Is a Psychology Degree Good to Have?

17/08/2023

Psychology is the study of the human mind and behaviour.

It gives you a chance to explore unanswered questions about the brain.

How does mental illness affect the way the brain works?

How does the brain remember facts?

How does it learn language?

How does the brain function under stress?

…and so much more!

While fascinating, you may be wondering whether a psychology degree is worth it.

Is it a good degree to have?

The many benefits of acquiring a psychology degree

There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to studying psychology. Let’s take a look at some of the main benefits of a psychology degree in further detail:

- Versatile career options - Of course, there are apparent career paths, such as clinical psychology, counselling, and research. But the skills you learn can transition into many other jobs as well, including roles in marketing, education, and human resources.

- A stepping stone to bigger things - A psychology degree is a common stepping stone to further education, such as pursuing a master's or a PhD in psychology.

- Helping others - Psychology is an incredibly rewarding field of study. You’ll be able to understand and help people facing mental health issues, making this a highly satisfying career path.

- Research opportunities - Psychology offers opportunities for research, allowing you to contribute to the understanding of human behaviour.

From lab to life: How a degree in psychology can benefit you in everyday situations

A degree in psychology doesn’t only help you to embark on a fulfilling career; you can use the skills you develop to enhance personal relationships, communication skills, and decision-making in various aspects of life.

- Communication - Improve understanding through active listening and non-verbal cues.

- Relationships - Build meaningful connections with your new-found empathy and conflict resolution skills.

- Motivation - Achieve meaningful goals by balancing intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

- Decision-making - Make rational choices by recognising biases and weighing your options effectively.

- Stress - Lower stress with proven coping strategies and mindfulness techniques.

- Positivity - Boost well-being with gratitude practices and by focusing on positives.

- Parenting - Guide your child’s development by understanding concepts such as attachment theory.

What can you do with a psychology degree?

Let’s take a look at just a handful of options at your disposal.

Jobs with a psychology degree	Job description	Further studies needed?
Clinical Psychologist	Assess and treat mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders through therapy and counselling.	Yes, a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in Clinical Psychology is typically required.
Probation Officer	Monitor and support individuals on probation or parole to facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration into society.	A bachelor's degree in Psychology may be sufficient, but some positions require additional training or certification.
Educational Psychologist	Work with students, teachers, and parents to address academic, social, and emotional challenges in educational settings.	Yes, often requires a Master's or specialist degree in School Psychology.
Life Coach	Help clients set and achieve personal and professional goals, offering guidance, motivation, and accountability.	A bachelor's degree in Psychology is typically sufficient.
Market Research Analyst	Analyse consumer behaviour and market trends to help businesses make informed decisions on products and strategies.	A master's in Marketing, Market Research, or a related field can be advantageous.
Human Resources Specialist	Manage recruitment, employee relations, training, and development, using psychological insights to understand and improve workplace dynamics.	While not mandatory, a Master's in Human Resources or a related field can enhance career prospects.

This merely scratches the surface. There are so many career paths you can venture into, including social work, health education, crisis hotline operation, substance abuse counselling, and much more.

One of the great things about studying psychology at the University of Bolton is that not only do we give you the skills and knowledge needed but we help to prepare you for life after university too. We’re invested in your career, helping you to network and build contacts during your studies.

Contact us at enquiries@bolton.ac.uk or call +44 1204 903142 to speak to a member of the team if you’d like to know more.