Psychology is a fascinating journey into understanding and decoding the human mind, offering valuable insights into behaviour, emotions, and the science behind why we do what we do.
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.
My dream is to become a clinical psychologist. I have spent lots of time in Sierra Leone and I would love to move out there for a while in the future. I have experience working with children and adults with disabilities. I would love to continue into the future.
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!
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!
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.
Jacqui
University of Northampton
Bsc Psychology
I am 50 years of age, originally from Glasgow in Scotland and left school in 1989, with 8 O' Grades (GCSE’s) and 5 Higher (A Levels). Desperate for a new adventure and to start working and earning, I applied for a job in Television Production in London.
I successfully worked for an independent company in Soho, initially as a Production Runner, progressing finally to Production Manager. I returned to Glasgow for a year, to work for BBC Scotland as Production Manager, before taking time out to travel in 1999.
I travelled throughout Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and America for 2 years.
On return, I moved to Brighton, East Sussex where I worked for American Express, a lifestyle magazine called Venus, and as a volunteer for the Brighton Unemployed Family project, between 2001 and 2012.
Brighton is where I met my husband and went on to have two children, a girl, and a boy. Ava who is now 15 years old and Lochlan who is 13.
8 years ago, my Husbands job transferred to their other site near Leamington, bringing the family to the midlands. We now live in the village of Weedon, a half-hour drive, west of Northampton.
Since living in Weedon I have completed 7 years working in primary education. I began working in Special Needs as a 1:1 and in my 5th year at Weedon Primary, I completed an HLTA course through Northampton University, qualifying me to teach years 1 to 6 in primary school.
I have trained in Autism, Attachment Disorder, Dyslexia, Speech, and language among others. I ran nurture groups and introduced a kinaesthetic approach to a lot of my teaching, after researching its efficacy in primary schools.
During my school career, I have been fascinated by how children learn. Some by doing, others by seeing. I have come to love the continual questions from children and the challenge and adventure of not always knowing the answers.
Throughout my working life, I have loved interacting with people, obsessing over human behaviour and how the mind works and influences decisions. My favourite literature often tackles aspects of psychology and I find it an extremely exciting and alluring subject.
Throughout the lockdown period, it became apparent that I was not fully satisfied with my career and felt I was ready to learn and take on a new challenge.
My initial thought was to go into Educational Psychology but with more investigation, I decided it was time to move away from education and start something new. My next thought was counselling, which I am still very much keen on exploring and could see a possible future career. As a volunteer in Brighton Unemployed Centre Family Project, I assisted low-income families and homeless people, realising my ability to listen sensitively and offer solace.
Completing a course for the British College of Journalism a few years ago, I gained skills in reporting and analysing as well as fuelling my curiosity in psychology. I wrote articles on social, biological, and cognitive psychology. From a piece on music and memory to another on psychology in pain management.
Having completed a year of the single honours psychology course I now feel the career direction I want to go into is counselling psychology. I have recently secured a part-time job locally with the group of Northampton psychiatric hospitals (NHFT) and ideally, would love to complete my master's within the NHS but if not I will probably stay at the University of Northampton to complete my master's in counselling.
Eve
Northeastern University London
Psychology BA (Hons)
I’m a dedicated psychology student, aspiring to pursue a postgraduate degree in clinical psychology. Outside of my academics, I enjoy exploring London, travelling to new places, cooking, yoga and pilates! :)
Mallika
Keele University
Psychology and Criminology
Hi, I'm Mallika and I am currently doing a placement year before I go into my final year as a Psychology and Criminology student. In my spare time, I enjoy listening to music, going to the cinema and spending time with friends.
Luke
University of Lincoln
Psychology - BSc (Hons)
Hi! My name is Luke and I'm a third year psychology student. I'm particularly interested in motor control, visual illusions and cognition. After completing my undergraduate degree I'm planning on doing a research Masters then going on to pursue a career researching motor control and treatments into disabilities.
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
Benjamin
University of Lincoln
Business Psychology - BSc (Hons)
Hello I am Ben, currently in my first year of study at the University of Lincoln, studying Business Psychology at Undergraduate Level. In the future, I hope to get a career working alongside managers of businesses, advising them in areas such as Human Resource or as a Business Psychologist for them.
Elizabeth
Staffordshire University
Psychology
I definitely have a huge passion for psychology and aspire to one day have my own clinic where as a practicing psychologist. I also want to do some of my own research on the side, particularly focusing on neurodivergency. Aside from that I am a fan of anime and manga (attack on titan is my favourite), writing and drawing. Anything where I can be creative is what I enjoy the most - anything that isn’t maths haha
Megan
University of East Anglia UEA
Language and Communication Studies
I am a third year Spanish student, who completed a Foundation year at University of East Anglia. I am currently studying in the University of Alcalá in Spain. I come from a very big family and the first to come to university, so the whole experience was very new to me. I am local to my university so have always known the area quite well. I loved my Foundation Year as it built the foundation levels for me to continue with my degree and help me understand the basics of university and understand how UEA works as an institution. My future career plans are to become a Spanish teacher in a Secondary school.
Viktoria
University of Suffolk
BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sociology
I'd like to work as a psychology professional helping people in need, I'm really keen on providing a helping hand and this sensitivity comes from personal experiences. I'm really passionate about learning new things all the time and reconstructing my thinking, getting to know myself better.
Michael
Coventry University
Psychology BSc (Hons)
Hi, I'm Michael a 3rd year Applied Psychology Student at CU Scarborough. I am also a student ambassador for the university, working various events as well as being involved as an Student Officer with the Students Union. Outside of studying, I am a passionate sports fan and enjoy listening to music and attending a variety of concerts.
Aimee
University of Lincoln
Psychology with Forensic Psychology - BSc (Hons)
I am currently studying a BSc Hons in Forensic Psychology and wish to become a Forensic Psychologist in the future. I would love to help out future students in their transition to University and make the process a little easier.
Chloe
University of Lincoln
Psychology - BSc (Hons)
Hi Im Chloe, Im a second year Psychology student at Lincoln! At the moment I have just picked my electives for 3rd Year. I really enjoy life at Lincoln and I am happy to answer any questions you may have about Lincoln.
Cynthia
Durham University
MA Social Research Methods (Sociology) (L3K907)
Hi, my name is Cynthia! I studied Criminology BA at Durham and I am now currently a 4th year postgraduate studying MA Social Research Methods (sociology) at Durham (Collingwood College). I enjoy fitness and the gym, as well as self-care and time to myself for self reflections. I also love being sociable and helping others when I can. My main interest (which also happens to be academic and a future career goal) is research work within the field of race and higher education which I plan on taking further through undertaking a PhD. Feel free to message me, I’d be more than happy to talk!
Cecily
Durham University
MSc Psychology
Hi! I'm Cecily, a 3rd Year Psychology student at Durham University. I'm an aspiring psychologist in developmental psychology (adolescent mental health) or women's health. I'm in St Mary's college and I'm a cox for DUBC (although I coxed for St Mary's in my 1st year).
Rhianna
University of Suffolk
BSc (Hons) Psychology
Hi! I am Rhianna, a 22 year old student from Suffolk. Before starting at university I did A levels where my favourite subject was psychology. Since I live in Suffolk and have to help at home, it made sense for me to stay in my local area. I also liked how the university runs in terms of its block and blend approach to learning. Currently, in addition to studying, I enjoy taking my dog for walks, meeting up with friends and work part time as an animal sitter, a cleaner and in a SEND school. I am currently looking into either counselling or teaching, in regards to future job prospects and I am hoping to do a masters degree after my undergraduate study.
Zartasha
Keele University
Psychology
My name is Zartasha and I study neuroscience and psychology and Keele. I previously studied Biology, chemistry and psychology and A- levels and I aspire to be a clinical neuropsychologist. In my free time I like to watch sports and movies and spend time with my friends and with nature
"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 psychologist role.
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.
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.
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.
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.