Updated at: 16-03-2023 - By: Eden Wise

Overview

Students interested in attending one of the top European universities in the field of Psychology as ranked by QS World University Rankings have a wide variety of study abroad options to choose from.

Many universities around the world welcome international students interested in studying psychology. There are a wide variety of high-quality institutions where today’s students can pursue a degree in psychology. I find psychology to be an incredibly interesting field of study. Psychology is defined by Ohio University’s psychology department as the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Psychologists place a premium on learning about and understanding the connections that exist among the human brain, mind, and actions.

If you’re an international student with a passion for helping people or an interest in the inner workings of the human mind and behavior, psychology may be the right major for you. Aspiring students have many options for their futures when they study psychology. Because psychology programs are so ubiquitous at European universities, international students can pick from a wide variety of excellent options. Our article on higher education opportunities in Europe may be of interest to you.

Best Psychology Universities In Europe

Best psychology universities in europe

University College London

UCL’s Department of Psychology and Language Sciences is ranked second in the world by the Shanghai Academic Ranking of Subjects 2021.

UCL is ranked first in the United Kingdom for research excellence in the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience by the country’s Research Excellence Framework 2021.

In the Faculty of Brain Sciences, they are considered to be among the first movers in the study of language, behavior, and the mind.

University of Oxford

University of Oxford

The Oxford Department of Experimental Psychology carries out cutting-edge experimental research to better understand the psychological and neural bases of human behavior.

Using what they’ve learned, they improve areas like public health, education, business, policy, and more that the general public can benefit from.

Additionally, they aim to foster a diverse and global community conducive to the education of the next generation of outstanding researchers who will apply theoretical rigor and innovative methodology.

Similarly, they hope to motivate and involve students in their pursuit of a scientific education.

Utrecht University

Students in the psychology programs at University College Utrecht are introduced to the types of questions psychologists ask and the jargon and methods commonly used in the field.

As an added bonus, the entire suite of classes was designed with two distinct types of students in mind: those interested in pursuing a graduate degree in psychology, and those interested in pursuing careers in other fields.

University of Manchester

Their cutting-edge psychology curriculum is founded on their meticulous study.

Students rapidly develop the knowledge, skills, and experience that are highly sought after by the labor market.

They pool expertise from across academic departments and beyond the University to develop novel solutions to pressing global issues. They do more kinds of research than anyone else in the UK.

University of Zurich

University of Zurich

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree program at the University of Zurich aims to equip students with a broad knowledge base in the field of psychology and foster their ability to think in a methodical, scientific fashion.

And the Master of Science in Psychology degree expands upon the knowledge and skills acquired in the Bachelor’s degree. Nonetheless, in contrast to the latter, it prepares its graduates for respectable careers as psychologists or for further academic opportunities, including PhD programs.

University of Nottingham

This university’s psychology program covers the groundwork for the field.

This will introduce you to many different fields and give you a solid grounding in many others.

You’ll study further modules that delve into either the psychological or biological foundations of addiction. More than a few mental health disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, and aggressiveness, will be covered.

University of Cambridge

In terms of psychology, this school is among Europe’s top 20. Cambridge’s Psychology Department aims to advance the field of psychology through cutting-edge research and to educate students in the field and related fields.

This division is known for its cutting-edge research, which employs a wide range of techniques and fosters a collegial atmosphere.

Cambridge had a 93% success rate with submissions to the REF 2021 for the Psychology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience UoA. These submissions were judged to be either “world-leading” or “internationally good.”

King’s College London

King’s College London

You’ll learn about various methods of applying psychological science, and they’ll help you figure out how to put those methods to use in solving real-world problems. This college’s psychology major has been officially recognized by the British Psychological Society.

University of Amsterdam

When it comes to Dutch higher education, the field of science is undoubtedly led by the University of Amsterdam (UvA). More than three thousand faculty members and graduate and undergraduate students engage in innovative research across many disciplines at this public institution. The faculty at UvA hopes to instill in their students a lifelong thirst for knowledge and a determination to solve problems and make a difference in the world.

UvA is renowned across Europe as a top psychology program, and its BSc in Psychology can be completed in just three years. Expect to do a number of activities designed to hone your academic writing skills, as the university believes that being a critical researcher is an important skill that every psychologist should have. Third-year students typically spend the first half of the year working on their Bachelor’s theses and the second half of the year abroad.

In addition, there is a Master of Science in Psychology through Research program at the university that can be completed in two years. Courses in advanced research methodology, statistics, and scientific writing are offered in this program that targets students with a strong interest in pursuing a career in academia. Majors in Brain & Cognition, Clinical Psychology, and Developmental Psychology, among others, are available to students.

University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s clinical psychology, neuroscience, psychiatry, and psychology programs are ranked third in the world and second in the United Kingdom.

Their active research community is interested in the brain and mind at all ages, with a focus on areas such as cognitive neurosciences, the psychology of individual differences, language and communication, and theoretical and applied work on social interaction and child development.

University College London (UCL)

When it comes to studying a wide range of subjects, no other British university compares to University College London (UCL). There are more graduate students at this public institution than at any other. UCL is well-respected not only for its academic excellence but also for its reputation as a forward-thinking institution. The most recent findings inform its curriculum, and students are constantly pushed to innovate in the name of academic progress.

UCL is widely regarded as one of Europe’s top psychology departments, and its programs have been officially recognized by the British Psychological Society. The Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Psychology is a three-year program open to undergraduates. It gives you a firm theoretical grounding that will serve you well in any professional capacity related to the field. By the second and third year, you will have the freedom to specialize in a particular area of study. Attending classes, doing homework, doing lab work, and writing a thesis are all parts of the learning process.

In the field of psychology, UCL offers a Master of Science degree with two concentrations: research and applied. If you choose the research path, your studies will center on conducting an original piece of research. The research lab at UCL gives you access to their world-class facilities and the chance to work alongside trained specialists. Students choosing the applied path, on the other hand, will get hands-on experience in the workplace and be tasked with applying what they’ve learned.

Tilburg University

Tilburg University

Tilburg University, founded in 1956, is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities in Europe and the top 200 universities in the world (in psychology). In addition to being in the top 15 for business and management, it also ranks highly in the fields of psychology and economics.

The university takes a student-centered approach to education, meaning that teachers tailor their lessons to each individual student to ensure that they graduate with the skills they need to succeed in their chosen fields. The psychology and criminology BA programs are offered by the school and are conducted entirely in English.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

When it comes to psychology, the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is a top European institution. The university’s location on the outskirts of Amsterdam’s World Heritage Site and proximity to the city center are both major selling points.

There is a wide variety of psychology courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels available at the VU. Based on these and other criteria, the QS ranking (2022) placed it at #13 for its excellent psychology programs.

Within the field of psychology alone, undergraduates can major in anything from general psychology to neuroscience or criminology. Additionally, graduate students can earn one of five different master’s degrees or a doctorate. Because of this, even if your Dutch isn’t perfect, you won’t have any trouble following along with classes because they are all given in English.

Humboldt-Universitat zu Berlin

Located in Berlin, Germany, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (Humboldt University of Berlin) is a research-focused institution. It has a long history, dating back to 1809, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Germany. The Department of Psychology at Humboldt University is located within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, one of the university’s nine faculties.

Humboldt University’s Department of Psychology is well-known for its robust research program and dedication to teaching excellence, and it provides a variety of psychology degree options at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. This esteemed institution is also a part of the League of European Research Universities (LERU).

Karolinska Institute

Karolinska Institute, also spelled Karolinska Institutet, is widely regarded as Sweden’s premier medical institution. The organization utilizes two campuses conveniently located near the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm. Only 6,000 freshmen are accepted each year, making it a highly competitive institution.

In KI, students can earn either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in psychology after spending either three or five years in the program. Because of its emphasis on the medical sciences, this program is ideal for anyone hoping to enter the field of clinical psychology. The first three years are spent learning the fundamentals of the field, while the final two years are dedicated to clinical applications and a capstone project.

Maastricht University

This school’s psychology program is dedicated to the study of the human mind and its functions, including cognition, emotion, and personality.

You will also gain insight into how an MRI scanner can be used to analyze the factors that influence human behavior and measure brain activity.

This uncommon combination opens up a wide range of career options for you.

A master’s degree in this area opens doors to management, research, advising students, and clinical practice. There are many career paths available to you, including starting your own business, working in a clinic or court,

FAQs

Is psychology a good career?

Choosing to work in the field of psychology is a prudent career move. Over time, demand for trained psychologists will only increase. A few of the more well-known branches of psychology are clinical, counseling, industrial, educational (or “school”), and forensic.

Which branch of psychology is in demand?

One of the most in-demand areas of psychology is that of the clinical psychologist. As a result of its applicability to a wide range of situations, this is one of the most sought-after occupations in the field of psychology.

Where do most psychologists work?

A psychologist can find employment in a wide variety of settings, including those dedicated to mental health, hospitals, private practices, penitentiaries, government agencies, educational institutions, hospitals for veterans, etc.

In the UK, how long is a psychology master’s program?

Postgraduate education typically entails a combination of classroom and fieldwork and takes at least three years to complete. You’ll need specific education and certification in accordance with the subfield of psychology in which you intend to work.

Conclusion

You’ve made up your mind to pursue a degree in Psychology, but you need to know where to go to school. Learning the skills necessary to serve as a mental health professional will help you meet the growing demand in the field. Bear in mind that it is more important to be a good enough mental health professional than a perfect one. Understanding one’s own limitations and having compassion for those you’re trying to help are essential skills for any professional psychologist.

To your success!