The benefits of studying psychology

Why study psychology 

Psychology helps us make sense of ourselves and others. Whether you want to understand how the brain works, explore what motivates people or help communities build resilience, psychology provides the tools to do so. It combines scientific research with human insight, making it analytical and empathetic, a rare balance that employers value. 

Studying psychology also offers flexibility. You can apply it to mental health support, education, social policy, corporate leadership, marketing and beyond. For students who want a subject that feels both personally meaningful and professionally versatile, psychology is an excellent choice. Explore GBS psychology courses to learn more. 

Importance of studying psychology 

Psychology continues to grow as a field of study and practice, especially as conversations around mental health, wellbeing and workplace culture become central to society. The importance of psychology lies not only in understanding the human mind but also in shaping policies, organisations and communities. The following are some of the key reasons psychology is of importance today: 

• Improves mental health awareness: Research in psychology drives national campaigns and services that reduce stigma, promote wellbeing and provide effective treatments for conditions like anxiety and depression. 
• Shapes public health and education: From early childhood development to ageing populations, psychology informs how healthcare providers and educators support individuals at every stage of life. 
• Supports workplace productivity: Organisations increasingly use psychological insights to boost employee wellbeing, reduce stress, and improve teamwork, which directly impacts efficiency and satisfaction. 
• Guides policymaking: Governments rely on psychological studies to design policies around public health, social care and behaviour change, ensuring decisions are evidence-based. 
• Enhances everyday decision-making: On a personal level, psychology helps people understand their emotions, manage stress and improve communication, making everyday interactions more meaningful. 

Psychology’s influence stretches from the individual to the global stage, making it one of the most impactful disciplines to study in the world today. 

Benefits of studying psychology 

Studying psychology extends far beyond obtaining academic qualifications. You will gain the tools that will allow you to understand people, solve divergent problems and adapt to complex environments. Whether you want to improve your own self-awareness or prepare for a career in mental health, education, business or research, the benefits are wide-ranging and long-lasting. 

1. Personal growth 

A psychology degree encourages you to look inwards as much as outwards. You will gain a deeper understanding of emotions, stress, decision-making and relationships. These insights can help you manage challenges in your own life, improve empathy for others and strengthen communication in both personal and professional settings. 

2. Transferable skills 

Psychology develops skills that employers across industries seek. From critical thinking and problem-solving to research and communication, your training can be applied to countless roles across many sectors. These skills give you flexibility and adaptability, making you valuable in an ever-changing job market. 

3. Practical application 

Psychological knowledge is no longer confined to clinics and therapy rooms. Businesses use it to boost workplace wellbeing, educators apply it to support student learning and organisations draw on it to improve teamwork, analyse consumer behaviour and resolve conflict. The ability to apply theory to real-world situations makes psychology especially relevant to today’s society. 

4. High demand for professionals 

The UK government’s occupational outlook highlights strong demand for psychologists and counsellors, especially in the healthcare, education and the community services. As awareness of mental health grows, professionals with psychological training are increasingly sought after. This demand translates into diverse and secure career opportunities for graduates. 

5. Pathway to advanced study 

For many students, an undergraduate degree in psychology is just the beginning. It provides a strong foundation for postgraduate training in areas like counselling, psychotherapy, forensic psychology and even business psychology. Studying further allows you to specialise, enhance your expertise and expand your career options. 

Careers pathways with a psychology degree 

Psychology is one of the UK’s fastest-growing subject areas. That is because of the growing recognition of psychology’s value in tackling real-world challenges, from supporting mental health services to driving innovation in workplaces. A psychology degree does not lock you into one career but opens doors across multiple sectors. The following are just some of the most popular and rewarding career pathways for psychology graduates: 

• Counselling and psychotherapy: Work directly with individuals and groups to support mental health, wellbeing and personal development. Many graduates progress to postgraduate qualifications to become accredited counsellors or therapists. 
• Educational psychology and school support services: They play a vital role in helping children and young people overcome difficulties in learning and emotional wellbeing. Educational psychologists often work with schools, families, and local authorities. 
• Health and social care: Psychology graduates contribute to the NHS, community care and social services by supporting patients, families, and carers in diverse health-related settings. 
• Business and organisational psychology: Use psychological principles to improve workplace culture, boost employee engagement and design strategies for better organisational performance. 
• Human resources and training: Apply insights into behaviour and motivation to recruit, train, and develop talent in both public and private sector organisations. 
• Market research and consumer behaviour analysis: Companies rely on psychology graduates to understand how people make choices, shaping marketing campaigns, product development, and customer experiences. 
• Forensic psychology and criminal justice: Work within the justice system, prisons or rehabilitation centres and apply psychological principles to understand behaviour, reduce reoffending and support offender rehabilitation. 
• Academic research and teaching: Contribute to advancing the field by conducting research, publishing studies and educating the next generation of psychology students at schools, colleges and universities. 
• Sports and performance psychology: Help athletes, performers and even business leaders develop focus, resilience and strategies to perform at their best. 
• Digital health and wellbeing: With the rise of apps and online therapies, psychology graduates are finding opportunities in designing digital mental health solutions that reach broader audiences. 

Psychology is a versatile and future-proof degree that blends science, empathy and critical thinking. It provides graduates with the ability to succeed in healthcare, education, business and beyond. 

GBS psychology courses 

At GBS, we believe psychology is a pathway to understanding people, solving problems and making a positive difference in society. Our programmes are carefully designed to combine academic theory with hands-on practice, ensuring students graduate with both knowledge and employability skills. Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a working professional looking to retrain or someone returning to education, GBS offers a supportive environment to help you thrive. Explore our wide range of psychology-focused courses: 

BSC (Hons) Applied Business with Foundation Year 

This unique degree allows you to explore the link between business and psychology. You will gain practical skills in communication, decision-making and leadership while understanding how human behaviour impacts organisations. It is ideal for those interested in careers in management, human resources (HR) or business consultancy where people skills are just as important as business acumen. 

BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling with Foundation Year 

Designed for students who want to work directly with people, this programme provides a solid grounding in psychological theory alongside practical counselling techniques. From understanding emotions and stress to learning how to support mental wellbeing, you will build the skills needed for roles in mental health services, education or social care. The foundation year makes this degree accessible to students of all backgrounds. 

MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy 

A postgraduate route for those committed to therapeutic practice, this programme prepares you to work as a professional counsellor or psychotherapist. With a focus on evidence-based techniques, ethical practice and professional standards, it offers the advanced training needed to make a direct impact on mental health and wellbeing. 

Choosing GBS means choosing a place where your academic goals and personal aspirations align. Our psychology courses do more than teach you theories. They prepare you to apply psychology to shape lives, careers and communities.