Psychology courses in the UK examine the scientific study of the mind, focusing on emotions, motivations, and human choices through research, data analysis, and case studies. Graduates of psychology courses in the UK progress into various positions, including clinical, educational, and forensic psychology, or broader fields such as counselling, human resources, and careers advisor.
Do you want to apply to study psychology at a UK university? Arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today to get your application started.
Top 10 UK Universities for Psychology
Learn more about the top ten UK universities for psychology (2024 Guardian University Guide) below.
1. University of St Andrews
The School of Psychology & Neuroscience at the University of St Andrews has a long, distinguished history and excellent modern facilities. The standard of research at the School has been rated as consistently excellent, and they have been placed in the top category in every research assessment exercise undertaken, an achievement held by only three other psychology departments in the UK. St Andrews is one of the oldest universities in the world (founded in 1413) and the best-ranked UK university in Scotland.
- Suggested course: BSc (Hons) Psychology
- Entry requirements: IB diploma: 36 (HL 6,6,5).
- International fee: £30,160
2. University of Cambridge
In the most recent QS World University Rankings by Subject, the University of Cambridge was adjudged to be one of the best universities for psychology in the world, ranking 3rd overall. The Department's research has had a major impact on the science of psychology and has been translated into many practical applications. Regarding degrees, the Psychological and Behavioural Sciences programme covers cognitive psychology, language and brain mechanisms.
- Suggested course: BA Psychological and Behavioural Sciences
- Entry requirements: A Level: A*A*A. IB: 40-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level.
- International fee: £39,162
3. University of Oxford
Undergraduate psychology at the University of Oxford is taught as a scientific discipline. It covers the core research areas of intellectual stimulation of abnormal, biological, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology. Oxford is one of the most famous universities in the world and is currently ranked 1st in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 - the eighth year in a row it has placed top.
- Suggested course: BA Psychology (Experimental)
- Entry requirements: International Baccalaureate (IB): 39 (including core points) with 766 at HL
- International fee: £48,620
4. University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow stands out as one of the best UK universities for psychology. Its accredited programme by the British Psychological Society ensures that graduates, achieving at least a second class Honours, gain the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). This is a crucial step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. School of Psychology & Neuroscience students enjoy an active social life, with events like away days and team-building exercises. The programme offers a comprehensive introduction to core psychology areas, promoting critical evaluation skills and supporting the development of essential graduate skills.
- Suggested course: BSc Psychology
- Entry requirements: AAABB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer.
- International fee: £25,290
5. University of Bath
The University of Bath Psychology Department is world-renowned for its excellence in teaching and research. One of its key strengths is expertise in a broad spectrum of psychology topics, with people who work together across traditional boundaries. Bath is a top-ten UK university (Guardian University Guide 2024) and is in the top five for Graduate Prospects (Times & Sunday Times University Guide).
- Suggested course: Psychology BSc (Hons)
- Entry requirements: A*AA in three A levels. IB diploma: 36 points overall and 7, 6, 6 in three Higher Level subjects.
- International fee: £28,800
6. Ulster University
Ulster University's School of Psychology shines as a student-focused hub of academic excellence. With various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, the school emphasises student partnerships and offers an optional placement scheme to boost employment prospects. Postgraduate courses, delivered by renowned researchers, focus on applying psychology to health and social issues. The Coleraine campus houses 33 academics, including nine professors, fostering collaborative partnerships for impactful research. Notably, the school received the Athena Swan Silver Award in 2021, acknowledging its commitment to gender equality for staff and students.
- Suggested course: BSc (Hons) Psychology
- Entry requirements: IB diploma: minimum 25 points (including 12 at higher level).
- International fee: £16,320
7. University of York
Established in 1974, the University of York's Department of Psychology is a leading research and teaching institution on the Heslington West Campus. With 45 faculty members and a growing community, it supports around 260 undergraduates and 50 taught postgraduates. The York Neuroimaging Centre (YNiC) within the department offers state-of-the-art research facilities for cognitive neuroscience. As an experimental psychology department, the faculty actively engages in research, and in the REF 2021, the university ranked in the UK's top ten for research excellence in psychology and neuroscience.
- Suggested course: BSc (Hons) Psychology
- Entry requirements: IB diploma 36 points, including one Higher Level science subject, which may include Psychology.
- International fee: £28,800
8. King's College London
King's College London is one of the best UK universities for psychology, and it has an accredited Psychology BSc programme. Recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS), the course emphasises research-led teaching and benefits from the expertise of the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN). Taught by world experts, the programme offers unique partnerships with South London & Maudsley Hospital and opportunities for placements and voluntary work. The Department of Psychology, renowned for clinical and health psychology, provides a rich blend of research and clinical expertise.
- Suggested course: BSc Psychology
- Entry requirements: IB diploma: 35 points, including 766 at Higher Level.
- International fee: £37,368
9. University of Exeter
The University of Exeter offers a BSc Psychology programme, ranking in the top 10 in the UK and among the top 100 globally. With a broad and flexible curriculum, students explore diverse interests and benefit from specialist facilities like the Mood Disorders Centre. Research-rich environments led by internationally recognised academics allow students to delve into various psychology fields. The programme's unique partnership with the NHS provides clinical training placements, and the final year involves an extended research project, often contributing to published research articles.
- Suggested course: BSc Psychology
- Entry requirements: A-levels: A in a Science subject. IB diploma: 36/666. 38/766 (with Professional Placement), HL6 in a Science subject
- International fee: £29,700
10. University College London
UCL is the top-ranked university in Europe and fourth in the world for psychology in the Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023. Learning at University College London is delivered by world experts and is enriched by current research. Teaching in the BSc programme is designed to reflect the key role of psychology within interdisciplinary research, and you will be asked to apply insights from this research to various contemporary problems.
- Suggested course: Psychology BSc
- Entry requirements: A*AA, to include at least one, preferably two, subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology. IB points 39.
- International fee: £37,500
Study Psychology in the UK
If you wish to study psychology in the UK, arrange a free consultation in London today. Our UK university application experts will ensure your application is ready and submitted without error.
FAQ
What qualifications do I need to study psychology in the UK?
Studying psychology in the UK typically requires A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Specific entry requirements vary among universities, but science or social science subjects are often preferred.
Which universities in the UK have the highest acceptance rate for psychology?
Universities known for higher acceptance rates in psychology include the University of Central Lancashire, the University of Derby, and the University of Bedfordshire. However, acceptance rates can change, so you should check the most recent admission statistics and requirements for the universities you are interested in.
Which UK universities offer 100% scholarships to study psychology in the UK?
Some UK universities that can offer substantial scholarships are the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, the University College London, and others. You should check with the respective universities' scholarship offices for detailed information.
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