Psychological and Behavioural Science,BSc

The BSc Psychological and Behavioural Science degree combines a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited education in psychology with a specialisation in cutting-edge behavioural science. Behavioural science is a relatively new discipline that focuses on the application of psychological principles to challenges faced by organisations in the public, private and third sector.

While psychology puts an emphasis on the mental processes that underlie behaviour, behavioural science emphasises behavioural outcomes, and the design and evaluation of interventions to encourage behaviour change.

You will be taught state-of-the-art research methods, along with classic and innovative theory and research in psychology, following the BPS guidelines. You will learn to apply this knowledge to provide transformative insights for business, management and public policy. You can also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four.

The emphasis in Year 1 is to provide you with fundamental knowledge and skills.

In Year 2, your knowledge and skills are further developed and fostered; moreover, all the subject areas essential for accreditation by the BPS and providing eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) are covered.

In the third year, you will carry out your own dissertation project. You will also select from a variety of specialist topic modules which are primarily provided by lecturers eminent in their field. You will have the unique opportunity to engage with and discuss the most recent theoretical and empirical issues.

Explore the full picture – from the internal mental processes to the behavioural outcomes. Harness insights gained from psychological science.

Grade 5 (or grade B) or above in Mathematics at GCSE (or equivalent) is required.

A level offer – AAA.

Contextual offer – BBB.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – DDD.

IB Diploma score – 37 with 666 in higher level subjects.

No specific subjects are required, and a combination of arts and science subjects is acceptable.

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• We also consider other level 3 qualifications, including T-levels.

• We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study. Please contact our Admissions Selectors.

• If you do not satisfy our general entry requirements, the Foundation Programmes offers multidisciplinary degrees to prepare you for a range of specified degree courses.

• If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take an International Foundation Year pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.

• We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.

Alternative qualifications

• Other UK qualifications

• EU qualifications

• International qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

English language requirements

Country specific information

Your degree will equip you with the academic knowledge, analytical and problem-solving skills that are in demand across a wide range of professions.

We are committed to developing your skills and offer a range of support activities to help you find a career that’s right for you. From Year 1 you will have an academic advisor, and you will be invited to graduate careers fairs where you can talk to recruiters. You can also attend the Psychology Employability Retreat.

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.

Of those students who graduated in 2020-21:

• 84% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes

Of those in employment:

• 81% are in high skilled employment
• With an average salary of £24,750

(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)