International College

Study psychology

Understand how people think and why they act. Consider the centuries-old questions of free will vs determinism and nature vs nurture. 

Psychology at the University of Sheffield

The Department of Psychology conducts world-leading research, driving innovation and changing lives. Teaching is delivered by inspiring academics and students have access to the latest learnings. 

Psychology degree options at the University of Sheffield

The University of Sheffield offers the following related degrees:

Department of Psychology rankings

World Top 100
for Psychology
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021

Degree preparation at the International College

The University of Sheffield International College offers specialist university preparation for international students. On our pathway programmes, you will study key subject modules to prepare you for your degree, while also building confidence in your English language and study skills. Whether you are aiming for undergraduate or postgraduate study, you will have the confidence to succeed once you progress to the University of Sheffield.

Your pathways to studying at the University of Sheffield:

Entry requirements

International Foundation Year 

  • 2 semester programme: Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.0 with minimum 5.0 in writing (minimum of 4.0 in other skills)
  • 1.5 semester programme: Academic IELTS for UKVI 6.0 (minimum 5.0 in all skills)

Pre-Masters

  • 2 semester programme: Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.5 (minimum 5.5 in all skills)
  • 1.5 semester programme: Academic IELTS for UKVI 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in all skills)

Why study psychology?

Psychology is a fascinating subject which trains you in a number of transferrable skills. Benefits of studying psychology include:

Learning that there is no atypical mind and understanding the motives of others will allow you to be more compassionate and communicate better with others.

A psychology degree will give you the chance to conduct independent research, considering ethical implications, analysing the results, and presenting your findings in a constructive way. These written and verbal communication skills are essential in a number of jobs.

You will learn to make judgements from an objective standpoint, analysing facts to come to reasoned conclusions.

What can I do with a psychology degree?

When you graduate from the University of Sheffield, you will be able to choose from a range of challenging and rewarding careers.

Psychology careers include:

  • clinical psychologist
  • counselling psychologist
  • occupational psychologist
  • sport and exercise psychologist.

Related careers include:

  • life coach
  • mediator
  • psychotherapist.

Psychology FAQs

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and human behaviour. It explores conscious and unconscious thought and feeling. It includes many sub-fields such as human development, forensic psychology, educational psychology, and clinical psychology.

You can study psychology at university by meeting certain entry requirements. Grade requirements are different depending on what university you want to go to. Typically A Level results required are BBB. If you’re an international student who wants to study psychology in the UK, but doesn’t meet the requirements or just wants to be better prepared for university, you can study the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, which will prepare you for a psychology degree at the University of Sheffield.

With a psychology degree, you can pursue a variety of careers as a psychologist. As an occupational psychologist, you could earn a starting salary between £18,000 and £29,000 and eventually earn in excess of £80,000 at senior level. As a clinical psychologist, you could earn £30,401 as a trainee, rising in excess of £89,000 if you progress to a head of psychology.

An undergraduate psychology degree in the UK typically lasts three years.

Subject requirements are different depending on what university you want to study at. Subjects that can be beneficial to studying psychology at university include Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology and Statistics.

Typically, you do not need maths to study psychology at university. However, it is used in the form of statistics, which play a vital role in the subject.

Key skills required for psychology include:

  • Research
  • Ethics
  • Problem solving
  • Patience
  • Communication
  • Sensitive listening and questioning
  • Working independently 
  • Ability to emphasise.
Find out more about starting your studies or check the latest COVID-19 information.