Psychology

Why study Psychology at Aberystwyth University? 

Friendly and Inclusive 

We believe potential is unlocked when people are given the right opportunities. That’s why we welcome students from all backgrounds into a friendly, inclusive, supportive environment where they can thrive. Our aim is to help every student grow into a confident, resilient individual, ready to succeed in their future careers or further study.

Small group teaching in seminars allows for a good staff/student ratio and a more personalised and interactive learning experience. Quiet learning environments are available for individual study within the Department.

When you join us, you will be assigned a personal tutor who will support you throughout your degree and is there to advise and guide you on a range of academic and personal matters. 

Student Satisfaction 

At Aberystwyth, we work with you to help you become informed and curious thinkers. We use our teaching and research experience to inspire you and to give you the skills and confidence to do whatever you wish to do in the future.  

We are ranked in the Top 10 Psychology departments in the UK for academic support (National Student Survey, 2025).

Exceptional Resources 

The department’s modern research facilities and outstanding student learning spaces support an innovative approach to learning and teaching. 

You can practise your research skills using specialised equipment and software throughout your degree, and our laboratories and research spaces provide you with an array of facilities and equipment to explore. Our facilities include eye-tracking software, EEG (electroencephalography), sound-attenuated chamber, a driving simulator, counselling rooms and a child development laboratory.

Research-led teaching

You’ll be taught by a passionate team of lecturers who are also active researchers. Their research informs our teaching, and provides excellent opportunities for your own final year research project.

Variety of modules

We offer a wide range of modules that allow you to explore the varied aspects of Psychology, including optional modules such as the psychology of humour, drugs and behaviour, psychology of language, psychology of ageing, clinical psychology and forensic psychology.

Accredited courses

Our Psychology courses are accredited by The British Psychological Society, in recognition of their quality, which is widely acknowledged by employers on the field. On graduation, you’ll be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the society.

If you wish to pursue a career in psychology or in the wider psychological field, studying a BPS accredited course is essential. 

Work experience

We offer an optional work placement module in years 2 and 3 where you can develop your theoretical skills and put them into practice in the workplace setting (minimum 20 hours).

If you would prefer an extended period of work experience, we offer the four-year Psychology (with integrated year in industry) (WF7F).

Study abroad

Our students benefit from international exchange agreements with universities in Australia, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, Malaysia and North America, so you can apply to spend all or part of your second year studying psychology overseas.

Alternatively, you can choose our four-year Psychology (with integrated year studying abroad) (N1FW), spending three years in Aberystwyth and a year abroad at one of our partner universities.

Welsh Language 

If you are a Welsh-speaker you have the opportunity to conduct part of your studies in Welsh. You’ll find bilingual staff in Psychology who will support you in your work, and who can guide your university experience in Welsh. You’ll also be assigned a Welsh-speaking personal tutor for your time at university.

Our Staff

Department of Psychology’s teaching staff are all research active and all permanent staff are qualified to PhD level with most having either a PGCTHE or are fellows/senior fellow of the higher education academy. Over half of the staff also have the qualification CPsychol; an indicator of the BPS’ highest standard of psychological knowledge and expertise.

Following the foundation year, the syllabus of this course is identical to the three-year Psychology (C800).

Your future is important to us and we offer many opportunities to support your training, including volunteering, placements and internships with organisations including NHS, Civil Service, charities and local services, year‑in‑industry options and strong links with employers across health, social care, education, marketing, and justice.

Transferable skills

We have embedded employability throughout this course to enable you to develop the transferrable skills needed to build a CV for a potential career in a psychology, counselling or other setting, including:

• effective research and data analysis
• critical thinking
• effective problem-solving
• ability to work independently and as part of a team
• ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner 
• self-motivation and independence 
• teamwork and project management skills 
• confidence in delivering presentations
• information technology skills. 

A degree in Psychology will prepare you for a range of careers, and access to wide range of further training opportunities including:

• clinical, educational, occupational, health, neuro, sports and exercise psychology
• psychotherapy and counselling
• social work
• health care
• human resources
• careers advisory service
• research
• marketing
• publishing
• advertising.