- In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Psychology, Harvard University ranks first, the University of Cambridge second, and Stanford University and the University of Oxford share third, with University College London fifth
- Harvard was founded in 1636, making it the oldest university in the United States
- The American Psychological Association recognises 15 subfields of psychology, from clinical and counselling to forensic and industrial-organisational psychology.
Psychology is a term used widely in everyday life. The American Psychological Association defines it as the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. Psychology is a multifaceted discipline that includes many fields of study, such as human development, sports, clinical, social behaviour and cognitive processes. It is a relatively new science, with most of its major advances made over roughly the last 150 years.
Psychology covers both conscious and unconscious elements, including feelings and thoughts. It aims to understand human beings by establishing general principles and researching specific cases. A professional practitioner in this field is called a psychologist. Psychologists study behaviour and mental processes such as perception, cognition, attention, emotion, motivation, personality and experience, working as social, behavioural and cognitive scientists.
While psychological knowledge is often used to assess and treat mental-health issues, it also helps solve problems across many other areas of human activity. Psychology is included as a subject within counselling, physiotherapy and other medical courses. Many reputed institutions offer undergraduate and postgraduate psychology courses, each with its own eligibility criteria for admission.
What Is Psychology and What Does It Study?
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. According to the American Psychological Association, psychologists examine how brain function, environment and behaviour interact. It is a broad discipline spanning clinical, counselling, developmental, cognitive, social and forensic psychology, applying evidence-based methods to understand people and improve lives across health, education and workplaces.
The American Psychological Association identifies 15 recognised subfields, including brain science and cognitive psychology, clinical psychology, counselling psychology, developmental psychology, forensic and public-service psychology, health psychology, industrial and organisational psychology, and social psychology. This breadth means psychology graduates work across healthcare, research, education, sport, business and public service.
RCI M.Phil in Clinical PsychologyRead →What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Undergraduate Psychology Courses?
To study an undergraduate psychology course, you generally need to have passed Class 12 or an equivalent from a recognised board. Most colleges accept students from any stream, whether Arts, Commerce or Science. Individual universities may set additional requirements such as minimum aggregate marks, an entrance test or a specific English-language score for overseas study.
- Students must have studied and passed Class 12 or equivalent education from any state or national education board.
- Students belonging to any stream, whether Arts, Commerce or Science, can apply.
- Students who have completed Class 12 from any open school board are also eligible to apply.
- There may be additional eligibility criteria, such as an entrance test or minimum marks, depending on the college or institution.
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Postgraduate Psychology Courses?
For a postgraduate psychology course you usually need a bachelor's degree with psychology as the main subject, and your final-year marks should count psychology towards the aggregate. Final-year undergraduates awaiting results can often apply. Some universities require an entrance exam, a research proposal or interview, and may not accept purely distance-mode graduation.
- Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree with psychology as the main subject.
- The final-year papers should include psychology as the main subject when calculating aggregate marks.
- Students appearing for the final-year examination of their bachelor's degree are also eligible.
- Some universities may not accept graduation completed purely through distance mode or from an open university.
- There may be additional eligibility criteria, such as an entrance exam or interview, depending on the college or institution.
Which Are the Top Universities for Psychology in 2026?
In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Psychology, Harvard University ranks first, followed by the University of Cambridge second, with Stanford University and the University of Oxford tied third, and University College London fifth. These universities offer both undergraduate and postgraduate psychology programmes and lead the field in research.
| University 2026 | QS Subject Rank (Psychology) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | 1 | United States |
| University of Cambridge | 2 | United Kingdom |
| Stanford University | =3 | United States |
| University of Oxford | =3 | United Kingdom |
| University College London (UCL) | 5 | United Kingdom |
Given below are some of the highest-ranking universities in the field of psychology, based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
Harvard University
Harvard University is a private research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1636, it is the oldest higher-education institution in the United States and home to the world's largest academic library system. Harvard offers both undergraduate and postgraduate psychology programmes and is ranked first in the world for psychology in the QS 2026 subject rankings.
Stanford University
Stanford University, formally Leland Stanford Junior University, is a private research university in Stanford, California. Established in 1891, it enrols around 18,000 students and is one of the world's most reputed institutions. It is highly regarded for psychology and related courses, placing among the top three worldwide in the QS 2026 subject rankings.
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is a public research university in Cambridge, United Kingdom, founded in 1209 and one of the world's oldest surviving universities. Its Department of Psychology teaches the Psychological and Behavioural Sciences Tripos at undergraduate level and offers MPhil and PhD research degrees. Cambridge ranks second in the world for psychology in the QS 2026 subject rankings.
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is a collegiate research university in Oxford, England, and the oldest university in the English-speaking world, with teaching recorded as early as 1096. It has no single main campus, with its colleges and facilities spread across the city. Oxford offers Experimental Psychology degrees and ranks among the world's top universities for psychology in 2026.
University of California, Berkeley
Founded in 1868, the University of California, Berkeley is a public research university spread across a 1,232-acre campus. It follows a semester-based calendar and is regarded as one of the top public universities in the United States. Berkeley's psychology department is internationally recognised and consistently ranks among the leading programmes worldwide.