STUDY

Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Psychology & Behaviour Studies

Institution code: S82
UCAS code: C800
Start date: September 2027
Duration: Three years full-time
Location: East Coast College (Great Yarmouth)
Typical Offer: 112 UCAS tariff points (or above), BBC (A-Level), DMM (BTEC), Pass A*-C (T Level)
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: C800
Start date: September 2027
Duration: Three years full-time
Location: East Coast College (Great Yarmouth)
Typical Offer: 112 UCAS tariff points (or above), BBC (A-Level), DMM (BTEC), Pass A*-C (T Level)

Overview

The BA (Hons) Psychology & Behaviour Studies at East Coast College provides students with an understanding of human behaviour through the study of biological, cognitive, social, developmental, and mental health perspectives.

Students explore key areas of psychology including Biological Psychology, Cognitive Psychology and Social Psychology and Individual Differences, developing a strong foundation in psychological theory. The course also examines exciting and contemporary topics such as Early Social and Emotional Development, Cyberpsychology, and Gender, Sexuality and Relationships, enabling students to understand human behaviour in an increasingly complex and diverse society. Alongside core psychological knowledge, the programme focuses on the practical application of psychology. This course will be delivered in The Place – a brand-new £17m university centre, library and learning hub, which is being developed in the former Palmers building in Great Yarmouth Town centre

Graduates leave with highly transferable skills in communication, research, critical thinking, and problem-solving, preparing them for careers in health and social care, education, criminal justice, community services, or postgraduate study.

While this is a full-time course, typically this course generally only requires one-two days in campus attendance, supported by self-directed study. This means you can continue to work alongside your studies and balance other commitments. 

As voted for by students, Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025, winner University of the Year.

Course Modules

Full downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record.

This module will link psychological perspectives to ways in which individuals are supported throughout the lifespan. Methods of enquiry that focus particularly on development themes will also be explored. You will be introduced to research methods for the study of human development across the lifespan, using the tools of scientific methods you will identify how research is relevant to professional practice and the study of human development.

This module provides an introduction to the transferable skills you will require to evidence in future employment and course applications. You will begin to think and write reflectively about your work experience and knowledge development. You are encouraged to identify a formal career plan and will engage in a number of self-assessment exercises to create a personal and professional profile.

This module examines the relationship between biology, behaviour and mental processes, in particular the role of the brain and nervous system. You will assess whether the study of animal behaviour helps us understand our own behavior. Key studies will be linked to approaches used in a range of settings by psychologists and other practitioners and professionals.

This module will provide an introduction to cognitive psychology and basic cognitive processes. The information processing approach explains that the mind works in a way similar to a computer: inputting, storing and retrieving data. Applications can be frequently seen in education and child development as well as in counselling settings.

This module provides an introduction to methods of psychological research, to the skills and knowledge necessary for psychological investigation and the statistical analysis of psychological research data. You will learn about the design of psychological studies, data collection, and the production of research reports. You will explore some classic research studies and identify ethical issues in psychological research

This module introduces you to theories about the influence of social relationships on behaviour, individual behaviour, group dynamics, and the social forces that shape attitudes and behaviours. These are explored with reference to individual difference – the fact that society is organized through shared meanings, that people are alike yet unique and have many differences.

Guidance and counselling is evolving and offers opportunities to work with people to treat a wide range of issues, including helping them to manage difficult life events, such as bereavement, relationship difficulties and mental health issues and disorders. You will explore the main areas of counselling approaches and the employment opportunities in this field.

To introduce you to the theory and practice of clinical psychology. Topics covered will include diagnosis and classification of psychological disorders and treatments and their efficacy.  You will explore the psychological, biological and sociocultural determinants of mental illness through the lifespan.

 

 

This module examines how social, environmental, economic and political factors – shape understanding and experiences of mental health and wellbeing through the lifespan. You will explore the theories and concepts that underpin mental health practice and look at perspectives that challenge paradigms.

This module explores the factors that influence personal, social and emotional development in young children. This module offers opportunities to analyse and evaluate forms of intervention most likely to support the social and emotional well-being of young children and consider the role of the different professionals within the variety of environments young children inhabit.

This module further develops your knowledge, skills and competencies with regard to psychological research methods. Data collection and data analysis methods for qualitative and quantitative research are explored, with you assessing your strengths and weaknesses. Practical skills and competencies with regard to the analysis of data using appropriate software are developed in this module.

This module is designed to provide you with an understanding of the application of psychology to explanations of criminal behaviour, and processes in the criminal justice system. This module will look at issues such as why people commit certain types of crime, how society treats offenders and how profiling can assist criminal investigations. The module will also explore the use of psychology to prevent crime and to support rehabilitation of offenders.

In this module you will examine the role of health psychologists in promoting healthy behaviours and supporting people with pain or terminal illnesses. Health psychologists also use their skills to try to improve the healthcare system. You will be introduced to the methods, scope, current theories, main findings and applications of health psychology through the lifespan.

You will have identified a field of practice that fits with your career aims. The placement opportunity allows those not in employment to work alongside professionals and engage in a great many work practices linked to the use of psychological theories. The module provides an opportunity for all, including those in relevant employment already, to create a project that brings together theory and practice and potentially develops your leadership skills

This module is an opportunity for you to carry out an independent, empirical study on a negotiated topic. Building on prior research experience you are expected to initiate, design, conduct and report, a substantial research project under supervision. You must also demonstrate awareness of ethical principles and approval procedures in relation to the particular piece of research.

Entry Requirements

Career Opportunities

Employment destinations after graduation could include: 

  • Children’s Centre, Community Development and Family Support Workers
  • Youth Work
  • Assistant Psychologists
  • Assistant Case Manager
  • Prison Custody Officer
  • Mental Health Support Worker
  • Management and supervisory positions in voluntary, private and statutory sectors

In addition to these roles graduates could go on to pursue post-graduate study in the following areas:

  • Speech & Language Therapy
  • Social Work
  • Teacher Training

Fees and Funding

UK Full-time Tuition Fee

£10,050*

per year
International Full-time Tuition Fee

£19,000

per year and including placement fee

*Please note, the University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The decision to study a degree is an investment into your future, there are various means of support available to you in order to help fund your tuition fees and living costs. You can apply for funding from the Spring before your course starts.

UK Fees and Finance UK Bursaries and Scholarships International Fees and Scholarships

How to Apply

To study this course on a full-time basis, you can apply through UCAS or if you are an International applicant, you can use our dedicated International application form, use the Further Information link below.

Apply now via UCAS Further Information on Applying