Department of
Psychology
Welcome to our Department of Psychology
Thank you for taking the time to check out what we offer at University College Birmingham, the highest-ranking university in the region as voted by students at the 2024 Whatuni Student Choice Awards. Our student support is the best in the region too, according to students, as is our provision for international students and postgraduates.
If you are looking at joining us to carve out a career in psychology - and there are so many career opportunities in many sectors to explore - here is a glimpse into our student and staff community to see if we are right for you.
Professor Gill Brown
Executive Dean, Department of Psychology
Welcome from Professor Gill Brown
When I was growing up, I was hugely interested in why people behaved the way they did and had a particular interest in offending. I was glued to the latest crime-related film or documentary, trying to make sense of the factors at play in an individual’s behaviour, so studying psychology was one of the best decisions I ever made.
If this sounds like you and you have chosen this path or plan to, let me reassure you just how much you can do with psychology in terms of a career. With a psychology degree under my belt, I got to work with youth offending teams, community forensic services, the prison service, mental health inpatient community services and more before starting my career in education. So, so varied.
We as a team are passionate about helping you put theory into practice in the real world through practical opportunities, work-based learning and hands-on experience in the lab. We look forward to guiding you through your journey and challenging you as you progress, igniting your passion for learning as you go.
Psychology facilities
We have invested £200 million into our university facilities so you can learn in outstanding training environments approved by industry.
Students on our psychology courses will study in real-world training facilities. These include our psychology labs, Human Performance Centre and health skills and simulation hubs.
"As a practitioner psychologist, I find it fascinating trying to understand why we think, feel and behave the way we do. If you love working with people and helping drive behaviour change, improving wellbeing or enhancing performance, our courses will help you achieve this."
Our teaching and learning
If you are studying to be a psychologist or want to pursue a career where psychology will give you a distinct advantage, our aim is simple - to turn you into a stand-out professional. We have an award-winning reputation for the highest quality courses and a learning experience that sets us apart from bigger universities.
Our degrees are designed to develop you personally and professionally, with graduate advantage, employability and enrichment sessions threaded throughout the curriculum, sitting alongside really interesting theory modules. Our partnership with the University of Warwick, a top-ranking Russell Group university, also brings extra opportunities including access to guest speakers and additional resources.
Theory
Our courses are developed and taught by experienced lecturing staff, meaning they can draw on their workplace expertise and years of experience to make scenario-based discussions, debates and concepts come to life, supporting the linking of theory to practice.
You will learn so much from our lecturing teams, who are passionate about their profession and eager to inspire and nurture the next generation of professionals.
We also have many invited guest lecturers from practice who participate in our courses, sharing their knowledge and experiences to enhance your learning.
Students also have a lot to bring and as a team, we will also learn a lot from you. We encourage you to share your perspectives and viewpoints, especially when reflecting on your own life and placement experiences.
Practical
Placements are key to success as employers want you to have real experience. We have excellent links with organisations such as Public Health for Birmingham, so we can allocate you to a diverse range of placements.
This exposure to different learning environments opens opportunities for you when you qualify. And you will receive real-life training in our psychology labs, Human Performance Centre and health simulation hubs.
Support
Our support is exceptional, so much so, our students voted to make us the winner of the Student Support award at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2022 and we came a close second in 2023. In 2024, we were voted the best for student support in the West Midlands.
Throughout your studies, you will not only have a personal tutor, but a link tutor during placements and module leaders to support you through academic modules. And we have a whole range of additional support services available, providing you with as much or as little support as you need to succeed in your degree. Our smaller teaching groups enable all students to grow and flourish, with strong peer support and friendship.
Our Learning and Teaching Strategy 2021-24 is key to how we approach the educational journey, focusing on three main pillars that set out our commitment to your learning and teaching experience while you are studying with us.
- Pillar 1 – Provide accessible and inclusive teaching and learning across a wide range of vocationally-led courses
- Pillar 2 – Develop next generation opportunities and skills through innovative, future-focused curriculum and pedagogy
- Pillar 3 – Shape local and global sectors, promoting sustainable futures and global citizenship
Our courses
Psychology BSc (Hons)
Often wonder why people think, feel and behave the way they do? If so, our BSc (Hons) Psychology, with its contemporary curriculum and diverse application of psychology…
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Psychology with Sport and Exercise BSc (Hons)
Do you often wonder why people think, feel and behave the way they do? Do you also have a strong interest in sport and exercise and wonder how ps…
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Psychology with Education BSc (Hons)
Are you passionate about making a positive impact in schools and guiding others through their educational journeys? Are you intrigued by the application o…
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Psychology with Health BSc (Hons)
Do you often wonder why people think, feel and behave the way they do? Do you also have a strong interest in health and wonder how psychology applies? Then o…
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Psychology (Conversion) MSc
Do you have a real interest in the discipline of psychology, but studied your undergraduate degree in a different area? Then our new MSc Psychology (Conversion) co…
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Public Health MSc
Contemporary issues and challenges in global public health have seen an increased demand for those working within public health to develop a deeper understanding of the wide…
Read moreMeet your lecturers
Professor Gill Brown
I am Executive Dean of the School of Psychology at UCB, where I have the privilege of setting up and developing a school of psychology with a strong suite of applied prog…
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Dr Helen McEwan
I am a Senior Lecturer in Psychology, whose area of expertise is Health Psychology. I completed a BSc Human Psychology with Professional training, and a Stage 1 accredited MSc…
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Dr Chris Higton
I am a chartered health psychologist and registered practitioner. I am a member of BPS Mathematical, Statistical & Computing Psychology Section, Male Psychology Section and Fa…
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William Crossen
I am a BPS and HCPC-accredited sport and exercise psychologist, who has worked with England Para-Football, Everton Ladies Football Club and Tranmere Rovers Football Club.
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Daniella Nayyar
I am a lecturer with a focus on applied social psychology. I am involved in content creation and module leadership for the newly created psychology course at this institution.
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We look forward to seeing you on campus
As you prepare to join us, here's a refresher on some of the essentials: