School of Psychology | Arden University

Explore society and human behaviour with a BPS accredited degree

About the school

The School of Psychology is one of three within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology. It is home to over 100 academics who bring a mix of academic expertise and real-world practitioner experience. With more than 4,000 students enrolled in our psychology courses, we offer both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Our MSc in Business Psychology is dual-accredited by the BPS and the Association for Business Psychology (ABP).

Our vision is to help students thrive and succeed through 'real-world education': education driven by technology, shaped by employer needs, and designed around learners' lives. We offer numerous opportunities to build your skills, such as volunteering as a research or learning assistant. Our teaching integrates real-world examples so that you learn both the theoretical foundations of psychology and their practical applications.

If you want to become a psychologist, our undergraduate degrees and conversion master’s programmes can help you take the first step. For those looking to specialise, our MSc in Business Psychology provides a pathway to Stage 1 training as an Occupational Psychologist.

Alternatively, our Postgraduate Certificate in Neurodiversity allows students to deepen their understanding of neurodiversity within the workplace, education, and the criminal justice system.

Arden in numbers

90%+

student voice

90% of students feel heard in course design, and our MSc Business Psychology achieved 100% satisfaction in the PTES survey.

£61,000

earning potential

As a psychologist, you can expect to earn £46,000–£61,000, with salaries starting at £24,000 – a great opportunity for career growth.

study locations

Study psychology online or at Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, and two London locations.

8,140

new roles needed

Health Education England estimates that 8,140 additional psychological professionals are needed.

Faculty staff

Welcome from the Head of the School of Psychology

Hello, I’m Professor Gail Steptoe-Warren, Head of the School of Psychology at Arden University. I am a Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society, a Full Member of the Division of Occupational Psychology, and a Registered Occupational Psychologist with the HCPC. I also hold Principal Business Psychologist status with the ABP and am a Principal Fellow of Advance HE.

With over 20 years in higher education, I am also the Head of Supervision for the Stage 2 Qualification in Occupational Psychology. I was the Deputy Chair for the review of the QAA Benchmark Statements for Psychology. Throughout my career, I’ve authored several publications, including books and journal articles, and have received awards such as the Fire Service Research Award and the Psychometrics Forum Award. I was also shortlisted for Occupational Psychology Practitioner of the Year and received the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from SHE Inspires.

I look forward to supporting you in your academic and professional journey.

Professor Gail Steptoe-Warren

Head of School - Psychology

Associate Professor Sophie Ward

Head of Department - Postgraduate

Dr. Leanne Rowlands

Head of Department - Blended Learning

Dr. Amy Hogan

Head of Department - Distance Learning

Latest news

An Inside Look at Arden’s Distance Learning Psychology Degree

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The Psychology of Female Success in the Workplace: Reviewing ‘The Skills’

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Rewards in Behaviour Management: Are We Doing It Wrong?

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Boosting Your Employability in Psychology

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4 Careers You can Pursue with a Psychology Degree

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8 signs you’re perfect for a career in psychology

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Accrediting bodies and industry partners

The British Psychological Society (BPS)

Our BSc Psychology, BSc Psychology with Counselling, MSc Psychology, and MSc Business Psychology courses are accredited by The British Psychological Society, the representative body for professional psychologists in the UK.

The Association for Business Psychology (ABP)

Our MSc Business Psychology course is accredited by the Association for Business Psychology, which promotes professional excellence and demonstrates the effective application and impact of business psychology in the workplace.