BA Art and Psychology

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 69.
• DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 125.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

The University of Reading offers a variety of scholarships for international students to support academic excellence and financial needs.

Vice-Chancellor Global Scholarship Award: Merit-based scholarship for high-achieving international students. Covers partial tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: Offered by individual departments based on academic excellence and course selection. Examples include scholarships in Business, Law, Agriculture, and Science.

Chevening Scholarships: A UK government-funded scholarship for outstanding students from eligible countries. Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.

Country-Specific Scholarships: Scholarships tailored for students from specific countries, including India, China, and the USA. Criteria vary based on nationality and academic performance.

Graduates of the BA Art and Psychology program are highly sought after in several sectors, owing to their ability to think creatively and critically. They are equipped with the technical skills of artists and the scientific knowledge of psychologists, making them well-suited for interdisciplinary careers. 

Art Therapist: One of the most common career paths for graduates of the BA Art and Psychology program is art therapy. Art therapists use creative processes to help individuals express emotions, process trauma, and address psychological issues. This career requires a combination of artistic talent and psychological insight, both of which are developed during the program. Art therapists work in various settings, including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and private practices.

Clinical Psychologist: Graduates who choose to pursue further study in psychology can pursue a career as a clinical psychologist. Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders using a range of therapeutic techniques. The BA Art and Psychology program provides the foundation for further professional training, and graduates may choose to continue their studies to become a licensed psychologist.

Creative Director or Art Director: The combination of artistic skills and psychological understanding allows graduates to excel in roles such as creative director or art director. These positions are common in advertising, media, fashion, and entertainment industries. Creative directors oversee the visual style and imagery for projects, advertisements, or campaigns, while art directors are responsible for the overall aesthetic design and layout of creative works.

Arts Administrator: Graduates can also pursue careers as arts administrators, working in galleries, museums, or cultural organizations. Arts administrators are responsible for managing and organizing art exhibitions, events, and performances. They handle budgets, marketing, and logistics while supporting artists and curators. Their knowledge of both art and psychology allows them to create programs that cater to diverse audiences, including those with mental health challenges.

Psychologist in the Arts or Social Sector: Many graduates may choose to apply their psychological knowledge in social settings, such as working with children, families, or community groups through art-based projects. They may also work in non-profits or educational organizations to develop programs that use art to support mental well-being and social inclusion.

User Experience (UX) Researcher: UX researchers study how people interact with products and services, focusing on user behavior and psychological needs. Graduates of the BA Art and Psychology program can apply their understanding of human psychology and artistic skills to create better user experiences. They may work in tech companies, design firms, or marketing agencies to research and design intuitive and psychologically satisfying user interfaces.

Art Educator or Lecturer: Graduates with an interest in teaching can pursue careers as art educators at various levels. Whether teaching in schools, colleges, or universities, art educators share their knowledge of both art techniques and psychological development with students. For those wishing to teach at the university level, pursuing further study in both art and psychology may be necessary to become a lecturer.

Researcher in Psychology or Art: Graduates may choose to conduct research in either psychology or art, exploring topics such as the therapeutic effects of art, the psychology of creativity, or the cognitive processes involved in art appreciation. Research roles can be found in academic institutions, think tanks, government agencies, or private research organizations.

Public Health and Well-Being Consultant: Graduates can also apply their knowledge of psychology and art in the public health sector. By developing programs that use art to promote mental health and well-being, these professionals work in hospitals, community centers, or governmental organizations. Art can be used as a tool for stress relief, emotional regulation, and mental health support in various public health initiatives.

Freelance Artist or Entrepreneur: Some graduates may choose to pursue freelance careers as artists, offering their works to galleries or clients. Others may launch their own creative enterprises, whether as independent artists, curators, or entrepreneurs in related fields like wellness and art consulting. Their psychological knowledge can be an asset in understanding client needs and managing creative projects effectively.