Applying for Psychology

The British Psychology Society - Accredited Undergraduate Psychology logoThere are two ways in which you can apply for a Psychology degree at Buckingham: either through UCAS or direct by using the ‘Apply Now’ button on the Web page for your chosen degree. View our full list of undergraduate Psychology courses, or find out more about our Postgraduate Psychology courses.

The advantages of the online application form are that it avoids delay; generally we can give you an answer much faster than if you apply through UCAS.

The advantage of UCAS is that you can apply to several institutions at once provided that all institutions are UCAS registered.

Although an interview is not always required for admission, we encourage candidates to visit us on the campus at Buckingham whenever possible. Please contact the Admissions Office and they will be delighted to arrange a meeting with an Admissions Tutor. An onsite meeting in not required, and can be carried out online.

Once our Admissions team has received your completed application and considered all of your details, they will typically be able contact within a week with a decision on your application. We attempt to do this within 10 – 15 days of receiving your application and set ourselves the goal of replying to all applications within a calendar month. Delays can be caused by incomplete information or unsatisfactory references being sent so please ensure that all the information you submit along with your application form is complete and valid to avoid any unnecessary holdups.

Admissions Tutor

Dr Alan Martin
Tel: +44 (0)1280 828273 / 814080
alan.martin@buckingham.ac.uk

What academic qualifications do I need?

  • 120-112 UCAS points (A-level grades BBB-BBC) or equivalent.
  • Minimum of grade C in mathematics at GCSE, or equivalent.

You must satisfy the entry requirements set by The University of Buckingham to register on a degree programme (see qualifications above). These requirements may include the qualifications listed below which refer to the UK A-level system but also include international qualifications evaluated according to the British Council NARIC guide and work experience for mature applicants (see below).

Some applicants may be asked to attend an interview (typically carried out online) as a condition of their entry requirements.

Other qualifications that we consider include:

  • Access awards
  • Open University foundation
  • Advanced GNVQ
  • BTEC awards
  • European Baccalaureate
  • International Baccalaureate
  • Irish Leaving Certificate
  • Scottish Highers

Mature students

Mature students are defined as any student aged 21 or over at the start of their studies. Entry requirements for mature students can be very flexible. Strong motivation, linked to life experience, can be a key factor in your ability to complete a course successfully. You may not, therefore, always be expected to meet standard course requirements. We like to interview mature applicants wherever possible.

What if English isn’t my first language?

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of proficiency in English. An equivalent to an overall score of 6.5 in IELTS (with at least 6.0 in each component) is the minimum requirement.

If your English level is currently below our minimum requirement (but your academic qualifications are of the standard required), you could consider joining us on a Pre-Sessional English Language Foundation programme before starting your degree.

Is there anything else that might help my application?

There are also other details we take into account when considering your application:

  • Your work experience / voluntary work or part-time work is important especially if it shows that you are gaining valuable experience in a business or financial environment.
  • If you are a mature student, your current and previous work will be considered.
  • If you have had the opportunity to attend evening classes in your chosen subject area or to study it via distance learning, these may be useful in strengthening your application.
  • Although interviews are not essential, we strongly recommend you to visit the campus at Buckingham and meet our Admissions Tutors whenever possible.