The Student Room Group

What are good universities for a undergraduate psychology degree?

I’ve just finished my AS and have my tutors scaring the life out of me telling me its crucial to know what universities i wish to apply to. But I am still so unsure? :7
If theres anyone doing ANY Psychology / Criminology degree in any universities in England/Wales who are able to give me an insight to how you find your current uni that would be very appreciated =)
I am interested in Bath, Liverpool, Cardiff, Bristol, Leeds, ans Gloucestershire but any university would be great!
I’ve just finished my AS and have my tutors scaring the life out of me telling me its crucial to know what universities i wish to apply to. But I am still so unsure? :7
If theres anyone doing ANY Psychology / Criminology degree in any universities in England/Wales who are able to give me an insight to how you find your current uni that would be very appreciated =)
I am interested in Bath, Liverpool, Cardiff, Bristol, Leeds, ans Gloucestershire but any university would be great!

Hey there 😀

I completely understand how overwhelming it can be when you are trying to figure out which universities to apply to. It is a big decision, but do not worry. There is plenty of time to explore and find the right fit for you. You are already doing great by seeking out information and considering your options carefully.

I am currently studying at De Montfort University (DMU) and I can share my experience with you. DMU is a fantastic university with a lot to offer, especially if you are interested in Psychology or combined Psychology with Criminology. The courses are well-structured, and the lecturers are incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. They provide a great mix of theoretical knowledge and practical application, which helps in understanding complex concepts.

One of the things I love about DMU is the sense of community. There are so many opportunities to get involved in different societies and activities. For example, I’m part of the Psychological Society, which has been an amazing way to connect with others who share my interests. We have a variety of events, from guest lectures to social outings like bowling nights, which are great for making friends and networking.

Another highlight at DMU is the outstanding career support. The university’s Frontrunner Internship Scheme helped me secure a psychological internship in my second year, providing invaluable hands-on experience in my field. Additionally, I had the chance to participate in a student exchange programme in Spain. DMU also offers various summer internships, which are fantastic for gaining practical experience and enhancing your CV.

When choosing a university, consider factors like the course structure, the support services available, the campus environment, and what extracurricular activities are offered. It is also helpful to visit the campuses if you can, to get a feel for the place and see if it feels like the right fit for you.

Remember, it is okay to be unsure at this stage. Take your time to research and explore your options. Talk to current students, visit open days, and read up on what each university has to offer. The right choice will become clearer as you gather more information.

I hope it was helpful 💪 Feel free to reach out if you have any questions 😉 You can also chat with me or other students directly through The Ambassador Platform.

Take care,

Julia
Psychology student
De Montfort University
Glasgow is really known for the psychology degree they offer as well as Edinburgh University
Reply 3
Original post by De Montfort University
Hey there 😀
I completely understand how overwhelming it can be when you are trying to figure out which universities to apply to. It is a big decision, but do not worry. There is plenty of time to explore and find the right fit for you. You are already doing great by seeking out information and considering your options carefully.
I am currently studying at De Montfort University (DMU) and I can share my experience with you. DMU is a fantastic university with a lot to offer, especially if you are interested in Psychology or combined Psychology with Criminology. The courses are well-structured, and the lecturers are incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. They provide a great mix of theoretical knowledge and practical application, which helps in understanding complex concepts.
One of the things I love about DMU is the sense of community. There are so many opportunities to get involved in different societies and activities. For example, I’m part of the Psychological Society, which has been an amazing way to connect with others who share my interests. We have a variety of events, from guest lectures to social outings like bowling nights, which are great for making friends and networking.
Another highlight at DMU is the outstanding career support. The university’s Frontrunner Internship Scheme helped me secure a psychological internship in my second year, providing invaluable hands-on experience in my field. Additionally, I had the chance to participate in a student exchange programme in Spain. DMU also offers various summer internships, which are fantastic for gaining practical experience and enhancing your CV.
When choosing a university, consider factors like the course structure, the support services available, the campus environment, and what extracurricular activities are offered. It is also helpful to visit the campuses if you can, to get a feel for the place and see if it feels like the right fit for you.
Remember, it is okay to be unsure at this stage. Take your time to research and explore your options. Talk to current students, visit open days, and read up on what each university has to offer. The right choice will become clearer as you gather more information.
I hope it was helpful 💪 Feel free to reach out if you have any questions 😉 You can also chat with me or other students directly through The Ambassador Platform.
Take care,
Julia
Psychology student
De Montfort University


Aww thank you so much this is really reassuring!!! i will search into the areas you highlighted and into the uni you attend it sounds lovely! :smile: thank you
Reply 4
Original post by Topbannana123
Glasgow is really known for the psychology degree they offer as well as Edinburgh University


Thank you!
Thank you!

No problem they are in Scotland the best lol I’m biased my mum went there she said it was really good also Ashoka in Glasgow best curry ever 👍😂
I’ve just finished my AS and have my tutors scaring the life out of me telling me its crucial to know what universities i wish to apply to. But I am still so unsure? :7
If theres anyone doing ANY Psychology / Criminology degree in any universities in England/Wales who are able to give me an insight to how you find your current uni that would be very appreciated =)
I am interested in Bath, Liverpool, Cardiff, Bristol, Leeds, ans Gloucestershire but any university would be great!

Hi A5he!
I hope you’re doing well! This time can be stressful, but you are doing all the right things by asking these questions and researching different universities that you’re interested in!! You have plenty of time to look at all your options and know which ones you want to apply for.

I have just finished my undergraduate degree in psychology at Swansea University! I think it is a fantastic university and I have really enjoyed my time studying psychology here as well. You have the option to study either single honours psychology or joint honours psychology and criminology which are both British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited, which would be important if you’re considering a career as a psychologist.

The modules on the psychology course are so interesting and covers almost everything you can think of in terms of psychology, all taught by academics who are actively researching the field they are lecturing! They are all incredibly passionate about their subject area and are always willing to help answer any questions or give you more information on things you find particularly interesting! If you are interested in both psychology and criminology the combination of the two fields provides you with such a well-rounded insight into the biological, cognitive, and social factors that cause these specific behaviours.

Some things I’ve specifically valued as a student in Swansea is the amount of student support you can access for various things. Anything from financial support and advice, disability and wellbeing, and a career’s team (Swansea Employability Academy SEA) who can help you find placements and internships and even review CV’s and provide interview advice. In your 1st year on Psychology, you will complete what’s called the Career Development Course to get you thinking about what you want to do after your degree which I found incredibly valuable, and you also are able to pick a module in 3rd year which is the work placement module and the career’s team will find you a placement based on your career goals and interests. I completed a research placement, but you can do anything from child/adult mental health, HR/marketing, or prison service work. I also had the chance to take part in research internships with my lecturers, an evolutionary psychologist and a cognitive neuroscientist which was so fascinating and an amazing opportunity to help your CV to stand out.

Additionally, the community in Swansea is so friendly and diverse you are always going to find people who think like you and have similar interests. We have over 150 societies to join ranging from sports societies, cultural/faith societies, and hobby societies. Swansea is a campus university which I feel makes the community feel closer, and you will almost always run into someone you know on campus which makes the transition from college/sixth form to university feel much easier when you have people around you.

I hope this information is useful!! I would highly recommend looking at the BSc Psychology/Psychology and Criminology websites and looking at the individual modules to get an idea of what you would be studying to see if it matches your interests in any university you want to research further. For psychology, a lot of the 1st and 2nd year modules may appear similar in content as it needs to stick to the BPS guidelines for accreditation, but the 3rd year modules are much more customisable so they will vary between universities.

Here’s the link for the Swansea University course pages so you can have a look if you want! If you click onto the individual module names you can see exactly what you would be studying and how it is assessed. But like I said I would recommend looking at these pages for each university you are interested in!!
BSc Psychology in Swansea University
BSc Psychology and Criminology in Swansea University

Please let me know if you have any questions, this is a lot of information to consider, but don’t forget you are doing all the right things. Many universities will start having their open days in September, so that will give you a better insight into student life!

Best wishes!

Rachel 🙂
Psychology Graduate at Swansea University
I’ve just finished my AS and have my tutors scaring the life out of me telling me its crucial to know what universities i wish to apply to. But I am still so unsure? :7
If theres anyone doing ANY Psychology / Criminology degree in any universities in England/Wales who are able to give me an insight to how you find your current uni that would be very appreciated =)
I am interested in Bath, Liverpool, Cardiff, Bristol, Leeds, ans Gloucestershire but any university would be great!

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. Choosing the right University is a crucial step and the University of Essex might just be 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.🌈🎉

If you would like to get to know the University and get answers to all of your questions we're hosting Clearing Open Day on the 17th August which is a perfect opportunity to make an informed choice later on!🕒✔️

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

Warm regards,
Essex Student Rep - Renaldas✌️
I’ve just finished my AS and have my tutors scaring the life out of me telling me its crucial to know what universities i wish to apply to. But I am still so unsure? :7
If theres anyone doing ANY Psychology / Criminology degree in any universities in England/Wales who are able to give me an insight to how you find your current uni that would be very appreciated =)
I am interested in Bath, Liverpool, Cardiff, Bristol, Leeds, ans Gloucestershire but any university would be great!

Hello,

Fantastic to read that you are thinking of studying psychology/criminology. Have you considered Lancaster University? We are a top 10 uni ranked well for Psychology and you can study criminology as a minor in your first year alongside your psychology modules! We also offer a combined Psychology & Criminology degree. We have some fantastic research facilites and an employability programme to help you gain skills. I have been part of the psychology department for four years and everyone is incredibly friendly. Check out our webpage here https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/psychology/

I hope this helps you make a decision! Feel free to also check out our instagram @psychologylancaster for some pictures of the department and what to expect.

Holly

Lancaster Student Ambassador for Psychology
I’ve just finished my AS and have my tutors scaring the life out of me telling me its crucial to know what universities i wish to apply to. But I am still so unsure? :7
If theres anyone doing ANY Psychology / Criminology degree in any universities in England/Wales who are able to give me an insight to how you find your current uni that would be very appreciated =)
I am interested in Bath, Liverpool, Cardiff, Bristol, Leeds, ans Gloucestershire but any university would be great!

Hi there!

I'm a Cardiff University student, currently just finished placement year in psychology!

I think Cardiff is a brilliant place to study psychology :smile: The lecturers are great - we're lucky in that we have quite a wide range of academics, and I would say the course is equally strong in all fields of psychology.

There's a lot of student support! A lot of students get a bit worried about the statistics in the course (as did I). But we have a weekly statistics drop in, as well as a couple of tutorials covering it in first year - and it becomes quite easy, really. There are discussion boards between you and the lecturer and there is a lot of support to help you succeed on the course.

The uni also has great links with the industry. If you were interested in placement year, the course has a massive list of contact/placement opportunities. There are also a lot of optional career lectures offered, as well as 1:1 appointments with a careers advisor who knows the psychology industry quite well.

An interesting aspect of the course is that we do all the optional modules in the final year. This may be slightly different to other psychology courses. The reason we do this, is that by doing all the core modules in year 1 and year 2, you get a good idea of what optional modules you want to do in final year :smile:

Overall, I'm really enjoying my time at Cardiff! Everything is at a walkable distance, its a good mix between the city and nature, plus there's lots of societies to get involved with - my uni life is never boring :smile:

Let me know if you had any other questions!

~ Fatiha, Cardiff University Student Rep
I’ve just finished my AS and have my tutors scaring the life out of me telling me its crucial to know what universities i wish to apply to. But I am still so unsure? :7
If theres anyone doing ANY Psychology / Criminology degree in any universities in England/Wales who are able to give me an insight to how you find your current uni that would be very appreciated =)
I am interested in Bath, Liverpool, Cardiff, Bristol, Leeds, ans Gloucestershire but any university would be great!

Hey @a5he how are you? 😀

It can be so scary and daunting to try figure out what you want to do and where you want to go for university, but don't panic, you're doing the right thing by thinking about it now and asking for advice 🙂

You've heard from a lot of uni's below already, but I'd say definitely look into booking onto some open days. I know when I was at sixth form the teachers really pushed us to book onto some early so we could get a feel for different universities. I think when you've found the one for you, you'll just feel at home and get that feeling that you belong. At an open day you can chat to current students on the course as well, so you'll be able to ask them what they really think about psychology, what they plan to do in the future, what opportunities they've had, how they find the student life.

You can also chat to the academics who'll be teaching you, go on accommodation and campus tours, check out the city/town so you can see what the student life is like, see what's on at the students' union and what exciting things you can get involved in! Attending open days at different uni's can really help you weigh up your options, and you could make a pro's and con's list too.

You can also check out different uni's from the comfort of your own home, I'd suggest taking a look for virtual tours on university websites, so you can see the facilities and what the campus is like. University websites, and their social media channels, will also probably be home to lots of student takeovers (so you can get a really good insight into student life and the course) tours, videos of what the university has to offer and exciting events etc. There might also be an option to directly message current students on the course so you can send them your burning questions!

A few other things to consider and compare between uni's are the modules and what you find the most interesting, the location, consider whether you'd be interested in commuting or living in student accommodation (check for any accommodation tours online or go along to one at an open day, look at the transport links etc), is it a campus vs city uni, do they offer any placements/study abroad opportunities, consider the entry requirements etc.

You can always ask your family, friends, teachers and career advisors for advice too, but ultimately it's your decision to make. I'm sure you'll make the right decision for you :smile:

I hope this helps! Best of luck, and hope the rest of your studies goes really well.

Becky

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