Why would you study psychology at The University of Law?

Studying psychology at a university that also specialises in law can provide some unique benefits. From interdisciplinary opportunities to dynamic teaching methods, there’s plenty to recommend taking psychology at a university that has strong links to the legal field. 

We spoke to Julie Prescott, head of psychology at The University of Law, to get her thoughts on how the two subjects align and what students could expect from taking a psychology degree at the university.

The parallels between law and psychology run deeper than you might first imagine.

Julie notes that “the two subjects are closely linked, as both are about understanding and working with people.”

“But while psychologists try to understand why people behave the way they do, the law seeks to regulate that behaviour,” Julie continues. 

Critical thinking and communication skills are crucial to both topics, as “they enable our students to analyse complex scenarios and convey their understanding clearly,” says Julie. 

Ethical understanding is also key to both areas, allowing law students to make fair decisions and psychology students to protect their clients’ welfare.

For anyone interested in ways that the two subjects can intersect, The University of Law’s psychology degree provides unique opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. 

“In their third year, undergraduate students can take optional modules in law, criminology and policing. If they take that module, they’d be joining the law students and gaining access to the university’s well-established network and depth of experience across these fields,” Julie explains.

If you’re interested in both psychology and law and struggling to decide between the two, it could be helpful to consider a few of the ways that the degrees might differ from each other. 

While critical thinking skills are key to both topics, there are some differences in terms of how these are applied. 

“In psychology, we focus more on critical thinking and application in real-world scenarios. While law also involves critical thinking, it often places a greater emphasis on remembering and applying factual information,” Julie says. 

Julie further highlights the differences in how the courses are taught and assessed. 

“Law courses typically involve more exams. For psychology, we use different types of assessments that ask students to apply theories to real-life contexts.”

Both psychology and law courses prepare students for professional practice, and professionalism is deeply embedded in everything The University of Law does. 

“Just like the law degrees, we want our psychology courses to have a focus on professionalism,” Julie explains. 

In both law and psychology courses, students are taught about the importance of ethical practices and accountability, as well as equipped with the skills they’ll need to work with diverse clients or caseloads. With a strong focus on applied learning, the university’s psychology degree will “provide you with real-world skills,” Julie comments. 

Final year students on the undergraduate psychology course will also take a work-based learning module. This involves spending at least 40 hours volunteering at an organisation where they can apply the psychological principles they have learned on the course.

And when it comes to professional recognition, the university’s online MSc Psychology (Conversion) is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), allowing students to progress to becoming chartered psychologists after graduation.

Similarly to a law course, a psychology degree equips students with skills that are not only essential for a career in psychology but can also be applied across other sectors. 

As a psychology degree is just the first step to becoming a qualified psychologist, students are able to pursue a vocation without being confined to a single career path. 

“Some of our students are thinking of going down the counselling route, which involves further study. Or to become a qualified psychologist they also need to do further study, whether that’s a masters degree or the doctorate pathway.” says Julie.

Law and psychology are both highly vocational subjects. Because of this, The University of Law provides students across all of its degrees with plenty of employability opportunities. 

Julie emphasises this advantage, commenting that “the university is known for its strong employability links and robust alumni network.”

All students studying psychology at The University of Law will take an Applications of Professional Psychology module, as well as undergraduate students undergoing work-based learning in their third year to enhance their future career prospects.

And those on the masters degree can expect an in-built employability module, which guides students through identifying their relevant experience, creating a professional network, recognising their strengths and presenting these on their CVs, applications and job interviews.

More generally through the university, all students have access to one-on-one career guidance, mentoring, a job vacancy database and help with writing CVs, cover letters and finding internships, part-time work and job placements.

Every student at The University of Law is assigned a student journey advisor and an academic coach from the outset. Their job is to make sure that students are well supported throughout their educational experience. 

Julie notes that “this approach, where students have a named person of contact right from the start, is somewhat different to other universities.”

These student journey advisors “are important as you get these as soon as you start, so rather than emailing various different people and not quite knowing where to go with any questions they have, students have that one point of contact,” says Julie. 

The university’s academic coaches offer guidance throughout the course, and can help when you start to make plans for your future career.

Psychology and law are both ever-evolving practices. In response to this, The University of Law is committed to keeping course content up-to-date and relevant across all of its subjects.

“Because psychology is a research discipline, lecturers have that interest in keeping everything current. And the university supports a research-informed approach to teaching,” says Julie.

“We also have a newly designed lab at our Leeds campus, with all the latest equipment,” Julie adds.

And the forward-looking approach doesn’t end there.

“In general, the university is a dynamic one that’s always changing and trying to improve. It’s very innovative in terms of its teaching delivery, with a lot of support around enhanced learning to allow staff to deliver the best student experience.”

The Student Room is proud to work with The University of Law as the official partner of our law hub, where current and future law students can find the advice and guidance they need.

The University of Law welcomes intelligent, ambitious students interested in the world around them; people who question systems, procedures and behaviours, and are not afraid to challenge convention.

Study at The University of Law and you’ll be equipped with the professional knowledge you need to excel in your chosen career, and supported by an award-winning employability service to help you get there.

• Visit The University of Law’s website
• Undergraduate law courses at The University of Law
• Postgraduate law courses at The University of Law
• Open days and virtual events at The University of Law
• Find out about The University of Law’s award-winning employability service