Where should I go to study psychology?

I have offers from Southampton, Exeter and Durham. I am confident that I will be able to acheive the grades requested from all three. Making the choice is my real dilemma. I know that 'academically' Durham is top but I'm not convinced that this is the most important factor anymore (since its often the work you put in as an individual that counts). Incidentally this is where my mum thinks I should go. They are all excellent choices and are all in the top 20 for psychology in the UK.

I have only actually visited Southampton. I'm not mad about the place itself but its ok. I have relatives who live nearby and I've never visted the Isle of Wight so that would be nice. At the open day itself the course staff seemed enthusiastic and they sold the subject and course quite convincingly.

Its unlikely that I'll get to visit the other two and I'm not sure it would make much difference. The open days I've been to have generally been more trouble than they were worth, and I don't think its a good idea to base a choice on a superficial first impression anyway. At the moment I am leaning towards Southampton because it seems convenient and an all round choice- the best of both worlds if you like.

Any advice based on experience would be very much appreciated.

For Psychology Exeter is definitely rated the highest and personally would be where I'd choose to go. Great department & campus and lovely area

Do any of the courses have placement options? If you're thinking about a career in psychology, gaining experience during a psychology degree is very important-considering amount of psychology graduates and level of competition!

Also I would select a degree course that has specialist options in the third year. If you're thinking about a career as a clinical psychologist for example, you may well benefit from completing clinical psychology modules as part of your undergraduate degree.

Furthermore, if considering a career in psychology, in some respects, it doesn't really matter where you obtain your undergraduate degree- as long as you get a high upper second class honours degree or a first class honours degree! Although there is some very controversal discussions around distinguishing someone with a first from a prestigue red brick uni or Russell Group university in contrast with someone with a first from a former polytechnic uni.

Anyway, you've selected some good universities there Best of luck

In your signature, why did you do two Masters? And what is that PG thing?

I completed two Masters for several reasons........

a) Career development
b) Interest in research
c) Specialist training in research methods
d)I was unsatisfied with my research methods training from my undergraduate and first MSc. I wanted to learn more about research methods and gain some expertise!
e) Chance to study at UCL
f) At the end of my first MSc I was thinking about PhD study. I needed to complete an ESRC accredited MSc in order to progress onto PhD study. I won my PhD studentship because of my research methods training.

The PG refers to a short postgraduate course in clinical applications in psychology. I wanted to revise and relearn clinical psychology stuff after a community care/social care PhD.

Whilst it may seem that I'm an eternal student/work shy, I've worked along my studying and I needed the two MScs for career development purposes!

Do any of the courses have placement options? If you're thinking about a career in psychology, gaining experience during a psychology degree is very important-considering amount of psychology graduates and level of competition!

Also I would select a degree course that has specialist options in the third year. If you're thinking about a career as a clinical psychologist for example, you may well benefit from completing clinical psychology modules as part of your undergraduate degree.

Furthermore, if considering a career in psychology, in some respects, it doesn't really matter where you obtain your undergraduate degree- as long as you get a high upper second class honours degree or a first class honours degree! Although there is some very controversal discussions around distinguishing someone with a first from a prestigue red brick uni or Russell Group university in contrast with someone with a first from a former polytechnic uni.

Anyway, you've selected some good universities there Best of luck

Could you not apply to UCL first? Or did you? Is it hard getting a Masters position at a good university for Psychology?

(Loads of question sorry lol )

The evening part time MSc offered by Westminster seemed to fit in with my financial situation at the time. I also wanted to work full time to clear some debts following undergraduate studies. Due to my undergraduate marks, I stayed clear from the top universities such as UCL, Kings, Oxford etc etc

During the latter half of my first MSc, I received unconditional offers for the MSc in Research Methods from UCL, Surrey and Warwick, but I opted for UCL. Best decision ever! I received an interview invitation for the Mental Health Studies at Kings College, but I opted for an MSc that would open the PhD door, namely the Research Methods MSc.

For me, I did not find it hard to get onto Master courses, but then again, that was in 2005 and things may have changed since then. Courses do assess applications individually and by individual merit. Also, I spent some time emailing admission tutors before submitting an application to double check entry requirements. I was very surprised to receive unconditional offers from good universities (UCL, Warwick, Surrey), so it can be done! Also, the course director at Westminster said he rejected some applicants, so universities such as Westminster do not accept everyone!

All you need is a good overall mark from your undergraduate degree and strong performance in relevant modules, a shining application and good references. Relevant experience and publications is an added bonus! Also, some MSc courses are very very popular (such as my Clinical in Applications course and the Kings MScs), so it's important to submit an application asap

Hope this helps! x

Thanks! I'm interested in neuropsychology and already have work experience which I can get more of, which is good! I'll do my best and see what happens

How did you get work experience for neuropsych? I'm thinking about applying for some volunteering at mental health places... but don't know what else