The Student Room Group

Is psychology a good uni course?

For anyone who is studying psychology at uni, what is it like? I am interested in doing the course but I'm a bit worried about whether I would like it or not :smile:
Reply 1
Original post by annaderi
For anyone who is studying psychology at uni, what is it like? I am interested in doing the course but I'm a bit worried about whether I would like it or not :smile:


I study psychology at the university of Southampton. You learn about the functions of the brain, mental illnesses and diagnosing them, development from being an embryo to old age and statistical data analysis (among other related things). It is fun, but it is challenging. Those who say it is not challenging have never taken psychology before. There is maths and biology as well as lots of theory and evaluating evidence like scientific journals in essays and your final dissertation in year 3 where you conduct your own research and write it up into a scientific report. You also have to participate in studies as a participant for research credits that count towards your marks. Overall I really like it.

Be cautious! To become an assistant psychologist or counsellor you need a masters. To become a clinical psychologist you need a doctorate (PhD) (extra 4 years at least in total after undergrad if you get in straight away but that is not always the case). However, be mindful that if you love psychology you will do well and psychology has skills you can transfer to any discipline working with other humans.

I am going into banking as a relationship manager hopefully and although I did not do economics, you can enter the finance industry as a grad with any degree discipline. What matters most is that you get a 2:1. You can survive with a 2:2 it’s not the end of the world but a 2:1 will open many more doors in finance. (Through graduate schemes, internships and early grad roles)
Reply 2
Original post by addiepie
I study psychology at the university of Southampton. You learn about the functions of the brain, mental illnesses and diagnosing them, development from being an embryo to old age and statistical data analysis (among other related things). It is fun, but it is challenging. Those who say it is not challenging have never taken psychology before. There is maths and biology as well as lots of theory and evaluating evidence like scientific journals in essays and your final dissertation in year 3 where you conduct your own research and write it up into a scientific report. You also have to participate in studies as a participant for research credits that count towards your marks. Overall I really like it.
Be cautious! To become an assistant psychologist or counsellor you need a masters. To become a clinical psychologist you need a doctorate (PhD) (extra 4 years at least in total after undergrad if you get in straight away but that is not always the case). However, be mindful that if you love psychology you will do well and psychology has skills you can transfer to any discipline working with other humans.
I am going into banking as a relationship manager hopefully and although I did not do economics, you can enter the finance industry as a grad with any degree discipline. What matters most is that you get a 2:1. You can survive with a 2:2 it’s not the end of the world but a 2:1 will open many more doors in finance. (Through graduate schemes, internships and early grad roles)


Thank you so much for the info that really helps :smile:
Original post by annaderi
For anyone who is studying psychology at uni, what is it like? I am interested in doing the course but I'm a bit worried about whether I would like it or not :smile:

Hiya,

I'm currently studying psychology at Cardiff Uni :smile: I've been really enjoying it. I would say its a lot more scientific than I realised! There is a good mix of your sciencey modules and stuff that is more essay based - eg., social psychology - but I've found that I've really enjoyed it, even without having taken a single science A-Level. There is a bit of statistics but I've found that I enjoyed it as well. There's quite a bit of individual work to do but you get quite a bit of contact hours as well, so it can feel a bit full on! I enjoy it though haha, and the staff are usually quite supportive as well!

~ Fatiha, Cardiff University Student Rep
Reply 4
Original post by CardiffUni Rep 2
Hiya,
I'm currently studying psychology at Cardiff Uni :smile: I've been really enjoying it. I would say its a lot more scientific than I realised! There is a good mix of your sciencey modules and stuff that is more essay based - eg., social psychology - but I've found that I've really enjoyed it, even without having taken a single science A-Level. There is a bit of statistics but I've found that I enjoyed it as well. There's quite a bit of individual work to do but you get quite a bit of contact hours as well, so it can feel a bit full on! I enjoy it though haha, and the staff are usually quite supportive as well!
~ Fatiha, Cardiff University Student Rep

Thank you so much, it's good to know that the staff support you and that the different stuff are interesting :smile:
Original post by annaderi
Thank you so much, it's good to know that the staff support you and that the different stuff are interesting :smile:

For sure! Are there any areas of psychology that interest you currently?

~ Fatiha, Cardiff University Student Rep
Reply 6
Original post by CardiffUni Rep 2
For sure! Are there any areas of psychology that interest you currently?
~ Fatiha, Cardiff University Student Rep


So far we've only done social change in school and I'm finding it really interesting. After uni I'm thinking of going into clinical psychology because I'm really interested in helping people and things like that!
Reply 7
Original post by annaderi
So far we've only done social change in school and I'm finding it really interesting. After uni I'm thinking of going into clinical psychology because I'm really interested in helping people and things like that!


If clinical psychology is your goal you must understand that you need to do a PhD. You may also find something else in psychology you like though during your degree. You will study so many different things just keep an open mind.
Reply 8
Original post by addiepie
If clinical psychology is your goal you must understand that you need to do a PhD. You may also find something else in psychology you like though during your degree. You will study so many different things just keep an open mind.


I will, thank you
Original post by annaderi
I will, thank you


Hi there! 👋

I'm currently a BSc Psychology student at the University of Bath, and I've really enjoyed studying it so far! I've never done Psychology before, so this degree has been new and challenging to me! I do like how sciency the degree is here (I come from a STEM background) and I love the mix of assignments, including essays, lab reports, posters and presentations 🙂

I noticed that you said you were interested in doing Clinical Psychology. I'm the same, and just wanted to clarify that it's not a PhD you'll need, it's actually the DClinPsych (two very different things!). A PhD in Psychology is heavily research based and isn't necessarily clinically related, whereas a DClinPsych equips you with the necessary clinical skills to become a Clinical Psychologist!

I hope this helps! Feel free to ask me any questions you may have 😊

~Claire
2nd Year BSc Psychology Student
Reply 10
Original post by University of Bath
Hi there! 👋
I'm currently a BSc Psychology student at the University of Bath, and I've really enjoyed studying it so far! I've never done Psychology before, so this degree has been new and challenging to me! I do like how sciency the degree is here (I come from a STEM background) and I love the mix of assignments, including essays, lab reports, posters and presentations 🙂
I noticed that you said you were interested in doing Clinical Psychology. I'm the same, and just wanted to clarify that it's not a PhD you'll need, it's actually the DClinPsych (two very different things!). A PhD in Psychology is heavily research based and isn't necessarily clinically related, whereas a DClinPsych equips you with the necessary clinical skills to become a Clinical Psychologist!
I hope this helps! Feel free to ask me any questions you may have 😊
~Claire
2nd Year BSc Psychology Student


Hi, thank you so much for your reply! I was not fully certain that I wanted to do a PhD. I'm just wondering, is the DClinPsych part of the university course or is it something that you have to do after?
Original post by annaderi
Hi, thank you so much for your reply! I was not fully certain that I wanted to do a PhD. I'm just wondering, is the DClinPsych part of the university course or is it something that you have to do after?


Hi Annaderi!

The DClinPsych is a postgraduate qualification that you do after your undergraduate. You'll need to get at least a 2:1 in an undergraduate BPS accredited Psychology degree (or do a masters conversion BPS accredited Psychology course if you did your undergraduate degree in something else) plus some work experience in a clinically related job before you do the DClinPsych.

I hope this helps! Please let me know if I can help you any more 😊

~Claire 🙂
2nd Year BSc Psychology Student
Reply 12
Original post by University of Bath
Hi Annaderi!
The DClinPsych is a postgraduate qualification that you do after your undergraduate. You'll need to get at least a 2:1 in an undergraduate BPS accredited Psychology degree (or do a masters conversion BPS accredited Psychology course if you did your undergraduate degree in something else) plus some work experience in a clinically related job before you do the DClinPsych.
I hope this helps! Please let me know if I can help you any more 😊
~Claire 🙂
2nd Year BSc Psychology Student


Yes, that helps so much thank you!!
Original post by annaderi
So far we've only done social change in school and I'm finding it really interesting. After uni I'm thinking of going into clinical psychology because I'm really interested in helping people and things like that!

Oh amazing! So most courses will be accredited by the BPS (British Psychological Society), and social psychology is typically one of the core modules to meet this accreditation, so you'd probably learn it no matter what uni you end up choosing. Same for clinical psychology :smile: However, some universities may be stronger in the types of research they do, eg., if theres been a lot of research done in social psych at the uni, which might influence how well a module is taught or the kinds of projects you get for your final year dissertations!

I will also add to what everyone else have said, whilst the DClinPsych is the qualification that you need to become a clinical psychologist, it is 100% not the only way of working in clinical psychology. There are many clinical jobs that follow a psychology degree such as PWP, assistant psychologists, clinical associate in psychology - and these roles (except assistant psychologists) are obtained through a paid apprenticeship. If you're interested in counselling, you can also do extra study to get into that field :smile:

~ Fatiha, Cardiff University Student Rep
Original post by annaderi
For anyone who is studying psychology at uni, what is it like? I am interested in doing the course but I'm a bit worried about whether I would like it or not :smile:

Hey,

Amy here, one of the Cardiff University student reps! As a recent graduate of the BSc Psychology with Professional Placement course as Cardiff, I can definitely say that I thoroughly enjoyed the course! I actually am now studying for the MSc Children's Psychological Disorders, also at Cardiff, as I enjoyed it so much.

From my personal experience, the Psychology undergraduate degree at Cardiff caters to everyone. During first year, for example you will get a taste of everything- from introductory statistics, research methods, social psychology, language and memory, and biological psychology! In final year, you are able to pick your modules, with a wide range of Psychological topics available! You can find a complete list of the modules available here.

There is also the opportunity to go on a year-long professional placement between second and final year, which is what I did. I would highly recommend choosing to do this (if you are able to!), as it gave me such valuable experience that has helped me get a place on my MSc, alongside making me a suitable candidate for other psychological part-time work. I also had a genuinely enjoyable year, and was privileged to work with the most friendly and welcoming team! You can find information on taking a placement year here.

Do you have any specific questions relating to the course? 🥰

-Amy, Cardiff University Student Rep
Reply 15
Original post by CardiffUni Rep 3
Hey,
Amy here, one of the Cardiff University student reps! As a recent graduate of the BSc Psychology with Professional Placement course as Cardiff, I can definitely say that I thoroughly enjoyed the course! I actually am now studying for the MSc Children's Psychological Disorders, also at Cardiff, as I enjoyed it so much.
From my personal experience, the Psychology undergraduate degree at Cardiff caters to everyone. During first year, for example you will get a taste of everything- from introductory statistics, research methods, social psychology, language and memory, and biological psychology! In final year, you are able to pick your modules, with a wide range of Psychological topics available! You can find a complete list of the modules available here.
There is also the opportunity to go on a year-long professional placement between second and final year, which is what I did. I would highly recommend choosing to do this (if you are able to!), as it gave me such valuable experience that has helped me get a place on my MSc, alongside making me a suitable candidate for other psychological part-time work. I also had a genuinely enjoyable year, and was privileged to work with the most friendly and welcoming team! You can find information on taking a placement year here.
Do you have any specific questions relating to the course? 🥰
-Amy, Cardiff University Student Rep


Hi Amy,
Thank you so much for your reply, it's great to hear from someone who's done the course!

I'm currently in year 12 and I'm loving psychology, and I was wondering how examinations work? Is it essay based at the end of the year or is there coursework that's completed throughout?

Also, what did you do during your placement? Sorry if I'm asking too many questions, I'm just wondering what kind of opportunities I could have if I wanted to do one 😊

Many thanks, Anna
Original post by annaderi
For anyone who is studying psychology at uni, what is it like? I am interested in doing the course but I'm a bit worried about whether I would like it or not :smile:

Hi!

I'm a third-year studying Psychology at York St. John. I'd summarise university-level psychology as a huge extension of psychology A-Level. If you do it at A-Level, you'll know that you study research methods, and lots of different areas of psychology (like social, cognition, biological, etc.). Psychology at university is really similar! You'll study lots of different areas of psychology, and depending on your course you may be able to pick some of your modules to tailor your studies to the areas you most enjoy! I really liked developmental psychology, so this year I chose language development, adolescent development, and neuropsychology-based modules.

I've personally found university a lot less stressful than A-Level. At A-Level, you're forced to memorise two entire years worth of content, to then have to regurgitate that in a few hours of exams. At most universities (this can differ slightly depending on where you go), there'll be a mix of coursework, exams, presentations, and more, which can really help take that pressure off! You're assessed in modules, so you'll cover a semester of content, be assessed on it throughout the semester, then move on to something else and repeat, rather than having to memorise years worth of content in one go!

If you're not sure, go along to a university open day. Universities often have taster sessions and subject talks about different degrees on their open days, so you'll get to learn a bit more about what its like to study psychology at university. This might help you make a more informed decision🤗.

Hope this helps! If you have any other questions feel free to reach out!
-Kiera (Student Ambassador)
Original post by annaderi
Hi Amy,
Thank you so much for your reply, it's great to hear from someone who's done the course!
I'm currently in year 12 and I'm loving psychology, and I was wondering how examinations work? Is it essay based at the end of the year or is there coursework that's completed throughout?
Also, what did you do during your placement? Sorry if I'm asking too many questions, I'm just wondering what kind of opportunities I could have if I wanted to do one 😊
Many thanks, Anna

Hi lovely,

Apologies for such a delayed response!

Of course I can answer your questions- don't apologise! 🥰 Throughout my undergrad, there were lots of different examination formats (as I was studying during the pandemic!) In my first year, I had 24-hour online exams, which consisted of 800-word essays for some modules, and a timed multiple choice exam for others. However, as Covid became less of an issue for University, we started having in-person exams (which would most likely be what you will do if you go to Cardiff for Psychology!). These in-person exams were essays and multiple choice.

Each module usually has a coursework element, for example an essay that you complete during term-time, and an exam that you will complete at the end of semester.

For my placement year, I worked with an NHS Adult Speech and Language Therapy Department, in Cardiff. This was such a rewarding experience, as I was able to directly communicate with dementia, stroke and mental health inpatients, alongside Parkinson's and young transgender outpatients. At Cardiff, they give you a massive database of potential placements that you can apply to. These all fall in different areas of Psychology, such as clinical, forensic, research and educational! Therefore, you definitely have a lot of options to choose from- I definitely didn't struggle to find a placement!

I hope I have been helpful in some way 🥰 Please let me know if you have any more questions!

-Amy, Cardiff Uni Rep 3
(edited 6 days ago)
Reply 18
Original post by CardiffUni Rep 3
Hi lovely,
Apologies for such a delayed response!
Of course I can answer your questions- don't apologise! 🥰 Throughout my undergrad, there were lots of different examination formats (as I was studying during the pandemic!) In my first year, I had 24-hour online exams, which consisted of 800-word essays for some modules, and a timed multiple choice exam for others. However, as Covid became less of an issue for University, we started having in-person exams (which would most likely be what you will do if you go to Cardiff for Psychology!). These in-person exams were essays and multiple choice.
Each module usually has a coursework element, for example an essay that you complete during term-time, and an exam that you will complete at the end of semester.
For my placement year, I worked with an NHS Adult Speech and Language Therapy Department, in Cardiff. This was such a rewarding experience, as I was able to directly communicate with dementia, stroke and mental health inpatients, alongside Parkinson's and young transgender outpatients. At Cardiff, they give you a massive database of potential placements that you can apply to. These all fall in different areas of Psychology, such as clinical, forensic, research and educational! Therefore, you definitely have a lot of options to choose from- I definitely didn't struggle to find a placement!
I hope I have been helpful in some way 🥰 Please let me know if you have any more questions!
-Amy, Cardiff Uni Rep 3


Thank you so much!! This has definitely made me feel more confident about choosing psychology, I feel like I definitely understand more now!! I'll also definitely consider applying to Cardiff, it sounds like an amazing University 🥰
Original post by annaderi
Thank you so much!! This has definitely made me feel more confident about choosing psychology, I feel like I definitely understand more now!! I'll also definitely consider applying to Cardiff, it sounds like an amazing University 🥰

Aw I am so glad to have helped!!

I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at Cardiff- it is definitely a good option 😉

Good luck for applying!!❤️

-Amy, Cardiff Uni Rep 3

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