Feel part of a dynamic and collaborative teaching environment.
You'll be taught by experts who are passionate about the study of the human mind, and whose teaching is informed by current research.
Your learning experience
Teaching methods
Learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars, practical sessions and independent study. You will also carry out a research project and will have opportunities to undertake placements and to study abroad.
Lectures and seminars
Much of your teaching will be delivered via lectures, with ample opportunity for small group work during seminars.
Practical work
Throughout your degree, you will complete practical work, either in large groups, small groups or individually. You'll have the opportunity to carry out oral and poster presentations as part of some of your modules.
Research projects
Carry out original research on a topic of your choice in your final year. You may have the opportunity to present your work at conferences or in publications.
Practical experience and placements
Experience real-life work environments
Benefit from a number of placement opportunities throughout your psychology degree. We will provide you with the necessary support.
All students on our single honours psychology courses have the chance to undertake a placement in their first year. There is also a compulsory, 70-hour placement in their second year.
The second-year placement is completely flexible. You can complete it in one block during the holidays, or across multiple afternoons during term time. Your placement can take place in Reading or close to home – in the UK or internationally.
Placements can include direct contact with clients, such as befriending and assisting in group activities or classrooms. They can also include work shadowing and carrying out small-scale research projects.
We also offer internal research placements, giving you the opportunity to complete your placement alongside an academic member of staff within the School.
All students on our single honours psychology courses have the chance to undertake a placement in their first year. There is also a compulsory, 70-hour placement in their second year.
The second-year placement is completely flexible. You can complete it in one block during the holidays, or across multiple afternoons during term time. Your placement can take place in Reading or close to home – in the UK or internationally.
Placements can include direct contact with clients, such as befriending and assisting in group activities or classrooms. They can also include work shadowing and carrying out small-scale research projects.
We also offer internal research placements, giving you the opportunity to complete your placement alongside an academic member of staff within the School.
Professional placement year
On the BSc Psychology with Professional Placement course, you’ll undertake 40 weeks of full-time employment between your second and final years.
We encourage you to source your own placement, particularly if you have an interest in a specific area or organisation. You will be involved in training sessions and workshops to ensure you have the knowledge and skills required to secure your placement.
Our students have undertaken placements in NHS Trusts, charities, schools, prisons and private businesses.
Recent organisations include:
- Great Ormond Street Hospital
- Broadmoor Hospital
- National Crime Agency
- HM Prison & Probation Service
- Berkshire CAMHS – Anxiety & Depression Pathway
- Thames Valley Clinical Trials Unit.
Placements with world-class companies
“Once I started investigating UK universities, Reading clearly stood out. The practicality, combined with the theoretical elements on offer, helped me make my decision.
"I was attracted to the unique mix of academic studies and placements within a growing network of world-class companies.”
Anika Basler, BSc Psychology with Professional Placement graduate
"I was attracted to the unique mix of academic studies and placements within a growing network of world-class companies.”
Anika Basler, BSc Psychology with Professional Placement graduate
Study in Malaysia
You can spend a semester in Malaysia during your second year, as both the University of Reading and the University of Reading Malaysia (UoRM) deliver the same BSc Psychology course.
You’ll be taught by leading international academic staff, get access to excellent learning resources, and receive one-to-one teaching and support.
The mobility programme allows you to study in an environment where you can experience a new culture and meet new students.
You’ll be taught by leading international academic staff, get access to excellent learning resources, and receive one-to-one teaching and support.
The mobility programme allows you to study in an environment where you can experience a new culture and meet new students.
Choosing to study at the University of Reading Malaysia was the best thing I've done at university. The class sizes are so small that you get to know the lecturers well.But by far the best part of the experience was being able to travel so frequently – almost every weekend. From Johor Bahru we could reach Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Borneo easily.
Daisy, UoRM mobility student, Autumn term 2017
Optional modules
In your final year, you can choose from a wide range of modules, including Forensic Psychology: Applying Theory and Practice, Neurodevelopmental Differences, Clinical Neuroscience and Developmental Psychopathology.
As well as mastering the core areas of psychology throughout your degree, you can take modules from other subjects to suit your specific interests.
As well as mastering the core areas of psychology throughout your degree, you can take modules from other subjects to suit your specific interests.
Life in the School
Find out about life as an undergraduate student in the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences.
