BSc (Hons) Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience with foundation year
Course Overview
The University of Bolton's BSc (Hons) Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience with foundation year degree explores links between the human mind, behaviour and the biological structures and processes of the brain, offering you the opportunity to deepen and enrich your understanding of these interrelated fields. Focusing on human psychology, our expert and dedicated team will guide you to gain a sound understanding of mental and psychological processes and develop advanced knowledge of the neural, hormonal, and molecular structures and networks that underpin the mind.The foundation year is the first level of this degree. Designed to prepare you for degree-level study, it offers an excellent grounding in the fundamentals of psychology, social sciences and research methods alongside study skills development.
This interdisciplinary course reflects the growing need for psychologists with a solid background in neuroscience. Knowledge of how the brain works can be vital to understanding mental processes. Throughout this degree, you'll have the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the science and theories of psychology and neuroscience and gain a firm grounding in study and research methods. Together, we'll explore how the brain's complex biological structures and networks shape, and are shaped, by our experiences.
With support from our department's dedicated, enthusiastic teaching staff and a technology-enriched learning environment, you'll investigate the interplay between mental and neural processes. We'll guide you as you develop your understanding of how the brain responds to and makes sense of the world. Furthermore, we'll introduce you to the application of psychological and neuroscientific research techniques (for instance, electrophysiology and eye-tracker experiments). Interpersonal and transferable skills are vital, so we'll also challenge you to develop sought-after communication, problem-solving, numerical, analytical, self-management, and IT skills. Overall, our dedicated team will focus on helping you gain the skills employers value and a detailed understanding of psychology and neuroscience.
Highlights
- Our Psychology courses are ranked top 10 in the UK and first in Greater Manchester for student satisfaction for the fourth year running, according to the Complete University Guide 2022.
- There is a strong focus on employability skills as well as academic success. Modules focusing on applied psychology and applied experience introduce these skills and a range of career options.
- Throughout your degree, you'll have support from your personal tutor, part of our team of helpful and approachable academic staff who possess a diverse range of research interests.
- We work hard to create a learning environment that offers innovative teaching and assessment methods and access to high-specification facilities such as our observation and psychophysiology laboratories, Neuroscan software and hardware, and Stim2 software.
- We've invested in creating a learning environment that offers innovative methods of teaching and assessment using top-class facilities, such as our observation laboratory with video cameras, microphones and video editing equipment.
- The course provides opportunities to achieve the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society, as well as additional qualifications (e.g. Test user certificate in occupational (ability) assessment).
Key Features
- Throughout the programme, we stress the applied nature of psychology, emphasising learning through experience to help prepare you for further professional qualifications in psychology, neuropsychology, or neuroscience.
- We'll explain the principles and methods of psychological and neuroscientific research, including collecting, analysing, reporting, and interpreting data. During your final level (HE6), you'll have the opportunity to carry out an individual research study on a topic relevant to your psychology pathway.
- Teaching is dynamic and varied, using lectures, small group work, discussion groups, case studies, demonstrations and laboratory workshops. You'll be encouraged to take responsibility for your own learning with opportunities for you to participate and gain practical experience.
- Our highly-qualified staff, who have substantial experience in the field, deliver the course content. We aim to give you the best possible opportunity to achieve your true potential by offering personal supervision throughout the course.
Entry Requirements
- 48 UCAS points. We accept a full range of qualifications that carry UCAS points, including A-levels, BTECs and T-levels. Please see our guide to the UCAS Tariff for examples of how to achieve these points. For most courses, we are also able to consider non-tariffable qualifications.
- Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3.
- You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.
- If you don't have the above qualifications but possess equivalent qualifications or experience, we'll be happy to consider your application.
- You may be required to attend an interview and/or provide a portfolio of work.
- If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details.
- Please note that this course is subject to the University of Bolton's Fitness to Practise procedure.
Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.
Career Opportunities
As a graduate of our BSc (Hons) Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience with foundation year degree, you'll have a sound knowledge of human behaviour and research, statistics, and writing skills. This combination of skills can provide a foundation for many careers, particularly roles that involve working with a range of complex issues or data.
Upon successfully completing the course, you'll be able to demonstrate in-demand graduate skills such as high order analysis, research skills, problem-solving, interpersonal awareness, communication skills, the ability to develop arguments supported by relevant evidence, teamwork, and IT and data handling skills.
What can I do with this qualification?
Psychology graduates can also progress to graduate schemes which are long term employment contracts, usually with a large corporate company offering advanced training packages.
Postgraduate training and study are required to become a Chartered Psychologist. Due to course entry requirements, many psychology graduates spend a year or more getting work experience before embarking on postgraduate study. Postgraduate study is available in areas such as clinical, counselling, educational, occupational, sport and exercise, or forensic psychology.
Alternative career options
Graduates can use the qualification to step into a range of other careers. Relevant experience and/or postgraduate study may be required for some of these roles. Possible careers include:
- Clinical psychology
- Pharmaceutical and bioscience companies
- Laboratory technician
- Probation work
- Prison work
- Careers advice
- Social work
- Counselling
- Family mediation and support
- Teaching and education
- Nursing
- Human resources
- Police service
- Market research
- Play therapy
- Advice work
- Media and advertising
- Communications
- Sport and recreation
- Brand consultancy
Professional Recognition
Successful completion of the University of Bolton's BSc (Hons) Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience with foundation year course is approved as conferring eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS), provided the minimum standard of qualification of second class honours is achieved.
The BPS acts as the representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK. The GBC provides a basis for progression to society-accredited postgraduate professional training in psychology for training to become a Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol).
Fees & Funding
Home/EU Fees
Home students starting this course in the first year will be required to pay a Home fee of £6,000 for the academic year 2024/25.
International Fees
No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Bolton’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@bolton.ac.uk for more information.
Bursaries
Important note regarding tuition fees for the 2024-25 academic year: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.
The fees for a student's course of study will be set for the normal duration of that course subject only to inflationary increases – measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded in March each year to take effect for subsequent start dates.
How to apply
Home Applicants
You may apply directly to the University using the University's online application form. Please select your chosen start date from the list below:
You should have to hand:
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Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates
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Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies
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Details of any employment history including name, address, dates and role
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Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately
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Details including e-mail addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference
Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.
Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already input.
If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or admissions-team@bolton.ac.uk
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Apply online: University of Bolton BSc(Hons) Psychology and Cogn Neuro FDY - 22 September 2025
International Applicants
International applications are not possible for this course
As an international student you are not allowed to study this course because of the restrictions on your visa.
We offer a wide range of full-time courses in lots of different subjects, many of our courses start in September and January. If you would like to see what courses are available please visit our Course Search.
Partner Organisation Applicants
University of Bolton Group Partners
Bolton College
University Collegiate School
Alliance Learning
University of Bolton
For valued members of the University of Bolton Group and progressing students, we try to make our application process as simple and as fast as possible.
By selecting the link for your chosen course from the list shown below, you will be taken directly to our online application form. Please read the user guidance before completing this, and ensure you upload all supporting documents such as certificates and your personal statement when you apply.
When you are asked to add a contact email address, please ensure you add your college/university email account address as well as your personal address. If you do not add your college address as your contact address, we will be unable to identify you as a partner and offer you the benefits of being part of our group.
If you are ready to apply directly, please select your chosen start date from the list below.
Before applying, please read the entry requirements section of this page.
If your course runs at multiple locations or has various start dates, please be sure to select the correct application link from the list below.
Before beginning your application, you should have the following information to hand:
Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates
Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies
Details of any employment history, including name, address, dates and role
Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately
Details including email addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference
Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.
Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already inputted.
If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or admissions-team@bolton.ac.uk
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Apply online: University of Bolton BSc(Hons) Psychology and Cogn Neuro FDY - 22 September 2025
We look forward to receiving your application and you continuing your academic journey with us!
Teaching & Assessment
The overall teaching and learning strategy for BSc (Hons) Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience with foundation year is student-centred. We use a blended approach meaning you’ll have face-to-face sessions, sometimes one-to-one, and take part in online learning. You can expect a mix of seminars, lectures and tutorials, practical classes, laboratory workshops, videos, self-directed study, IT and library sessions, and guided study. The University’s e-learning portal Moodle will support your online learning and provide a convenient way for you to communicate with fellow students who are studying the same modules. We’ll also encourage you to use the internet for research.
Guest lectures and presentations by a variety of visiting speakers from relevant employment areas will offer you the chance to further develop your knowledge and understanding.
The assessment strategy is set up to help you organise and develop your learning and to evaluate your achievement. You can expect time-constrained exams and coursework, such as essays, reports, presentations, portfolios, and others. These contribute to your final marks and allow you to demonstrate that you’ve met the learning outcomes for the course. Much of your assessed work is submitted online via Moodle with feedback also given through this route. You can also use Moodle to communicate with fellow students studying the same modules as you.
Modules
The modules listed below may be a mixture of compulsory and optional. You may not have the opportunity to study all the modules shown as part of the course.
- Academic Language and Skills 1
- Academic Language and Skills 2
- Academic Language and Skills 5
- Self-reflection and Self-presentation
- Research Methods in Social Science
- Perspectives in Psychology
- Key Studies in Psychology
- Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology
- Cognitive and Biopsychological Perspectives
- Understanding the Person
- Contemporary Issues in Psychology
- Application of Psychology
- Introduction to Neuropsychology and Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Biopsychology
- Social and Critical Psychology
- Research Methods in Psychology
- Personality and Developmental Psychology
- Neuroscience Techniques
- The Honours Project
- Applied Experience
- Psychology of Mental Health
- Advanced Social and Cognitive Neuroscience
- Psychology of Loss and Trauma
- Cyber Psychology and New Media
- Psychology of Sport and Exercise
- Psychological Wellbeing in the Workplace
- Young Life and the Mind
Assessment methods
| Level | Assessment method |
|---|---|
| Level 0 | Coursework 100% |
| Level 1 | Coursework 67% Written exams 33% |
| Level 2 | Coursework 50% Written exams 50% |
| Level 3 | Coursework 100% |
Learning Activities
| Level | Activity |
|---|---|
| Level 0 | Guided independent study 55% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 45% |
| Level 1 | Guided independent study 67% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 33% |
| Level 2 | Guided independent study 76% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 24% |
| Level 3 | Guided independent study 73% Placement/study abroad 5% Scheduled learning and teaching activities 22% |
The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.
