Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour, covering a wide range of human thoughts, feelings and behaviour. The field of psychology has the potential for profound beneficial impacts on people and societies, such as how we make decisions about our medical care, how technology influences our lives, why many of us suffer with poor mental health and many, many more. There are many unanswered questions and the need for new psychological research and knowledge is extensive. At the University of Leeds, you can be part of this process through engaging in your own research with academic experts.

By studying psychology at Leeds you will be engaged in a scientific approach to learning about human behaviour and the thoughts, feelings and motivations behind it. You’ll become absorbed by major psychological issues including, but not limited to, healthy living, childhood development, ageing and memory. Importantly, you will also develop skills in the practical applications of research-derived psychology knowledge to solving real world problems.

As a psychology student you will learn through a combination of teaching methods while studying core areas of psychology, including biological psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, and social psychology. You will also actively engage in research activity and data analysis. Our courses are specifically designed to encourage active learning through a variety of teaching delivery methods. These will support your development as a critical thinker, independent learner and global citizen, and ensure you’re ready for the challenges beyond university.

A dedicated personal tutoring system supports your personal and academic development, to ensure you have the skills and attributes to succeed. These personal tutorials, delivered by academic staff in the School of Psychology, are an integral part of the pastoral and academic support for all students.

One of the key aims of the School is to move forward with the development of our students as global citizens. We want you to use your education to address fundamental global questions, such as social justice, climate change, cultural conflict, sustainable development, and diversity. We want you to feel equipped with the skills, knowledge and motivation to tackle these issues in your lives and careers, creating a better and fairer future for everyone.

Why Leeds?

At Leeds, we want you to move from keen learners to global citizens. We want to ensure you’re ready to take on the challenges of the 21st century by equipping you with the skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to apply everything you have learned. This will ensure you can make a difference in whatever career you pursue beyond university.

We offer high-quality research-led teaching, and you’ll be actively encouraged to engage in ongoing research. Much of this research is collaborative with government departments, research councils, the NHS and industry. We offer a lively learning environment with modern facilities for teaching and research, which aims to produce graduates equipped with current knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge to different populations.

The option of a year abroad provides unique exposure to different ways of studying and applying psychology, as well as stimulating opportunities for personal development. Alternatively, a year in industry is a fantastic opportunity to develop and learn a range of new skills, put academic theory into practice, and develop your understanding of the world of work.

Psychology graduates are highly and diversely skilled, meaning they are well suited to a number of careers and are attractive to a range of employers. Our students go on to be involved in highly-skilled roles in Business, Public Service, Forensics and Education.