UniversityGuide2015 620


The quest to explain behaviour through the study of the human mind
A human brain
How does the brain work? Photograph: Bbs United/Getty Images

What will I learn?
Psychology is the study of the human mind to better understand how and
why people act the way they do. So, you might find yourself investigating how people become anorexic, how seemingly calm people turn violent, or why people prefer chocolate to sex (at least sometimes).

You'll look at the way the brain perceives and uses information, and how these processes change as you get older.

Your first year should provide a general grounding in general psychology, which will introduce you to the wonderful world of psychological statistics (maths GCSE is a must, but you don't need A-level, so you can relax).

From there you will look at child development, cognitive psychology, personality, memory, emotion and motivation, and modules that look at the social psychology of individuals and groups.

Some applied psychology programmes will give you the chance to spend a year working with a chartered psychologist, perhaps in healthcare or education. This will give you a vital insight into the profession if you are considering a career as a practitioner.

The subject can also be studied as a joint degree, often with a biological or medical subject, or perhaps with a language or with politics, journalism, or social work.

What skills will I gain?
You should graduate with a whole host of transferable skills and the foundation for a career as a psychologist.

You will have good research skills and will know how to interpret reams of data and suitably communicate the results.

You will have studied past research papers and theories, so will have plenty of background knowledge on which to draw for your own research – which you should have undertaken at least in your final year.

You should be able to demonstrate critical and independent thinking, and have good reasoning and problem-solving skills.

Work experience with a psychologist will demonstrate commitment and will offer a valuable insight into the profession, as well as handy contacts.

A good degree, a 2:1 or above, will mean you are well qualified to undertake further study in this area, in a related field or in something completely different.

What job can I get?
About a fifth of graduates go on to become practising psychologists, which will involve further study and practical training. There are a number of options to choose from. You could train to become a clinical, educational, forensic, health or occupational psychologist, depending on your particular interest.

For those less keen on a career in this field, there are plenty of other options because you'll have a good range of skills to impress employers – team work, reasoning skills and sensitivity among them.

Psychology graduates can be found in teaching, social work, the media, IT and healthcare.

What will look good on the CV?
• The ability to apply multiple perspectives to psychological issues.
• The ability to identify and evaluate general patterns of behaviour.
• Effective team-working skills.

For the full range of skills you can develop through a degree in psychology, click here (pdf).

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