Psychology Degrees Explained

What is the Study of Psychology?

Psychology is the study of the human mind and how people behave, think, and interact and how emotions and thoughts influence behaviour.

Psychology is one of the most popular undergraduate degree subjects in the UK. Reflecting this is the number and types of on-campus and Online Psychology Degrees offered by a large proportion of Universities. A degree in psychology can be the first step to becoming a chartered or clinical psychologist. It is also a valued degree in many other careers, such as social work, business or teaching.  

In this article, we will cover the essentials that you should be aware of if you want to study psychology at a UK university.

What Degrees Are Available?

Psychology is a broad subject. There are many specialisations available, as well as degrees related to psychology. As a result, you will come across a wide range of course titles similar to the examples below.

• Applied psychology
• Child psychology
• Clinical psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Educational psychology
• Experimental psychology
• Forensic psychology
• Social psychology
• Sport psychology
• Psychology
• Psychology and Business

The British Psychological Society accredits a large number of courses. Accreditation means that the course covers certain areas set out in the body’s professional guidelines. This accreditation is essential if your goal is to practice as a Chartered Psychologist. Having a BPS-accredited degree or master’s is one of the requirements to practice in a clinical environment. We have more information on why the BPS accreditation is important, depending on your career goals. 

What is the Difference Between BSc (Hons) and BA (Hons) Degrees in Psychology?

BA stands for Bachelor of the Arts, and BSc for Bachelor of Sciences. As the names would suggest, a BA will focus more on the social factors of psychology and a BSc on the science of the mind, for example, the biology of psychology.

However, when comparing courses, you will find that the difference may not be that great, if noticeable at all. If the BPS accredits the courses, they will need to cover specific teaching areas. For example, you will find BA courses with statistics in the syllabus, as this is required to gain BPS accreditation.

It is a bit confusing, but when you compare psychology degrees, the main thing to focus on is the syllabus and accreditation and not on whether it is a BA or BSc.

Example Modules Covered

You would typically cover, in some form, the areas below during your study.

Main Components of Psychology Degree

• Research Methods – Strategies and techniques for designing experiments and surveys and analysing data.
• Statistics – analysis, interpretation, and presentation of numerical data.
• Cognition & Cognitive Processes – the process of how we learn, experience and understand.
• Biological Psychology – the biology of behaviour and how the brain and nervous system are structured.
• Developmental Psychology – how children and adults change through their lifespan.
• Social Psychology – how people’s behaviour is constructed within groups.
• Vision/ Perception – how we receive, interpret and act on visual stimuli.

As you progress through the course, you may take a specialisation in the final year that focuses on a particular area; for example, organisational psychology, in more detail.

Careers Pathways

Studying psychology can lead to a wide range of careers in business, healthcare, and the public sector. The nature of the subject and the data analysis involved means that graduates are sought after in many roles.