Masters in Psychology in UK 2025: Top Universities, Fees, Eligibility & Careers Scope
Masters in Psychology in UKThe UK is known for offering some of the world’s best education in psychology. The UK is home to several universities that consistently rank among the best for higher education, including the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, UCL, King's College London, and University of Edinburgh. The program typically lasts 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time and includes specializations in clinical, forensic, health, educational, and organizational psychology. For admission, a bachelor's degree in Psychology (or a related field) with 55–60% aggregate, IELTS score (6.5–7.5) or TOEFL iBT (88–110) is required.
Tuition fees in the UK for international students are between £20,100 and £55,000 per year (approx. ₹23.18 – 63.45 lakhs). There are several scholarships available for international students, including Chevening scholarship, Commonwealth scholarship, and some university-specific scholarships.
Graduates in psychology from UK universities have an average employment rate of over 56%. Employment roles include, but are not limited to, clinical practice, counselling and therapy, education, corporate consultancy, and research. Graduates can expect entry-level salaries in the range of £22,000 to £28,000 (approx. ₹25.38 – 32.3 lakhs), and experienced professionals can earn £33,000 to £99,000+ (approx. ₹38.07 lakhs – 1.14 Crore), depending on their area of specialization and work sector.
Masters in Psychology in UK: Key Highlights
Check the table below to know the key highlights related to the Masters in Psychology in UK.
Particulars | Details |
Duration | 1–2 years |
Degree Types | MSc in Psychology |
Specializations | Clinical, Health, Forensic, Educational, Organizational, and Neuropsychology |
Basic Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related field with 55–60% aggregate |
Entrance Exam | IELTS: 6.5–7.5 and TOEFL iBT: 88–110 |
Average Fees | £20,100 to £55,000 |
Scholarship | Available - Chevening, Commonwealth, and university-specific awards |
Job Prospects | Psychologist, Forensic psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, and Counselor, etc. |
Average Starting Salary | £22,000 to £28,000 (₹25.38 – 32.3 lakhs) |
Top Universities in UK | University of Oxford, University of Edinburgh, University of Cambridge, and University College London (UCL) etc. |
Why Choose Masters in Psychology in UK?
Here are the reasons to choose masters in Psychology in the UK.
- World-Class Universities: The UK has some of the world's best universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, and King's College London, all of which offer elite levels of psychology education.
- Range of Specialisations: All courses offer a range of specialisations, including clinical, forensic, health and educational psychology, neuropsychology, and organizational psychology.
- Accreditations: Most programs are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), so you are eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).
- Resources and Network: Learn from a wide range of leading academics and practitioners working in lab environments and research practices with state-of-the-art resources, teaching, and support.
- Work Integrated: Learning EMI programs included placements and experience, such as internships/a community or clinical experience, and case studies of real-world.
- Global Value and Employee Mobility: UK qualifications carry a great deal of respect internationally, and provide opportunities for careers in healthcare, education, corporate consultancy work, and or research and development as graduates.
- Belief and Employment Prospects: There is a strong demand for psychologists in public health, education, and corporate organizations. Psychologists with experience earn between £50,000 occupying entry level roles and with the right qualifications and experience, can earn £100,000+ as executive professionals.
- Workplace Behaviour and Skill building: Most courses deliver transferable workplace skills based on assumed knowledge, in, communication, teamwork, leadership, and crisis management, etc.
Also Read :
Other Popular Countries for Studying Masters in Psychology
Best University for Masters in Psychology in UK
The list of all the best universities for Masters in Psychology in UK with QS World Ranking, and their fee in GBP (£) and ₹ are mentioned below in tabular form.
University | QS World Ranking | Tuition Fee per Year (GBP) | Tuition Fee per Year (₹) |
University of Oxford | 4th | £38,660 | ₹ 44,76,909 |
University College London | 9th | £34,400 | ₹ 39,83,592 |
University of Edinburgh | 34th | £29,900 | ₹ 34,62,482 |
King’s College London | 31st | £37,368 | ₹ 43,27,292 |
University of Exeter | 155th | £29,700 | ₹ 34,39,322 |
University of Warwick | 74th | £26,110 – £33,340 | ₹ 30,23,592 - ₹ 38,60,842 |
Cardiff University | 181st | £28,200 | ₹ 32,65,619 |
University of Birmingham | 76th | £26,280 | ₹ 30,43,279 |
University of Leicester | 326th | £23,650 | ₹ 27,38,719 |
University of Manchester | 35th | £29,500 | ₹ 34,16,161 |
Masters in Psychology in UK: Eligibility Criteria
The table below shows a clear breakdown of the eligibility criteria for a Master’s in Psychology in the UK.
Parameter | Requirement |
Academic Qualification | Honours degree in Psychology or a related field with a minimum of 55 - 60% aggregate or CGPA of 8/10 from a recognized university. |
IELTS | Overall score of 6.5 to 7.5 |
TOEFL iBT | Minimum score of 88 - 110 |
PTE Academic | Optional |
Masters in Psychology in UK: Application Process
Below is the listed step-by-step application process for Masters in Psychology in UK.
Shortlist Universities:
Research top universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and UCL; from there, also research King's College London and Edinburgh.
Within your shortlist, look for the following conditions: specialisation, fee structure, location, and employability/employment rates.
Check Eligibility:
You need a bachelor's degree in psychology or a relevant field (with an aggregate of 55–60 percent) and an English requirement (IELTS 6.5–7.5 or TOEFL iBT 88–110).
Prepare Required Documents:
Academic Transcripts
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation (LOR): Usually two academic LORs and one professional LOR.
Updated Resume/CV
An updated passport.
Application Process through UCAS or University Portal:
Universities can be applied to using UCAS Postgraduate or through their specific university portal.
Once you have applied, proceed to pay the fee, which typically ranges from £50 to £100.
Keep track of admission intakes.
Two major intakes: September and January:
Apply 6 to 9 months in advance of your plans to ensure you will be accepted and have enough time to go through visa application timelines.
Await admission decisions:
Processing time for admissions: 4 to 8 weeks.
Some courses may have further interviews or assessments.
Applying for the UK Student Visa (Tier 4):
You will have the CAS (confirmation of acceptance for studies), financial problem, proof of English, and biometrics.
Visa processing time: Typically 3 to 4 weeks (but 6 weeks at the max).
Masters in Psychology in UK: Documents Required
Below is the mentioned all the required documents for admission into the Masters in Psychology in UK.
Document Type | Description |
Academic Transcripts | Certified copies of undergraduate degree marksheets and certificates |
Statement of Purpose (SOP) | A 500-word essay outlining your goals, motivation, and fit for the program |
Letters of Recommendation | Typically, 2 academic + 1 professional reference letters |
Resume/CV | Updated resume highlighting academic, research, and work experience |
English Proficiency Scores | IELTS (6.5–7.5) or TOEFL iBT (88–110) |
Valid Passport | Required for identity verification and visa processing |
Proof of Work Experience | If applicable, especially for programs requiring a professional background |
UK Student Visa Documents | Includes CAS letter, financial proof, and biometric details |
Masters in Psychology in UK: Visa Application Timeline
The table below shows the visa application step and timeline for Masters in Psychology in UK.
Stage | Timeline Estimate | Notes |
University Admission | 4–8 weeks after application | Apply 6–9 months before the course start date |
Receive CAS Letter | Within 2–4 weeks after acceptance | CAS = Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies |
Visa Application Submission | Up to 6 months before the course starts | Apply online via the UKVI portal |
Biometrics Appointment | Within 1–2 weeks of application | At your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) |
Visa Processing Time | 3–6 weeks (standard) | Expedited options are available for an extra fee |
Decision Notification | Via email or letter | Do not visit VAC until contacted |
Travel to UK | Up to 1 month before the course begins | Based on visa validity and course start date |
Top Entrance Exams for Masters in Psychology in UK
To get admission into Masters in Psychology in UK , international students need to qualify with a valid score in all the top entrance exams mentioned below.
Exam Type | Purpose |
IELTS (6.5–7.5) | English language proficiency |
TOEFL iBT (88–110) | Alternative to IELTS |
PTE Academic | Accepted by some universities |
GRE | Not required for psychology programs |
GMAT | Only for business-related programs |
Masters in Psychology in UK: Cutoff
To get admission into Masters in Psychology in UK students need to clear the required entrance exam. The table below displays the cutoff for Masters in Psychology in UK.
Requirement Type/Exam | Typical Cutoff Range (Minimum) |
Bachelor’s Degree | Minimum 55–60% aggregate or CGPA 8/10 |
GPA (if applicable) | Equivalent to 3.0 out of 4.0 |
IELTS | 6.5 to 7.5 overall |
TOEFL iBT | 88 to 110 overall |
Masters in Psychology in UK: top Universities Cutoff
The table below shows the top universities for Masters in Psychology in UK cutoff.
University | English Language Requirement |
University of Oxford | IELTS: 7.5 (min 7 in each band) | TOEFL: 110 (min 24 in each section) |
University College London | IELTS: 7.5 and TOEFL: 109 (min 23 in each section) |
University of Edinburgh | IELTS: 7 and TOEFL: 100 with a minimum of 23 in each section |
King’s College London | IELTS: 7 and TOEFL: 100 with a minimum of 25 in each section |
University of Exeter | IELTS: 6.5 and TOEFL: 90 (min 21 in each section) |
University of Warwick | IELTS: 7 (min 6.5 in each band) |
Cardiff University | IELTS: 7 (min 6.5 in each band) |
University of Birmingham | IELTS: 6.5 and TOEFL: 88 (min 21 in each section) |
University of Leicester | IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in each band) |
University of Manchester | IELTS: 7 and TOEFL: 100 with a minimum of 25 in each section |
Masters in Psychology in UK: Syllabus
All the core subjects and optional modules covered in Masters in Psychology in UK are listed below.
Core subjects:
- Research Methods & Statistics
- Biological & Cognitive Psychology
- Social Psychology & Individual Differences
- Developmental Psychology
Optional Modules:
- Clinical Psychology
- Organizational Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Educational Psychology
Masters in Psychology in UK: Scholarships
The UK has a broad range of scholarships on offer to provide scholarships to international and domestic students funding postgraduate psychology programs. The Commonwealth Masters Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship that covers full tuition, plus offers each student on a monthly basis £1,347 (₹1.55 lakh) or a total of £16,164 (₹18.62 lakh) for a year's full tuition. Check the table to know more information about Masters in Psychology in UK.
Scholarship | Eligibility | Award in GBP (£) | Award in ₹ |
Commonwealth Masters Scholarship | Resident of Commonwealth countries, official transcripts, and at least 2 references | Full tuition + stipend of £1,347/month | Full tuition + stipend of ₹ 1,55,985 |
Master’s Excellence Scholarship | Students studying a Master's program in UK | £3,000 | ₹ 3,47,406 |
IOE Clarke Scholarship | Candidates studying MS in Psychology with academic excellence | Tuition fees + stipend of £17,600 | Tuition fees + stipend of ₹ 20,38,116 |
Global Excellence Scholarship | International candidates in Health, Life Sciences, Humanities, Environment, Science, and Economy | £5,000 – £10,000 | ₹ 5,79,010 - ₹ 11,58,021 |
Birmingham Master’s Scholarship | UK students at University of Birmingham with academic excellence | £2,000 | ₹ 2,31,604 |
Cost of Living in UK
The average cost of living in UK is GBP (£) 1590/month(₹1,84,122). Check the table below to know the cost of living for Masters in Psychology in UK GBP and Indian (₹) Rupees per year.
Expense Type | Average Cost (GBP) | Cost Equivalent (₹) |
Accommodation in UK | £900 | ₹ 1,04,221 |
Food | £155 | ₹ 17,949 |
Transport | £70 | ₹ 8,106 |
Household Expenses / Utilities | £215 | ₹ 24,897 |
Miscellaneous | £250 | ₹ 28,950 |
Total expense | £1590 | ₹ 1,84,122 |
NOTE: This living cost may be different from the mentioned above. To know the exact cost, check the latest currency exchange value.
Career Scope After Masters in Psychology in UK
After completing a Masters in Psychology in UK, there are many doors open for students. Some of the top job profiles are listed below.
- Psychologist
- Organizational Psychologist
- Forensic Psychologist
- Educational Psychologist
- Forensic Psychologist
- Research Psychologist
- Clinical Psychologist
- Mental Health Therapist
- Counselor
- Psychiatrist
Masters in Psychology in UK: Salary Package
Check the table below that displays the Annual Salary in GBP (£) and ₹ for various job roles offered after completing a Masters in Psychology in UK.
Job Profile | Annual Salary (GBP) | Annual Salary (₹) |
Psychologist | £60,000 | ₹ 69,48,126 |
Organizational Psychologist | £41,000 | ₹ 47,47,886 |
Educational Psychologist | £65,000 | ₹ 75,27,136 |
Forensic Psychologist | £33,000 | ₹ 38,21,469 |
Research Psychologist | £52,000 | ₹ 60,21,709 |
Clinical Psychologist | £54,000 | ₹ 62,53,313 |
Counselor | £34,000 | ₹ 39,37,271 |
Mental Health Therapist | £55,000 | ₹ 63,69,115 |
Psychiatrist | £99,000 | ₹ 1,14,64,407 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Que1. What is the duration of a Master's in Psychology in the UK?
Ans. The program typically lasts 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time).
Que2. What is the average tuition fee for international students?
Ans. The tuition fees range between £20,100 – £55,000 per year (approx. ₹23.18 – 63.45 lakhs).
Que3. What is the average cost of living in the UK for students?
Ans. The average monthly living cost is around £1,590 (approx. ₹1,84,122), including accommodation, food, transport, and utilities.
Que4. What is the starting salary after a Master's in Psychology in the UK?
Ans. Entry-level professionals earn between £22,000 – £28,000 (₹25.38 – ₹32.3 lakhs annually). With experience, salaries can go up to £99,000+ (₹1.14 crore+).
Que5. Do UK universities require the GRE or GMAT for psychology programs?
Ans. No, GRE or GMAT scores are not required for psychology programs in the UK.