Is UCL or King’s Better for Psychology? Honest Comparison for 2026 Applicants
If you're applying to study psychology in London, there's a good chance you're deciding between two academic giants: University College London (UCL) and King’s College London (KCL). Both are part of the prestigious Russell Group, both rank highly, and both offer strong psychology degrees — so which one is right for you?
This guide offers a side-by-side comparison to help 2026 applicants make an informed decision.
Overview: UCL vs King’s
| Feature | UCL | King’s College London |
|---|---|---|
| QS World Rank (2024) | #9 globally | #40 globally |
| Psychology Rank (UK) | Top 3 | Top 10 |
| Location | Bloomsbury | Waterloo/Strand |
| Course Length | 3 years | 3 years |
| Degree Type | BSc Psychology (C810) | BSc Psychology |
UCL has a slight academic edge, especially in psychology research and global rankings.
Course Content Comparison
UCL Psychology BSc (C810)
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Research-led curriculum
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Strong emphasis on statistics and scientific methods
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Optional final year modules (e.g. Clinical, Educational Psychology)
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Accredited by the BPS
King’s Psychology BSc
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Strong neuroscience and mental health integration
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Includes global health and societal perspectives
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Strong reputation for clinical psychology pathways
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Also BPS-accredited
Both offer:
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Independent research projects
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Opportunities for lab-based work
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Access to world-class academics
Read more: What Is BSc Psychology at UCL Really Like?
Entry Requirements
| Requirement | UCL | King’s |
| A-Levels | A*AA incl. science | AAB incl. science |
| IB | 39 points | 35 points |
| GCSEs | 5 (C) in Maths & English | Similar expectations |
UCL is more academically competitive on paper.
Use our free UCL Psychology Applicant Planner to help you stay organised.
Student Life & Campus Experience
| Factor | UCL | King’s |
| Campus Style | Traditional, spread across Bloomsbury | Mix of historic and modern buildings |
| Facilities | Cutting-edge psychology labs | Renowned Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) |
| Societies | Active Psychology Society | Specialist Mental Health societies |
Both offer central London experiences — but UCL is more campus-based, while King’s is integrated into the city.
Graduate Outcomes
Both universities boast high employability. UCL is better known for academic psychology, while King’s has strong NHS links and placements in:
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Clinical Psychology
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Mental Health Services
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Research Assistance Roles
So, Which One Should You Choose?
✅ Choose UCL if you...
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Love data, science, and lab work
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Want to specialise in a research-focused area
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Aim for top-tier global recognition
✅ Choose King’s if you...
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Are interested in clinical or mental health pathways
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Prefer a broader psychology + social health lens
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Like the city-campus feel of central London
Tip: Visit both open days or attend virtual Q&As to get a feel for their culture.
Final Thoughts
Both UCL and King’s offer excellent psychology degrees. Your choice comes down to learning style, career goals, and the environment you thrive in.
Don’t forget to grab your free UCL Psychology Applicant Planner and track your application progress.
Want to learn more about UCL? Read: Is UCL Good for Psychology?
