Psychology in the United Kingdom

Psychology has developed as a discipline and profession in United Kingdom (UK) over the past 150 years. This chapter highlights key milestones in its development and also the influence of racist ideologies prevalent in early scientific thinking. The development of practitioner psychology was initially slower in the UK than the USA but then progressed rapidly from the mid-20th century onward, particularly as a result of the inception of the National Health Service in 1948. Practitioner psychologists are now well-established across health, education, and justice services as well as in business and sports in the UK. In 2009, statutory regulation of practitioner psychologists, independent of professional bodies, was successfully introduced. Psychology has become one of the most studied subjects at high school level and is the third most popular degree choice at UK universities. Challenges, which include achieving a balance of psychological professionals adequate to meet population need, are also discussed.