Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year BSc
About This Programme
The BSc Psychology with Integrated Foundation Year is a four-year programme at the University of Birmingham Dubai: a foundation year that builds English and study skills alongside introductory biology, mathematics and psychology, followed by the three-year BSc Psychology. The degree covers brain science, social behaviour, development and neuropsychology, and how research, therapy and a range of roles shape 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, with international opportunities and a strong grounding in critical thinking and transferable skills such as analytical reasoning and effective communication. 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 programme 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.
- 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 and in the world's top 100 for Psychology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, 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 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. Teaching staff listed on the course page include 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), Olivia Goncalves (Assistant Professor and Programme Director) and Professor Rasha Bayoumi (Head of Research, Dubai).
Foundation Year
Biology, mathematics and psychology alongside English and study skills, in the university environment and with an introduction to UAE culture. All foundation modules run for the full year.
- LF History, Culture, Society and Economy in the UAE20 credits
- LF Introduction to Biology and Mathematics for Psychology20 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
A strong foundation in cognitive psychology, psychobiology and developmental psychology, with hands-on projects in research design and data analysis and modules that build professional skills. Semester 1: Research Methods Study Block A, Developing Skills for Psychologists/Neuroscientists 1, Lifespan Psychology A and Introduction to Psychobiology; Semester 2: Research Methods Study Block B, Ideas, Concepts, and Ethics in Psychology and Neuroscience, 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 Developing Skills for Psychologists/Neuroscientists 1: Making it Work at University10 credits
- LC Ideas, Concepts, and Ethics in Psychology and Neuroscience10 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.
- LI Language and Communication20 credits
- LI Neural Basis of Vision and Action20 credits
- LI Research Methods C20 credits
- LI Research Methods D20 credits
- LI Social and Cognitive Development20 credits
- LI Topics in Social and Differential Psychology20 credits
Year 3
Advanced research and deeper expertise, preparing students to work as applied psychologists. The course page lists the year-long Research Project for this year.
- LH Research Project40 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
The University says its graduates are in high demand with top UK employers, citing its leading position for employability in High Fliers' Graduate Market 2024 report. 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
BBC-BCC at A level
Duration
4 years (including the foundation year)
Qualification
Bachelors
Subject Area
Psychology
Campus
Dubai
Course Type
Integrated foundation year, Single honours
Study Pattern
Full time
Delivery Format
In person
Tuition Fee
AED 134,922/yr
AED 134,922 for the foundation year, full-time, for September 2026 entry; each later year costs AED 149,106. 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.