Psychology BSc
About This Programme
The BSc Psychology at the University of Birmingham Dubai is a three-year degree covering the breadth of the subject, from brain science and social behaviour to development and neuropsychology, and how research, therapy and a wide range of roles drive change in business, healthcare, education and law enforcement. It is a research-driven, hands-on degree taught by experts at the forefront of psychological science. The course is globally focused, with international opportunities, and builds critical thinking alongside transferable skills such as analytical reasoning and effective communication. From Year 1 to Year 3 students lead their own research, developing skills in research design, data analysis and interpretation, and in presenting their findings as reports.
Course Highlights
- A research-driven degree led by expert academics at a Russell Group university in Dubai.
- Hands-on, applied teaching, including practical laboratory experience.
- Highly sought-after graduates, with critical thinking and transferable skills for many industries.
- Birmingham is ranked in the world's top 100 for Psychology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, as stated on the course page.
- Ranked 15th for Psychology in the Complete University Guide 2027, as stated on the course page.
- 2nd in the Russell Group for overall student satisfaction in Psychology in the National Student Survey 2026, as stated on the University's Psychology course pages.
What You'll Study
Students gain practical laboratory experience and learn through interactive seminars, research-focused lectures, collaborative workshops and small-group tutorials, with group projects and presentations that build teamwork and communication. A welfare tutor gives personalised academic and personal support, and the course builds practical skills for the move into professional life. Assessment uses written assignments, research reports, group poster presentations and talks. From Year 1 to Year 3 students lead their own research, building skills in research design, data analysis and interpretation, and learn to present their findings in reports. Teaching staff listed on the course page include Dr Aytac Karabay (cognitive science, attention and working memory), Dr Jane Williams, Dr Shereen Sharaan (inclusion-focused research on autistic individuals), Dr Afsana Faheem (Programme Director for the MSc Clinical Psychology and MSc Mental Wellbeing), Dr Christian Perrin (forensic psychology; a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society) and Olivia Goncalves (Assistant Professor and Programme Director).
Year 1
A strong foundation in cognitive psychology, psychobiology and developmental psychology, with hands-on projects in research design and data analysis. Semester 1: Research Methods Study Block A, Lifespan Psychology A and Introduction to Psychobiology; Semester 2: Research Methods Study Block B, Cognitive Psychology and Lifespan Psychology B; the two Research Methods assessment blocks run all year.
- LC Research Methods (Assessment Block 1)20 credits
- LC Research Methods (Assessment Block 2)20 credits
- LC Research Methods (Study Block A)0 credits
- LC Research Methods (Study Block B)0 credits
- LC Lifespan Psychology A: Introduction to Developmental Psychology10 credits
- LC Cognitive Psychology20 credits
- LC Introduction to Psychobiology: From Ion Channels to Abnormal Behaviour20 credits
- LC Lifespan Psychology B: Social Psychology of the Person10 credits
Year 2
Language and communication, social psychology and cognitive development, further research skills, and the neural mechanisms of vision and action and how the brain works, with on-campus research and employability sessions that sharpen career focus. Semester 1: Language and Communication, Research Methods C and Topics in Social and Differential Psychology; Semester 2: Neural Basis of Vision and Action, Research Methods D and Social and Cognitive Development.
- Language and Communication20 credits
- Neural Basis of Vision and Action20 credits
- Research Methods C20 credits
- Research Methods D20 credits
- Social and Cognitive Development20 credits
- Topics in Social and Differential Psychology20 credits
Year 3
A final year built around a year-long research project, preparing students to work as applied psychologists. Semester 1: Crime and Antisocial Behaviour, The Neurobiology of Mental Illness, and Psychological therapies: CBT and beyond; Semester 2: Contemporary Issues in Social Psychology.
- LH Contemporary Issues in Social Psychology: Media, Body Image and Prejudice20 credits
- LH Crime and Antisocial Behaviour: Theory, Research and Practice20 credits
- LH Research Project40 credits
- LH The Neurobiology of Mental Illness20 credits
- Psychological therapies: CBT and beyond20 credits
Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet both the University's general entry requirements and the course's own criteria. Each application is reviewed by the course's Admissions Tutor, who decides whether to make an offer.
Careers
Psychology graduates can apply their skills in fields such as business, human resources and teaching, or specialise in clinical, forensic or educational psychology, and many go on to master's and PhD programmes. The Careers Network Dubai offers information, advice and guidance to identify options, build skills and reach opportunities.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and listed as Active on the Commission for Academic Accreditation register as the Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Programme Details
Award
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Start Date
September 2026 (applications closed; September 2027 details to follow)
Typical Offer
AAA-ABB at A level
Duration
3 years
Qualification
Bachelors
Subject Area
Psychology
Campus
Dubai
Course Type
Single honours
Study Pattern
Full time
Delivery Format
In person
Tuition Fee
AED 149,106/yr
AED 149,106 per year, full-time, for September 2026 entry. The fee covers tuition, examinations and graduation, is charged for each year of study and stays the same for the whole degree; it can be paid in full or in three instalments a year. Applications for September 2026 entry to this programme are closed, and details for September 2027 entry will be published later. Applications are made directly through the University of Birmingham Dubai Admissions portal (not UCAS), with no application fee, and are usually decided within 10 working days of all documents arriving. A non-returnable AED 5,000 deposit, deducted from tuition, is paid on accepting an offer. Scholarships of up to 30% are assessed from the application itself, with no separate form.