The Big Psychology Challenge 2026
Take on The Big Psychology Challenge and get a taste of university life at one of Europe’s leading brain research facilities.
The Big Psychology Challenge 2026 has now concluded. Information about future editions of the competition will be published on this page when available. In the meantime, you can register your interest, and we'll get in touch if the competition returns.
Open to all
Open to Year 12 students from Wales and the rest of the UK
Showcase academic curiosity
A unique achievement to highlight in your students’ UCAS personal statement
Recognition for excellence
Prizes for the most innovative and outstanding entries
Experience university life
Discover what studying psychology in Cardiff is really like
Visit CUBRIC
One of Europe’s leading brain research facilities
Supported initiative
With support from the Welsh Branch of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the Seren Academy
About the challenge
Cardiff University and Cardiff Metropolitan University are thrilled to jointly present The Big Psychology Challenge – an exciting opportunity for Year 12 students across Wales and the UK to think big, get creative, and explore psychology beyond the classroom.
Students will team up to tackle a thought-provoking psychology-themed question, designing a poster and producing a two-minute video that brings their ideas to life. Entries will be judged by psychology experts, with gold, silver and bronze prizes awarded at an exciting on-campus event.
On the big day, students will showcase their work, hear from expert psychologists, and connect with academics and alumni to discover more about psychology degrees and future career opportunities.
Why get involved?
This challenge offers students the opportunity to:
- explore psychological concepts in a hands-on and creative way
- build skills in research, communication, and teamwork
- connect with university staff, students and alumni
- discover psychology degrees and the wide variety of career pathways
What to expect at the event
- poster presentations to judges and peers
- talks from expert psychologists showcasing the different areas of psychology and the many career paths they lead to
- opportunities to meet academic staff and students
- a buffet lunch
Challenge theme
Each year, we set one thought-provoking psychology-themed question for students to tackle.
Our 2026 theme was:
Future opportunities
The Big Psychology Challenge 2026 has now concluded.
Thank you to all the students, teachers and schools who took part in this year's competition. We were delighted to welcome students from across Wales and the UK to explore psychology beyond the classroom and showcase their ideas.
We hope to run The Big Psychology Challenge again in the future. Information about future editions of the competition, including eligibility, themes and key dates, will be published on this page when available.
If you would like to hear about future opportunities, you can register your interest below.
Get in touch
If you have any questions, please contact blsmarcomms@cardiff.ac.uk
Complete this form to register your school's interest.