The Big Psychology Challenge 2026

We’ve had a fantastic response to the competition and registration has now closed. You’re welcome to join our reserve list, and we’ll get in touch if any spaces become available.

Take on The Big Psychology Challenge and get a taste of university life at one of Europe’s leading brain research facilities.

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

Hosted in CUBRIC

Experience 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 Friday 3 July 2026 at CUBRIC (Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre) – Cardiff University’s cutting-edge brain research facility.

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
opportunity to meet academic staff and students
a buffet lunch provided at CUBRIC

The challenge theme

Each year, we set one thought-provoking psychology-themed question for students to tackle.

Our theme for 2026:

Challenge theme: How can understanding human minds help tackle climate change? Your poster and video should clearly answer this theme.

How to enter

We’ve had a fantastic response to the competition and registration has now closed.

You’re welcome to join our reserve list by completing the form below, and we’ll get in touch if we're able to offer any additional spaces.

A teacher must complete this on behalf of their school.

Join our reserve list

Teams of two to five Year 12 students can take part. Teams must submit a two-minute video abstract and prepare a poster for the day of the event.

Read our challenge guidelines for full details.