How to
Choose a
Uni Course
Overview
Choosing a University course is really exciting time in your life, but it can also feel really daunting as there are so many options to choose from. This guide will cover some of the factors that you might want to consider when you are narrowing down your choice of Psychology courses.
If you are looking for advice on how to write your personal statement then please click here.
BPS Accreditation
If you want to become (or have the option to become) a psychologist in the future, you will need to ensure that the course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Look out for the words 'BPS accredited' in the course description. This is essential for eligibility to pursue a career as a chartered psychologist in the UK.
University Rankings
In the UK, there are various university league tables. These league tables are definitely worth considering, but they should not be the only factor when choosing a course. You can filter the results to focus on psychology courses or look at the general overview. Keep in mind that the league tables may differ from one another, as their methodologies vary. Some of the league table you may wish to consider are:
Complete University Guide
Guardian University Guide
QS World Rankings
These league table rankings change every year, so you might also want to consider whether the university is a Redbrick or Russell Group university. These are more traditional, research-intensive universities that are often regarded as more prestigious. However, traditional universities are not always the best choice, as some newer universities excel in teaching and also have stronger links with industry.
Entry Requirements
You need to check the entry requirements for each university, as they will have different criteria. Aim to have one aspirational choice, which is higher than your predicted grades, one insurance choice in case things do not go to plan, and the rest should align with your predicted grades. Make sure that you would actually be prepared to attend your insurance choice, otherwise, it would be a wasted option.
As well as good grades, competitive courses will require evidence of super-curricular activities. This may include wider reading, work experience, independent research etc. Please click here for a range of suggested activities.
Placement Year
You may want to consider courses that offer a placement year, often referred to as a sandwich course. This involves spending a year working in industry, allowing you to gain real-world experience that can make you more competitive when applying for jobs or further studies after completing your undergraduate degree.
Flexibility of Modules
It is worth comparing course modules, as these can vary greatly between universities. While you will need to study some core modules, especially if the course is BPS-accredited, you will also have the opportunity to choose optional modules. Some universities offer broad psychology degrees, whereas others allow you to specialise in areas such as clinical psychology, educational psychology, or cognitive neuroscience.
Facilities in the Psychology Department
Explore what facilities the Psychology Department offers, such as Psychology labs, brain scanning technologies such as EEGs or fMRIs. Also check out the library resources for psychology students.
Location and campus life
Consider the location of the university, would you prefer a city, campus, or rural setting? Think about whether you want to stay close to home (perhaps to enjoy some home comforts like getting your washing done!) or embrace the freedom of moving away. It’s also important to factor in living costs, such as rent and transport. Take time to explore the extracurricular activities and societies available as well.
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Once you have narrowed down your choices, attending university Open Days is essential to get a sense of the campus culture. Sometimes, you won’t know if a university is the right fit until you visit and imagine yourself there.
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Useful websites
Becoming
a Psychologist
Clinical or Educational Psychologist
Stage 1: Undergraduate Degree (3 years)
First of all you will need to complete an undergraduate psychology degree accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). This grants Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), which is essential for further training. ​If your degree isn’t BPS-accredited or isn’t in psychology, you can take a conversion course (usually one year, full-time).
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Stage 2: Postgraduate Degree (1 year)
Gain a postgraduate degree in Psychology. This is your chance to specialise in an area that interests you the most. There are many options, but some popular choices include:​
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MSc Educational Psychology
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MSc Forensic Psychology
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MSc Clinical Psychology
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MSc Health Psychology
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MSc Occupational Psychology
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MSc Sports Psychology
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MSc Developmental Psychology
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Stage 3: Relevant Work Experience (1-3 years)
Gain relevant work experience. This may include:
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Assistant psychologist
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Support worker or care assistant
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Teaching assistant (for educational psychology)
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Research assistant​
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Experience is vital for competitive postgraduate programs, especially for roles like clinical or educational psychology.
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Stage 4: Apply for a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsych) (3 years)
This course is funded by the NHS and is therefore fiercely competitive with only around a 21% success rate of application (2024). You will need a strong academic record, good research skills and credible work experience. Even then there is no guarantee you will get a place. An alternative would be to self-fund the Doctorate but this would be an expensive option. Applications are made through Clearing House.
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or ​
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Stage 4: Apply for a Doctorate in Educational Psychology (DEdPsych) (3 years)
This course is funded by the NHS and is therefore fiercely competitive with only around a 17% success rate of application (2021). You will need a strong academic record, good research skills and relevant work experience. Even then there is no guarantee you will get a place. An alternative would be to self-fund the Doctorate but this would be an expensive option. Applications are made through the AEP.​
Other careers
after a
BSc Psychology
Alternatives to becoming a psychologist
Completing a psychology-related degree or postgraduate qualification does not mean you are limited to becoming a psychologist. You will have a qualification that helps you understand human behavior. Therefore, if you plan on working with people, which is very likely, your degree will be valuable. Here are some additional options you may consider instead of training to be a psychologist.
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Therapist or Counsellor
A quicker and less competitive route is to become a therapist rather than a psychologist. Therapists and counsellors do not need a Doctorate, making the pathway less competitive. Therapists typically specialise in one area, such as CBT or psychodynamic therapy, rather than being qualified to use a wide range of strategies like psychologists. Find out more about training to become a psychotherapist.​ Find out more about training to become a CBT therapist.
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A role in organisational psychology
You may decide that you don’t want to work one on one with patients but instead apply your knowledge in an organisation. Businesses use psychological principles in management and leadership, advertising their products, workplace design, and more. You could help a business make decisions based on psychological principles or work for an advertising agency to help a company promote its products to consumers.
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Researcher / lecturer
You may be so curious about psychology that you want to continue researching your area of specialism. You could be involved in practical, cutting-edge research, such as drug development in neuroscience, or develop new theories on childhood trauma, for example. This option would also involve lecturing to students at a university. Find out more about becoming a teacher.
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Teacher
If a teacher inspired you at school, you may be motivated to do the same for others. You could teach KS4 and KS5 courses in Psychology to young people and make a difference to their lives. Find out more about becoming a teacher.
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Other options
There are many career options available. Find out more through the Complete University Guide.