There’s a tendency to discuss psychology as a single unified subject with a limited range of degree options, but this is far from the truth. There’s a huge variety of courses on offer if you choose to study psychology at university.
It’s true that some universities offer ‘pure’ BA or BSc Psychology courses, with perhaps one or two variations. Universities with more traditional courses often structure their programmes this way. However, other institutions deliver a wide variety of psychology-related degrees.
As a subject that touches on countless aspects of life, a psychology degree lends itself perfectly to combining with different subjects and a varying course structure.
In the UK, students can choose a joint honours course, allowing them to mix-and-match subjects that interest them. They can also decide between a taught, research or applied approach to the psychology elements of their degree.
Single or Joint Honours?
Many students will choose to study pure psychology for three or four years, with the option to specialise within the subject as they progress. This is called a single honours degree. However, you also have the option to pick a joint honours course. Joint honours degrees offer you the chance to combine two or more subjects and can be a great way to balance other academic interests.
Major/minor
A major/minor honours course in the UK, also known as a ‘with‘ degree, is very similar to the system that most US colleges use. You’ll pick one subject to study extensively and then take occasional modules from a second (and possibly even a third) subject.
This is a great option if you want to pursue a career in a specific psychological field or you’d like to gain additional experience in another subject. Oftentimes, the second subject will be closely related to psychology but it’s not a requirement.
You might like the sound of BSc Psychology with Finance (70:30 split) as it could open doors in the business world and serve as an amazing foundation for a career in occupational psychology.
Dual honours
Dual honours courses, or ‘and‘ degrees, combine modules from both of your chosen subjects, resulting in a relatively even split between the two. This is perfect if you’re looking to specialise in one field in particular or if you want a balance between two complementary subjects, e.g. a BA in Psychology and Neuroscience.
When choosing between a single or joint honours degree, it’s important to look into all the options available, thinking about what aligns best with your personal interests and goals.
There are so many courses to choose from so you’re sure to find a perfect match for you! If you’d like to explore a subject further before committing to a degree, browse our full range of summer courses for teenagers.
Taught, Research or Applied Psychology Courses?
At undergraduate level, psychology courses are usually structured in one of two ways. Taught courses are the most common style of degree, but research and applied psychology courses are also available.
Taught courses are a typical combination of lectures on key topics and seminars exploring more practical or niche areas. Depending on whether you chose to combine your psychology course with another subject or not, you could also have lab sessions on your timetable. The best way to get a feel for the taught courses you’re considering is by browsing the information provided on the university websites or by seeking out ‘Day in the Life’ articles from psychology students for a first-hand account of student life.
Research and applied psychology courses require you to spend a lot of time in lab or field settings, respectively. In this course structure, you’ll likely be expected to produce a piece of research or a portfolio as your main assessment each semester. You’ll still have lectures, but they’ll complement your practical learning rather than being the main event of your week.
Narrowing down your university choices and the type of psychology degree to pursue can seem like a major undertaking. However, if you research thoroughly and reflect on what you want to gain from your degree, you’re sure to find a course that’s right for you.
For more information on studying psychology at university, download our free Ultimate Guide to Studying Psychology, written by psychology students and designed to answer all your questions.
By Kylie Li
Kylie is reading Experimental Psychology at Queen’s College, University of Oxford. She is most interested in developmental and cognitive psychology, and how these can be applied to the education system.
