Psychology

Why Psychology at University of Essex

The Department of Psychology ranks among the UK’s top 25 overall and top 20 for research, giving students access to a multimillion-pound Neuroscience Centre that houses the world’s first gaming research laboratory. Programs blend rigorous science with hands-on experience, while graduates move into positions at the NHS, BBC, and Oxford or continue their research careers.

• Undergraduate programs accredited by BPS, a first step toward chartered psychologist status
• Neuroscience Centre: EEG, TMS, eye-tracking, and virtual reality
• Babylab for cognitive research starting from infancy
• 89% of graduates work at NHS and medical centres, BBC, Oxford, or pursue academic research
• Student community from over 40 countries

BSc in Psychology and Sport

This undergraduate program places tenth in the UK for sports science according to Guardian 2026, taught by chartered practitioners with two decades of field experience. Students explore cognitive psychology alongside movement physiology and sports nutrition, working with Sport Arena Essex and specialized labs. The three-year degree extends to four with an overseas placement if desired, and 93% of graduates find roles in sports psychology, rehabilitation, or related fields.

BSc in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience

Accredited by the British Psychological Society, this degree offers access to the world’s first gaming research laboratory, built to study cognitive mechanisms in real experimental conditions. Through the Research Experience Scheme, undergraduates collaborate directly with scientists while studying at University of Essex. Faculty include experts in social neuroscience and sign language linguistics, and graduates work at Sussex NHS, Oxford, and medical research centres.

BSc in Psychology

This three-year degree weaves together cognitive, developmental, and social psychology, led by faculty that includes a professor who advises the British government on behavioural science. Students can add a year abroad or a placement to their studies, and the Research Experience Scheme lets them join ongoing investigations alongside researchers from the start. Graduates build careers across diverse sectors:

• Clinical psychology and therapy: Tavistock NHS Trust, MIND
• Analytics and data work: Essex Police
• Academic and marketing research

MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology

This one-year master’s ranks ninth in the UK for psychology according to ShanghaiRanking 2025, with faculty including Professor Reinhard Pekrun, listed among the world’s most cited scientists in 2025. The program combines cognitive neuroscience theory and methodology with an independent research project that students design themselves. Graduates move into clinical psychology and medical imaging roles at NHS, King’s College London, and the University of Edinburgh.

MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology

BPS-accredited and qualifying for chartered sports psychologist status, this master’s draws on practitioners who have consulted for the Football Association and professional athletes. Students examine performance psychology, wellbeing strategies, and resilience principles while practicing with Sport Arena equipment. The sports scholarship program can cover up to 100% of costs and includes personal coaching, kit, and financial support of up to £1,500.