Top Universities in UK for Masters in Psychology (2024)



Studying MSc Psychology in UK is an extremely popular choice for students from all over the world. As rapidly developing as the world is, there is also an increasing demand for mental health professionals who can help people cope with the rising pressures of today’s lifestyle.

UK psychology masters programs encourage independent thinking and original research in addition to acquiring theoretical knowledge through lectures and seminars. Universities in UK for masters in psychology are also world renowned for their academic and research excellence. So, if a career in psychology is what you want, this article is for you.


Why study Psychology in UK?


Before we get into why study psychology masters programmes in UK, it’s important to understand what it means to be a psychologist in the United Kingdom.

Here’s the difference between psychology and psychiatry.

Psychiatrists Psychologists
  • Healthcare professionals who deal generally with the human mind and behaviour
  • A medical doctor who has specialised in psychiatry after their MBBS
  • Can prescribe medicines and treat conditions rooted in anatomy or neurochemistry
  • Healthcare professionals who deal generally with the human mind and behaviour
  • Not a medical doctor but a professional specialising in different techniques of psychological testing and evaluation
  • Cannot prescribe medicines but can treat conditions rooted in human emotion or behaviour, through counselling or other methods of therapy.

This article looks only at psychology and its career paths in the UK. It is one of the best one year pg courses to pursue from the UK 

How do you become a Psychologist in UK?

Even though not a medical doctor, a psychologist plays a significant role in the healthcare industry, especially in today’s world wherein there is increasing emphasis on mental health. To ensure that people get good quality of care from their psychologists, the UK instituted the British Psychological Society nearly 120 years ago.

The British Psychological Society or BPS is the regulatory body that accredits universities’ psychology courses and registers psychologists as chartered practitioners as a hallmark of quality. However, the statutory body that governs practice is the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). To independently practice as a counselling psychologist or a clinical psychologist, you will need a doctorate and be registered with the HCPC.

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology accredited by the BPS.

If you are looking at the UK for your bachelor’s degree in psychology, it is important that you apply for a BPS accredited course. Even if you are not sure of your career path at this juncture, a BPS certified course opens up way more options than a non-accredited one.

If you have completed your bachelor’s abroad, or have a non-accredited degree, you can apply for the accredited psychology conversion course UK. It is one of UK psychology masters programmes that will make you eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). The best part about conversion courses is that even a student who does not have an undergraduate degree in psychology can apply for it, as it covers the fundamentals of the field.

Step 2: Choose a specialty

On completion of Step 1, you will be at crossroads, deciding what kind of psychologist you want to be. There are a number of specializations for MS in Psychology in UK. During your initial study, you will have the opportunity to research and meet experts who can help you choose your specialization for your masters in psychology.

Some of the popular specializations in UK universities are:

  • Biological Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Health Psychology
  • Individual Differences
  • Organizational Psychology
  • Psychological research methods and analysis
  • Social psychology
  • Sports Psychology

Step 3: Complete a BPS accredited postgraduate degree in your chosen speciality

Once your speciality is decided, you can do a BPS accredited postgraduate study. While work experience is not mandatory to get into these programmes, they will help you boost your application and give you the experience to associate theoretical knowledge with real world concerns.

Step 4: Apply to BPS to become a Chartered member

On completion of your specialisation course, you can apply to the BPS and become a Chartered Psychologist. Becoming a chartered member is like a quality assurance that make you more attractive to employers.

Important Note

There is a difference between Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) and Graduate Membership (GMBPsS) in the British Psychology Society.

Completing an accredited course gains you a GBC which is what you want to practise in the UK.

The general graduate membership is more of an access to the society of psychologists, networking and its publications. It is important when you are an established professional. However, as a prospective student, what you are looking for is the GBC.

Step 5: Becoming a practitioner psychologist with a doctorate

However, to practice independently as a “practitioner psychologist” such as clinical or counselling psychologist, or work with the NHS, you will need to continue with a doctorate (3-year degree) and be registered with the HCPC.

Why study Psychology in UK?

There are numerous reasons why students from all over the world choose psychology masters in UK. Here are some of them.

  • You will get access to world class universities, research facilities and infrastructure.
  • Most programmes are flexible and modular, allowing you to choose your specialisations from early on.
  • Independent thinking and original research is emphasised on, right from the undergraduate level.
  • It is also one of the high paying jobs in the UK. Employability is relatively high compared to other fields as there is demand across industries ranging from childcare, education, healthcare to businesses and the corporate world.

Top colleges to study MSc in Psychology in UK


Let us take a look at the best universities in UK for masters in psychology. The following section looks at the course options, fees, scholarships, intake dates and entry requirements to help you plan your journey.

2 (QS) University of Oxford
3 University of Cambridge
6 UCL
15 King’s College London
25 University of Edinburgh
46 London School of Economics and Political Science
64 Cardiff University
71 University of Birmingham
82 University of Bristol
89 University of Kent

Source: Rankings are based on the Times Higher Education WUR, except Oxford which has a QS Rank.

 

Fun Fact: Did you know that Psychology is one of the hardest degrees in the world!?

1. University of Oxford


Source: University of Oxford

The oldest university in the English speaking world, the University of Oxford requires no separate introduction. The Oxford University psychology programme is ranked number 2 in the world by QS World University Rankings. The Department of Experimental Psychology with over 30 research groups and over 400 students works on key areas of psychology including Behavioural Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, Perception and Cognition, Social Psychology, and Psychological and Brain Health.

Courses

Graduate Courses

  • MSc in Psychological Research (Taught Masters)
  • MSc by Research in Experimental Psychology (Research Course)
  • DPhil (PhD) in Experimental Psychology (Research Course) – full-time
  • Oxford Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

Undergraduate Courses

  • MSci Experimental Psychology
  • BA or MSci Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics

Eligibility

  • A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in psychology or a related discipline.
  • Research or work experience in psychology may be an advantage.
  • Minimum IELTS score of 7.5/ TOEFL iBT of 110

Fees and Scholarships

The annual fees is £38,660. You will be automatically considered for most of the Oxford scholarships based on your application.

Intake Dates and Duration

  • Course begins: September 2025
  • Application deadline: December 2024
  • Duration: 10 months (one year)

Employability

With the reputation of the university, there is a lot of demand for its graduates. The overall employability rate is around 92%, within months after graduation. Most graduates undertake a DPhil (PhD) either within the department or within other departments of  the Medical Science Division. Others go on to pursue careers in consultancy and government.

2. University of Cambridge


Source: University of Cambridge

Set up in the early 13th century, the University of Cambridge has been a world leader in higher education for centuries in the UK. The university’s department of psychology, which is over a century old, has been at the forefront of research and academics in this discipline. For 2024, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings has placed Cambridge third in the world in the field of psychology. Over 93% of research projects coming out of this department has been deemed ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in REF 2021.

The master’s psychology degrees at the University of Cambridge are one-year research based courses which includes some coursework and primarily a research thesis with an individual supervisor.

Courses

  • MPhil in Biological Science (Psychology)
  • MPhil in Cognitive Neurosciences
  • MPhil in Psychology and Education

Undergraduate Course

  •  Psychological and Behavioural Sciences (PBS) Tripos [BA Hons, accredited by BPS]

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria to get into the master’s in psychology programme is as follows:

  • An undergraduate degree in psychology, neuroscience or other related subject with a minimum GPA of 3.5/4 or equivalent.
  • A research proposal with tentative approval from a prospective supervisor/ postgraduate administrator
  • Proof of English competency through IELTS/ TOEFL.

Fees and Scholarships

The fees for this programme for international students is £37,458. Besides scholarships and awards from external organisations, you can also apply to the following university/ college scholarships for financial aid.

  • Cambridge Trust
  • Gates Cambridge Trust
  • Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholarships
  • Trinity External Research Studentship
  • Commonwealth Cambridge Scholarships
  • Louis Cha Scholarship

Intake Dates and Duration

  • Course begins: October 2024
  • Application deadline: April 2024
  • Duration: 10 months (one year)

Employability

The university’s reputation for its quality of research means that graduates of this course are often quickly absorbed into different industries based on their research topics or continue to pursue a doctoral degree. The overall employability rate for the university stands at around 94% within three months of graduation.

3. University College London (UCL)


Source: UCL

Ranked 6th in the world by THE and 5th by QS for psychology, the UCL Division of Psychology and Language Sciences is one of the largest departments for psychological studies in the UK. The research and academics of this department delves into the varied aspects of psychology, ranging from behavioural studies, neuroscience and therapeutic intervention. They also have access to state of the art facilities for imaging, testing and simulations.

Courses

Postgraduate Degrees

  • Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy
    • Theoretical Psychoanalytical Studies MSc
    • Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Interventions for Common Mental Health Problems PG Cert
    • Clinical Psychology DClinPsy
    • Educational and Child Psychology DEdPsy
    • Clinical Associate in Psychology (Adult Mental Health) apprenticeship programme MSc
    • Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology MRes
    • Child and Adolescent Psychology and Neuroscience in Practice PG Dip
    • Developmental Psychology and Clinical Practice MSc
    • mental health team (CAMHS) where they are supervised by experienced practitioners.
    • Early Child Development and Clinical Applications MSc
    • Child and Young Persons Psychological Wellbeing Practice PG Dip
    • Child and Young Person IAPT Therapy PG Dip
    • Educational Mental Health Practitioner PG Dip
  • Cognition and Research Skills
    • Behaviour Change MSc
    • Cognitive and Decision Sciences MSc
    • Cognitive Neuroscience MSc
    • Cognitive Neuroscience MRes
    • Social Cognition: Research and Applications MSc
  • Developmental Psychology
    • Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology MRes
    • Developmental Psychology and Clinical Practice MSc
    • Early Child Development and Clinical Applications MSc
    • Developmental Neuroscience and Mental Health MPhil/PhD
  • Neuroscience
    • Cognitive Neuroscience MSc
    • Cognitive Neuroscience MRes
    • Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology MRes
    • Language Sciences: Neuroscience of Language and Speech MSc
  • Human Computer Interaction MSc/ Pig Dip
  • Psychological Sciences (Conversion Course)
  • Behaviour Change MSc
  • Organisational Psychology MSc

Undergraduate Degree

  • BSc Psychology

Eligibility

  • Most of the courses mentioned above, except the Psychological Sciences Conversion Course, require you to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minimum overall CGPA of 7.75/10, 6.25/8.0, 5.75/7.0, 4.25/6.0, 3.3/4.0, or 60%.
  •  Minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or TOEFL iBT score of 96.
  • The programmes are highly selective and students with relevant work experience will be at an advantage.

Fees and Scholarships

The annual tuition fee for psychology masters ranges from £32,000 to £38,000 for international students. Besides the general university scholarships or from external sources, the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families offers a number of bursaries which are awarded based on academic ability and potential as well as on financial need.

Intake Dates and Duration

  • Application opens: October 2024
  • Application deadline : February 2025
  • Course begins: September 2025
  • Duration: Most MSc programmes take 1 year full-time or 2 years part time. However, any course that includes clinical practice will take 2 years full time to complete. It is also important to note that the part-time option is usually given only to UK students.

Employability

Accredited by the British Psychological Society, UCL’s masters in psychology programmes allow you to seek any career or pursue advanced professional training. Graduates of UCL’s courses have gone on to work for the NHS, in the field of education, civil service or even in the corporate world. Besides your knowledge of the discipline, you will also gain skills in areas of numeracy, IT literacy, data-management, time-management and research.

4. King’s College London


Source: King’s College

Set up in 1829 under the patronage of King George IV, King’s College London ranks 8th in the world for psychological studies. The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences works closely with the NIH, conducting research on mental health and other neurological disorders. Besides the range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, the Department of Psychology also offer clinical training programmes for mental health professionals including diplomas and certificates in CBT Psychosis, Family & Early Intervention, high intensity Adult IAPT training, CYP IAPT (Children & Young People) training and IAPT for Long Term Conditions/Medically Unexplained Symptoms.

Courses

Postgraduate Courses:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapies (Adult IAPT PGDip)
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis (PG Dip)
  • Developmental Psychology and Psychopathology MSc
  • Global Mental Health MSc (jointly run by King’s College London and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine)
  •  Health Psychology MSc

Undergraduate Courses:

  • BSc Psychology
  • iBSc Neuroscience

Eligibility

  • Bachelor’s degree with 2:1 honours in Psychology accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) or its international equivalent
  • Students applying from outside the UK must check if they qualify for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC)
  • Minimum IELTS score of 7.0/ TOEFL iBT of 100/ Pearson Test of English Score of 69

Fees and Scholarships

The tuition fee is £37,368 per year. While there are no separate scholarships applicable for the School of Mental Health, you can consider applying for UCL bursaries or the British Council Scholarships designed for international students.

Intake Dates and Duration

Application Deadline: July
Course begins: September
Duration: 1 year

Employability

On completion of the BPS accredited courses, graduates can continue their postgraduate training (BPS Stage 2) in order to practise in the UK. From clinical training to research and teaching, you can build a career in a variety of roles. Recent graduates of King’s College’s masters programmes have found employment in St Martins, Turning Point, Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Royal College of Psychiatrists, National University of Singapore, University of Auckland and NHS Scotland.

5. University of Edinburgh


Source: University of Edinburgh

Located in the capital of Scotland, the University of Edinburgh has a history and legacy of over 400 years. One of the best universities in the UK for psychology, it is ranked 25th in the world. The School of Philosophy, Psychology & Language Sciences is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to its subject areas. According to QS world university rankings 2023, all the subjects taught in this school are ranked within the top 10 in the UK and top 30 in the world.

Courses

Postgraduate Programmes

  • MSc Developmental Science
  • MSc Evolution of Language & Cognition
  • MSc Human Cognitive Neuropsychology
  • MSc Psychology of Individual Differences
  • MSc Psychological Research
  • MSc Psychology of Language
  • MSc by Research
  • MSc Social Psychology
  • Psychology of Mental Health (Conversion) MSc

Undergraduate Programmes and Joint Degrees

  • BSc Psychology
  • Psychology and Business (MA)
  • Psychology and Economics (MA)
  • Psychology and Linguistics (MA)
  • Philosophy and Psychology (MA)
  • Sociology and Psychology (MA)

Eligibility

  • A 2:1 UK bachelor’s degree in the field of psychology or its international equivalent. FOr Indian students, it typically translates to a minimum of 70% in a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
  • For the conversion course, you can have an undergraduate degree in any field.
  • Minimum IELTS requirement of 7.0/ TOEFL iBT of 100/ other equivalent English exam scores
  • A carefully researched statement of purpose
  • Letters of recommendation

Fees and Scholarships

The tuition fees for these programmes range from £27,000 to £36,000 depending on your choice of specialisations. There are no specific scholarships for international students in the The School of Philosophy, Psychology & Language Sciences. However, you can apply for general funding opportunities that are available for all postgraduate students.

Intake Dates and Duration

  • Application opens: October 2023
  • Application Closes: April 2024
  • Course Begins: September 2024
  • Duration: 1-2 years (depending on specialisation/ full-time/ part-time modules)

Employability

In addition to pursuing a career in psychology and its associated fields, you will also gain transferable skills that can be applied in fields such as human resources, research design, data management and processing or even statistical modelling. The Career Services cell of the university provides tailored advice for individual students, and assists in getting internship, networking and employment opportunities.

6. London School of Economics and Political Science


Source: LSE

A public research university and a member institution of the University of London, the London School of Economics is also a member of the prestigious Russell Group of Institutions. The Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science emphasises on real world questions and direct societal impact. It is an interdisciplinary faculty that brings together varied branches of the discipline such as social psychology, behavioural economics, political psychology, organisational culture, consumer behaviour, public engagement, community development, and global health, happiness and well-being. This department is ranked 46th in the world by THE.

Courses

Postgraduate Courses:

  • MSc Psychology of Economic Life
  • MSc Organisational and Social Psychology
  • MSc Social and Cultural Psychology
  • MSc Behavioural Science
  • MSc Social and Public Communication

Undergraduate Programme:

  • BSc Psychological and Behavioural Science

Eligibility

  • Upper second class honours degree in psychology or a related field (CGPA of 3.3/ 4 or a minimum of 65% from a recognised institution)
  • Minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 100 is required.
  • Your application is assessed based on your academic transcripts, statement of purpose, CV and your letters of recommendation.

Fees and Scholarships

The tuition fees for overseas students is around £25,920. You can apply for any of LSE’s Graduate Support Scheme, Master’s Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships that you are eligible for.

Intake Dates and Duration

This course at LSE has rolling admissions which means applications are accepted throughout the year. So, considering the competition, it is important that you apply at the earliest. It is a one-year full time programme that typically begins in September.

Employability

LSE psychology graduates  often build their careers in the following sectors.

  • Education, Teaching and Research
  • Information, Digital Technology and Data
  • Advertising, Marketing, PR, Media, Entertainment, Publishing and Journalism
  • Financial and Professional Services
  • FMCG, Manufacturing and Retail

The median average salary of master’s graduates 15 months after graduating is around £35,000.

7. Cardiff University


Source: Cardiff University

Beginning in 1883, Cardiff University is the only university in Wales that is part of the prestigious Russell Group of research intensive institutions. Ranked among the top ten departments of psychology in the country, Cardiff’s School of Psychology provides BPS accredited undergraduate, MSc and professional doctorate programmes.

Courses

Postgraduate Courses:

  • Psychology MSc (Conversion course)
  • Children’s Psychological Disorders MSc
  • Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies PgDip
  • Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies PgCert
  • Social Science Research MSc/PgDip

Undergraduate Programmes:

  • BSc Psychology with optional professional placement

Eligibility

For the master’s programmes

  • An undergraduate degree in psychology from a recognised university with a minimum score of 70%.
  • Minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent

Fees and Scholarships

The tuition fees for MSc Psychology is around £28,200. You can apply for the Master’s Excellence Scholarships, UK Government master’s funding or the Alumni Discount Scheme.

Intake Dates and Duration

  • Application Opens: September 2023
  • Deadline: June 2024
  • Start Date: September 2024
  • Duration: 1 year full-time

Employability

Besides the academic/ research path, Cardiff graduates have gone on to build careers in the field of mental health services, education, health and social care, justice, charity work and policy making.

8. University of Birmingham


Source: University of Birmingham

One of the founding members of the Russel Group, the University of Birmingham is one of the top universities in UK for masters in psychology. The School of Psychology, which is a community of over 1,500 academics, researchers and students, provides undergraduate, postgraduate and research courses to its students.

Courses

Taught MSc Programmes

  • Cognitive Neuroimaging and Data Science
  • Computational Neuroscience & Cognitive Robotics
  • Developmental Science and Neurodiversity
  • Mental Health
  • Philosophy, Mental Health and Psychology
  • Psychology

Clinical Courses

  • Clinical Psychology Doctorate (ClinPsyD)
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy High Intensity Postgraduate Diploma
  • Forensic Clinical Psychology Doctorate (ForenClinPsyD)

Forensic courses

  • Forensic Psychology Practice Doctorate (ForenPsyD)
  • Forensic Psychology Practice Doctorate (CPD route)
  • Forensic Clinical Psychology Doctorate (ForenClinPsyD)

Undergraduate Programmes

  • BSc Psychology
  • BSc Human Neuroscience
  • MSci Psychology and Psychological Practice

Eligibility

The standard requirements for the master’s programmes are

  • Honours degree (at least 2:1 or equivalent) in Psychology or its international equivalent
  • At least a 2:1 (or equivalent) in the research dissertation
  • Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or other equivalent test scores

Fees and Scholarships

The annual fee is £23,850. You can apply to the Birmingham Masters Scholarship or the Postgraduate Progression Award for financial aid.

Intake Dates and Duration

  • Programme begins: September/ October
  • Duration: 1 year full time/ 2 years part time

Employability

A wide range of career options are available ranging from research to practice. This programme develops key analytical and research skills that are also transferable and can be used across industries.

9. University of Bristol


Source: University of Bristol

Ranked 7th overall in the UK for graduate employability, the University of Bristol is another member of the prestigious Russell Group of Universities. The School of Psychology works towards delivering original and world changing research into human behaviour, emotions and understanding. With nearly 34% of its student population being international, it is one of the best universities in UK for masters in psychology.

Courses

Postgraduate Courses:

  • MRes/ PhD in Experimental Psychology
  • MSc Clinical Neuropsychology
  • MSc Psychology (Conversion)
  • MSc Psychology of Education (Conversion)

Undergraduate Programs:

  • BSc Psychology (3 years)
  • MSci Psychology with Innovation (4 years)
  • MSci Psychology with Neuroscience (4 years)

Eligibility

  • An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in any subject for the conversion courses.
  • Minimum IELTS score of 7.5 or TOEFL iBT of 103 or equivalent

Fees and Scholarships

The tuition fee for international students is £27,900 per year. If seeking financial aid, you can consider applying to the GREAT Scholarships: India.

Intake Dates and Duration

  • Application deadline: 24 July 2024
  • Programme begins: September 2024

This course typically takes one year to complete, if you choose the full-time module. However, it is also one of the few 2 year masters courses in UK, if you do it part-time.

Employability

Successful completion of Bristol’s accredited psychology masters will make you eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society. This is the first step required to branch out into many professional pathways including chartered psychologists specialising in fields such such as linical, educational, health, sport, counselling, forensic, occupational, neuro, research or forensic psychology. The overall graduate employability rate of the university hovers between 94 and 96%.

10. University of Kent


Source: University of Kent

A research-led university with over 40 specialist research centres, the University of Kent is another popular choice for masters in psychology in UK. With programmes recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the School of Psychology is regarded as a European leader for masters and research, particularly in the fields of cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, forensic psychology and social psychology.

Courses

Postgraduate Programmes:

  • MSc Clinical Psychology in UK
  • MSc/ PhD in Cognitive/ Neuropsychology
  • MSc in Developmental Psychology
  • MSc/ PhD in Forensic Psychology
  • PG Dip/ MSc in Organisational and Business Psychology
  • MSc Psychology Conversion UK
  • MSc/ PhD Social Psychology

Undergraduate Programmes

  • BSc (Hons) Business Psychology
  • BSc (Hons) Psychology
  • BSc (Hons) Psychology with Clinical Psychology
  • BSc (Hons) Psychology with Forensic Psychology

Eligibility

  • A minimum of 2.1 merit in a bachelor’s programme according to the UK system or its international equivalent. For Indian students, it typically translates to about 70% in bachelor’s degree.
  • Some specialisations require you to have a psychology undergraduate degree and university level knowledge of statistics.
  • For the clinical psych programme, you must have applied for or have the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society.
  • Minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.5 or TOEFL iBT score of 90 is required.

Fees and Scholarships

The tuition fee for international students can range from £18,000 to £20,000, depending on your specialisation. You can apply to any of the following scholarships if deemed eligible.

  • Chevening Scholarships
  • Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship
  • Colt Foundation Fellowships in Occupational/Environmental Health
  • Commonwealth Shared Scholarship
  • ERC-funded studentships in Psychology
  • Kent Emergency Student Loan (KESL)
  • Leverhulme-funded studentship in Psychology
  • School of Psychology Research Scholarships
  • Signature Research Theme Scholarship: Migration and Movement – Culture, Migration and Mental Health
  • Snowdon Masters Scholarships
  • The Wellcome Trust

Intake Dates and Duration

  • Course begins: September 2024
  • Duration: One year, full-time

Employability

The most common career path is for graduates to take up roles as assistant psychologists with the NHS on their path to become professionals in their fields. In addition to the subject knowledge, you will also learn analytical skills, in depth research methodologies and problem solving skills that can be applied across industries.

Other top universities in UK for Masters in Psychology

While we have looked at the best universities in UK for masters in psychology, it is also important to understand that there is fierce competition for admissions. So, here are some more options that you can consider, all ranked in the top 100 universities for psychology in the world.

World Rank University
69 University of Manchester
74 University of Glasgow
86 University of York
92 University of St Andrews
95 University of Nottingham
100 Birkbeck, University of London
101 – 125 University of Exeter
101 – 125 University of Warwick
101 – 125 University of Sheffield
101 – 125 University of Southampton
101 – 125 University of Sussex

Cost of studying Masters in Psychology in UK


As an international student, especially if you are from India, it is important to know at least a ballpark figure of how much this might cost. So, let us take a look.

Note: The figures shown in the table below are averages and approximations to give you a general idea. The actual costs can vary depending on your selection of courses, the universities and the city that you will be living in.

Cost Amount in Pounds
(Approx figures per year)
Masters in Psychology UK Fees £18,000 – £40,000
Rent (On Campus) £4,000 – £7,000
Rent (Off campus, shared living) London – £9,000
Rest of UK – £6,700
Food £1,800 – £2,200
Transport £1,000
Health Insurance £470
Utilities £650 – £800
Average Total Living Expenses £14,400 – £16,800

Scholarships

Scholarship options for psychology masters programs in UK have been listed along with the respective universities. However, here are some of the common government scholarships for Indian students.

  • GREAT scholarships
  • Chevening Scholarships
  • Commonwealth Scholarships
  • Felix Scholarships
  • Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT)
  • Global Study Awards
  • Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Awards
  • Study a Master’s in Europe Scholarship
  • UNESCO Scholarships

Eligibility for Masters in Psychology in UK


To sum up the eligibility criteria, this is what you will need to apply for an MA in clinical psychology in UK or any other masters degree in the field of psychology.

  • An undergraduate degree in psychology with at least about 70% from a recognised university.
  • If you are applying for a conversion programme, your bachelor’s degree can be in any field.
  • Relevant work experience is not mandatory but it will set your application apart from others.
  • For programmes involving a research project, some universities expect you to reach out to prospective supervisors and seek approval before admission.
  • Meet English language requirements through IELTS or TOEFL.
  • A well thought out personal statement and letters of recommendation along with a CV.

Frequently asked questions


How many years is Masters in Psychology in UK?

Typically, a master’s in psychology is one year along. However, the clinical programmes can take up to two years to complete. If you choose the part-time option (if available), it will also take two years to complete.

How much does it cost to get a Masters in Psychology in the UK?

As mentioned earlier, the tuition can cost anywhere from £18,000 to £40,000 per academic year, depending on the university. To this, you should add additional costs of about £14,000 to £16,000 as your annual budget for your life in the UK.

What are the careers after a masters in psychology from UK?

Some of the roles directly based on your degree include

  • Clinical psychologist
  • Counselling psychologist
  • Education mental health practitioner
  • Educational psychologist
  • Forensic psychologist
  • Further education teacher
  • Health psychologist
  • High intensity therapist
  • Occupational psychologist
  • Psychological wellbeing practitioner
  • Sport and exercise psychologist.

Source: prospects.ac.uk

Besides these roles, you can also build a career in HR, business management, policy making, social research, life coaching, mediation and negotiation and so on.

Can I practice as a psychologist in the UK after a Masters?

Yes, as long as you are registered as a Chartered Member of the BPS. However, to practise as an independent clinical psychologist, you must complete a 3-year doctorate in Clinical Psychology approved by the Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC).

Can I work as a psychologist after an MA in Psychology?

At the graduate level, almost all UK universities offer psychology as an MSc/ MRes/ MPhil/ PhD degrees, after which you can work as a psychologist.

Can I work as a psychologist in India after a MSc in Psychology from UK?

Can you work for an organisation in a corporate/ professional capacity? Absolutely yes.
However, if you want to run your own clinic or practice as a clinical psychologist, then there is a snag. The governing body for clinical psychologists in India is the RCI (Rehabilitation Council as India). To be licensed by the RCI, you must have a master’s in psychology and a two-year MPhil/ professional diploma in Clinical Psych. The problem with MSc Clinical Psychology UK is that it is a one-year programme. So, you will have to do a further year of study in India or do the UK doctorate.

Do I need a licence to practice as  a psychologist in UK?

Yes. To practice as a clinical or a counselling psychologist in the UK, you must be licensed under the HCPC.

What can you do with a masters in clinical psychology?

To be fully licensed as a clinical psychologist in the UK requires a doctorate. However, you can gain work experience by working in hospitals, healthcare centres, schools, primary medical centres or assisting fully licensed clinical psychologists.

Can an Indian psychologist practice in UK?

Yes, an Indian psychologist can practise in the UK after registering with the HCPC. Practising  without HCPC approval is breaking the law.

How to apply to UK universities with TC Global?


While studying MSc Psychology in UK can be very thrilling, the prep and paperwork of it all can get overwhelming. The easiest way to reduce your stress is to sign up with TC Global.

We simplify international education, learning, and mobility through connecting students, universities, and a global community on a single platform where there are over 1000+ education providers and over 80,000+ courses.

Our platform enables students to study anywhere in the world in just a few steps. From search and discovery and finding the right course fit for you, to application process, student visas and departure – we see you through it all.

To move forward with us, download our app or visit tcglobal.com and sign in to create an account on our student platform and onboard with us in quick, easy steps.! 🚀

Then simply set up a visit Calendly.com/tcglobal to pick a Relationships Team closest to you and choose a slot to meet with a Relationship Member.

Let’s shape your future together.

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Date added
27.02.2024

Filed under:

Global Ed

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