The Student Room Group

should i study psychology at university?

ive always wanted to study psychology at uni and go into it for a career hopefully as a clinical psychologist or something similar. however many people tell me its a pointless degree and its difficult to get a job from it. does anyone know if its worth it or do you also agree that its pointless? im not sure what to do as im not really interested in anything else.
Studying psychology can be rewarding if you're passionate about it. While the job market is competitive, dedication and further specialization, like clinical psychology, can lead to fulfilling careers. Follow your interests and consider gaining relevant experience to boost your employability.
Original post by ruby_23x
ive always wanted to study psychology at uni and go into it for a career hopefully as a clinical psychologist or something similar. however many people tell me its a pointless degree and its difficult to get a job from it. does anyone know if its worth it or do you also agree that its pointless? im not sure what to do as im not really interested in anything else.


I love psychology so much and I was really on the fence about choosing to do a degree in psychology because I was told it was pointless and I wouldn't get a job, but I thought that I'd much rather get a degree in something I'm passionate about and interested in.

If you really are passionate about the subject, finding jobs and careers should feel like less of an issue (idk why but that just makes sense in my head)
Original post by ruby_23x
ive always wanted to study psychology at uni and go into it for a career hopefully as a clinical psychologist or something similar. however many people tell me its a pointless degree and its difficult to get a job from it. does anyone know if its worth it or do you also agree that its pointless? im not sure what to do as im not really interested in anything else.


One of my mums friends studied psychology and got her degree in it. She found no work and retrained. She is now an english teacher
psychology has so many career opportunities, nowadays having a degree like this can be really useful in loads of different careers. I'm doing psychology starting in sept and this is one of the main reasons.
for example, my dad is a lawyer, and one of the trainees at his law firm has a psychology degree and no formal law training + education.
You can also do things like marketing, sales, teaching, or medical psychology like forensics or neuropsychology.
Original post by ruby_23x
ive always wanted to study psychology at uni and go into it for a career hopefully as a clinical psychologist or something similar. however many people tell me its a pointless degree and its difficult to get a job from it. does anyone know if its worth it or do you also agree that its pointless? im not sure what to do as im not really interested in anything else.

@ruby-23x

I did an MSc Psychology in Psychology.

The issue with a psychology degree is that it is very employable in terms of graduate programs by businesses, however, a lot of people study psychology and you can not be a legally qualified psychologist in the UK without doctorate level study in the UK. A lot of people do not want to continue studying to such a high level or run out of steam - there are also very few opportunities for doctorate level studies compared to the number of people with degree's.

It is a great subject to study, you might want to consider a post graduate diploma or masters in teaching or social work at the end of the degree as a possibility. I did a PGCE and have enjoyed nearly 12 years of teaching

Marc
Arden University Student Ambassador
Original post by ruby_23x
ive always wanted to study psychology at uni and go into it for a career hopefully as a clinical psychologist or something similar. however many people tell me its a pointless degree and its difficult to get a job from it. does anyone know if its worth it or do you also agree that its pointless? im not sure what to do as im not really interested in anything else.

Hey there! 🌟

I see you're thinking about studying Psychology that’s fantastic! I am personally switching fields to Psychology and I want to reassure you that it's definitely worth it. A degree in Psychology will open doors to various exciting careers in psychology, and the University of Essex is the perfect place to start this journey. 🎓🧠

Psychology is not just about understanding the mind; it’s about making a real difference in people’s lives. Whether you're interested in helping individuals overcome challenges, improving workplace dynamics, or conducting groundbreaking research, a degree in Psychology gives you the tools to make an impact.👀

Our BSc Psychology is a perfect starting point for an exciting career in many areas. The course is accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS) which boosts your future employment opportunities immensely. We're 28th in the UK for Psychology in the Guardian University Guide 2024 and 95% of our Psychology undergraduate graduates are in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2024).✨🚀

The Department of Psychology at Essex is top-notch. They provide a supportive and enriching environment that helps you grasp the fundamental concepts and advance to more complex topics with confidence. The faculty are experts in their fields, bringing cutting-edge research and real-world experience into the classroom. This means you'll be learning from the best and getting the most up-to-date knowledge in psychology.🌟

With a degree in Psychology, the career paths are diverse and rewarding. You could pursue roles in clinical psychology, counselling, educational psychology, occupational psychology, or even dive into research and academia. The skills you acquire will also be valuable in various industries, including human resources, marketing, management consulting and mental health services.🌍💼

The University of Essex isn’t just about academics; it’s also about providing a well-rounded experience. Our campus is vibrant and welcoming, with a beautiful mix of modern facilities and green spaces. There’s a lively student community, plenty of societies to join, and countless events to participate in. It’s a place where you can grow both academically and personally.🌈🎉

There’s still time to apply for the BSc Psychology program through Clearing, so don’t miss out on this opportunity. The application process is straightforward, and our admissions team is always ready to help if you have any questions. If it's not convincing enough we're hosting Clearing Open Day on the 17th August which is a perfect opportunity to ask many questions and meet your department!🕒✔️

If you're ready to embark on this exciting journey, the University of Essex is here to support you every step of the way. We can’t wait to welcome you to our dynamic and supportive community!

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need more information. 🌟🎓

Warm regards,
Essex Student Rep - Renaldas✌️
Original post by ruby_23x
ive always wanted to study psychology at uni and go into it for a career hopefully as a clinical psychologist or something similar. however many people tell me its a pointless degree and its difficult to get a job from it. does anyone know if its worth it or do you also agree that its pointless? im not sure what to do as im not really interested in anything else.

Hiya!

I would say it is definitely not pointless :smile: There's so many uses to a psychology degree, especially on courses that cover a wide range of modules such as those in Cardiff. I think we have to remind ourselves that psychology is a relatively new field compared to other sciences (such as chemistry, engineering etc). There are more and more career opportunities coming out as the industry develops. For example, having just finished my 3rd year placement, I'm aware of so many more career opportunities than I did back in sixth form.

That's not to say its not challenging - I would say it is, and its a lot of hard work - but very rewarding in the end! I think choosing a good university also factors into it, as well as a decent course, looking at the career support the university provides, and possible networking opportunities. That was something I considered myself when choosing universities :smile:

I hope that helped in any way!

~ Fatiha, Cardiff University Student Rep

Quick Reply