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LOCATION
Stratford Campus
Location Fees and Funding
Here's the fees and funding information for each year of this course
Overview
Topics studied:
- Bio-psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Individual Differences
- Neuropsychology
- Research methods
In addition to these core topics, you will develop specialist knowledge and skills regarding the reciprocal behaviour-environment relationship. You will learn about how the environment influences human behaviour: this includes how we perceive and navigate our environments, the role of built and natural environments on behaviour; as well as how other environmental influences - such as noise, temperature crowding - can shape and impact on our behaviour. You will also study how human behaviour impacts the environment: you will learn about the environmental issues that we face today (such as climate change, air pollution), and what we can contribute as psychologists to encourage pro-environmental behaviour.
You will learn how to apply your theoretical and research knowledge to practical problems. This programme is led and hosted by the School of Psychology, and we work in collaboration with the UEL's centre of excellence - the Sustainability Research Institute (SRI) - to deliver some of the material, placement work and co-supervise projects. In joining us at UEL, you will have a unique student experience as well as learning the requisite knowledge base and skills to contribute to the creation of a sustainable future.
Upon graduation, you will be able to progress your career in central and local government focused on research-based policies on a variety of environment-related behaviour issues, climate science and environmental communicators, private sector in the research and design of behavioural interventions, or further study at MSc or PhD level.
This course is currently seeking accreditation from the British Psychological Society (BPS) and covers the core content you need to apply for graduate membership.
There are many jobs and careers that are options for you with a BSc Psychology degree. These include jobs within the Allied Psychology sector, such as: Employment Specialist, Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, Social Prescribing Link Worker, Wellbeing Manager, Mental Health Social Worker, FE Psychology teacher, Research Assistant or Assistant Psychologist. Some of these many require further training that we can help you with.
Some of our graduates choose to seek employment in non-Psychology areas. These are jobs in areas where there are employers who want psychology graduates, due to the transferable skills you will gain during your studies. These include Human Resources, Market Research, Civil Service, Business Graduate Training Schemes, Teaching, Third sector & Charity roles, administration, self-employed or entrepreneur, data work in public and private sectors and allied health professions.
BSc Psychology is also an essential qualification for students seeking further training and careers in Academia, Research, Clinical, Counselling, Occupational and Educational Psychology. All of these options are possible with our BPS-accredited degrees alongside experience. Other postgraduate options that you may wish to specialise include Health Psychology, Sports Psychology, Neuropsychology or Neuroscience.
What makes this course different
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
In addition to this, you will learn about the environment: how it influences human behaviour, and how our behaviour impacts the environment. The British Psychological Society states that "psychology has an important role in combating climate change". Changing human behaviour and public acceptability of 'green' policies are, however, not straightforward.
This course aims to teach and engage you with the importance of the psychology of behaviour change in different environmental contexts and sustainability. We will explore theories, methods and research into environment and sustainability behaviour change.
You will develop specialist knowledge and skills of psychology applied to the different environments around us and sustainability. Including:
- How do we perceive and process the environment around us?
- How can a change in environment restore our attention when fatigued?
- Why do we travel the way we do?
- How can we create persuasive environmental campaigns?
- How can we reduce our contribution and exposure to air pollution?
During your studies, you will be offered teaching support, organised placements with industry partners and co-supervise research projects, led and hosted by the School of Psychology and in collaboration with UEL's centre of excellence - the Sustainability Research Institute (SRI).
We consistently review our courses to ensure we are up to date with industry changes and requirements from our graduates. As a result, our modules are subject to change.
DOWNLOAD COURSE SPECIFICATIONS
MODULES
- Core Modules
Thinking Like a Psychologist (Mental Wealth) CloseThinking Like a Psychologist (Mental Wealth)
The aim of the module is to support students in their transition to Degree level study of Psychology, introducing them to new ways of thinking that have psychology at the core. Students will learn about psychological principles that have value in everyday life and learning. They will be supported in the development of critical thinking skills, prized by graduate employers. In addition, students will learn how to present psychological concepts to members of the general public, and to use on-line presentation software to facilitate such work.
Introduction to Biological and Social and Individual Differences CloseIntroduction to Biological and Social and Individual Differences
The main aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the core fields of Social and Biological Psychology and Individual Differences and a foundation for understanding and evaluating these approaches within the discipline of Psychology and an understanding of historical, social and cultural influences. Students will also develop a knowledge of relevant key concepts and theories, providing a grounding for level 5 study of applied topics in these fields.
Introduction to Cognitive and Developmental Psychology CloseIntroduction to Cognitive and Developmental Psychology
In this module, we explore the mechanisms that process information about the world (such as perception, memory, and attention) and by which we develop our responses to it (e.g., by thinking, communicating, and the shaping of behaviour by our learning). In doing so, this module introduces core topics in cognitive psychology (which seeks to scientifically model how the mind functions) and developmental psychology (which seeks to understand change through the lifespan).
Psychology in Applied Contexts ClosePsychology in Applied Contexts
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the ways in which psychology is used in professional roles and graduate level employment. Module content will include an introduction to the core professional division of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and, beyond this, to the diverse ways in which psychology is used within 'real-world' settings, including well-established and new emerging career opportunities. The module will provide a foundation for understanding, reflecting on and developing graduate employability which will be built on at level 5.
Researching with Small Samples CloseResearching with Small Samples
To introduce students to key approaches to research in Psychology, including research design, data analysis, evaluating and writing up research. This module will focus on research methods appropriate to questions relating to smaller sample sizes.
Researching with Larger Samples CloseResearching with Larger Samples
To introduce students to key approaches to research in Psychology, including research design, data analysis, evaluating and writing up research. This module will focus on research methods appropriate to questions relating to larger sample sizes.
- Core Modules
Individual Differences and Diversity CloseIndividual Differences and Diversity
This module has three principle aims: (i) to develop a critical and historical awareness of theories of, and issues relating to, individual differences (ii) to instil understanding of, and foster respect for, diversity; (iii) to encourage students to be insightful and reflective about their own and others' behaviour and mental processes. An ongoing theme of the module will be to consider the implications of the knowledge imparted for real-life events and the development of professional practice. These aims are intended to help students develop into psychologically literate citizens.
Psychological Research Methods ClosePsychological Research Methods
The aim of the module is to build on material delivered in the level 4 research method modules and provide a preparation for the independent research project at level 6. The module will: present more advanced statistical methods used to analyse quantitative data from designs with one and more than one IV/factor; to ensure awareness of a range of experimental and non-experimental quantitative designs (including real-world research) and a range of qualitative designs; consider issues of internal and external validity; further consider epistemological and methodological issues, reflexivity, ethics and practicalities of conducting qualitative research; and provide students with opportunities to gain further experience designing, executing and writing quantitive and qualitative research studies.
Topics in Cognitive and Developmental Psychology CloseTopics in Cognitive and Developmental Psychology
The module builds on students' learning at level 4 and explores a range of current issues and topics in cognitive and developmental psychology in greater depth. Students will learn about appropriate ways to analyse and interpret findings in these core areas of psychology. The module's aim is to encourage a more evaluative and analytical approach than at level 4 coverage of these areas of psychology.
Applications of Psychobiology and Social Psychology CloseApplications of Psychobiology and Social Psychology
The module will build upon knowledge of the psychobiology and social psychological approaches that were introduced at Level 4. The aim of the module is to develop students' knowledge and critical awareness of these major theoretical perspectives for understanding human behaviour. Current issues as well as historical debates in these two areas will be explored. Considerable focus will be placed upon the real-world application and utility of theories falling within each approach.
Work-Based Learning in Psychology (Mental Wealth) CloseWork-Based Learning in Psychology (Mental Wealth)
The module is designed to further develop students' awareness of the range of careers, work and volunteering opportunities open to psychology graduates and to support their engagement with personal and professional development strategies. Based on a short period of work-experience, arranged by students and completed as part of the module's student learning time, students will be able to learn about organisations and make use of networking opportunities. They will have an opportunity to integrate psychological theory with practice and to clarify their interests and goals.
Principles and Practices for Environmental Psychology ClosePrinciples and Practices for Environmental Psychology
This module provides an overview of the relationship between humans and their environments. The module offers an overview to the theory, practice and application of psychology approaches in environmental settings. The origins, basic principles and key conceptual issues to environment-behaviour relationships are introduced and studied.
- Core Modules
Psychology in Communication and Social Engagement (Mental Wealth) ClosePsychology in Communication and Social Engagement (Mental Wealth)
This module will develop students' understanding of the range of theories and techniques involved in psychologies of social engagement. Examples include the communication of psychological knowledge to external audiences and the use of psychological knowledge to address real world issues and problems. These examples will be contextualised with reference to conceptual and historical issues in psychology. Students will be invited to develop a broad understanding of psychology and their psychological knowledge as it is relevant to the wider world, including local communities, businesses, politics and policy.
Environmental Psychology Research Project CloseEnvironmental Psychology Research Project
Applying critical judgments and practical applications around the issues involved in the formulation, execution, and reporting of psychological research and theory.
- Independent research using methodological approaches to research design, data collection and interpretation: qualitative and/or quantitative
- To support students' application of their skills and psychological knowledge to conduct and report a piece of empirical research.
- The work will also be in accordance with the School of Psychology and BPS Ethical Codes.
Psychological Approaches to Environmental Sustainability ClosePsychological Approaches to Environmental Sustainability
This module provides critically evaluative knowledge and understanding of the application of Environmental Psychology to practical problems of sustainability and environmental behaviour. In doing so, it aims to enable students to critically evaluate the contribution of environmental psychological approaches to individual and group interactions with natural resources. Students will critically explore the consequences of these approaches for current research and practical applications, including behaviour change, communication.
Optional ModulesAdvanced Forensic Psychology CloseAdvanced Forensic Psychology
The aims of the module are to educate students into the complexity of behaviour that is considered criminological; to examine psychological theory and research concerning different types of offending behaviour and for students to develop an appreciation of the role that psychologists can play in rehabilitation and desistance from offending behaviour.
Health Psychology CloseHealth Psychology
The module describes and evaluates biopsychosocial approaches to health and illness. It examines social and psychological processes which contribute to the occurrence of various physical health outcomes and to the maintenance of health. It discusses the role of psychosocial processes in the experience and progression of health and illness. Specifically, it examines biopsychosocial precursors and consequences which are identifiable empirically in the aetiology and progression of a variety of health phenomena. Such precursors include the role of social support, social cognitions, individual differences in coping and personality, life change events and psycho-neuro-immunological, endocrine and other physiological processes. In summary, this module explores how psychological and social factors impact out health. Implications for prevention of illness and promotion of health are considered.
Advanced Developmental Psychology CloseAdvanced Developmental Psychology
This module will provide students with an opportunity to examine and evaluate in-depth key and current methods and findings in developmental psychology. The aim is to investigate the main factors that shape development in a variety of domains (social, emotional, cognitive) and across ages, in a manner that will help students to develop the skills required to be able to critically analyse research in this area. The module will also give students the opportunity to consolidate and to explore in more depth some of the concepts previously introduced at levels 4 and 5.
Psychology of Choice ClosePsychology of Choice
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the main concepts and theories in research on preference choices, risk perception and communication, and judgement and decision making. Students will be able to describe and evaluate research findings on how people assess risks (major hazards, terrorism etc.) and which psychological factors determine the choices and preferences made by individuals and experts.
Psychology of Belief ClosePsychology of Belief
The aims of the module are to assist students in developing; their skills and competencies in critical thinking and the evaluation of information; their ability to understand behaviours motivated by different values and different cultural perspectives; and their ability to understand the causes of beliefs which they do not themselves ascribe to.
Students will explore the various factors (e.g., social, developmental, cognitive, cultural, and biopsychological) that contribute to unsubstantiated beliefs, look at various theories of religious belief, and explore the psychology of moral values and political affiliation.
Psychology of Emotion ClosePsychology of Emotion
This module will aim to explore and critically evaluate approaches to the emotions in Psychology. The aim will be for students to develop knowledge about the role and nature of emotions in psychological experiences, and critically evaluate emotion research.
Occupational Psychology CloseOccupational Psychology
The module aims to introduce students to the main areas of occupational and organisational psychology and providing a critical understanding of the various ways in which contemporary psychological knowledge is applied to workplace behaviour of people and to business management. It elucidates multiple aspects of human performance at work and ways to optimise them, considering their individual, group and organisational contexts.
Applied Cyberpsychology CloseApplied Cyberpsychology
Broadly speaking the module aims to help students:
- Think about how Cyberpsychology can enhance the communication and impact of psychological science.
- Consider the implications of existing lines of psychological inquiry for research within Cyberpsychology.
- Critically evaluate the way that research in Cyberpsychology can be applied to society.
Positive Education theory and practice ClosePositive Education theory and practice
Broadly speaking the module aims to:
- Promote thinking about how positive education can enhance psychological wellbeing.
- Develop a critical faculty whereby students consider the implications of their existing knowledge of psychology and positive psychology to education in different contexts
- Promote thinking about the way that research in positive education can be applied to society.
HOW YOU'LL LEARN
We have implemented an innovative Technology Enhanced Active Learning (TEAL):
- Increased face-to-face learning and teaching. Students will spend their timetabled contact hours on campus in a 2.5 day block and have access to a wide range of additional learning and career development opportunities.
- Access to recorded lectures, notes, readings and e-resources through the VLE, so that student engagement in learning takes place beyond timetabled hours.
- Access to industry standard technology and specialist spaces that help prepare students for their future career.
- Dedicated time, every Wednesday afternoon, for most students to engage in activities and development programmes such as sport and physical activity, volunteering and student-led clubs and societies.
- A holistic approach to learning and teaching, providing a range of opportunities to actively develop academically, personally and professionally.
- Access to our on-campus and virtual Career Zones - places to receive advice and guidance, meet employers, practice interviews and engage with opportunities for internships and jobs.
- Personalised support throughout the learner journey, with access to academic advisers, skills tutors, career coaches and wellbeing advisers.
- A dedicated portal - Track My Future (TMF) - which provides access to all learning and support services and a personalised student engagement dashboard.
The programme will be delivered and hosted by Psychology. We will also partner with UEL's Sustainability Research Institute (SRI) in the delivery of some of the material, placements, and supervision of some projects. This presents a unique opportunity for students at UEL, as well as creating partnerships and synergies among the staff across the University. Both the School of Psychology and SRI are active in real-world applied research.
Within the School of Psychology, we currently have an exciting opportunity working with Thames Water to apply social psychological strategies to work towards achieving public safety around the Walthamstow Wetlands. Many of the projects UEL's Sustainability Research Institute conduct are local e.g., 'Ride Barking', and students taking this course will have the chance to get involved in an active research project.
Teaching
You will be taught by our internationally renowned expert academics who will employ the most up to date and advanced learning techniques to ensure that you get a broad understanding of psychology through your degree.
Guided independent study
This will depend on the module. Typically, each module will require 200 hours of mixed staff interaction learning time and guided independent study. Student/tutor interaction will vary depending on the module - but typically, teaching time is two or three hours per week during term time. The rest of the learning time is made up of independent study, such as seminar reading, assignment preparation, background reading, group work, feedback reflection and assimilation.
Academic support
Academic support will take the form of lectures, seminars, tutorials by staff relevant to the module/topic. Students will also be assigned an academic advisor.
If you need a bit of extra help with certain skills such as academic writing, English, maths or statistics, our Academic Tutors offer workshops, drop-in sessions and one-to-one appointments to help our students achieve their potential.
You can receive advice and guidance on all aspects of the IT systems provided by the university from our IT Service Desks located on all three campuses.
Dedicated Academic Advisor
When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal Academic Advisor. This is the member of staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at UEL and who will show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer.
Workload
Each year you will spend around 300 hours of timetabled learning and teaching activities. These may be lectures, workshops, seminars and individual and group tutorials. Contact hours may vary depending on each module.
The approximate percentages for this course are:
Year 1: scheduled teaching - 300 hours; guided independent study - 900 hours.
Year 2: scheduled teaching - 300 hours; guided independent study - 900 hours.
Year 3: scheduled teaching - 300 hours; guided independent study - 900 hours.
Your timetable
Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9.00 am and 6.00 pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.
You can follow us on Twitter @UEL_EnvPsych
HOW YOU'LL BE ASSESSED
You'll be assessed with a mixture of coursework and exams (no exams in first year). Coursework includes essays, research reports, research proposals, group and seminar presentations and a final-year research project.
CAMPUS and FACILITIES

Stratford Campus, Water Lane, Stratford
WHO TEACHES THIS COURSE
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
Environmental Psychology
Watch Dr Hebba Haddad introducing the new BSc (Hons) Environmental Psychology degree.
What we're researching
At the University of East London we are working on the some of the big issues that will define our future; from sustainable architecture and ethical AI, to health inequality and breaking down barriers in the creative industries.
Our students and academics are more critically engaged and socially conscious than ever before. Discover some of the positive changes our students, alumni and academics are making in the world.
YOUR FUTURE CAREER
This programme will offer an enriching learning and employability experience, particularly within the environmental communication and behaviour change sector. Jobs available within this sector are set to increase; the last election pledges from the main political parties have indicated an investment in 'green' jobs and greening the workforce. Careers and graduate prospects for students who complete the Environmental Psychology degree include central and local government focused on research-based policies; environmental organisations focused on how to communicate the issues of climate change more effectively; working in the private sector in the research and design of behavioural interventions.
In offering this programme with UEL's Sustainability Research Institute, you will have the opportunity to be involved in community engagement and participation programmes with various stakeholders. As well as adding value to the learning experience, the real-world employability skills developed will add further 'work ready' competencies which will prove valuable in the competitive job market. You can tailor your studies to career-driven, industry-connected, research-led outcomes as you wish. Those who engage in placements with local community connections will develop the skills and confidence to apply and interview for jobs they want.
In addition to added employability skills following completion of this degree, you will also be able to use this programme as a springboard to further your education or academic research interests. This could include furthering your studies by undertaking existing programmes within the School of Psychology. For example, in response to the global climate emergency there will be an increase of environmental migrants or climate refugees i.e., people who are forced to leave their home due to the effects of climate change. If you wish to specialise further in this area, the School of Psychology offers an MSc in Humanitarian Intervention. In addition, our newly proposed BSc programme will provide a solid foundation for applied environmental psychology research, thereby creating opportunities for you to pursue a PhD should you wish.
In addition to the unique collaborative learning and placement experience, this programme will be accredited by the British Psychological Society, allowing graduates to enter a broader range of professional psychology jobs and/ or postgraduate programmes should you seek to do so. Those who engage in placements and research with community connections can use this as an opportunity to establish relationships with prospective employers, leading to additional support when searching for work.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.