Course summary
Course details How do we develop empathy? How does culture affect our behaviour? Where does prejudice come from? Learn from leading researchers in their fields as you explore some of the most challenging questions in psychology today. 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. Why Durham University? Our psychology degrees offer a genuinely research-led education. You will be taught state-of-the-art research methods, along with classic and innovative theory and research in psychology, following the BPS guidelines. While learning the core principles of psychology, you will have the opportunity to work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. Our innovative approach to learning takes us beyond the traditional student-lecturer dynamic. Through a combination of practical teaching sessions, an optional placement module, and even an employability retreat we actively prepare you for working life. Facilities You will have access to cutting-edge technologies, including the Department’s clinical and experimental facilities which include motion capture, eye tracking and biophysical recording laboratories. The Department of Psychology facilities also includes body scanners with integrated eye tracking, molecular psychology suites, VR suites with motion capture and mock environments for ecologically valid research. Rankings World Top 100 in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2024 Top 20 in the Complete University Guide 2025 Top 20 in the Guardian University Guide 2025 Careers Opportunities Your degree will equip you with the academic knowledge, analytical and problem-solving skills that are in demand across a wide range of professions. 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.
Modules
For current information please scroll to the bottom of the page for Provider Information and select Visit our Course Page under Course Contact Details.
Assessment method
Assessment typically includes examinations, essays, reports and presentations. The degree will allow you to gain a deep and comprehensive understanding of psychology, but you will also develop additional insights into the application of psychology in behavioural science. In your final year, you will submit a dissertation that details your own original work. This is a great way to explore a topic that you are passionate about, and to showcase the many skills that you have gained during your degree. Your teaching will be delivered predominantly by leading research academics via lectures, small group tutorials, workshops and practical classes, as well through self-directed learning, such as research, reading and writing. You will get additional individual feedback and support opportunities from staff and student peers. Most of the Psychology course is delivered through face-to-face teaching. Having face-to-face interaction is key to tutorials and many practical classes and can be important in lectures as it allows students to meet and talk with others. Some teaching also works best using a hybrid approach consisting of both face-to-face and online asynchronous (taking place at different times) components. As such, some modules are delivered using a hybrid approach consisting of asynchronous online lectures and face-to-face tutorials or practical classes. In addition to the help provided by your subject lecturers, you can also access extensive support for your assessments through ASC, the Academic Skills Centre. See below for details: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/centres/academic-skills-centre/
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- C807
- Institution code:
- D86
- Campus name:
- Durham City
- Campus code:
- O
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
Durham has a long and proud history of welcoming students from countries across the globe. For further details please visit: https://www.dur.ac.uk/study/international/ International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year. For further details please visit: https://www.durhamisc.com/programmes/international-foundation-year
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAA
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD
Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits
Scottish Higher - AAAAB
Scottish Advanced Higher - AAA
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 37 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) - Not accepted
Extended Project - Not accepted
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H2, H2
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, D3, D3
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - DDD
T Level
GCSE Mathematics at grade B / 5 or above is required for this course. Our contextual offer for this programme is A level BBB (or equivalent) and GCSE Mathematics at grade C/4 is required. To find out if you’re eligible, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/what-happens-to-your-application/contextual-offers/
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
EU | £27000 | Year 1 |
England | £9535 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
International | £27000 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Sponsorship information
Durham University offers a range of scholarship opportunities to academically well-qualified and highly motivated students. For further details, including deadlines for application, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/scholarships/
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE