14 Psychology Internships for Undergraduates in the UK

If you’re an undergraduate student interested in psychology, an internship can be a worthwhile way to explore this field. Internships provide opportunities

to build skills in areas such as clinical psychology, child and adolescent mental health, crisis support, and neuroscience research. Depending on the program, you may interact with clients, collect and analyze data, or contribute to global mental health research initiatives. Through these experiences, you can develop skills in research design, behavior management, de-escalation strategies, and professional communication. These skills are valued by employers and postgraduate programs. 

Why should I do a psychology internship in college?

Completing a psychology internship as an undergraduate student is one of the most effective ways to connect theoretical knowledge with practice. By working in research labs, specialist schools, charities, or mental health organizations, you can demonstrate practical experience with psychology concepts and methodologies to future employers and postgraduate programs. This strengthens your CV by providing concrete experience, such as collecting and analyzing data, supporting individuals with additional needs, or contributing to global mental health research projects.In addition to improving your professional profile, internships can allow you to explore specific areas of psychology, including political psychology and applied behavior analysis, before committing to a long-term career path.

To help you get started, we’ve put together 14 psychology internships for undergraduates in the UK that offer structured training, practical experience, and opportunities for professional development.

1. The British Psychological Society (BPS)’s Undergraduate Research Assistantship Scheme

Location: Virtual, hybrid, or in-person
Cost/Stipend: £270/week ($360.18/week)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 20 senior researchers interested in mentoring an undergraduate student will be selected for the grant
Dates: 6 - 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: January 12 - March 8
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students entering their final year of college after the completion of the project | must be enrolled in a BPS-accredited undergraduate degree in psychology | must be on track to achieving a 2.1 or a first class degree | must be at least a current Student Member of the BPS | must have a PhD or post-doctoral researcher willing to take them on as a research assistant (the scheme's applicant must be the supervisor)

As an undergraduate student participating in the BPS Undergraduate Research Assistantship Scheme, you will complete a funded 6 - 8 week research apprenticeship within a psychology department at a UK university. You’ll contribute to a defined research project under the supervision of an active BPS researcher, and gain hands-on experience in research design, data collection, analysis, and preparing presentations or written reports. The scheme emphasizes structured training and mentoring, providing insight into how academic psychology research is planned, conducted, and evaluated. You will receive a weekly stipend while developing practical research skills that can strengthen your CV ahead of your final undergraduate year. The program is designed for students considering research careers, and offers early exposure to postgraduate study pathways and doctoral-level study through close collaboration with an experienced supervisor.

2. Ladder University Internship Program

Location: Remote (you can work from anywhere in the world).
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type | financial aid is available Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 10%
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort – spring (January), summer (May), fall (September), and winter (November).
Eligibility: Undergraduates and gap year students! who can work for 8 - 12 weeks, devoting 10 - 20 hours/week 

The Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship program that connects students with startups and nonprofit organizations around the world. The participating startups range across a variety of industries. During the internship, each student will work on a real-world project that addresses an actual need within the organization, and present their work at the end of their internship. Interns work closely with their manager at the host startup throughout the internship. Apply now!

3. National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Undergraduate Internship Programme

Location: Host institutions across the UK
Cost/Stipend: Interns will receive a stipend for the duration of their internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Supervisors can host up to 3 interns each
Dates: Requested funding will be available for one year, from April 1 to March 31 of the following year | internships typically last 2 to 8 weeks
Application Deadline: September 11 - November 5
Eligibility: Internships are open to undergraduate students in their penultimate year of study | must be studying nursing, biomedical science, psychology, mathematics, or a related field 

As an undergraduate intern with the NIHR Undergraduate Internship Programme, you will complete a fully funded placement lasting 2 to 8 weeks at a university, NHS organization, or health and care provider in England. Your daily responsibilities may include supporting ongoing research activities, assisting with data analysis, contributing to publications, observing research activities, or completing a small independent project under supervision. The programme prioritizes areas such as public health, research methodology, data science, healthcare science, and psychology, providing exposure to applied research that informs healthcare policy and practice. You will receive a stipend for the full duration of the internship, with possible support for travel, accommodation, and training costs when justified. You will work closely with an early-career researcher who provides structured guidance. At the end of the funding period, you may also attend an in-person NIHR event to share knowledge and learning outcomes with other interns and supervisors.

4. Anna Freud's Researcher Internship Scheme

Location: Anna Freud offices in London or Manchester (remote working options also available)
Cost/Stipend: Funded | pay may vary based on whether you are working full-time or part-time
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive, with around 6 interns
Dates: The internship runs for 3 months, starting from early to mid-July
Application Deadline: May 24 | applications will probably open in April
Eligibility: Undergraduate students pursuing a degree in psychology, the social sciences or a related field (final year students are not eligible to apply) | must be from a minoritised ethnic group, have lived experience of mental health difficulties, be disabled and/or be care experienced | must be unable to take part in an unpaid internship for reasons of lack of financial support | must have the right to live and work in the UK without restrictions

Anna Freud's Researcher Internship Scheme offers a three-month funded placement focused on applied child and adolescent mental health research and evaluation. The internship is designed to make entry into mental health research more accessible. During the program, you will contribute to ongoing research and evaluation studies, attend structured training sessions on applied research methods, and gain practical insight into how mental health research is performed in the real-world. You’ll meet weekly with a supervisor and receive dedicated career development mentorship from a senior researcher, helping you understand pathways into research careers. The scheme also allows you to shadow cross-organizational teams such as fundraising, training, and communications, providing insight into how research functions within a national mental health organization.The program offers flexible part-time or full-time options with placements either remote or on-site in London or Manchester.

5. University of Cambridge’s MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit (CBU) Summer Placement Scheme

Location: MRC CBU, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England
Stipend: £12.21/hour ($16.29/hour)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 4 students
Dates: July 7 - August 15 (tentative; based on previous years)
Application Deadline: March 17 – April 6
Eligibility: Undergraduate students studying at a UK or Republic of Ireland university who are in their penultimate year of study and have little to no research experience | Non-UK citizens and non-Irish citizens are not eligible to apply

Through the MRC CBU Summer Placement Scheme at the University of Cambridge, you will join a research group working on projects in cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience. You may support experimental design, collect behavioral or neuroimaging data (such as MEG, EEG, or MRI), interact with research participants, and assist with data analysis using tools such as Python. The program provides direct exposure to research areas including tactile perception, memory, cortical processing, auditory processing, and cochlear implants. You will work under the supervision of experienced researchers, gaining structured training in advanced experimental methods. Along the way, you will strengthen your skills in research design, quantitative analysis, scientific communication, and collaborative laboratory work.

6. Jigsaw School’s Trainee SEN Teacher (Paid Placement)

Location: Jigsaw School, Cranleigh, England
Cost/Stipend: £26,458 ($35,294.97) FTE
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Placements typically last 1 academic year and start between July and August
Application Deadline: Placements are offered on a first-come, first-served basis | the earlier you apply, the better your chances
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students studying psychology or education | A minimum Grade of C/4 GCSE in English language & Maths or equivalent is required to be successful in this role 

As a Trainee SEN Teacher at Jigsaw School, you will support children with autism using behavior-based instruction in a CABAS-informed educational environment. Your responsibilities may include planning and delivering structured lessons focused on communication, life skills, and social development. You may also implement individualized support plans in small classes or one-to-one settings to help students achieve their full potential. During the placement, you will monitor pupil progress, contribute to curriculum materials, and apply positive reinforcement techniques to accelerate learning. The program also includes fully funded training in SEN education and Behaviour Analysis, including CABAS Teaching Assistant ranks and Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT), alongside regular supervision from experienced behavior analysts.Throughout the placement,you will gain practical experience in SEN pedagogy, behavioral management, first aid, and multidisciplinary collaborative work within a school environment.

7. University of Aberdeen’s The School of Psychology Internships

Location: University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland
Cost/Stipend: Paid research internships might be available for interested students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Internships are typically 6 - 10 weeks long, and take place during the summer | voluntary Psychology Research Experience opportunities are available year-round
Application Deadline: The application deadline for funded Psychology research internships typically falls between the end of January and the end of March
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students 

At the University of Aberdeen School of Psychology, you can participate in funded summer internships or voluntary research placements designed to provide exposure to psychology research. During a 6 - 10 week summer internship, you will work on a defined project under the supervision of a university staff member and contribute to ongoing research while developing methodological and analytical skills. You are expected to identify a research area of interest and secure a supervisor beforehand, allowing the placement to focus on agreed project objectives. Additionally, you can also choose to gain voluntary research experience during the academic term or summer by assisting staff or postgraduate researchers with ongoing projects. Through these opportunities, you can build hands-on experience in research design, data collection, or analysis, and academic collaboration.

8. Wellcome Summer Internship Programme

Location: Wellcome offices in London
Cost/Stipend: £13.85/hour ($18.63/hour), along with travel or accommodation support
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 8 weeks in July - August
Application Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students who are partway through their studies (final year students cannot apply) | must have the right to work in the UK 

During the Wellcome Summer Internship Programme, you will spend eight weeks as part of a team at a global health research foundation. You will contribute to projects related to life sciences, wellbeing, and mental health.Your work may involve supporting ongoing initiatives aligned with Wellcome’s priority areas while collaborating with experienced staff and fellow interns. You will complete a collaborative project with other interns, gaining insight into how Wellcome operates across funding, policy, and charitable activities. The program combines paid, hands-on project work with structured development opportunities, including presentation skills training and group volunteering activities. With supervision and mentorship from a dedicated line manager, you will gain practical insight into how large-scale health research funding and strategy operate in the UK.

9. British Association of Psychopharmacology (BAP) Summer Research Internship Scheme

Location: BAP member labs at various host institutions
Stipend: £2,000 ($2,662.80) for travel and living expenses |
a bursary that includes registration fees and £250 ($332.85) towards travel/accommodation to attend one annual BAP Summer Meeting
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 6 to 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students from anywhere in the world | must be a current training member of the BAP or must have at least applied for a membership 

The BAP Summer Research Internship Scheme places pre-doctoral students in a research laboratory led by a BAP member for a 6 - 8 week summer project in fields such as psychopharmacology, neuroscience, psychology, or psychiatry. During the internship, you may contribute to an ongoing research project, which may include data collection, literature review, or exposure to specialized research techniques. The placement is supervised by an experienced researcher who’ll provide guidance on research design and professional development throughout the project. The scheme prioritizes projects where you’ll have meaningful intellectual input and receive structured training. Interns will also be expected to present their project at a future BAP Summer Meeting, allowing them to share their findings with researchers and professionals in the field.

10. Samaritans Listening Volunteers

Location: One of 201 Samaritans branches in the UK and Ireland
Cost/Stipend: Reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred during volunteering activities will be reimbursed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Volunteering opportunities are available throughout the year
Application Deadline: Enquiry process is open year-round | click here for more information
Eligibility: Must be at least 18 years old | must be based in the UK or the Republic of Ireland 

The Samaritans Listening Volunteer roles focus on providing emotional support to individuals experiencing distress through the organization’s 24-hour helpline and messaging services across the UK and Ireland. After completing a structured training program, you’ll begin volunteering at a local branch where you respond to phone calls or messages from people seeking someone to talk to. Your work will center around active listening, maintaining confidentiality, and supporting callers without judgment as they express difficult thoughts or feelings. New volunteers are paired with an experienced mentor, giving them access to guidance and feedback as they develop their listening and communication skills.Volunteers typically commit to a regular shift of around 3 - 4 hours per week, with occasional night shifts depending on branch needs. The role offers practical experience in empathetic communication and managing sensitive conversations, making it a viable opportunity for undergraduate students interested in psychology careers.

11. Internship Opportunities at the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children’s Psychological Services Department

Location: Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, England
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 12 students per academic year
Dates: Year-round internships
Application Deadline: Recruitment takes place in December/January before the academic year in which you begin your internship
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled in a Psychology Honours degree that incorporates a placement year as part of the degree

The Psychological Services Department at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children offers year-long placement opportunities for undergraduates enrolled in a Psychology Honours degree that includes a compulsory placement year. Placements are limited to 12 students per academic year, and they are selected through a competitive application and interview process coordinated by university placement officers. During your time in the department, you will gain insight into paediatric clinical psychology by observing how psychologists and therapists support children with medical conditions and their families. You will also collaborate with multidisciplinary teams that include doctors and nurses. The placement provides exposure to both outpatient and ward-based work, helping you understand how psychological support is integrated into healthcare.

12. Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health Undergraduate Summer Internship

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Generally unpaid | stipend of up to $2,000 is available for students who are unable to find funding through their universities.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Less than 25 interns
Dates: 8 weeks starting in June
Application Deadline: December 1 - January 31
Eligibility: Rising senior undergraduate students 

The Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health Undergraduate Summer Internship is an eight-week program for rising senior undergraduates interested in global mental health research. Hosted within the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, this internship assigns you to a research project aligned with your interests to reduce the global burden of mental illness. You will receive mentorship from one to three faculty members and attend daily seminars covering research methods, ethics, and career development in global health. Your responsibilities may involve literature reviews, qualitative or quantitative data analysis, manuscript preparation, and content analysis, while also giving you the chance to develop skills in public speaking and professional networking. The program emphasizes applying an equity-informed perspective to research and implementation, and provides structured guidance on postgraduate pathways in mental health fields.

13. Overcome Clinical Psychology Internship

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Top 5% of applicants
Dates: Internships are available year-round | they typically last three months
Application Deadline: Rolling, with monthly cohorts
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students

The Overcome Clinical Psychology Internship provides a fully remote, full-time, three-month placement for students interested in clinical psychology, counseling, or psychotherapy. You will begin with a one-month intensive training program covering motivational interviewing, coaching, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy. The training includes live workshops, role-plays, self-study, and assessments. After completing training, you will work directly with global clients conducting one-to-one online coaching sessions, initially focusing on behavior change and progressing to working with clients experiencing depression and anxiety. The internship includes weekly internal clinical supervision and periodic external supervision with qualified professionals, requiring you to track sessions and discuss cases as part of your development. Although unpaid, the program offers a structured and supervised client-facing experience at a UK-registered charity focused on improving access to mental health support. This psychology internship is well-suited for students seeking practical exposure to therapeutic techniques prior to postgraduate training.

14. Crisis Text Line’s Crisis Counselor Volunteer Program

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Opportunities are available year-round 
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students who are at least 18 years old

The Crisis Text Line’s Crisis Counselor Volunteer Program places volunteers on the front line of digital mental health support. Participants communicate with individuals experiencing crises in the U.S., Canada, the U.K, and Ireland through text-based messaging. You will begin with a structured two-week training program focused on emotion regulation techniques, de-escalation strategies, managing challenging behaviors, and promoting positive coping practices. After training, you will complete 200 hours of volunteering, where you’ll respond to real-time conversations with individuals in crisis. The role involves applying skills such as active listening, empathetic communication, collaborative problem-solving, and safety planning. Although unpaid, this program offers direct exposure to crisis support work and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to community mental health through accessible text-based interventions.

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