Programme Overview
Comprehensive introduction to the programme
The programme provides an academically rigorous final year for students progressing from Level 4–5 study, including the Pearson BTEC HND in Counselling and Applied Psychology. It transitions learners from a vocational and applied background into disciplinary psychology, ensuring graduates meet the threshold standards of a UK psychology degree. The curriculum foregrounds engagement with the core domains of psychology, scientific literacy, quantitative reasoning, and independent inquiry through a 30-credit Independent Psychology Project. Counselling knowledge from prior study is used solely as context for psychological analysis.
HND to Psychology transition: most entrants progress from a counselling-oriented HND focused on applied practice rather than disciplinary psychology. The programme therefore uses a compensatory curriculum design to support students' transition into Level 6 psychology study. Term 1 focuses on core psychological concepts and research methods, while Term 2 supports with core modules, supervised data collection, analysis, and dissertation writing. Assessments are staggered to support a balanced workload.
Academic support: students receive structured academic support through academic advisors, study skills workshops, online resources, library and database access, academic writing sessions, and data analysis support. For the Independent Psychology Project, students receive supervision, formative feedback, and guidance on ethics, research governance, data protection, risk assessment, and project management.
Placement opportunities: the programme does not include a formal credit-bearing placement. However, students may engage in optional applied projects, research assistant opportunities, or community-based activities where available. These are developmental and not required for the award.
Why choose Goldsmiths? Goldsmiths offers British Psychological Society accredited courses and a scientific approach to the study of the human mind and behaviour, with hands-on training in psychology's core research methods, one-to-one mentoring, and research applied across sectors from clinical practice to schools, advertising and public policy.
Programme Structure
Academic curriculum and module breakdown
Core Domains of Psychology: Theory, Evidence and Application (Term 1) (15 Credits) - Core
Psychological Processes and Behaviour in Applied Contexts (Term 1) (15 Credits) - Core
Advanced Psychological Research (Term 1) (15 Credits) - Core
Independent Psychology Project (Terms 1–2) (30 Credits) - Core
Advanced Biopsychology and Mental Health (Term 2) (15 Credits) - Core
Developmental and Social Psychology in Contemporary Contexts (Term 2) (15 Credits) - Core
Personality and Individual Differences (Term 2) (15 Credits) - Core
Total Credits: 120. The programme is delivered as an all-core Level 6 curriculum: students are required to complete all seven compulsory modules to ensure shared disciplinary coverage and preparedness for the Independent Psychology Project.
Entry Requirements
Academic prerequisites and admission criteria
Applicants must hold 240 credits at Levels 4–5, normally through the Pearson BTEC HND in Counselling and Applied Psychology or an equivalent qualification. As the HND is vocationally oriented and does not provide full coverage of the psychology curriculum, the Level 6 year incorporates academic bridging within the curriculum.
Entrants must demonstrate:
Successful Level 5 study evidencing academic writing and critical analysis
Familiarity with research enquiry (qualitative or applied)
English language proficiency IELTS 6.5 or equivalent
What’s Next for You
Academic pathways and career progression
Employability and potential career opportunities: the programme develops skills expected of a UK psychology graduate, including research, analysis, communication, ethical decision-making, digital literacy, and problem-solving. Graduates may progress into roles in education, health and wellbeing, community development, human resources, research assistance, and behaviour-focused support.
To qualify for the award, students must complete the 30-credit Independent Psychology Project and meet Goldsmiths' and BCAS progression requirements.
Career pathway: HND in Counselling & Applied Psychology → BSc (Hons) Psychology (Top-up).
