Skip to content
The Open University

Undergraduate

Psychology

On this page

A picture to illustrate studying undergraduate psychology at The Open University

We’re all interested in what makes people tick, how they think, act and interact with others. That’s why studying undergraduate psychology – the science of human behaviour – is interesting in its own right.

But it can also help develop a range of widely applicable transferable skills.  Our psychology courses will enable you to gain an understanding of ideas, theories and methods in psychology, learn how to analyse and evaluate psychological concepts, and will enable you to develop skills in assessing different kinds of evidence, including both quantitative and qualitative data.

Psychology is also a dynamic academic discipline. You can use the knowledge and skills you develop as an OU psychology student or graduate to take advantage of exciting and challenging job opportunities in areas such as education, industry, the health professions, management, advertising and marketing, human resources, research, counselling, and social services.

Where to start in Psychology

If you’re just getting started in this subject, we recommend you start with Introducing the social sciences - Part 1 (DD131), and then do Discovering psychology (DSE141).  Good alternatives would be Introducing the social sciences (DD101), or Introducing the social sciences - Part 1 (DD131) and Introducing the social sciences - Part 2 (DD132).  Or if you prefer a more scientifically orientated approach, then try Introducing health sciences: a case study approach (SDK125)  followed by Discovering psychology (DSE141). 

All these courses will develop the study skills, the knowledge and the understanding that you’ll need for the successful completion of further study in this subject.

Worried about your ability? Or the time it will take? If you're a UK resident you can start with one of our Openings courses: short courses with lots of support and no exams, giving you a gradual introduction to your subject and the world of studying.

Don't forget that if you need help considering options you can talk to an adviser. And if you have some previous study experience you may qualify for credit transfer.

Degrees

  • Computing with Psychological Studies
    This degree combines two popular and important disciplines, and equips you for a very wide range of careers.
  • Criminology and Psychological Studies
    Our society is fascinated by crime and punishment. This degree will help you understand the issues behind the headlines.
  • Philosophy and Psychological Studies
    Explore concepts, theories, methods and debates in philosophy and psychology, relevant to a broad range of careers, including advertising and marketing, social services, administration and management.
  • Psychology
    If you’re fascinated by human behaviour and what goes on in our brains, this is the degree for you.
  • Open degree
    The BA/BSc Open Degree provides a flexible way to combine a range of courses from different subjects either to suit your particular career or personal interests, or to complete studies you have started elsewhere.

Foundation Degrees

  • Counselling
    The Open University’s Foundation Degree in Counselling will provide an understanding of the theory and skills required to practise as a professional counsellor.

Courses in Psychology

See the list of all our individual courses in Psychology.

Postgraduate options

If you already have a degree, you may want to see postgraduate courses and qualifications in Psychology.

Spotlight on Psychology

Looking for a counselling qualification?

If you've got some knowledge of basic counselling theory and skills, and want to train further so that you can work in a professional setting, our new Foundation Degree in Counselling may be what you're looking for. It's a combination of work-based study at a partner college, and OU study. See the link under Foundation Degrees on this page.

Professionally recognised degree

Our BSc Hons Psychology (B07) is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) to provide Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).  This is the first step on the path leading to professional qualifications in psychology, and to chartered psychologist status.

Are you ready for?

Use our 'Are you ready?' guides and read advice about our undergraduate psychology courses on the Department of Psychology website.

 

Got a question?

Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90

Request a print prospectus

Order a prospectus Order or download a printed prospectus

© The Open University   +44 (0)845 300 60 90   Email us