Institute of Psychological Sciences

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the entry requirements to the BSc Psychology programme?

We require AAB at A-Level, one of which must be a science (Psychology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Biology, Mathematics, Geology, Economics, Statistics, Computing or Environmental Science).

We welcome A-levels in Critical Thinking and General Studies, although they do not typically form part of our offer. We do not currently accept Citizenship Studies or any AVCEDA (dual award vocational qualifications). We do not consider applicants studying two performance based A-levels (eg photography and drama) to have the appropriate academic training and/or skills to succeed at studying psychology at Leeds.

For further details, please see Entry requirements.

What GCSEs do I need to have?

Applicants need to have GCSE English at grade C or above and GCSE Mathematics at grade B or above. Applicants also need to have one of the following at grade B: GCSE Physics, GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry, GSCE Science, GCSE Additional Science (or GCSEDA Science (dual award) at grades BC). We do not consider applicants offering three sciences at grade C.

Do you accept A-Level re-sits?

Yes we do. However, for applicants who are re-taking any A-levels we require an A in that subject.

Do you accept applicants without a science A-level subject?

All applicants must be studying at least one science subject at A-level, or equivalent.

Can I apply for entry to Level 2 of the BSc Psychology programme?

We welcome applicants who wish to apply for entry to Level 2. Applicants must meet our entry requirements and have passed (or be on track to pass) Level 1 of a BPS accredited degree programme. Before any offer of a place is made, we check which modules you have already completed to ensure you meet the pre-requisites for our Level 2 modules. We may require a reference from academic tutors. If you would like to apply, please check that we have spaces at Level 2 first by emailing psycadmissions@leeds.ac.uk. Applications are made through UCAS.

What is the difference between an accredited and non-accredited Psychology degree programme?

Accredited programmes are those that have been approved by the British Psychological Society as covering the appropriate syllabus to enable graduates to apply for Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC). Both our BSc Psychology and BSc Psychology (International) are accredited. For further information on GBC, see www.bps.org.uk/what-we-do/benefits-belonging/membership/graduate-member-mbpss/graduate-member-mbpss.

Do you run a part-time degree programme?

No, our degree programmes are full-time. The BSc Psychology programme is three years full-time.

Do you run joint honours programmes?

No, we only run single honours programmes. However, if you are interested in a joint honours programme, please visit the Centre for Joint Honours at www.leeds.ac.uk/cjh.

Do I have a choice of modules on the psychology degree?

As our programmes are accredited by the BPS, we are limited in the scope for choice. Students can choose one module from four elective modules in their first year, and one module from three in their second year. Students do enjoy greater choice at Level 3. Please see the Psychology Brochure for a list of modules.

Can I arrange an individual visit to the Institute?

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate individual visitors to the Institute. However, we run several Open Days. A University wide open day typically runs in early September. We then invite all applicants to whom we have made offers to attend Institute open days in Spring.

How do I apply to the BSc Psychology programme?

All applications are made through UCAS. See www.ucas.com.

What do you look for in a personal statement?

We look for evidence that applicants understand the nature of psychology as a science and that they appreciate the diversity of topics studied in psychology at degree level. We welcome statements from applicants regarding how they plan to apply and develop themselves as students at university, and how they hope to contribute to the Institute of Psychological Sciences as a new student. In addition, we encourage applicants to document their extra-curricular activities and how this shows that they have the skills and motivation to become a successful student at the University of Leeds.

Do you offer a study abroad year?

We offer students the opportunity to study abroad for one year during their degree, allowing students to broaden and deepen their knowledge of Psychology. Destinations include Spain, USA and Canada. You can apply for a study abroad year once you have completed and passed the first year of the BSc Psychology degree.

How many places are available each year?

Our intake is approximately 180.

How many applications do you receive each year?

For 2011 intake we received around 1,300 applications. This is usual for most years.

Do you offer work placements?

We offer a work placement year the BSc Psychology (Industrial) in which students take up to three placements. Students can decide to transfer onto this programme after their second year, if academic performance is satisfactory. Please see BSc Psychology (Industrial) for more detail.