BSc Psychology (with integrated Foundation) (3-year degree)

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The three year BSc Psychology with foundation is designed for students who need additional preparation prior to the undergraduate level study. The first year of the programme is intended to provide a foundation in both knowledge and academic skills for the more specialist subjects in years two and three. When you apply for this programme, we will be able to advise whether this 3-year (BA/BSc with integrated Foundation) option or our 2-year UG degree is the best option for you.

As a student, you will learn core theory and have the opportunity to study the eight areas of practitioner psychology, enabling you to make an informed choice on your future career as a psychologist. In addition, we have modules in distinct areas of study such as creativity and cyberpsychology.

The BSc Psychology with foundation programme at Buckingham has been designed to integrate the unique Buckingham tutorial teaching model into the teaching of psychological science. The programme is based on three core elements. First, covering the core theoretical content required for British Psychological Society accreditation meaning that the degree has both national and international recognition. Second, strong research methods and analysis skills embedded within the programme so that Buckingham graduates have begun to develop a range of highly employable skills.

Third, optional modules in all areas of practitioner psychology recognized by the BPS and HCPC as well as other areas of applied psychology so that graduates can make fully informed choices about their postgraduate pathway.

Full details in the Curriculum Handbook 

Typical offers

Each application is considered on its own merit. Usually, applicants will have evidence of up to year 12. Mature students can apply with evidence of work experience.

Home student/School leaver under 21

The standard entry requirements are DD at A-level, IB 25 or other equivalent alternative qualifications. Applicants should have satisfactory completion of grade 12 plus GCSE English and Maths at Grade C / Grade 4, or above, plus evidence of genuine intellectual capacity.

Mature Home student (over 21)

The age range of our student body varies from those who have recently completed A-levels (or equivalent) to more mature students. Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from mature students.  Your experience in the world of work will be considered alongside any qualifications you hold.

International student

We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.  For countries not listed, we will use ECCTIS to establish the equivalence of your qualifications to entry requirements. A recognised formal English language test will be required.

English Language Requirements

If your first language is not English, you will also need an IELTS score of 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each component. (Other recognised English test are listed here https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements). There may also be an interview assessment.  If your English language level is below the entry requirements you will be expected to complete our pre-sessional English language programme.  You do not need to apply separately for this programme, your offer will include the necessary pre-sessional English term(s).

The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.

Programme progression

Please note that the first nine months of this programme constitute the Foundation stage. Students are expected to pass in all the Foundation modules with an overall average of 60% in order to progress to the second year stage of the course.

UCAS applications

You may apply either through the national UCAS university admissions system or at any time directly to the University using our own online application form. Our UCAS code is B90.

Selection process

Each application is considered on its own merit. You may be invited for an informal interview. If you are an international student the informal interview will be held on Microsoft Teams.

Our Admissions Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us on +44 (0)1280 820227 or get in touch via our contact form.

Student Contract for prospective students

When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the student contract between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the student contract in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the student contract contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the Student Contract.

Quality teaching

We offer high quality, traditional Oxbridge-style teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners – senior academic staff from other universities in the UK – who approve and moderate assessed work.

High calibre staff

Most of our academic staff teach for three terms out of four, with the remaining term used for research. Because of this, we have no difficulty in attracting high calibre, highly respected lecturers, many of whom also have a background in business or industry and can offer networking opportunities for students.

Teaching methods

Teaching is carried out through a combination of lectures supported by seminars and tutorials. A key feature of the Buckingham teaching method is the use of small tutorial groups which provide the most effective means of ensuring that the students benefit from the academic expertise at their disposal. It is also the philosophy of Buckingham’s faculty to be available to students outside the scheduled tutorial times and to encourage good working relationships between staff and students.

Assessment methods

The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Assessment is usually by examination, assessed coursework, or a combination of the two. Please check module information for more details.

Preparation for work

All our degree courses combine academic challenge with the transferable skills that will stand you in good stead for future employment. Many of our more vocationally-focused degrees offer the opportunity of work placements and experience in industry.

Graduate employment

Our graduates have gone on to further study at most of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard, London, Oxford and Cambridge and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. Among our alumni we have a graduate who became the head of his country’s civil service and one who became a leading Formula One motor-racing driver. Another secured a position as the Minister of Sabah and one female law graduate became the first British lawyer to become a French Advocate.

Obtain a second degree in Germany

If you arrange to transfer to our partner university in Germany, you will receive a second Master’s degree after a further year of study. See here for details

*The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering educational services. If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.

The following fee illustrations provide an insight into the cost savings which can be made by studying at the University of Buckingham.

• Fee illustration: International students
• Fee illustration: Home students

You may also find it useful to visit the following fee-related information on our site:

• Estimated Living Costs
• Grants and Loans

Discounts

Students who graduate from the University and plan to continue their studies with a postgraduate degree at Buckingham can benefit from a very generous automatic discount on their fees:

• 33%, those with a first class honours degree from Buckingham
• 25%, those with a Second Class Honours, Upper Division (2:1) degree from Buckingham

Scholarships

The University of Buckingham Bursary aims to support students on low incomes or from low income families. The bursary is worth £2000 per year and students receive this as a termly reduction in tuition fees (£500 reduction per term). Read about the eligibility criteria and how to apply.

Details of other scholarships can be found on our main Bursaries and Scholarships page.

On-campus accommodation

We guarantee on-campus accommodation to all new students for their first four terms of study, as long as it is booked and paid for in good time, so you’re assured of a safe and secure home from home when you arrive at the University. Most new students choose this option.

Living on campus enables you to become involved in University activities, make friends, and integrate with the University community. For some of you this will be your first time in the UK; for others it will be the first time living away from home – and independence brings its challenges as well as its excitements. Whatever your circumstances, we know how important it is for you to feel comfortable in your accommodation.

What’s included?

All our study bedrooms are fully furnished, centrally heated, and connected to the internet. With few exceptions they have a wash basin and small refrigerator. We have a large number of ensuite rooms, and are upgrading more rooms each year. There are shared kitchens for when you wish to cook for yourself.

Find out more

If you’d like to find out more, visit our Accommodation pages or get in touch with our Accommodation Team.

We recommend that all prospective students visit our campus if they are able to, and campus tours include a typical student room. Arrange a tour via your Admissions Officer.

We welcome applications in two different ways – directly via our online application form or through UCAS.

If you’re interested in transferring to Buckingham from another university then please get in touch to talk through your options.