Psychology is a popular, vibrant and diverse area of study. At York St John you will be taught by a friendly cohesive team of ten academics and a technician, dedicated to teaching and academic excellence, with expertise in a wide range of research and applied psychology settings.

We offer many opportunities to study Psychology, at undergraduate or postgraduate level, part time or full time.  Psychology is taught in modern facilities, including a purpose built laboratory containing separate cognition, audio/visual, observation and bio-feedback labs.  Our degree programmes are designed to provide a sound, core knowledge of psychology and how it applies to many aspects of the human condition such as child development, crime, education, mental health or the behaviour of groups of people.

Our graduates possess a wealth of knowledge and skills which are highly valued by graduate employers and gain valuable working experience during a three week placement. The BSc (Hons) programme provides the Graduate Basis for Registration with the British Psychological Society, provided the minimum standard of qualification of second class honours is achieved. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

You can read what our current students think about studying Psychology at York St John on the student opinions page.

We hope to welcome you to York St John soon.

Degree Structure

The following list contains examples of programme modules (all modules may not be available every year and new ones may be added).This programme is accredited as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Registration with the British Psychological Society, provided the minimum standard of qualification of second class honours is achieved. This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. The essential theme of this programme is the scientific study of psychology.

Level 1

• Introduction to Psychobiology covers biological and internal processes, including the nervous system, and the relationship between physiological processes and psychological experience.
• Personality & Intelligence introduces key constructs in individual differences. A variety of theoretical perspectives are covered and different ways to measure psychological attributes of the individual are considered.
• Individual Differences
• Research Methods introduces you to a range of research methodologies utilised by psychologists in pursuing ethical research.

Level 2

• Social Psychology explores different theoretical approaches related to specific social behaviours, and social problems.
• Psychology of Work enables you to compare and contrast different theoretical perspectives applied to work and gives you insight into the way these are applied to work problems in ‘real life’ through a supervised work placement.
• Individual Differences investigates the influence of intelligence and personality on interpersonal functioning and behaviours. Testing personality variables and intelligence will also be included.
• Cognitive Psychology aims to provide you with an increased understanding of cognitive approaches in psychology, including in-depth study of specific theoretical models of memory, attention, language, perception and reasoning.

Level 3

• Conceptual & Historical Issues examines core questions underlying science and debates, and explores critical issues in psychology research and practice.
• Clinical Psychology
• Imagery & Memory
• Anomalistic Psychology

The final year project gives you the opportunity to conduct a supervised research project on a topic of interest to you.

The Faculty of Health & Life Sciences supports a range of research projects and research students within and between each of its five professional subject areas. We have 16 full and part-time PhD students supervised by experienced academic staff with subject-related research expertise. We have five professional subject areas within the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences each of which has a portfolio of specialist research:

• Counselling
• Occupational Therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Psychology
• Sports related studies

In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, Psychology at York St John was assessed for the first time, with a substantial proportion of our research activity judged as being of international standard, and many more outputs judged as being of national significance.  Members of staff are engaged in both internal and external research collaborations, consultancy work, Continuing Professional Development programmes and supervision of research at both Masters and PhD level.  For some of our current research activities have a look at our individual staff pages and the research pages.

For further information follow the links below.

Research Groups

• Cognitive Research Group
• Community and Critical Social Psychology research group
• Unit for Child and Youth Studies

The Faculty is proud of its robust research ethics and governance procedures and has a track record in the delivery of meaningful, high quality research that demonstrates local, regional and international success.

We have a bustling Graduate centre in a modern facility that enables our research students to share experiences and prepare them for a future in research. Our staff expertise and leadership is informing regional, national and international policy and practice and our research students benefit from a dynamic research culture that strives for excellence in a supportive environment.

Our graduates possess a wealth of knowledge about human behaviour which is desirable in many professions such as personnel, business, industry, health and community settings. A Psychology degree can lead to a career in many aspects of psychology such as mental health, crime, education, research, counselling and sport.