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Here’s a complete guide for pursuing a postgrad degree in psychology in the UK.

Why study psychology in the UK?

A psychology course is a popular choice for students who want to study in the UK and are interested in understanding human behaviour and mental processes. UK universities offer a variety of specialisations at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and hence, students who choose to study psychology in the UK will have the chance to explore a wide range of topics, from cognitive psychology and social psychology to clinical and developmental psychology.

Here’s why studying psychology in the UK is a wise decision:

  1. World-class universities: According to the QS World University Rankings for 2022 by subject, there are around 18 UK universities in the world's top 100 universities, and 14 universities in the 101–200 rankings offering psychology courses.

  2. Outstanding facilities: The UK offers a wide range of outstanding facilities for psychology courses across various universities. Many universities in the UK have dedicated research centres and state-of-the-art equipment for conducting experiments and research in psychology. Students can benefit from access to specialised libraries, archives, and databases, as well as opportunities to participate in internships and clinical placements.

  3. Research excellence: Many top-ranked universities in the UK are popular for their research and MPhil opportunities.

  4. Job opportunities: The UK has the best graduate job opportunities. According to reports 57.3% of graduates were employed in full-time work 15 months after graduating, whereas only 11.4% were employed in part-time work.

  5. British Psychological Society (BPS) Accreditation: BPS-accredited programmes are highly valued by employers because they provide students with a path to seek full BPS membership.

Types of psychology courses

The study of psychology is a diverse field that encompasses a wide range of topics, from cognitive processes and social behaviour to mental health and neuroscience. It is an ever-evolving discipline with many branches including:

  • Business psychology

  • Clinical psychology

  • Cognitive psychology

  • Child psychology

  • Criminal psychology

  • Consumer psychology

  • Developmental psychology

  • Educational psychology

  • Forensic psychology

  • Health psychology

  • Neuropsychology

  • Occupational psychology

  • Organisational psychology

  • Social psychology

  • Sports and exercise psychology

Eligibility to study psychology at a postgraduate level in the UK

The eligibility criteria for studying psychology in the UK differ depending on the university you are applying to. However, here are some common requirements:

  1. Bachelor’s degree in psychology with 2:1 classification.

  2. Universities in the UK may allow you to apply for MSc in psychology courses without any background in psychology as long as you demonstrate the required knowledge and skills. Students with a non-psychology degree can preferably apply to a conversion course or specialisations like organisational, business or consumer psychology. These may vary from university to university.

  3. IELTS with an overall 6.5 band and no less than 6.0 in the individual bands. (Some institutions might offer an IELTS waiver).

Fees and duration for studying psychology in the UK

The duration of a postgraduate course in psychology studies in the UK is typically one year. However, some universities may offer courses with a professional placement that can last between 18 and 24 months. The tuition fees for postgraduate psychology programs at universities can range from £13,000 to £33,000 per academic year.

Salary and career prospects after studying psychology in the UK

The field of psychology offers a wide range of career prospects for those who have completed their studies in the UK. Graduates in psychology have the opportunity to work in various sectors, ranging from healthcare to education, social services, and research. The skills acquired during the course of study in psychology, such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, are highly valued by employers in a variety of fields. Here are some of the most common jobs after studying psychology in the UK.

Clinical psychologist

Psychological wellbeing
practitioner

Human resources
officer

Counselling psychologist

Sport and exercise
psychologist

Life coach

Education mental health
practitioner

Advice worker

Market researcher

Educational psychologist

Border Force officer

Mediator

Forensic psychologist

Careers adviser

Neuroscientist

Further education teacher

Chaplain

Play therapist

Health psychologist

Counsellor

Policy officer

High-intensity therapist

Dance movement
Psychotherapist

Psychotherapist

Occupational psychologist

Education consultant

Social researcher


Although few psychology graduates become professional psychologists, many work in related fields. You can be hired by:

  • Careers and counselling services

  • Commercial and industrial companies

  • Financial organisations

  • Human resources departments

  • Legal firms and organisations (providing advice)

  • Local and national government

  • Marketing companies

  • Media and communication

  • National Health Service (NHS)

  • Police forces, National Probation Service, and prisons

  • Schools, colleges, and higher education institutions

  • Social research organisations

  • Social services

The average salary of a psychologist in the UK is £63,520 on an average.

Top-paying locations for psychologist jobs

Location

Average salary

Plymouth

£188,500

West Midlands (Region)

£149,500

Enfield

£135,720

Bournemouth

£133,250

Middlesbrough

£123,500

Northamptonshire

£123,500

Reigate

£123,500

Southwest London

£123,500

Stamford, Lincolnshire

£123,500

Stockport

£123,500

*Source: https://www.reed.co.uk/

What is British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation?

British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation ensures that you receive the best education and training in psychology during your course. The BPS is the representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK.
The BPS is responsible for promoting the high-quality and moral practice in the science, education, and application of the discipline. It supports and fosters the evolution and application of psychology in the public interest, sets high standards for research, education, and knowledge, and propagates our knowledge to increase public awareness.

What is Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration?

All Healthcare, social workers and paramedics should register themselves with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) if they would like to practice in the UK. The HCPC registration form needs to be filled out and submitted.

The HCPC Register stores the details of all professionals involved in health and care who meet its level of quality for their training, professional skills, conduct and health. After completing professional training, you'll need to apply for joining the practice.


The HCPC application depends on whether you have completed your training in the UK or overseas countries. If you are already on the register, you can reapply regardless of where you trained.

Top universities to study psychology courses

Studying psychology at a top-ranked university in the UK can provide students with a high-quality education and the opportunity to work with some of the world's leading experts in the field. The UK is home to many prestigious universities that offer a wide range of psychology courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Here are our top partner universities offering quality education and research opportunities in the UK:

Studying psychology in the UK is an exciting and rewarding experience that offers a range of career prospects in diverse fields. The UK's leading universities provide a world-class education that equips students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the field. Additionally, the demand for psychology professionals in the UK is on the rise, offering a promising job market for graduates. Overall, studying psychology in the UK is an excellent choice for students who are passionate about understanding human behaviour and mental processes and wish to make a meaningful impact on society.

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