Psychology

Psychology delves into the complexities of the human mind, examining behaviour, cognition, and emotions.

Studying psychology opens doors to many different career opportunities. From clinical psychologists providing therapeutic support, to industrial-organisational psychologists shaping workplace dynamics, this subject offers the chance for understanding and improving all kinds of aspects of human life.

Psychology is also transferable to other exciting careers such as marketing, human resources, and healthcare, making it a versatile foundation for personal and professional growth. Whether you choose to pursue counselling, research, or organisational development, a background in psychology gives you valuable insights into human behaviour and the skills to make a positive impact on both individuals and communities.

The impact you could make

Help tackle stigmas, such as mental health, by completing research that influences effective interventions.
Promote individual wellbeing and develop enhanced self-awareness.
Influence workplace dynamics or educational settings to promote healthier and more productive environments.

What you could study

Applied psychology
Child psychology
Clinical psychology
Educational psychology
Forensic psychology
Sport psychology
Experimental psychology

Study options

Options to study in this field include:

Chat to a current psychology student

Chat to a current psychology student using UniBuddy.

Some conversation starters for you:

Ask which modules they really enjoyed.
Find out how easy it was for them to make friends on their course.
Do they have any tips on your personal statement?
Did they do anything to prep for uni before they went?
Are there books, podcasts or YouTube channels they would recommend?

Chat to students powered by UCAS Media Service

See all

Allyesha

City, University of London

Psychology BSc (Hons)

Hi, I’m Allyesha, a third-year BSc Psychology student specialising in the BSc Child Development Pathway. I entered university through clearing and couldn’t be happier with my choice. My background includes A-levels in Psychology, History, and English Literature, and I’m passionate about continuing my studies to pursue a career in Child Development or Educational Psychology. I’m keen to answer questions about student life, the Psychology course, or anything about City, St George’s—feel free to reach out!

Chat with Allyesha
Oliwia

Leeds Trinity University

Psychology BSc (Hons)

Hello! I’m Oliwia and I’m a psychology student. Once I’m done with university I want to be an educational mental health practitioner. I try to relax and have fun using creative outlets. If you have any questions or music suggestions let me know!! ❤️

Chat with Oliwia
Renaldas

University of Essex

MSc Psychology

Hey guys! My name is Renaldas, I'm 23 years old and I'm a postgraduate student of Psychology at the University of Essex. I've graduated with a 1st class degree in BA Business Management and Modern Languages from the University of Essex and, throughout the course of my studies here, I had a chance to go abroad and experience life in Italy. Ask me anything about life, studies and opportunities here at Essex ;)

Chat with Renaldas
Joshua

University of Suffolk

BSc (Hons) Psychology

For my future plans I hope to complete and receive my bachelors degree in psychology and counselling with the aim to open my own counselling office. In terms of past experience not a lot comes to mind except I have two siblings and I was really excited to start uni life.

Chat with Joshua
Jinal

Brunel University of London

Psychology

I am international student pursuing Masters in Sports and exercise psychology! Some of the things I have enjoyed as a student at Brunel are job fairs, celebrating festivals and meeting new people from all over the world! I am happy to help you out with any of your queries :)

Chat with Jinal
Faith

Bournemouth University

BSc (Hons) Psychology

Hello, my name's faith, I'm currently studying psychology at Bournemouth university which I would like to use to do a graduate entry into medicine and become a psychiatrist or I would like to do my master's and PhD and become a clinical psychologist

Chat with Faith
Emma

University of Lincoln

Psychology with Forensic Psychology - BSc (Hons)

Hi my name is Emma and I am currently in my second year here at the University of Lincoln with the aspiration of eventually working in the psychological field. I am very involved with University life, being part of a society, doing extra-curricular activities, working and attending social events. When I'm not taking part in University life I enjoy reading, travelling and exploring and spending time with friends and family. I am happy to answer any questions you may have about the University so please feel free to message me via Unibuddy

Chat with Emma
Julia

Brunel University of London

Psychology

Hello everyone :) My name is Julia and I came to Brunel University from Poland. After mandatory studies I took 3-year break from academic education, while I was traveling and working abroad (among others as a windsurfing instructor). Currently I'm living on campus with a plan to live off campus next year. In the future I'd like to pursue my career in the field of Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Psychology or Neuropsychology. I've always been interested in people's behaviour and how the human brain works, so these fields are a perfect combination for me.

Chat with Julia
Hanna

University of Sussex

PhD Psychology

I'm a British/Egyptian postgraduate research student in psychology at Sussex. I am very enthusiastic about my course and my studies, and would be very happy to answer your queries. I will answer your queries asap, so please write to me!

Chat with Hanna
Aleksandra

University of Essex

Psychology

I am a second year undergrad aspiring to go into the research sector of cognitive psychology. I am currently doing the research experience scheme where I get to be involved with real research and gain experience in conducting studies. I am a very extroverted individual who mainly spends her spare time with friends, occasionally going out to the bar. I enjoy going to the gym and the Atrium to take part in many of the free arts and crafts sessions.

Chat with Aleksandra
Luke

University of Lincoln

Psychology - BSc (Hons)

Hi! My name is Luke and I'm a masters student in psychology who has also completed their undergraduate degree in psychology as well here at the university of Lincoln. I attended the university through clearing and am happy to talk to anyone about my experience with this process. I'm particularly interested in academic dishonesty and the reasoning behind why people engage in dishonest behaviours and the risk factors which surround this behaviour. After completing my masters degree I'm planning on pursuing a career researching academic dishonesty in university settings.

Chat with Luke
Harri

University of Suffolk

BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sociology

I am really hoping one day to be some sort of therapist but until then I spend as much of my time being outdoors and in nature and trying to love my life!

Chat with Harri
Evie

University of Lincoln

Psychology - BSc (Hons)

Hi! My name is Evie I am happy to share my experiences about studying Psychology at the University of Lincoln with you! I can tell you about my course and school, facilities on campus, student life and social activities. If your question is not about Psychology please choose the relevant buddy to speak to or email enquiries@lincoln.ac.uk for more help. Please note I am unable to help with the specifics of your application. Thanks!

Chat with Evie
kelsie

Bournemouth University

BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation

I'm a third year forensic investigation student from Leicestershire. My hobbies include crocheting, reading, scrapbooking and listening to music! I'm also part of the BU kpop society!

Chat with kelsie
Mide

University of East Anglia UEA

Psychology

Hello everyone! I'm Mide and am currently in my final year studying BSc Psychology. I just returned from a year of Study Abroad in Singapore. I am particularly interested in UX Design, Applied Psychology, Psych in Tech and Social Psychology. At A-Levels, I studied Maths, Biology & Psychology. My hobbies include dancing (especially hip-hop & k-pop), cooking, going out and chilling with friends! Please don't hesitate to message me with any questions you may have!

Chat with Mide
Megan

Swansea University

ESRC DTP MSc Social Research Methods,

Hi, I'm Megan and I am a BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations Graduate🎓 I am continuing my studies here at Swansea through an ESRC-funded masters and PhD studentship which I am very excited for!📚 I would be happy to answer any questions that you might have regarding the university, student life, my studies, volunteering or anything else. I hope to be of help!✨

Chat with Megan
Rory

Staffordshire University

Psychology and Counselling

Hey, I'm Rory, currently studying Psychology and counselling at the University of Staffordshire. As I am going into my final year I hope to progress onto the post graduate masters degree in psychotherapeutic counselling and once complete, hope to become an academic in my subject area and open a private practice. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.

Chat with Rory
Ellie

University of Lincoln

Education and Psychology - BSc (Hons)

Hi, I am Ellie, a second-year student studying Education and Psychology. I have a passion for education and aspire to be an educational consultant. When I was studying for my A Levels I was adamant that I didn't want to leave home, however, moving to uni has been the best decision I have ever made! Life at university has helped me explore new passions and enabled me to continue with old hobbies such as dance! As an education and psychology student, I can explore new ideas in psychology and put them into practice in education, allowing for an advanced style of thinking. Since being at uni I have immersed myself in my studies and life as a student and since becoming a course rep, student ambassador and online tutor as well as being in the dance society. If you have any questions regarding the course or life at University please feel free to drop me a message and I will offer my friendly support and knowledge. One of the best ways to get an understanding of University is through the students who experience it firsthand! Ellie x

Chat with Ellie
Samantha

University of Suffolk

BSc (Hons) Psychology

Hello everyone I'm Sam (She/Her), a Part-Time student from Ipswich currently studying Psychology at the University of Suffolk. My journey into higher education started at Suffolk New College, completing a BTEC in Health and Social Care (Health Sciences). In 2013 I went on to graduate from the University Campus Suffolk as an Operating Department Practitioner. I am also a wheelchair (Powerchair) user with multiple long-term conditions. Whilst at the university I have been involved with the Students' Union and held various roles in societies, and I am the current Social Sciences and Humanities School Officer. In my spare time, I love to watch films, crochet and hang out with friends. I also have a passion for travelling and photography.

Chat with Samantha
Dana

University of Sussex

Marketing and Consumer Psychology MSc

Hello! I'm Dana, I study Marketing and Consumer Psychology MSc at University of Sussex. I would be more than happy to answer all the questions you have about my course or student life. I will be responding to your messages during day or night time, and I would get back to you as soon as I am available. Speak to you soon!

Chat with Dana
See all

USW Psychology sponsored subject video - subs

Studying psychology at the University of South Wales

Sponsored content

Wondering what studying psychology is like? Academics and students at the University of South Wales describe their experiences.

Find out more

Example module

"Developmental psychology is fascinating to me – it’s very interesting to see how human behaviour and development changes from in utero right up until death."

Second year psychology student, Goldsmiths, University of London

Example project

"I investigated the impact of social media on self-esteem and body image, analysing survey data and conducting interviews. This project challenged me to think critically and apply research methods to a real-world issue."

First year psychology student, University of Sussex

Subjects it's useful to have studied first

Some psychology courses or apprenticeships will have requirements for previous qualifications in certain subjects. Entry requirements vary, so always check with the provider.

At least one from chemistry, physics, biology or maths

Sociology

Geography

Anthropology

Economics

Politics

Philosophy

History

Literature

Hard skills you'll develop

Enhanced research skills
Data and statistical analysis
Application of therapeutic techniques
Evaluation of cognitive functions

Soft skills you'll develop

Attentive and active listening
Empathising with others
Ability to adapt to new information
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Careers: Where it can take you

Find out more about your career prospects from studying psychology. The following information is based on a typical clinical psychologist role.

Average salary

£37,860

Up to £55,779

Available jobs

14,393 vacancies in the past year

6.65% growth over next eight years

Career options

Medicine, dentistry, and nursing

Clinical psychologists

Other psychologists

Health professionals

Occupational therapists

Therapy professionals

Marketing and sales

Market research Interviewers

Business management

Human resources and industrial relations officers

Human resource managers and directors

psychology-subject-guide.jpg

What is a… behavioural design consultant?

Imagine stepping into the world of behavioural design where you’d collaborate with businesses and organisations to create user-friendly products, services, and environments. Using psychological principles, you enhance user experiences, improve customer satisfaction, and contribute to the design of spaces that positively influence behaviour. From designing intuitive mobile apps to crafting employee engagement programs, understanding psychology is a key asset in creating solutions that seamlessly align with the way people think and interact.

Find your ideal career

Take our careers quiz to find your ideal job matched to your personality type.

Getting in: Entry requirements

Find out more about what you'll need to study psychology at university or as an apprenticeship.

Average requirements for undergraduate degrees

Entry requirements differ between university and course, but this should give you a guide to what is usually expected from psychology applicants.

A levels

BBB

Scottish Highers

AABB

Vocational

BTEC DDM

Other Level 3/Level 6 qualifications (e.g. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma or SQCF Level 6) may be accepted as an alternative

Care services apprenticeships

Check out our industry guide to help you decide if a care services apprenticeship might be the right choice for you.

The expert view

Professor Ann Colley, CPsychol Chief Executive, The British Psychological Society

A degree in psychology offers not only a pathway to becoming a psychologist, but also the knowledge and skills that you can apply in a wide range of careers.

Other subjects you may be interested in

Considering an apprenticeship?

Applying for an apprenticeship is just like applying for a normal job. Here’s what you need to know:

Deadline

Apprenticeships don't follow the same deadlines as applying to uni, the deadline is down to the employer.
Where to apply

You apply directly through the employer.
No limits

You're not restricted to one apprenticeship application; you can do as many as you like.
Apply to university and apprenticeships

There's nothing stopping you applying to university through UCAS, while also applying for apprenticeship vacancies.
Find out more

Read our guide to health and science apprenticeships.

Explore further

Go deeper into topics around psychology with the following:

The Psychology Podcast

Listen to inspiring scientists, thinkers, and other self-actualised individuals who will give you a greater understanding of yourself, others, and the world we live in.
TED talks – The psychology of your future self

Hear research on a phenomenon where we somehow imagine that the person we are right now is the person we'll be for the rest of time. Hint: that's not the case.
Keep up-to-date

You'll find all the latest news and research on the UK’s voice and home of psychology, the British Psychological Society website.

Application advice

Whether it's personal statement tips or what to write in a cover letter for an apprenticeship application, our application advice will help you get ahead in your psychology journey.

Skills, experiences and interests to mention

Have you got a curious mind?
Are you fascinated by the way people think and behave?
Have you studied psychology before or maybe a subject that’s closely linked?

Do you consider yourself self-motivated? Demonstrating your ability to study independently is a great skill for psychology students.
How are your communication skills and are you good at collaborating with different stakeholders?
How passionate are you? Find a way to talk about why you love psychology and the route you’d like explore from a career perspective.

Personal statement guidance

We asked admissions tutors to share their dos and don’ts for writing a strong and engaging psychology personal statement. Here's what they told us.

What's on this page?