holland.

We accept the following qualifications:

A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
International Baccalaureate: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655
Access: Pass with 45 Level 3 credits including 30 Distinctions and a number of merits/passes in subject-specific modules
Scottish qualifications: BBBBC (Higher) or BBC (Advanced Higher)
European Baccalaureate: 75%
Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H2 H2 H2

Additional requirements

You should normally have at least Grade B/Grade 6 in GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics or Statistics, and English.

International qualifications

We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.0 with a 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for degree-level study.

Alternative qualifications and experience

See our full list of undergraduate entry qualifications.

We exercise flexibility where entry requirements are concerned, and make offers based on your enthusiasm and commitment to your subject, as shown by your application and personal statement, qualifications, experience and reference.

Your referees are welcome to include any relevant contextual comments around your academic achievements. We’ll look at all these things when making a decision on your application, as well as your qualifications and grades.

We frequently interview mature applicants (over 21) or those with alternative qualifications, and have a long tradition of encouraging students from all social backgrounds to study at our university.

Students taking the BSc Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience are likely to pursue an academic career in areas including cognitive and/or clinical neuroscience, or continue into a field in which they can apply neuroscience, such as advertising (neuromarketing), education (educational neuroscience) or therapeutic work.

Students from our undergraduate psychology degrees go on to a broad range of careers and future study in areas including:

• Clinical psychology
• Occupational psychology
• Market research
• Advertising
• Media psychology
• Criminal/forensic psychology
• Consultancy
• Research psychology

Some of the graduate-level jobs that Goldsmiths psychology graduates are working in include:

• Behavioural Mental Health Support Worker
• Brain Injury Recovery Worker
• Mental Health Mentor
• Community Recovery Support Worker
• Lab Manager
• Business Analyst
• Marketing Manager

Our graduates work in a wide range of settings from schools to hospitals, from broadcasting to banks, and in both private and public sector jobs. You can find out more about career options after graduating on our psychology careers page.

The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), which means that alumni are eligible for graduate basis for Chartership with the BPS – vital if you want a career as a psychologist in the future.

Skills

Throughout the degree you will receive a thorough training in:

• The design and evaluation of empirical research
• Statistical analysis
• Hands-on neuroscience lab skills
• The use of specialist psychology-relevant software

In addition, you'll develop the following transferable skills:

• Critical thinking and analytical skills
• The ability to look at issues from different perspectives
• Data and information processing skills
• Reflection skills
• Self motivation
• Planning and organisation skills
• Oral and written communication skills

Skills and employability training

The Department of Psychology has its own Skills and Employability Programme for students, starting in the first term with a full first-year course on the topic. We are keen that you understand what kind of transferable skills you will develop during the degree, and how you can make the best impression on future employers.

We have strong links with employers of psychology graduates, and the programme has been set up to support you to actively seek relevant work knowledge and experience. This experience can help you develop and recognise the professional-level skills that are highly sought after in the job market.