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Thinking about studying Psychology?

Hi everyone,

Choosing a university course can feel like a really overwhelming decision. If you’ve narrowed it down to psychology, it can still be tricky to decide which specific course is the best fit for you. Whether you’ve already submitted your UCAS application and are trying to pick a firm and insurance choice, or you’re just starting to explore courses, it can be helpful to look at a range of course-related factors. Some things I considered when making my decision were:

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BPS accreditation

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If a course is BPS-accredited, it provides the Graduate Basis for Chartership, which you’ll need if you want to pursue a career in psychology later on

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Department research

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Is the department actively conducting new research? Are there opportunities for students to get involved?

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Opportunities

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Are there options for a study-abroad year/semester, a year in industry, research internships or paid work within the department?

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Equipment and facilities

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Do students have access to specialised labs or equipment? Can this be used for dissertation projects?

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Modules

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Do the modules sound interesting and aligned with your personal interests or career goals?

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Graduate outcomes

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What do psychology graduates from that university go on to do? What careers support is available?

This isn’t a complete list, but it’s important to think about what factors matter most to you personally.

Since many psychology courses can look quite similar on paper, it may also help to consider wider university features, such as whether you prefer a campus or city environment, the accommodation options and available student support services.

Finally, attending open days or offer-holder days can be incredibly useful. Speaking to current students gives you the chance to ask specific questions and get honest insight into what the course is really like.

If you have any questions about what it’s like being a psychology student or want any application advice, please feel free to ask!

Good luck with your applications,

Eloise

Third Year Psychology Student