Posted by The field of psychology is a broad one, and there are many different ways to practice it. To help you decide which degree program is right for you, here’s our list of the 30 best psychology universities in Europe. We’re ranking high-quality programs based on their rankings by QS World University Rankings (2022).
Table of Contents
Overview and Job Prospects
Psychology is a field of study that focuses on the human mind and behavior. The psychology department is one of the most popular departments in universities all over Europe, including Poland, Germany, and Spain.
The term “psychologist” refers to someone who studies mental processes such as thinking, learning, memory, attention, and language; how these processes are influenced by age; what factors contribute to mental health or illness; how emotions affect behavior; as well as personality theory or individual differences.
Popular Careers in Psychology
- Psychologist: The field of psychology has many sub-categories. A psychologist can specialize in a specific area of study, such as social or clinical psychology. They can also choose to work with specific groups of people, such as children, teenagers, or adults.
- Clinical psychologist: These psychologists have received additional training and education that allows them to diagnose and treat mental illnesses including depression and anxiety. They may also prescribe medications for their patients (it varies from country to country).
- Social psychologist: This type of psychologist studies how we interact with each other socially by studying things like group dynamics, prejudice and stereotyping, leadership skills, and cooperation between people who don’t know each other very well yet (typically used for businesses).
- Counselor/therapist: This type of career requires at least a Master’s degree in counseling psychology where you’ll learn how to assess people’s problems so you know what kind(s) of therapy would be most effective on them so they can overcome these issues while working towards reaching their goals.
How Much Do Psychologists Make?
You may be wondering how much psychologists make. The median salary for a psychologist is around $81,040, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
If you live in the US, the BLS predicts that your work as a psychologist will pay off with an average annual salary of $100,000 by 2022. If you’re in Europe, however, you won’t have quite as much money coming in—but it’ll still be pretty decent.
The List of 30 Best Psychology Universities in Europe
Europe is home to some of the world’s top universities in the field of psychology, with a range of options to suit different interests and career goals.
Here is a list of the 30 best psychology universities in Europe, based on academic reputation, research output, and graduate employability:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- UCL
- University of Amsterdam
- King’s College London
- Karolinska Institute
- KU Leuven
- The London School of Economics and Politics
- The University of Edinburgh
- Utrecht University
- University of Groningen
- The University of Manchester
- Tilburg University
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
- University of Nottingham
- Erasmus University Rotterdam
- University of Birmingham
- University of Sheffield
- Leiden University
- Humboldt-Universitat zu Berlin
- Cardiff University
- University of Zurich
- Maastricht University
- Radboud University
- University of London
- The University of Warwick
- University of Bristol
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen
- Sapienza University of Rome
- Universite Catholique de Louvain.
30 Best Psychology Universities in Europe
If you’re interested in studying psychology at the university level, Europe has a wealth of options to choose from. Here’s the list of the best psychology universities in Europe.
1. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of the best.
It’s also a world leader in research and teaching, as well as a member of the elite Russell Group of research-led British universities. The university has produced about 56 Nobel Prize winners to date, more than any other educational institution in the world.
The University of Oxford has many strengths: it is consistently ranked among the top 5 universities worldwide; you can find an academic course suited to your interests within its 38 departments (including classics and English literature); there are over 3 million books in its libraries which provide access to an extensive collection from around the globe – making up 7 million items including manuscripts dating back centuries.
2. University of Cambridge
Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world. The university has produced more Nobel laureates than any other higher learning institution in the world.
3. University College London(UCL)
UCL is one of the world’s top universities, ranked as the best university in London and one of the top 2 in Europe when it comes to research power.
It’s also right up there with other academic giants like Harvard and Oxford when it comes to international students, with almost half of its student body coming from overseas.
This means that you’ll be surrounded by people from all over the world and get an amazing opportunity to learn about different cultures outside your own.
4. University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam, founded in 1632, is the oldest university in the Netherlands. It offers over 40 programs (including Psychology) across eight faculties: Humanities; Social and Behavioural Sciences; Law; Medicine; Science and Technology; Dentistry, Nursing, and Pharmacy; Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences; Economics & Business.
Students can choose from over 20 bachelor’s programs, over 50 master’s programs, or one of many dual degrees with partner universities around the world.
5. King’s College London
King’s College London is a public research university located in London, United Kingdom, and a founding constituent college of the Federal University of London.
The Department of Psychology at King’s College London is particularly well-respected, with a strong focus on research and a commitment to providing a high-quality education to its students.
The department offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in psychology, as well as opportunities for research and professional development.
6. Karolinska Institute
Karolinska Institute is one of the top-ranking medical universities in the world. It is public science that was established in 1810 by Kung Karl XIII, a former king of Sweden. It is located in Sweden and is well-known in Europe to have the best medical programs for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
They envision a world with advanced knowledge and medical discoveries that will help improve the healthy living of mankind.
7. KU Leuven
KU Leuven is a catholic university in Belgium. It is the largest university in Belgium and one of the oldest universities in Europe. Established in 1425, KU Leuven has over 30,000 students from over 100 different countries.
They offer courses at undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral levels. They also have a range of master’s programs that you can pursue while staying on campus or studying abroad. Some of these include:
- Master’s Degree in Psychology
- Master’s Degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice Studies
- Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA)
8. London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE)
The London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) is one of the world’s leading social science universities. It has an outstanding reputation for research and teaching excellence in all areas of social science, including economics, management, sociology, political science, and public policy.
9. University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is a world-renowned research university located in Edinburgh, Scotland.
It is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the UK and Europe.
The School of Philosophy, Psychology, and Language Sciences at the University of Edinburgh is home to the Department of Psychology, which is known for its strong research program and commitment to teaching excellence.
The department offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in psychology, as well as opportunities for research and professional development.
10. Utrecht University
Utrecht University is a public university in the city of Utrecht, Netherlands. It was founded on 16 October 1636 and is one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands. The institution offers bachelor’s degrees (BA), master’s degrees (MA), Ph.D. programs, and doctoral programs (dr-AP).
11. University of Groningen
The University of Groningen is a top university in the Netherlands, located in the province of Groningen.
It is also one of the top 100 universities in the world, as well as one of the best psychology universities in Europe. There are many programs available to international students including English-taught bachelor’s degrees such as Psychology & Neuroscience.
12. University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is a research-intensive university located in Manchester, England. It is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the UK and Europe.
The School of Psychological Sciences at the University of Manchester is home to the Department of Psychology, which is known for its strong research program and commitment to teaching excellence.
13. Tilburg University
Founded in 1956, Tilburg University is ranked as one of the top 100 universities in Europe and as one of the best 200 universities worldwide (in psychology).
It’s also ranked among the top 15 for psychology and economics, as well as business and management.
The university’s approach to teaching emphasizes student-centered learning, which means that instructors work closely with their students to make sure they’re fully prepared for future careers.
The school’s psychology department offers bachelor’s degrees (BA) in psychology and criminology; these programs are taught entirely in English.
14. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is one of the best psychology universities in Europe. The university boasts a superb location on the edge of Amsterdam’s World Heritage Site and is close to the city center.
The VU offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs in psychology. It was ranked 13th for its top-notch psychology programs by QS ranking (2022) based on pre-determining factors.
Students can choose from different bachelor’s degrees in psychology alone ranging from general psychology to neuroscience or criminology; there are also five master’s degrees available at both master’s level as well as the doctoral level (Ph.D.).
All programs are taught entirely in English so you won’t have any trouble understanding lectures if your Dutch isn’t up to scratch.
15. University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham also known as the University College Nottingham is a public school that was founded in 1881 and brought into existence from donations made by some prominent individuals. It is located in England which is positioned in the northwest part of Europe.
The Institute is one of the best universities in Europe country with an advanced learning program and resourceful research that is carried out.
16. Erasmus University Rotterdam
Erasmus University Rotterdam is a Dutch public university located in Rotterdam, Netherlands. It is one of the largest and most well-known universities in Europe.
The university offers research-oriented education, especially regarding business administration and law.
The university has seven faculties: Economic Sciences; Law; Medicine; Humanities (including History); Philosophy; Social Sciences and Erasmus School of Economics & Management (ESEM).
17. University of Birmingham
Another outstanding school that we should be aware of is the University of Birmingham. It is a prestigious institute that is a location in England. It was established in 1825 as an Institution of Medicine and Surgery. They specialize in research work and carry out beneficial experiments to help society with their discoveries.
It is one of the best schools in Birmingham that strive for greater knowledge.
18. University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield is a research institute that has created three local institutions. The oldest institution what known to have been established in 1828 as a science of medicine. The Firth College and Sheffield Technical School are the other institution that was established afterward in 1879 and 188 respectively.
The university is located in South Yorkshire, England, and has a Latin motto that means “To discover the causes of things”. It is indeed a well-renowned school with excellent achievements.
19. Leiden University
Leiden University is a public research university located in the city of Leiden, Netherlands.
Today, Leiden University counts approximately 20,000 students and more than 3,100 staff members in more than 150 research groups.
The university has seven faculties with different areas of expertise: law; humanities; medicine; science; social sciences and economics; life sciences & technology; arts & philosophy.
20. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
The Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (Humboldt University of Berlin) is a research-intensive university located in Berlin, Germany. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Germany, with a long history dating back to 1809. Humboldt University is organized into nine faculties, including the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, which is home to the Department of Psychology.
The Department of Psychology at Humboldt University is known for its strong research program and commitment to teaching excellence and offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in psychology.
The Humboldt University is also a member of the prestigious League of European Research Universities (LERU).
21. Cardiff University
Cardiff University is a public research university in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom. Founded in 1883 as the University College of South Wales is fondly admired for producing the best psychologist trainers, especially in sports.
The University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a variety of fields, including humanities, social sciences, business, law, engineering, and science.
22. University of Zurich
The University of Zurich is a public research university located in Zürich, Switzerland. It was founded in 1833 by the existing colleges of theology, law, medicine, and a new faculty of philosophy.
23. Maastricht University
Maastricht University is a public research university in Maastricht, the Netherlands. It was founded in 1976 and is organized into four faculties: Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, and Life Sciences.
The faculty of psychology at Maastricht University has a long tradition of research excellence and international recognition in its chosen fields.
The school offers undergraduate degrees in psychology as well as one-year Master’s programs (MA) with specializations such as clinical psychology or cognitive neuroscience.
24. Radboud University
Radboud University is a public research university in Nijmegen, Netherlands. The university offers bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees.
The university has a strong focus on research and teaching and is known for its high-quality education and academic programs. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a variety of fields, including the humanities, social sciences, law, economics, and natural sciences.
25. University of London
The University of London which is one of the 30 best universities of psychology in Europe was established in 1836 making it one of the oldest universities in London.
It is a public research institute that has a good world reputation for providing computerized and hybrid learning for their student which aids effective academic performance.
26. University of Warwick
The University of Warwick is a research-led university, which means that it has a strong focus on teaching and research. The university is ranked 2nd in the UK for its psychology department, and its student satisfaction score of 90% makes it one of the best psychology universities in Europe.
27. University of Bristol
The University of Bristol is a public research university located in Bristol, United Kingdom.
It is ranked among the top universities in Europe for psychology and is consistently ranked within the world’s top 5pp universities by QS World Rankings.
28. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen is one of the largest universities in Germany. It is located in the heart of Germany in Munich.
The university has a reputation for excellence in both teaching and research, with professors being recognized as some of the best in their fields.
29. Sapienza University of Rome
The Sapienza University of Rome is a public research university located in Rome, Italy.
If you are interested in studying psychology at the Sapienza University of Rome, the University offers a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, which is a 3-year program taught in Italian.
The program provides students with a solid foundation in the theories, methods, and techniques of psychology, and covers a wide range of topics including cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and abnormal psychology.
30. Universite Catholique de Louvain
Founded in 1425, Universite Catholique de Louvain is one of the oldest universities in Europe.
It is a French-speaking Catholic university located in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Belgium and is known for its strong focus on research and teaching.
Its psychology program provides students with a solid foundation in the theories, methods, and techniques of psychology, and covers a wide range of topics including cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and abnormal psychology.
How Much Does It Cost to Study Psychology?
The cost of studying psychology varies depending on a number of factors, such as the country and institution you are studying at, and whether you are studying at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Albeit, the average cost of tuition and fees for a full-time undergraduate student at a private university in the United States is $36,880, while the average cost of tuition and fees for a full-time undergraduate student at a public university in the United States is $10,560 for in-state students and $26,820 for out-of-state students.
Note that this is only an average figure. The numbers can typically go high or low, depending on the school of your choice.
In the UK, the average cost of tuition and fees for a full-time undergraduate student at a public university in the United Kingdom is £9,250 per year (for local students); while international students are expected to be anywhere from £17,000 to £45,000, depending on the school.
For example, take a look at the tuition fees of some of the best psychology universities in Europe on our list:
- University of Oxford – Between £28,950 and £44,240 (overseas students).
- University of Amsterdam – €12,400
- The University of Edinburgh – £32,200
- Erasmus University Rotterdam – €9,700
- LMU Munchen – €300 per semester.
- Sapienza University of Rome – €2,924
- Universite Catholique de Louvain – €2,505
Why Studying Psychology in Europe is Advantageous?
As the third-richest continent in the world, Europe is renowned for having the best colleges. The continent is home to several nations that enjoy a good reputation and international acclaim. You can achieve several things by studying psychology in Europe. The following are some benefits of studying psychology in Europe.
- They are home to some of the most prominent and ancient universities in the world, as well as rich intellectual traditions. Numerous of these colleges have psychology programs that are of the greatest caliber and are well-known all around the world.
- With a robust economy, Europe offers many work opportunities in a variety of industries, including healthcare, education, research, and social services.
- Studying psychology in Europe gives you the chance to experience and absorb this diversity, which can enhance your viewpoint and comprehension of human behavior.
- The fact that many psychology programs are taught in English throughout Europe is advantageous for international students as well as a chance to learn a new tongue.
FAQs About Best Psychology Universities in Europe
How much do psychologists make?
Psychologists make around $70,000 to $80,000 a year. A psychologist's salary depends on their experience level and where they work.
Do these institutes accept international students?
Yes, they do. They have the needed learning facilities and accommodations for any International that want to enroll in the school. Note that each one of these schools has its own requirements policy and you ought to be able to provide the necessary things that are needed.
What is the best university to study psychology in Europe?
There are many good universities across Europe that offer a range of degree programs related to psychology. The best option depends on your personal preferences and career goals as well as your budget. If you're looking for an English-taught program, consider one of the top universities below: University of Oxford (UK), University College London (UK), University of Cambridge (UK), and King's College London (UK). These institutions offer both undergraduate degrees as well as postgraduate courses such as MScs and PhDs in psychology-related fields.
How profitable is it to study psychology?
Psychology is a very resourceful course to study. Psychology is a well-known social science course that deals with the study of human behavior and thinking. They are several fieldworks you can embark on after studying this course which can earn you a good income. If you have the interest to learn about how humans behave or act then I would suggest that this course would be beneficial to you
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Wrapping It Up
If you’re looking to pursue your psychology degree in Europe, then there are a number of universities that offer high-quality education and research. We hope that this list has helped you narrow down your options and start thinking about which school will be best for you. Good luck with your studies.
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