Which Master’s Can I Do with a BSc in Psychology?

If you have a BSc in Psychology, you’re in great company. Psychology is one of the most popular degrees in the UK. In fact, the British Psychological Society (BPS) reports that over 1.2 million people in the UK hold a psychology qualification. With such a diverse field, your next step is crucial. Should you specialise in psychology further or branch out into a different discipline? This guide will help you explore your master's options with a psychology degree and go through some of the top postgraduate courses for psychology graduates to help you make an informed decision about your future.

Key factors to Consider When Choosing a Master’s Degree

Before committing to a master's degree after a bachelor's in psychology, reflecting on your goals and interests is important. Ask yourself:

• What career path do you want to follow? If you want to become a chartered psychologist, an accredited master’s in psychology is necessary. If you're interested in business, healthcare, or tech alternative routes might be better suited.
• Do you want to specialise or diversify? You can deepen your expertise with an advanced degree in psychology or apply your skills in a different but related field.
• What are the entry requirements? Some courses may require specific undergraduate modules or work experience.
• Are you looking for flexible study options? Universities like Arden offer part-time and online learning options to suit different lifestyles.

Master’s in Psychology: Specialisation Options

A master’s in psychology allows you to deepen your understanding of human behaviour and develop expertise in a specialised area. If you’re interested in mental health and therapeutic interventions, clinical and counselling psychology could be a strong fit. These fields focus on understanding and treating psychological disorders and helping individuals improve their mental well-being. For those drawn to criminal psychology and the legal system, forensic psychology applies psychological principles to criminal investigations, offender rehabilitation and courtroom decision-making.

If you’re more interested in the workplace, organisational and occupational psychology examine behaviour in professional settings. This area explores leadership, employee wellbeing and workplace efficiency, making it highly relevant for careers in HR and business consultancy. Alternatively, health psychology looks at the relationship between psychological factors and physical health, offering insights into behaviour change, chronic illness management and public health interventions. Educational psychology, another key field, focuses on learning and development, helping to enhance educational experiences for children and adults.

Alternative Master’s Degrees for Psychology Graduates

Your psychology background provides analytical, research, and communication skills that are valuable across multiple disciplines. You might consider a master's in:

• Business and Management: Fields like project management, human resource management, and marketing benefit from a deep understanding of human behaviour.
• Data and Analytics: Psychology graduates with strong statistical and research skills may thrive in data science, analytics, and AI-related roles.
• Healthcare and Social Sciences: Degrees in public health, social work, or healthcare management build on psychology knowledge to impact community well-being.

Emerging and Interdisciplinary Fields in Psychology

The intersection of psychology with other disciplines has given rise to exciting new areas of study:

• Cyberpsychology: Examining human behaviour in digital spaces, including social media, gaming and virtual reality.
• Neuroscience and Cognitive Science: Exploring brain function and cognitive processes using cutting-edge technology.
• AI and Human-Computer Interaction: Understanding how people interact with technology to improve user experience and ethical AI development.
• Sports and Performance Psychology: Applying psychological principles to enhance athletic performance and workplace productivity.

Career Opportunities After Earning a Master’s Degree in Psychology

A master’s in psychology can open doors to careers in mental health, education, business, and research. Many graduates go on to become chartered psychologists, specialising in clinical, counselling, occupational or forensic psychology. Others apply their understanding of human behaviour in the corporate world, taking on roles such as HR consultants or organisational development specialists.

If you have strong research and analytical skills, you might find opportunities as a data analyst or researcher in fields like healthcare, marketing or technology. Public health and social care are also rewarding career paths, where psychology graduates can contribute to policy-making, community interventions and mental health advocacy. Whatever your path, a master's degree can enhance your career prospects and open up exciting new possibilities.

If you’re ready to take the next step, explore Arden University’s MSc Psychology (BPS) programme. If you're interested in exploring other postgraduate pathways, visit Arden’s full course catalogue to discover your options.