Psychology
A field of study in social sciences, journalism and information
Vocational or degree?Mostly higher education1 in 10 train through vocational routes in the EU: 29,000 finished vocational training and 331,000 higher education in this field (2024). Figures for the wider field.Eurostat
Do graduates use it?59% in a matching jobof social science graduates with a degree in the EU work in a job that matches what they studied. After vocational training: 37% (small sample).All social science fields · Eurostat 2024
Do they find work?87% in workof people who finished higher education in the last 1 to 3 years in the EU (2025). Vocational training: 80%. General upper secondary only: 67%.All fields · Eurostat
What you'd learn
PsychologyBehavioural disordersCognitive psychologyPsychological counselling methodsCheck methodsCommunication disordersBehavioural scienceAdolescent psychological developmentDevelopmental psychologyBehavioural therapyHuman psychological developmentPsychological theories+ 13 more
The knowledge areas ESCO files under this field, those most needed by jobs first. Actual programmes vary by school and country.
Where it can lead
12 jobs use what this field teaches.
| Job | Prospects | Pay | Usual study | AI exposure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant clinical psychologist | Good | About average | Post-secondary | Low |
| Learning mentor | Limited | About average | Degree | Low |
| Social counsellor | Average | Above average | Degree | Very low |
| Recreational therapist | Good | Well above average | Degree | Very low |
| Psychologist | Good | Above average | Degree | Some tasks |
| Graphologist | Average | Above average | Degree | Significant |
| Polygraph examiner | Good | Above average | Degree | Some tasks |
| Behavioural scientist | Average | Above average | Degree | Moderate |
| Chaplain | Average | Above average | Degree | Very low |
| Educational counsellor | Limited | About average | Degree | Low |
| Social pedagogue | Average | Above average | Degree | Very low |
| Prison instructor | Limited | About average | Degree | Low |
Jobs that need the knowledge this field teaches (ESCO), closest match first. This is not a record of where graduates actually end up: no EU-wide data says that per field.
Where to study
927 institutions in the EU offer social science bachelor's degrees. Pick a country at the top of the page to see where to study and the official course finders.