Psychology with Business Management Integrated Foundation Year BSc
About This Programme
The BSc Psychology with Business Management with an Integrated Foundation Year is a four-year programme at the University of Birmingham Dubai: a foundation year in introductory psychology, human biology and study skills with academic English, followed by the three-year BSc Psychology with Business Management. The degree combines modern psychological theory and practical learning, from child development to neuroscience, with business management, so that students learn to apply their understanding of the mind and behaviour to real business challenges. Business modules in economics, accounting and financial decision-making, human resource management, responsible business, marketing and small business run alongside the psychology core, and from Year 1 to Year 3 students lead their own research, building skills in research design, data analysis and interpretation.
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, that links psychology to real-world business challenges.
- Highly sought-after graduates, with critical thinking and transferable skills for many industries.
- 2nd in the Russell Group for overall student satisfaction in Psychology in the National Student Survey 2026, as stated on the course page.
- Ranked 15th for Psychology in the Complete University Guide 2027, with Birmingham in the world's top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2027, as stated on the course page.
What You'll Study
Students gain practical laboratory experience and learn through interactive seminars, research-focused lectures, collaborative workshops and small-group tutorials, with peer 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. The Integrated Foundation Year introduces the academic environment and builds the skills and knowledge needed for the first year of the degree. 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. Module titles and content may change as teaching is reviewed. Teaching staff listed on the course page include Dr Shereen Sharaan (inclusion-focused research on autistic individuals), Dr Aytac Karabay (cognitive science, attention and working memory), 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), Olivia Goncalves (Assistant Professor and Programme Director) and Professor Rasha Bayoumi (Head of Research, Dubai).
Foundation Year
Introductory psychology and human biology alongside English and study skills, in the university environment and with an introduction to UAE culture. Semester 1: Advanced Study Skills in Biological Sciences; Semester 2: Human Biology; the two Introduction to Psychology modules and the English module run all year.
- LF Introduction to Psychology 120 credits
- LF Introduction to Psychology 220 credits
- LF Advanced Study Skills in Biological Sciences20 credits
- LF Human Biology20 credits
Students take one of the following 40-credit modules.
- LF Academic English and Study Skills40 credits
- LF Advanced Academic English and Study Skills40 credits
- LF Advanced Academic Skills (STEM)40 credits
Year 1
Developmental and social psychology, psychobiology, economics and accounting, with hands-on projects in research design and data analysis. Semester 1: Lifespan Psychology A, Economics for Business and Introduction to Psychobiology; Semester 2: Accounting, Accountability and Financial Decision-making, Lifespan Psychology B and Research Methods B.
- 03 36716LC Lifespan Psychology A: Introduction to Developmental Psychology10 credits
- 07 41325LC Accounting, Accountability and Financial Decision-making20 credits
- 07 31685LC Economics for Business20 credits
- 03 33163LC Introduction to Psychobiology: From Ion Channels to Abnormal Behaviour20 credits
- 03 36718LC Lifespan Psychology B: Social Psychology of the Person10 credits
- 03 33166LC Research Methods B20 credits
Year 2
Human resource management and responsible business, advanced research methods, social and differential psychology, and social and cognitive development, with on-campus research and employability sessions that sharpen career focus. Semester 1: Research Methods C, Responsible Business: Theory and Practice, and Topics in Social and Differential Psychology; Semester 2: Human Resource Management, Research Methods D, and Social and Cognitive Development.
- LI Human Resource Management20 credits
- LI Research Methods C20 credits
- LI Research Methods D20 credits
- LI Responsible Business: Theory and Practice20 credits
- LI Social and Cognitive Development20 credits
- LI Topics in Social and Differential Psychology20 credits
Year 3
Specialised topics such as media, body image and prejudice, contemporary issues in marketing, small business and entrepreneurship, and the neurobiology of mental illness, with a year-long research project. Semester 1: Contemporary Issues in Marketing and The Neurobiology of Mental Illness; Semester 2: Contemporary Issues in Social Psychology, and Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
- 07 31694LH Contemporary Issues in Marketing20 credits
- 03 38397LH Contemporary Issues in Social Psychology: Media, Body Image and Prejudice20 credits
- 03 33213LH Research Project40 credits
- 07 31697LH Small Business and Entrepreneurship20 credits
- 03 40323LH The Neurobiology of Mental Illness20 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 with Business Management.
Programme Details
Award
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Start Date
September 2026 (applications closed; September 2027 details to follow)
Typical Offer
BBC-BCC at A level
Duration
4 years (including the foundation year)
Qualification
Bachelors
Subject Area
Psychology
Campus
Dubai
Course Type
Major/minor, Integrated foundation year
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, as published on the course page. The fee covers tuition, examinations and graduation, is charged for each year of study, and 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.