Psychology is the scientific examination of how the mind works. It explores mental patterns, behavior, and disorders and uses the knowledge to help people understand themselves.
The field of psychology is continuously evolving. Research uncovers something new about how our mind works every day. Because of this, the world needs qualified professionals who can turn these discoveries into solutions.
Working as a psychologist is challenging yet rewarding. There are many career options for you after graduation. Many opt to work as psychologists, social workers, human resource managers, or teachers. A few choose to work on their research and pursue doctorate degrees.
Employers from almost all industries need trained professionals who understand human behavior, so you will also find opportunities in non-clinical areas like advertising, criminal justice, public affairs, and marketing.
Getting a degree in Psychology is the first step to take if you want a career in psychology. It will help you understand the discipline at a deep level and develop skills that are highly prized by employers. Here are some of the best psychology schools in Europe that offer top-notch education.
Are Psychologists in Demand in Europe?
Yes, Europe is one of the major places where psychologists are always in demand. The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the importance of psychological support as people face increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Eurostat reports that there were over 350,000 psychologists in 37 European countries, with the highest numbers in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy. The field is expected to continue to grow as more people seek mental health support and the European Union emphasizes mental health in its policies.
If you are on the lookout for Psychology courses, check out our Open Courses page. If your mind is not set on one particular subject, please check out our catalog of available programs and explore your options to study in Europe.
Top Psychology Schools in Europe
1. University College London
The University College London (UCL) is the leading multidisciplinary university in the UK. It is a public university and has the largest population of postgraduate students. Aside from providing high-quality education, UCL is also known for being an innovative university. Its programs are influenced by the latest research and it constantly encourages its students to break boundaries in the pursuit of excellence.
Psychology degrees at UCL, which is considered to be among the best psychology schools in Europe, are accredited by the British Psychological Society. Undergraduates may enroll in the 3-year BSc in Psychology program. It provides a solid theoretical foundation to prepare you for any career in the field. By Year 2 and 3, you may choose from several elective options that interest you. Learning will involve attending lectures, completing coursework & laboratory exercises, and submitting a thesis.
For those at the Master’s level, UCL offers an MSc in Psychology with two tracks, research and applied. Students on the research track will focus on completing an independent research project. You have the opportunity to work alongside trained specialists at the UCL research lab and access their world-class facilities. On the other hand, students on the applied track will gain experience in a work environment and challenge themselves to apply their knowledge in a specific setting.
2. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is the most widely recognized school in the UK. Top students from over 100 countries apply for admission every year because it upholds the highest standards for education and research.
Undergraduate psychology is offered as a 3-year BA in Psychology, Philosophy, and Linguistics. Qualified students may also study it as a 4-year MSci, with the additional year dedicated to conducting a clinically-focused project. Since the three disciplines are closely connected, the university designed this program to study them together. Students typically choose two out of the three disciplines to study, but the university may grant you permission to study all three depending on your academic performance.
Oxford also offers two programs at the Master’s level, namely a 12-month MSc in Psychological Research and a 24-month MSc by Research in Experimental Psychology. Aspiring scientist-practitioners can take part in a 4-year DPhil in Experimental Psychology, which prepares you for leadership roles at your workplace.
3. University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is a leader in science education in the Netherlands. It is a public research university, with over 3,000 researchers conducting cutting-edge research on a variety of topics. As they educate the younger generations, the faculty at UvA aims to develop curious minds and unrelenting spirits among their students, driving them to always find solutions and contribute to society.
As an excellent psychology school in Europe, UvA offers a 3-year BSc in Psychology. The university believes that being a critical researcher is an important skill that every psychologist should have, so expect to do several activities that will hone your academic writing skills. During Year 3, you will complete a Bachelor’s thesis during the first half and participate in an exchange program during the next.
The university also offers a 2-year Research Master’s program in Psychology. This was designed for students who are highly motivated to do academic research and features advanced courses on methodology, statistics, and scientific writing. Students also have the option to pursue specializations in major areas, including Brain & Cognition, Clinical Psychology, and Developmental Psychology, among others.
4. Karolinska Institute
Karolinska Institute (KI), also known as Karolinska Institutet, is known as one of the best medical schools in Sweden. It operates on two campuses strategically situated close to the Karolinska University Hospital. It is a highly selective school that welcomes only 6,000 students every year.
The psychology program in KI can be studied as a 3-year Bachelor’s degree or a 5-year Master’s degree. The curriculum is deeply rooted in the medical sciences, making it the best choice for those who want to be clinical psychologists. The first three years of study are dedicated to exploring the basics of the discipline, while Years 4 and 5 focus on clinical applications and completing a degree project.
5. University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is the first civic university in England. The founders believed in applying scientific principles to improve existing occupations and started by providing education at the Mechanics Institute. Carrying this belief through the years, the university expanded its reach and started to develop programs in several disciplines, including medicine, law, and the humanities.
With the University of Manchester being among the best psychology schools in Europe, psychology degrees are employment-focused. The 3-year BSc in Psychology involves lectures, practical sessions, and small group tutorials that encourage you to actively explore theories in the field while developing critical skills. Manchester is also one of the few universities that have a mandatory 30-hour work placement to ensure all students gain relevant work experience.
Master-level psychology at the university is designed for specific career paths so students can choose the best program for their goals. There are several to choose from, the most popular being MSc Clinical & Health Psychology. MRes in Experimental Psychology, MSc in Forensic Psychology, and MSc in Business Psychology are also available, among others.
We hope that you found this article on the best psychology schools in Europe informative and helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
