Choosing a Course

As with all degrees, investigate the modular options that open up in the second and third years (and fourth if you venture north ofthe border). If you know you want to do face perception, visual processing or memory, then make sure they're on offer and try to find out if the tutors are researching those areas. The best teachers can be those on the cutting edge of development, but it can also work the other way - they may be too busy to teach you, so try to discover the specialisms of those you'll be learning from.

Make sure you know what you're letting yourself in for. All psychology degrees involve training in statistics, and all require the writing of essays, dissertations and projects, so ensure that these appeal. You'll need to write up empirical findings and present them to other students. Just because this is the sort of subject that will always create some good conversation in the pub, it doesn't mean this is an easy option.

And remember, if you want to have the opportunity to continue as a professional psychologist, make sure the course has been accredited by the British Psychological Society.