Diving into the intricacies of the human psyche boosts your potential in changing lives. Psychology could improve healthcare, advance education, and evaluate working conditions. It is a meaningful journey that can start with the right academic education. Allow us to navigate you through notions of Psychology and unveil top universities for Psychology in the UK.
What is Psychology?
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. A definition of Psychology by the British Psychological Society (BPS) is as follows:
Psychology is ‘the study of the mind and how it dictates and influences behaviour, from communication and memory to thought and emotion. Psychology is dedicated to the study of human behaviour – the thoughts, feelings, and motivations for it.’
In this way, Psychology looks at human nature. Thus, it is practically impossible to to think of a facet of life that excludes Psychology. That’s why, Psychology has widespread applications not limited to healthcare, but also in education, business, and even courts.
Types of Psychology
Types of Psychology | Description |
Clinical Psychology | Clinical Psychology is where practitioners are professionally trained for providing psychological diagnosis and treatments. Clinical Psychologists can specialise in specific areas of mental, emotional and behavioural disorders as well as research. |
Counselling Psychology | Counselling Psychology focuses on providing psychotherapy aiming to improve one’s well-being and quality of life. This could cover guidance in one’s career developments. More severe symptoms of mental illness are usually under the expertise of Clinical Psychology. |
Experimental Psychology | Experimental Psychology explores theoretical questions of Psychology through research and experimentations. In this way, those in this area of Psychology will contribute across different subfields of Psychology. |
Educational Psychology | Educational Psychology delves into the social, emotional and cognitive processes involved in learning and uses its results to improve the learning process. Educational psychologists identify ways and strategies that improve learning outcomes. |
Social Psychology | Social Psychology studies all the aspects of interpersonal relationships. These aspects include human behaviour, social influence, social perception, and how social interaction influences individual and group behaviour. |
Skills Required to Study Psychology
- Numerical Knowledge
You won’t be able to run from using mathematics and statistics in Psychology – it’s one of the ways to develop effective solutions to problems and finding causes of disorders. In this way, basic numerical knowledge will pay off in studying Psychology.
- Analytical
Honing the analytical trait benefits those studying Psychology. This is because you will have to develop many of your own conclusions and arguments based upon previous studies and theories.
- Adaptability
Adaptability helps in remaining calm during high stress situations during clinicals. This trait is also essential in solving problems effectively and efficiently without compromising patient care.
- Open-Minded
In Psychology, you will learn about the difference of human lives and how this could affect them. Taking an open-minded approach allows you to empathise with others by putting yourself in their shoes, which fosters deeper connections and understanding into human behaviour.
- Curiosity
Curiosity is beneficial in retaining your motivation and passion for learning new developments of Psychology. This intrinsic value stimulates your need for knowledge, driving you to discover new insights and answers to questions that pique your interest.
Career Options for Psychology Degree Graduates
Careers for Psychology graduates can vary with choices across multiple industries. You may need postgraduate qualifications to practise as a chartered Psychologist in the UK. Regardless, a Psychology undergraduate can launch pad your career in these options:
- Psychologists
- Clinical Psychologists
- Researchers
- Assistant Psychologist
- Disability Advisor
- Substance Misuse Specialist
- Market Researcher
- Human Resource Officer
- Career Advisor
- Policy Officer
The average annual salaries for Chartered Psychologists in the UK ranges from £44,000 to £57,000.
Psychology Degree Entry Requirements in the UK
Do take note that some Psychology programmes require or recommend a relevant Science subject to be included.
Academic Entry | Minimum Score |
A-Levels | BBB |
IB Diploma | 30 |
UEC | BBBBBB |
STPM | BBB |
Matriculation | GPA 2.80 |
Australian Matriculation (ATAR) | 80 |
Canadian Pre-University (CPU) | 70 |
Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
English Language Entry Requirements
Entry Level | Minimum Score |
IELTS | 6.0 |
TOEFL | 75 |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) | 56 |
SPM 1119 | C |
Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
How to be a Psychologist in the UK?
Your pathway to becoming a Psychologist in the UK may differ depending on the type of Psychology you plan to specialise in. This section will focus on the typical pathway to becoming a Clinical Psychologist in the UK.
Step 1: Complete SPM or equivalent examinations.
This is the initial step in order for you to qualify for a pre-university programme after high school.
Step 2: Complete a pre-university programme.
You should make sure your qualifications allow entry into a Psychology undergraduate programme.
Step 3: Enrol into a British Psychological Society Psychology (BPS) accredited Psychology programme.
This step can take up to four years. An accredited Psychology programme is ideal because it ensures your eligibility for entry into postgraduate courses or a master’s degree. Alternatively, for those without a Psychology degree, you can enrol in a postgraduate conversion course in the UK.
Step 4: Gain a Master’s qualification.
A Master’s Degree is the most common route into a Doctoral programme, which is a necessary requirement for becoming a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the UK. This step will take from two to three years.
Step 5: Obtain Doctoral level qualification.
In order to be registered by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), enabling you to become a Clinical Psychologist, you will need a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. The study duration for this programme is typically three years. After completion, you’re able to practise with the Clinical Psychologist title in the UK.
For further inquiries, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
Top Universities for Psychology in the UK
1.University of Leeds
The University of Leeds, established in 1874, is a public higher education learning institution based in England. Leeds is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of the UK with ranking amongst the top 100 of universities worldwide. Leeds is home to many student unions and clubs to make your university life a memorable one.
The School of Psychology at the University of Leeds is equipped with state-of-art facilities meant to promote effective contemporary learning and research for its students. The Psychology programme at Leeds is accredited by the British Psychological Society Psychology (BPS) and graduates will have diverse skill sets meant to ensure employability in a wide range of industries, not limited to healthcare.
Programme Offered | Psychology BSc |
Duration | 3 or 4 Years |
Intake | September |
Annual Indicative Fees (2024) | International Students: £30,250 |
Disclaimer: A 4-year study duration includes industrial/professional placement or a year abroad.
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
2. University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham, founded in 1825, is a notable public research university located in the city of Birmingham of the UK. The University of Birmingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of British research universities. In 2024, the university was placed in the top 100 among global universities.
The BSc Psychology programme at the University of Birmingham has accreditations from the British Psychological Society Psychology (BPS). Students will have personal tutors as support for their education as well as multiple opportunities to ensure a fulfilling student experience. These opportunities include study skills support, social events, such as field trips, and research recruitments.
Programme Offered | BSc Psychology |
Duration | 3 or 4 Years |
Intake | September |
Annual Indicative Fees (2024) | International Students: £27,180 |
Disclaimer: A 4-year study duration includes industrial/professional placement or a year abroad.
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
3. Bangor University
Bangor University, inaugurated in 1884, is a public tertiary education learning institution based in Wales. Bangor University is home to three colleges and ten academic schools offering a wide range of study programmes, marking their drive in striving for academic excellence.
Bangor University offers a British Psychological Society Psychology (BPS) accredited and a highly supportive Psychology BSc programme for those interested in studying Psychology. Students of Psychology at Bangor University will have access to specialist research labs, modern facilities, and unique learning experiences such as hands-on human brain anatomy and gamified lectures.
Programme Offered | Psychology BSc |
Duration | 3 or 4 Years |
Intake | September |
Annual Indicative Fees (2024) | International Students: £20,000 |
Disclaimer: A 4-year study duration includes industrial/professional placement or a year abroad.
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
For more information regarding the university, programme offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.
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About The Author
Hannah Hir
Hannah appreciates various art forms, especially Asian literature, film and music. Most of her favorite Malaysian kuihs are green-coloured.