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2025/26
2026/27

BSc Psychology with Foundation

  • UCAS code
    C802
  • A level offer
    CCC
  • Year of entry
    2026/27 See 2025/26 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  4 Years

Examine the concepts and approaches of modern psychology, and develop core academic skills, on our BSc Psychology with Foundation course.

This four-year programme includes a foundation year that leads directly into the three-year course.

Throughout your studies, you will:

  • build your knowledge of current and historical approaches in psychology
  • explore and evaluate current research methods and applications – and learn how to conduct research of your own
  • develop a critical understanding of ethical issues in research and professional practice.

You'll also benefit from our superb facilities, which include:

  • MRI scanner, TMS, and EEG/ERP
  • virtual reality, vision, pain, sensory and psychophysiology labs
  • infant observation rooms.

Accreditation

Our BSc Psychology with Foundation course is accredited by the British Psychological Society, providing you with the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.

Your learning structure

The Foundation Year will provide you with the skills and knowledge to succeed at university. You'll complete two psychology focused modules, offering a broad foundation in the subject. These will be complemented by a module in academic skills and a selection of optional modules taught across the University.

The first year of the programme will introduce you to the British Psychological Society (BPS) core areas, including psychological research methods, and build your understanding of how these core topics are connected.

In the second year, you'll gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of the BPS core areas, along with focused training in practical skills such as conducting experiments, collecting and analysing data, observation techniques, interview skills, and psychometric testing.

The third year offers the opportunity to apply your knowledge to more specialist areas, with a variety of optional modules to choose from. You'll also design and implement your own research project.

93% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024, 64% of responders from the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences).

For more information, please visit the School of Psychology website.

Placement with BSc Psychology with Foundation

Gain professional experience at one of our in-houseclinics, or via an outside organisation such as a charity. Our clinics treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, dementia, and speech and language disorders. We also offer research assistant placements, which allow you to get involved in grant-funded projects.

Study abroad

Depending on your course, you could spend two weeks, a semester, or an academic year abroad. We'll help you decide where to go and for how long, guide you through the application process, and support you when you're abroad.

To find out more about the benefits of studying abroad, and discover where you could go, visit the Study Abroad website.

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: The University of Reading will charge undergraduate home tuition fees at the upper limit as set by the UK government for the relevant academic year. The fee cap for 2026/27 hasn't been confirmed yet. Please check the fees and funding webpage for the latest information. For 2025/26 entry, the foundation year fee is £5,760, followed by £9,535 per year for the Bachelor's-level study.

New international students: £23,000 for 2026/27 Foundation year, then rising to the standard course fees for the duration of your bachelor's level study. The International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study as set out in your student contract. For 2026/27, the standard fee is £30,650. For more details, please visit our Fees for International Students page.

Tuition fees

To find out more about how the University of Reading sets its tuition fees, see our fees and funding pages.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

As a graduate of our BSc Psychology with Foundation course, you will be qualified for further training to become a professional psychologist. The course is accredited by the British Psychological Society and provides you with the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.

You’ll graduate with a range of transferable skills, including analytical abilities, writing experience, presentation skills, and the ability to think scientifically.

You could pursue a career in the NHS, civil service, education, or the charity sector. Skills learned on the course are also suited to roles in the private sector such as HR and recruitment, management consultancy, marketing, finance, and journalism. Alternatively, you could further develop your psychology skills by moving into research or postgraduate studies.