It can be a gratifying and intellectually interesting experience to study psychology in the UK. It is a popular choice for both local and international students interested in getting a degree in psychology. The UK is home to several famous universities that are known for their strong psychology programs. The University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University of Bath, University of Glasgow, etc., are some of the best universities to pursue psychology courses in the country. You can pursue psychology in the UK at different levels, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. Common degree titles are BSc (Hons)/BA in Psychology and MSc/MA in Psychology. Most of these courses are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
A bachelor’s degree in psychology in the UK takes three to four years whereas a master’s degree in psychology lasts one to two years. The undergraduate curriculum typically covers a range of topics, including research methods, cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, clinical psychology, and more. Postgraduate programs allow students to specialize in areas such as clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, forensic psychology, or neuroscience. Doctorate programs involve in-depth research in a specific area of psychology.
Overview: Study Psychology in the UK
| Number of universities | 140 |
| Number of courses | 1,000 |
| Common degrees | BSc (Hons)/BA in Psychology and MSc/MA in Psychology |
| Duration | Undergraduate (3 to 4 years), postgraduate (1 to 2 years) |
| Annual tuition fees | £20,000 to £40,000 |
Why Study Psychology in the UK?
Here are several compelling reasons why you should choose the UK to study psychology programs.
Global acknowledgment: A psychology degree earned from a UK university is highly regarded everywhere. This can be especially helpful if you intend to work or study abroad. Universities in the UK have world-renowned psychology professors and researchers known for their valuable mentorship and insights into the field.
Academic excellence: Some of the greatest universities in the world, renowned for their demanding academic standards and excellence in psychology, are located in the UK. These include the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the University College London, the University of Edinburgh, etc.
A diverse range of courses: UK psychology universities offer a wide range of programs at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels in specialized fields like cognitive, clinical, social, organizational psychology, and more. Currently, there are 140+ universities offering over 1,000 degree programs in psychology in the UK.
Diverse study environment: Being a diverse and cosmopolitan nation, the UK is a great place to study psychology. The diversity might improve your educational experience and assist you in gaining a more global viewpoint.
Research opportunities: Many universities in the UK actively encourage students to participate in research projects. This hands-on experience can broaden your understanding of psychology and provide valuable skills for your career.
State-of-the-art facilities: Universities in the UK have modern facilities like libraries, laboratories, smart classrooms, etc., giving you access to all you need to succeed in your coursework and research.
Professional accreditation: Most of the psychology programs in the UK are accredited by professional bodies such as the British Psychological Society (BPS) which ensures that your degree meets industry standards.
Employment opportunities: A psychology degree from a UK university can open doors to a range of career opportunities. The skills and knowledge you gain are highly transferable across psychology and various other sectors such as education, healthcare, marketing, and business. Plus, studying psychology in the UK can help you improve your English language skills required in today’s global job market.
Networking opportunities: The academic and professional networks you form while studying in the UK can be helpful in building connections that can benefit your career in psychology.
Post-study work visa: The UK offers post-study work visas that allow graduate students to work in the country for a certain period after completing their studies. To cover living expenses, students can also work while studying in the UK.
Rankings of Best Psychology Universities in the UK
| University Name | Guardian Ranking (Psychology 2023) |
| University of Cambridge | 1 |
| University of Bath | 2 |
| University of Glasgow | 3 |
| University of Oxford | 4 |
| The University of St Andrews | 5 |
| University College London | 6 |
| King’s College London | 7 |
| University of York | 8 |
| University of Exeter | 9 |
| Cardiff University | 10 |
Study Psychology in the UK: Best Universities and Courses
University of Cambridge
Located in Cambridge, England, the University of Cambridge is one of the most prestigious and renowned universities in the world. It is one of the oldest universities in the world with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1209. It has a beautiful and historic campus, which includes 31 autonomous colleges and academic buildings. The university is organized into six academic faculties, covering a wide range of disciplines including Arts and Humanities, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Clinical Medicine, and the University’s Judge Business School.
The university offers an honors degree in psychology accredited by the BPS. It offers you an opportunity to research biological, developmental, social, and cognitive psychology within the broader framework of the behavioral sciences.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| BA (Hons) Psychological and Behavioral Sciences | 3 years | £37,293 |
University of Bath
The University of Bath is a prestigious public research university in Bath, England and a It is a member of the Russell Group. Although it was established in 1907, it received university status in 1966. The University of Bath offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in fields of study, including science, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and management. The most prominent faculties at the institution are the Faculty of Engineering and Design, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Science, and the School of Management. It has a diverse and international student body from around the world.
The Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in psychology. The undergraduate psychology programs at the University of Bath are accredited by the BPS. Years 1 and 2 focus on building and advancing your knowledge of the basic concepts and core areas of psychology. The final year is dedicated to the dissertation. The department also offers postgraduate-taught programs in psychology.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Psychology BSc (Hons) | 3 years | £26,200 |
| Education with Psychology BA (Hons) | 3 years | £21,100 |
| MSc Applied Clinical Psychology | 2 years | £26,400 |
| MSc Applied Forensic Psychology with Counselling | 2 years | £26,400 |
| MSc Applied Psychology and Economic Behaviour | 1 year | £26,400 |
| MSc Health Psychology | 1 year | £26,400 |
| MRes Psychology | 1 year | £21,400 |
University of Glasgow
Established in 1451, the University of Glasgow is a public research university in Glasgow, Scotland. It has a rich history of academic excellence and a strong reputation for research, teaching, and innovation. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs in multiple disciplines, including arts and humanities, sciences, engineering, medicine, and social sciences. It is also a member of the Russell Group universities in the UK. It consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide and is highly regarded for its academic excellence.
The University of Glasgow offers a range of psychology courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels that are accredited by the BPS. The undergraduate psychology programs are a four-year course (or five years if you choose a study abroad option), whereas the postgraduate psychology programs last for 12 months. Both programs come in various specializations, like psychology with cognitive neuroscience, psychology with forensic psychology, psychology with quantitative methods, etc.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| BSc (Hons) Psychology | 4 to 5 years | £23,520 |
| MSc Psychology | 1 year | £25,980 |
University College London
Located in the heart of London, the University College London (UCL) is a prestigious and renowned public research university. It was founded in 1826 and is ranked among the top universities globally for its academic excellence. It provides courses in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, arts, humanities, and social sciences. The university is a founding member of the Russell Group, a prestigious association of leading UK universities.
UCL is renowned for its psychology programs and has a strong reputation in the field of psychology education and research. All the psychology programs at UCL are accredited by the BPS.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| BSc Psychology | 3 years | £37,500 |
| Psychology (Hons) MSci | 4 years | £35,000 |
| MSc Psychology | 1 year | – |
Admission Requirements to Study Psychology in the UK
Bachelor’s
- High school education with A Level/IB higher level Biology or Mathematics
- English language requirement (IELTS 6.5 overall, TOEFL IBT 100 overall)
- A personal statement discussing the motivation for choosing the program
- Reference letters
- Student visa
Master’s
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field
- A personal statement discussing the motivation for choosing the program
- English language requirement (IELTS 6.5 to 7.0 overall, TOEFL IBT 100 overall)
- Reference letters
- Student visa
- Personal interview
Career Opportunities
As per the British Psychological Society, there are over 750,000 people in the UK currently working in the field of psychology. The average salary of a psychologist in the UK is £38,720 (Indeed). Some of the highly popular career options available in this field include
- Clinical psychologist
- Counselling psychologist
- Educational psychologist
- Forensic psychologist
- Health psychologist
- Occupational psychologist
- Sports and exercise psychologist
Conclusion
If you are fascinated by the way people think and perceive the world, then psychology is the best career for you. The UK has been at the forefront of research and ideas since the 1870s and is one of the key locations where modern psychology took root. The country offers over 1,000 courses in psychology at 140+ universities. If you are academically strong, you can study psychology in the UK at the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and the University College London, three of the best psychology universities in the UK. There are arts and sciences-based psychology degrees available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. To learn more about psychology courses in the UK, you can get in touch with Gyanberry. Our platform Gyanberry lets you apply to multiple universities at a time. Get expert guidance and counseling to shortlist universities and submit your applications to increase your chances of acceptance. Book a free video call today!
