Master's in Psychology in UK 2025: Universities, Courses, Eligibility

Before we can head towards the top universities in the UK for a Master's in Psychology, let’s first analyze why the UK is the preferred choice:

Top Universities for Studying Psychology 

The UK is home to some of the best universities offering Psychology programs. As per the QS Ranking 2025 for Psychology, 15 of the top 100 universities for studying psychology in the world are from the UK.

Diverse Choices

The UK has over 1000+ psychology-related courses, thus providing better educational opportunities and choices for students. Students can also choose between different types of Master’s in Psychology degrees in the UK, including MA, MSc, MRes, etc.

Future Scope for Psychology in UK

The UK offers wide career opportunities for international students after pursuing a Master’s in Psychology. The rate of employability is high as trained psychologists are in demand across different sectors.

High Return on Investment

Psychology is one of the highest-paying jobs in the UK. An assistant Psychologist earns up to £24,707/ year basic pay, and an experienced psychologist earns up to £50,000+, depending on the job position.

The UK is home to several top universities offering MS in Psychology programs, including the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and UCL, all highly ranked globally. These institutions provide flexible intake options with varying application deadlines. Other notable universities, such as King’s College London, LSE, and the University of Edinburgh, also offer strong MSc Psychology programs with rolling admissions or specific deadlines. These top universities provide students with exceptional opportunities for advanced psychology studies, supported by world-class research and faculty.

Below, we’ve listed the best universities for Master's in Psychology in UK along with their QS rankings, intakes, and application deadlines:

University of Oxford

Oxford University is one of the best places to pursue a Master's in Psychology in the UK. The university offers the best facilities that are in line with international standards. The MSc programs at the University aim to provide a high level of expertise and research-based learning for graduating students.

University of Cambridge

With a focus on cognitive, developmental, and social psychology, Cambridge's MPhil in Psychology course gives a firm foundation in experimental research. The course includes interdisciplinary exposure in neuroscience, linguistics, and artificial intelligence together with intense training in statistics and methodology. It is ideal for those who wish to pursue work in research or those who plan to obtain a PhD.

University College London (UCL)

The Psychology program provided by UCL is aimed at helping students who wish to study psychology for the first time or want to continue deeper studies in this field. Accredited by the British Psychological Society, this course is ideal for international students looking to make a career in various psychological fields, such as educational, clinical, and more.

King’s College London

King’s College is the leading institution in global mental health research. The college offers several programs related to mental health. The MSc program equips students with relevant knowledge in the field through both theoretical and empirical research. Students studying here also benefit immensely from a range of clinical placements.

London School of Economics and Political Science

The London School of Economics is well known for its Psychology courses as well. The university has a range of Psychology courses to choose from for international students. These courses can be availed of either full-time or part-time based on the student’s interest. The teaching staff all come from well-experienced experts to provide the valuable insights needed for such a course.

University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh MSc Psychology of Mental Health degree is unique in having a clinical focus and the capacity to balance psychological theory with practice. Placements, research-led learning, and the university's partnerships with mental health and NHS organizations all benefit students. With a focus on critical thinking and reflection, this course delves into contemporary issues such as trauma, addiction, and cultural psychiatry. This program is ideal for you if you wish to seek further clinical training or a professional career in mental health services.

University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is another popular university that offers a diverse range of Psychology courses. It is one of the best places to study MSc Clinical Psychology UK. International students receive assistance from experts associated with the mental well-being of the outside community. This gives you better exposure that can enhance your learning.

University of Bristol

The University of Bristol's MSc Psychology course is world-famous for its focus on scientific methodology and hands-on research skills in areas like decision-making, neuropsychology, and cognitive neuroscience. It's being coupled with world-class laboratory facilities and the opportunity to be involved in active research groups from the very start are the things that distinguish it. The course also offers first-rate training in experimental methods and statistical modeling. For those who want to create a strong academic background before going on to obtain a PhD or become career researchers, it's ideal.

University of Warwick

Another good option for MSc Clinical Psychology UK is the University of Warwick. The laboratory facilities provided by the Psychology department of the university are considered to be the best in the United Kingdom. Warwick is also known to provide advanced technology to assist research better.

University of Birmingham

The flexibility and excellent research-led instruction in cognitive, biological, and developmental psychology make the University of Birmingham's MSc Psychology program stand out. Through optional modules, students can customize their experience and collaborate closely with top researchers on a stand-alone project. Modern neuroimaging facilities and access to the Centre for Human Brain Health are special features. For those who want to connect their undergraduate studies with advanced research or applied psychology practice, this is a fantastic option.

University of Glasgow

If you’re interested, but don’t have a background in psychology, the University of Glasgow's MSc Psychology (Conversion) is ideal.The curriculum here focuses on the core areas of cognitive, developmental, and biological psychology through research methods and critical thinking. With linkages to industry, education, and healthcare, its emphasis on practical application is a valuable feature. It's an excellent beginning for both professional education and further academic pursuits due to its exposure to advanced laboratories and experienced faculty.

In the UK, an MSc in Psychology trains you in understanding human behavior, research methods, and different psychological perspectives. You also study neuroscience, statistics, and clinical practices to build strong analytical and practical skills. So, a Master's in Psychology is not a humanities course, but also well-equipped with science. 

With the main program, you’ll also have electives, or minors, like:

• Brain Behaviour and Cognitive Neuroscience: Understanding brain functions and cognitive processes.
• Statistics: Learning data analysis techniques for psychological research.
• Research: Developing skills in experimental design and scientific inquiry.
• Social Psychology: Exploring how social interactions shape thoughts and behaviors.
• Developmental Psychology: Studying human growth and changes across life stages.
• Clinical Psychology: Understanding mental health disorders and treatment approaches.
• Evolutionary and Comparative Psychology: Examining psychological traits through an evolutionary lens.
• Perceptual Psychology: Investigating how humans perceive and interpret the world.

Master’s psychology courses in the UK combine theory and practical learning, helping you understand human behavior, mental health, and how psychology applies in real-life situations. 

Here are the top Psychology courses in the UK for a Master’s degree:

Children’s Psychology

Under children’s psychology, you learn how to support children with different developmental, neurological, and mental challenges.

Business & Organisational Psychology

In this, you use psychology to improve workplace productivity, employee well-being, and business success.

Clinical Psychology

This helps you develop skills to help individuals, families, and communities with mental health care.

Cognitive Psychology

Under cognitive psychology, you study how people think, remember, make decisions, and use language.

Criminal Psychology

In this, you try to understand why crimes happen by exploring the thoughts and emotions behind criminal behavior.

Developmental Psychology

Here, you explore how people grow and change throughout life, mentally, emotionally, and socially.

Psychology Conversion Courses

Psychology conversion courses are ideal for students from other fields who want to start a career in psychology.

MRes Psychology

This focuses on research projects across different areas of psychology.

MA Psychology

The most general branch, this teaches you about counselling and psychology from a humanities perspective for clinical use.

Eligibility for your Master's in Psychology includes a bachelor’s degree with a 60-70% score, an English proficiency test score, and a GRE, only if required by the university. While these requirements differ from one university to the next, these are the standard eligibility criteria to follow:

Eligibility Criteria

• A bachelor's degree in Psychology, Science, or Social Science with a score of around 60-70%.
• An honours degree in Psychology or a related field.
• A minimum IELTS score of 7.0.
• Achieving a Grade C or 4 in GCSE Mathematics.
• Relevant work experience for certain courses.
• A valid UK student visa and passport.

Documents Required 

To apply for a Master's in Psychology in the UK, you need to prepare essential documents. These items validate your identity, academic achievements, language proficiency, and experience, ensuring a comprehensive application package. You need the following documents to apply for a Master's in Psychology in the UK:

• Recent passport-size photograph
• A valid passport
• Completed application form
• Updated CV or resume
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Official academic transcripts
• Original Bachelor’s degree transcripts
• English language test score sheets (e.g., IELTS)
• Evidence of work experience, if applicable

The cost of studying for a Master's in Psychology in the UK is GBP 20,000 to GBP 50,000 (INR 23 lakhs to INR 58 lakhs). In addition to this, the cost of living in the UK as an international student can range from GBP 10,000 to GBP 15,000 yearly. Tuition fees in the UK are usually the biggest cost, but you can alleviate that with the help of scholarships. Let’s discuss these in detail:

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for a Master’s in Psychology in the UK can range from GBP 20,000 to GBP 50,000 (INR 23 lakhs to INR 58 lakhs). Universities like Oxford and Cambridge are usually more expensive because of their elite status, in comparison to those of Edinburgh and Birmingham. 

Some top universities for a Master’s in Psychology in the UK and their tuition fees are:

Monthly Living Expense

Managing monthly expenses in the UK as an international student can range from GBP 1000 to GBP 1500 monthly (INR 1.15 lakhs to INR 1.7 lakhs), depending on your lifestyle and how you allocate your resources. It is important to budget well in advance, because your rent prices are going to be very high. 

Check out some expense details for studying a Master’s in Psychology in the UK, such as accommodation, food, and other expenses below:

Several UK universities offer scholarships for a Master's in Psychology, including Chevening, Commonwealth, and university-specific grants like those from King's College London and the University of Edinburgh. For Indian students, you can apply directly for the scholarships during the time of your application, or apply separately if it’s the case with government or private organisation scholarships. 

Here are the top scholarships to pursue a Master’s in Psychology in the UK:

After graduating from the UK with a master's in psychology, you can pursue roles like an assistant or clinical psychologist, researcher, lecturer, or counsellor, or work in healthcare, education, and organisational consultancy. The average salary after your MS in Psychology will be around GBP 30,000 to GBP 60,000 annually (INR 34 lakhs to INR 70 lakhs). You should consider internships and volunteer opportunities to build your experience, and by networking and engaging in continuous professional development.

Top job roles and their average salaries after a master's in psychology are:

Start your journey towards pursuing a Master's in Psychology in the UK with Yocket premium. The UK offers the perfect student destination, with promising job opportunities, a versatile educational approach, and excellent growth potential in this field. Make an informed decision by considering your needs carefully. For expert guidance at every step of your study abroad process, connect with our experienced counsellors