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A complete guide to psychology degrees

Want to better understand the human mind? Explore your degree and career pathways in this comprehensive guide.

Human behaviour is complex—and endlessly fascinating. Why we think, feel, and act the way we do affects everything from our relationships to our choices and wellbeing. That’s where psychology comes in. As a subject, it blends science with curiosity, theory with real-world impact. From mental health and brain function to decision-making, memory, and emotion, psychology helps us make sense of ourselves and others. A degree in psychology gives you the foundation to explore a wide range of careers, from clinical and forensic roles to education, research, and beyond. Ready to see where it could take you? Dive into the essentials of studying psychology, what you’ll learn, and the opportunities waiting ahead.

Topics you’ll explore

Your journey into psychology begins with the core building blocks of the discipline. Here’s what you’ll typically explore in a psychology degree:

Evolution

Research methods

Behavioural psychology

Cognition

Social psychology

Neuroscience

Skills you’ll gain

A psychology degree equips you with a powerful mix of analytical and interpersonal skills, valued in everything from healthcare to business. Here are some of the key strengths you’ll develop along the way:

Hard skills

Research
Critical thinking
Problem solving
Statistical analysis
Reporting

Soft skills

Practical skills
Communication skills
Teamwork
Time management

Degree routes available to you

Most psychology degrees are BSc programmes covering core areas like cognitive, social, and developmental psychology. While many students choose a general route, others focus on specialisms such as forensic psychology, neuropsychology, counselling, or environmental psychology.

Psychology BSc

The most popular route, giving you a strong grounding in areas like neuroscience, cognition, and research methods. You’ll often specialise later in topics such as health, education, or development.

Child psychology

Focuses on the mental and emotional development of children and young people. This route combines psychology with education and social science, preparing you for careers in education, social work, or youth services.

Sport psychology

Looks at how mental processes affect athletic performance. Learn how athletes manage pressure, motivation, and mindset—great for those interested in sport, coaching, or performance psychology.

Organisational psychology

Explores how people behave at work and how organisations can be more effective. Ideal for careers in HR, organisational development, and workplace wellbeing.

Common questions about psychology degrees

Start by asking: Do you enjoy working with people? Psychologists (and many other professionals) need to connect with others and understand how they think and feel. Next, are you curious about how the mind works? If you're fascinated by human behaviour, this could be the perfect path. Think about your long-term goals too. If the careers we’ve outlined appeal to you, studying psychology could be a smart and fulfilling choice.

In the UK, you’ll typically need A-Levels or an equivalent qualification to apply. Entry requirements range from 100–160 UCAS points, depending on the university.

Helpful subjects include:
Psychology (if available)
Biology, chemistry, or physics
Maths or computer science
Sociology, philosophy, anthropology, or politics

These show strong analytical, critical thinking, or scientific skills – great preparation for a psychology degree. Work experience can also boost your application.

Volunteering or temping in care settings or psychology services (like the NHS or private clinics) shows initiative and commitment to the field.

A full-time undergraduate BSc in psychology usually takes three years in the UK. If you plan to become a clinical psychologist, you’ll need an additional 2–6 years of postgraduate study and supervised training.

Tuition fees in the UK are typically £9,250 per year. So for a three-year course, you’re looking at around £27,750 in tuition. Student loans and maintenance support are available to help with tuition and living costs.

Why pursue a psychology degree

Know yourself

Gain a deeper understanding of your own thoughts and behaviours. Develop valuable insights into your personal development.

Career variety

Unlock diverse career paths—from clinical and counselling roles to opportunities in business, education, and beyond.

Create impact

Support mental health and wellbeing in individuals and communities. Your knowledge can contribute to meaningful, lasting change.

Think critically

Strengthen your ability to analyse, evaluate, and solve problems. These skills are essential across every area of life and work.

Transferable skills

Use your understanding of human behaviour in any industry—from healthcare to tech. Psychology is as adaptable as you are.

Where this degree will take you

A psychology degree offers a diverse range of career options, both directly related to psychology and in other fields. Here are some common paths you can explore after graduation:

Counsellor or Psychotherapist

Support individuals through mental health challenges, providing guidance for those dealing with issues like anxiety, depression, grief, or relationship difficulties.

Social Care Worker

Make a positive impact by helping vulnerable individuals and families navigate difficult circumstances, working with children, the elderly, or those facing social disadvantages.

Mental Health Worker

Assist individuals struggling with mental health issues, offering support in schools, workplaces, and community settings to promote well-being.

Human Resources Professional

Leverage your understanding of human behaviour to enhance workplace dynamics, focusing on recruitment, employee relations, and organisational growth.

Researcher

Explore the depths of psychology by conducting impactful research, working for academic institutions, market research firms, or public bodies.

Find your psychology degree

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Common questions about psychology careers

Psychology graduates have strong job prospects, with over 14,000 clinical psychologist roles available last year alone. The demand is expected to grow by more than 6% over the next eight years, opening doors to a wide range of rewarding careers in mental health and beyond.

The average starting salary for a chartered psychologist is around £44,000, rising to £57,000 with experience. Those in private practice have the potential to earn £80,000 or more, depending on their client base and workload.