What will I study?
On the International Year One in Psychology, you will study a selection of modules designed to give you a broad knowledge of the discipline.
International Year One in Psychology
The International Year One in Psychology builds your subject knowledge, English skills and confidence so that you can make a strong start to your degree. When you complete the programme and achieve the required grades, you can enter the second year of a psychology-related undergraduate degree at Cardiff University.
Key facts
- Entry Points: September, November (Enhanced Induction) or January
- Length: Two semesters
Entry requirements
Check our academic and English language entry requirements
Fees
Visit the Fees page for full details.
Programme is subject to approval
Earn a world-class accredited psychology degree that opens doors to global careers
Psychology is the systematic and scientific study of mind and behaviour exploring how we think, feel and act, both individually and within groups. With diverse applications in health, business, law, education and more, a psychology degree offers endless possibilities.
Why study psychology at Cardiff University?
At Cardiff University, you will study psychology from a scientific perspective, focusing on its social, cognitive and biological aspects. You will develop critical quantitative and qualitative skills that will enable you to predict and explain human behaviour.
Cardiff University Psychology degrees are accredited by the British Psychological Society which means that graduates are eligible for membership of this organisation - the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. You’ll learn from practicing researchers who are, in many cases, leading experts in their fields. It is also one of the few psychology schools that offers the opportunity to gain professional experience as part of the programme.
When you graduate, you’ll have the option to pursue careers as a clinical psychologist, forensic psychologist, health psychologist, occupational psychologist, sports, neuro or educational psychologist, counsellor, researcher or academic.
The Academic English Skills course teaches students the specific academic language skills they need to develop for success at Cardiff University. The course focuses on receptive (listening and reading) and productive (speaking and writing) skills through practice in semi and authentic task-based activities which build a strong foundation in preparation for each student's future studies. This critical module places particular emphasis on developing academic reading and research skills; research-based writing along with presentation and seminar speaking skills.
This module introduces students to the scientific methodologies used in psychology for the study of human behaviour and cognition. It aims to equip students with the knowledge to differentiate between robust and flawed research practices and understand the impact of research design on the advancement of psychological theories. By engaging with various contemporary research topics, students will gain a thorough understanding of hypothesis generation, experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation within psychological research.
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of psychology, emphasising the integration of various sub-disciplines and the significance of experimental methods in understanding human behaviour. This course aims to develop a solid foundation in the main areas of psychology, including cognitive, social, biological, and individual differences, alongside a critical understanding of experimental research as a tool for theory development.
This module is designed to enhance students' understanding of experimental psychology, focusing on research design, statistical analysis, and the use of computational tools. This module equips students with the skills necessary to conduct experiments, analyse data, and comprehend the theoretical foundations of psychological research. Emphasis is placed on ethical considerations, experimental control, and validity in designing studies.
This module is an advanced module that builds on foundational cognitive psychology principles to deepen students' understanding of language and memory as core cognitive functions. This module aims to enhance critical thinking about neuropsychological and computational approaches to studying how language and memory are processed and represented in the brain. Students will explore the development, function, and disorders associated with these cognitive systems, supported by contemporary research and evidence.
This module delves into the biological and psychological underpinnings of individual differences, exploring how genetics, neural mechanisms, and environmental factors shape personality and cognitive abilities. This module provides a comprehensive overview of current theories and research in biological psychology related to individual differences, enhancing students' understanding of the complex interactions that determine behaviour and cognition.
This module equips students with the skills necessary for scientific and critical thinking, particularly in the context of human behaviour. The module focuses on the development of argument evaluation techniques, persuasive communication understanding, and the practical applications of qualitative research in psychology. Through interactive lectures and example-based learning, students will explore various qualitative methods, their implementation in psychological research, and the critical evaluation of arguments in everyday situations.
Professional Accreditation
Accredited by the British Psychological Society
Top 10
Cardiff University is ranked in the top ten for psychology
Complete University Guide 2025
96% employment
96% of our graduates are employed, in further study, or both 15 months after completing their course
Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2021/22 survey
