This BSc (Hons) Psychology with Foundation Year starts with a year of academic, scientific and professional skills before degree-level study. The degree then covers cognitive, biological, developmental and social psychology, research methods and applied skills, showing how psychology works in health, education and organisations. Classes are listed at centres in Derby, Manchester (Salford and Abarna) and Sunderland, with weekday and evening options for people fitting study around work. Applicants without academic qualifications can take a Prepare for Foundation assessment day instead. Graduates can go on to work or postgraduate study. AF Education provides UK home students with free help on the application and on Student Finance England.
Key facts
- Award / level
- BSc (Hons) (Bachelors)
- Study mode
- Full time
- Schedule options
- Weekday and Evening
- Location
-
- the Derby campus
- the Salford campus in Manchester
- the Abarna campus in Manchester
- the Sunderland campus
- Upcoming intake
- September 2026
- Foundation year
- Yes — included in this course title
- Awarding university
- Health Sciences University
- Partner pathway
- UKMC
Who this course is for
This suits mature students in the Midlands and North who want a psychology degree with evening options. It works for people without recent qualifications who can show motivation at an assessment day.
Entry routes for mature students
The academic route asks for two A-levels at DD or equivalent, an Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Diploma (at least 58 credits), or at least 32 UCAS points. Without these, you attend a compulsory Prepare for Foundation assessment day, and you need at least two years of study or relevant experience after GCSE level.
Funding with Student Finance England
AF Education is a free service for England-resident UK home students — not international applicants. For eligible courses, a Tuition Fee Loan is paid directly to the university and a Maintenance Loan is paid to you for living costs. Eligibility depends on residency and previous study; use our free eligibility checker before you apply.
Check your Student Finance eligibility — free, takes about 2 minutes.
How often you study
Weekday and evening options are listed at Derby, Salford, Abarna (Manchester) and Sunderland. Most courses AF Education supports need 1 to 2 campus days a week, so many students keep working. Confirm your centre’s timetable before enrolment.
Career and progression
The course lists routes into mental health support, human resources, education, research and social services, or postgraduate psychology study. Professional psychologist roles need further training, and AF Education does not guarantee jobs.
Course overview from Health Sciences University
The BSc (Hons) Psychology with Foundation Year provides a comprehensive introduction to psychological theory, research, and application. The foundation year develops essential academic, scientific, and professional skills, preparing students for degree-level study. The course covers core areas of psychology including cognitive, biological, developmental, and social psychology, alongside research methods and applied skills. Students gain knowledge of human behaviour, mental processes, and real-world applications of psychology. The programme supports progression into careers or further study in psychology and related fields, equipping graduates with analytical, research, and communication skills valued across multiple professional sectors. The degree is awarded by Health Sciences University.
The BSc (Hons) Psychology with Foundation Yea is designed to provide students with a strong academic and practical understanding of psychology, beginning with a foundation year that builds essential study skills and subject knowledge. The course develops knowledge across key psychological domains, including biological, cognitive, social, and developmental psychology, alongside research methods and applied practice.
Students will explore how psychological theory can be applied to real-world contexts such as health, education, and organisational settings. The course also focuses on developing critical thinking, research, and communication skills, preparing students for a range of career opportunities.
Graduates may progress into careers in areas such as mental health support, human resources, education, research, and social services, or continue to postgraduate study in specialised areas of psychology.
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Foundation Year is available at Derby, Manchester, Sunderland. Campus details and map links are below.
Available Campuses for BSc (Hons) Psychology with Foundation Year
-
Derby
UK Management College, 9–10 Corn Market, Derby, DE1 1QH
View on Google mapsUpcoming intake Sep 2026 -
Salford
17 Carolina Way, Quays Reach, Salford, M50 2ZY
View on Google mapsUpcoming intake Sep 2026 -
Abarna
Stanley St/Catherine St, Openshaw, Manchester, M11 1LE, United Kingdom.
View on Google mapsUpcoming intake Sep 2026 -
Sunderland
1 Grayling Court, Doxford Intl. Business Park, Sunderland, SR3 3XE, United Kingdom.
View on Google mapsUpcoming intake Sep 2026
Campus locations on the map
Entry Requirements for Health Sciences University
Entry onto Foundation (Level 3):
Academic Route
Applicants are expected to have achieved either a minimum two ‘A’ Levels at grade DD/Equivalent;
or any Ofqual regulated level 3 Diploma (minimum 58 credits);
or A combination of qualifications totalling 32 UCAS points minimum.
Non Academic Route
You will be required to attend and pass a compulsory Prepare For Foundation assessment day where you will take part in a variety of activities which will assess your suitability for the course.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate, through activities, and written description of their previous experience and study/career goals, or other admissions processes such as interview for the course. The applicant should demonstrate a genuine commitment and motivation for higher education study in this subject.
For Students applying without academic qualifications, applicants must have studied or demonstrate appropriate experiences a minimum of two years post GCSE level.
Mature Students
It is expected that some applicants will be mature students with work experience, who wish to further their career development. These applicants will be processed through the Awarding University’s standard admission procedures, which may involve an interview as part of the process, or request of other documents such as detailed above.
PFF/PFD Information
The Prepare for Foundation (PFF) and Prepare for Degree (PFD) Day is a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate an applicant’s suitability and potential to succeed in a ‘With Foundation Year’ degree programme. It provides an opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their skills, motivation, and readiness for higher education beyond academic qualifications alone.
PFF/PFD Day Itinerary
Applicants are expected to arrive at campus between 9:00 am and
9:30 am. Complimentary tea and coffee will be available upon
arrival.
• Check Ins – (9:30am-10am): Pre-Activity Task, ID Check
• Sessions 1 – (10am – 11am): Introduction & Identifying barriers
- Welcome and introductions and Ice-breaker activity
- Group Activity with a group feedback/ break
• Session 2 – (11am -12pm): Support & Tour
- Overview of UKMC facilities and support for students
- Campus Tour with Q/A feedback/ break
• Lunch Break - (12pm – 12:30pm)
• Session 3 - (12:30pm – 2 pm): Research & Communication
- Pre-task Activity Reflect/Discussion
- Group Activity
• Sessions 4 - (2 pm – 4 pm): Final Reflection
End of the PFF DAY
Please be aware that following values will be monitored throughout the whole session of your PFF Day:
- Punctuality
- Communication skills
- Knowledge regarding your course
- Engagement and Participation to the activities
How AF Education helps
AF Education support is 100% free for students. We help you check eligibility, choose a suitable course and campus, prepare documents, and submit your application — with clear next steps for Student Finance England where relevant.
FAQs about this course
Who awards this degree?
The degree is awarded by Health Sciences University.
What is the Prepare for Foundation day?
It is a compulsory assessment day for applicants on the non-academic route, with group activities, a campus tour and reflection tasks to show motivation and readiness.
Where can I study?
Derby, Salford and Abarna in Manchester, and Sunderland are listed, with weekday and evening options.
What academic qualifications are accepted?
Two A-levels at DD or equivalent, an Ofqual Level 3 Diploma with at least 58 credits, or at least 32 UCAS points.
Can I get Student Finance England for this course?
AF Education gives England-resident UK home students (not international applicants) free help applying for Student Finance England on eligible courses. Check your eligibility free before you apply.
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