Why study psychology? Careers in psychology
If you’ve ever found yourself asking ‘why is psychology important?’ We have the answer for you. Psychology is a branch of social science that typically includes studying mental processes and brain functions to better understand why people think and act the way they do. The ability to understand the human mind and its behaviour means we can find ways to support people with issues such as mental health conditions and help create a happier and healthier society.
Why study psychology?
Studying psychology is not only great for your future career prospects, it can also benefit you in everyday life. Having an understanding of why people think and act the way they do helps you become a more empathetic person.
Another reason to study psychology is the valuable skills and knowledge you will expand. These skills are often transferrable, allowing you to apply what you have learned to many professional roles and industries, making you a highly employable graduate.
Why pursue a career in psychology?
Now that you know the reasons why you should study psychology, you may find yourself asking ‘is psychology a good career?’. The simple answer to that question, is yes. There are many reasons why you should pursue a career in psychology, here are our top five:
1. Great career prospects
By gaining a degree in psychology, you will be opening the door to a wide variety of career options. Psychology is a field that is constantly evolving and the need for psychological professionals is something that impacts all industries. For example, human resource teams that work to maintain the quality of life in the workplace by listening to and helping solve problems employees may be facing.
2. An opportunity to make a difference
The importance of psychology comes from its ability to positively impact the lives of many people. Research carried out by professionals in the field has allowed us to gain a better understanding of mental health conditions and how people can manage their thoughts and emotions to live more balanced lives.
3. Develop critical thinking
In psychology study and professional practice, tasks involve developing your skills in problem analysis and data interpretation. These critical thinking abilities are invaluable both in your career and everyday life. They allow you to view a problem from multiple perspectives to solve the issue in the most efficient and effective way.
4. Enhance interpersonal skills
A career in psychology also develops interpersonal skills such as active listening, empathy, communication and reading body language. Having excellent interpersonal skills will be invaluable when it comes to your future career in psychology. These skills help you to accurately assess how someone is feeling through non-verbal signals and allow you to be concise and careful when communicating with clients and colleagues.
5. Meet a wide variety of people
A career in psychology allows you to meet people from all walks of life. The lives and experiences of others are not only fascinating, but they can also influence your approach to your work.
Careers in psychology*
A degree in psychology can open the door to many exciting and interesting career opportunities.
Psychologist
- Clinical psychologist
- School psychologist
- Industrial-organisational psychologist
- Forensic psychologist
- Health psychologist
- Neuropsychologist
Therapist
- Clinical therapist
- Family therapist
- Marriage therapist
- Child therapist
- Art therapist
- Music therapist
Counsellor
- School counsellor
- Career counsellor
- Rehabilitation counsellor
- Substance abuse counsellor
- Genetic counsellor
- Mental health counsellor
Social worker
- Clinical social worker
- Child and family social worker
- School social worker
- Healthcare social worker
- Community social worker
- Geriatric social worker
Researcher/Academic
- Research psychologist
- Experimental psychologist
- Developmental psychologist
- Social psychologist
- Cognitive psychologist
- Educational psychologist
Applied psychology
- Human resources specialist
- Market research analyst
- Human factors specialist
- Sports psychologist
- Environmental psychologist
- Consumer psychologist
*The careers mentioned above may not be directly related to the field of psychology; however, many skills and knowledge can be transferred.
Study psychology at the University of Aberdeen
Begin your psychology study at the University of Aberdeen, which is ranked 12th in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2025. The University was the first in the UK to establish a lectureship in psychology and has been teaching the subject for more than 100 years.
The School of Psychology is renowned for its research in areas like social psychology, neuroscience, language, perception and industrial psychology. With internationally recognised academics leading the way, students gain insights from cutting-edge research that shapes the future of the discipline.
The University of Aberdeen’s psychology degrees are accredited by the British Psychological Society, providing graduates with the credentials to start their journey towards becoming Chartered Psychologists.
There are a wide range of course options available in the 4th year of your undergraduate degree, allowing you to specialise in areas such as clinical, forensic, language and developmental psychology.
During the final year, students can do a research project at a professional level – some past projects have gone on to be published in internationally renowned journals.
Students at the University of Aberdeen have access to specialised laboratories and equipment including eye movement recording, movement analysis and brain imaging.
In addition to the single honours Psychology MA or BSc, the University of Aberdeen offers a selection of joint honours degrees, combining psychology with other disciplines to broaden your career prospects. Options include:
- Anthropology and Psychology MA
- Business Management and Psychology MA
- Economics and Psychology MA
- Neuroscience with Psychology BSc
- Philosophy and Psychology MA
- Psychology and Sociology MA
- Psychology with Counselling Skills MA
Why study psychology at Aberdeen?
Begin your education journey at the International Study Centre
If you’re looking to begin your psychology degree, the University of Aberdeen International Study Centre is a great place to start. Here you will find the Undergraduate Foundation Programme in Life Sciences and the Undergraduate Foundation Programme in Humanities, Law & Social Science. Both programmes are designed to boost your English language, academic and subject-specific knowledge to the level required to join the second year of an undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen.
Find out more about the entry requirements, fees and visa information for the University of Aberdeen International Study Centre.
FAQs
Is psychology a good career?
Yes, psychology is a field that has many different types of jobs on offer. There is also high demand for graduates with psychology degrees across many sectors.
What is the purpose of psychology?
The purpose of psychology is to study the human mind to determine why people act and think the way they do. Psychology helps us better understand areas such as mental health conditions and mental processes.
How can psychology help you in your career?
Psychology enhances understanding of human behaviour, improves communication skills, and provides tools for effective problem-solving and decision-making, beneficial in various professional fields.