Student members

As we transition into Summer 2025, why not embrace the chance to have your work featured in an upcoming Psych-Talk issue? 

Psych-Talk Editor Raegan Shaw and Editor-Elect Shannon Woodward answer some FAQs to help you get started!

What is Psych-Talk? 

Psych-talk is a bi-annual publication created by students, for students. 

The aim of Psych-Talk is to platform for student voices. Your opinion could encourage and inspire other students to express their own unique insights in the rapidly evolving field of Psychology.

At Psych-Talk, we champion scientific progression. The way we discuss and explore diverse pathways in Psychology should reflect the ever-changing needs and understanding of current society.

Why students? 

Student voices are new, zealous, and ripe with innovation. Psych-Talk seeks to build the field of Psychology through upcoming scientists just like you.

Psych-Talk could mark a key stepping stone in your career development, paving the way for ongoing academic success. 

Who can contribute?

We welcome engaging, encouraging, and informative contributions from students of any discipline interested in psychology. Please submit your article to [email protected]

What topics should I write about? 

The best articles are driven by genuine passion and motivation. 

For this reason, we encourage you to write about your personal interests and experiences within the field of Psychology. 

You may also choose to write about a topic you have explored as part of an outstanding assignment, to celebrate your good work. 

At Psych-Talk, you have the freedom to write authentically and communicate your unique contributions for powerful impact.

When are the submission deadlines for 2025? 

Submissions for the August 2025 issue are now closed.

The deadline for the issue to be published in December 2025 is 29 August 2025.

What skills could I gain by writing for Psych-Talk?

Psychology is a competitive field. Here are some skills you could list on your CV when your article is featured in Psych-Talk: 

• Analytical and critical thinking
• Effective written communication
• Strong time-management
• Knowledge of your chosen research field or topic
• Evidence-based literature review
• Experience of the collaborative peer-review and publishing process
• Applied understanding of research ethics 

How do I prepare for writing an article? 

1. Plan for submission deadlines

In your busy student life, you will undoubtedly have to balance numerous workplace, social, and educational commitments. Therefore, time is precious and effective time management is a valuable skill. 

First, check the submission deadlines and plan when you will prioritise writing your article. Your dedicated writing time must not conflict with other important deadlines or assessments. 

At Psych-Talk, we understand student life is busy, so 2025 submission dates are planned around the summer holidays. 

If you can't submit before the 1 May deadline, don't stress – submit your article before 29 August and you'll still have a chance to be featured in the December 2025 issue!

2. Read past publications

When planning your article, it is good to have an excellent understanding of the Psych-Talk expectations and standards, in terms of style, content and format. 

We recommend you read previous issues of Psych-Talk available on our BPS Explore webpage. Don't forget - issues are free to access for current BPS student members!

What types of articles do we look for?

Psych-talk contains open discussion of any topics relevant to students interested in psychology. Content also informs readers of upcoming events and possible placement opportunities.

The aim is to showcase student-written material on a variety of topics, spanning from general interest essays to placement reviews.

Here is a list of frequently published articles: 

1. Articles/Debates (1,500-2,000 words, third person)

If you'd like to raise awareness on a controversial topic or simply start a discussion, you're welcome to submit an opinion article. Alternatively, you may wish to continue a discussion in response to a previously published article. All opinions should be fully APA referenced and evidenced with current scientific literature.

2. Placement Reflections (first person)

If a work placement has had a profound impact on you and your professional journey, we'd love to share your encouraging message.

3. Interviews (5-10 Questions, first person or third person)

If you'd like to interview a psychologist you admire, this is a great platform to promote them and build your skills in the process. We welcome you to devise your own list of questions, but if you'd like some suggestions, send us an email, and we will be happy to help.

4. Conference/BPS Event Articles (first person)

If you've recently attended an event that you believe would interest other student members, please share your experience in an article. 

5. Book Reviews (first person)

Have you read a particularly impactful book that you'd love to showcase? Share your comments and feedback in a book review. 

Please be mindful that all submissions must be fully referenced according to the latest APA guidelines wherever possible.

For more information, please visit the Psych-Talk webpage or send us an email at [email protected].

Can I submit an article that has already appeared as a dissertation or thesis?

Yes, but the article needs to be substantially revised to fit our article format and length. For example, you may choose to modify the literature review section of your thesis to form an opinion article. 

What happens once an article is submitted to Psych-Talk?

Navigating the publishing process can be daunting, but don't worry! The editorial team are here to support you and collaboratively ensure your work achieves BPS standards. 

Once received, the editorial team will review your article and suggest a few edits to make your piece outstanding and ready for publication. 

You will receive an email from us with the reviewed article, a list of suggested edits, and a copyright form to complete. 

We will also give you the option to submit a photo of yourself to be displayed alongside your work, in addition to information about your institution and any relevant affiliations.

If you are successful, we will send you a PDF of your final published article and a document containing your Retained Rights.

How long does the review process take?

This varies. The review process can take two weeks or longer, depending on the edits needed, length of submission and proximity to the submission deadline. The editorial team will send you a confirmation of receipt upon submission of your article. 

Closing tips from the Editor-Elect, Shannon Woodward

• Familiarise yourself with the publication – Follow the submission guidelines carefully. Misformatted or lengthy submissions are common reasons for delay that can easily be avoided.
• Be original – Don't be afraid to bring your own ideas and opinions to your articles. We want to see you building on existing work, whilst also filling a gap, challenging ideas or adding your own fresh perspective on the topic.
• Proofread – This can save a lot of time for both you and the editorial team, to ensure your article makes it into the upcoming publication.
• Don't fear feedback – Peer review only helps to strengthen and improve your work. Respond to comments or pose any questions with professionalism, and be open to revising your article. This is a great chance to gain insight into how the publication process works and will prepare you for the future.

Final words of encouragement

If you'd like to get your work featured, just submit! Don't let self-doubt discourage you or defeat your chance for success. 

If you have any questions, please send us an email at [email protected]. 

We look forward to reading your submissions!

Psych-Talk: Values and aims

Motivations behind your writing are important. The reader can often subtly detect the underlying attitudes and reasoning behind your article. 

For your writing to engage the reader, let your sincere enthusiasm shine through. 

Here is a list of core values and principles we would like to see demonstrated throughout your writing: 

1. Seek to encourage: Demonstrate a positive attitude and commitment to scientific progression.
2. Be outward-focused: Consider how you can best serve and inspire other students with your own unique knowledge and experience.
3. Provide solutions: Psychologists face many challenges, but your work should seek to contribute ways that we could collectively overcome barriers within the field to maximise future outcomes.
4. Communicate effectively: Convey complex information concisely, prioritising quality over quantity. 

How to choose a topic 

Choose to write about an area of psychology that is personally relevant and authentic to you. Your genuine motivation to write about an area of science that fascinates you will be expressed in your writing, and your enthusiasm will inspire readers to learn more.  

Psych-Talk is an opportunity for you to demonstrate a deep level of understanding of your chosen subject area. This in-depth knowledge is extremely beneficial when seeking to specialise in a specific field. 

Writing prompts

Psych-Talk accepts a wide range of submissions. Here, we explore the most popular submission types and provide suggestions to guide you when planning your piece.

Debates and opinion pieces

Think of a key discussion or topic within psychology that you want to call greater attention to. Use evidence from recent research literature to form an evidence-based opinion on this area. 

An opinion piece should demonstrate strong critical analysis skills and the ability to consolidate a large body of evidence. Your literature review will form an overarching stance or argument. 

Use in-text citations to persuade the reader and promote further exploration into your chosen topic. 

Questions to answer:

• Are there any gaps within the research literature you'd like to address?
• Using current evidence as support, suggest possible solutions to overcome any barriers you have highlighted within the field (e.g., interventions or future research directions). 

Work placements

Reflecting on your own placement experience can inspire confidence in your fellow students as they embark upon their own career journeys. Each placement has equipped you with unique experiences and personally relevant insights, allowing the opportunity to practically apply your psychological understanding in an active role. 

Through these opportunities, students can fully appreciate the value of evidence-based practice that is integral to the role of a scientist-practitioner. Why not share your personal progression to support others?

Questions to answer: 

• How has your work placement impacted the way you approach psychology?
• How has your psychological understanding impacted and informed the way you serve others within your work placement?
• Do you have any advice for your fellow students seeking to pursue a similar role?

BPS event reviews

The BPS hold many exciting and informative events that cover a multitude of interests.

If you have feedback for a recent or past event, we'd love to hear your opinion.

Questions to answer: 

• What was your overall experience when attending the event?
• Did you contribute to the event in any way? If so, how did you contribute? What did you learn and what skills did you gain from participation?
• What did you specifically enjoy about the event (e.g., content, guest speakers, organisation, communication, location/host platform)?
• Do you have any recommendations to enhance future events? Are there any events you would like to see hosted by the BPS in the future?

Interviews

Psychological expertise is gained through seeking advice and imitating influential figures within the field. Is there a practitioner or researcher who particularly influences you?  Why not use Psych-Talk to share their guidance with other students?

Top tip: Prepare beforehand by reading the psychologist's own work to fully understand their role and plan your questions accordingly. 5-10 questions are an ideal length. Always give full informed consent and ask permission to publish the interview before submitting the written piece.

Questions to ask: 

• What are their greatest contributions to their chosen fields?
• What skills and experiences led them to achieve within their area of research/practice?
• Do they have any advice for students seeking to enter a similar field? 

Book/article reviews

You may have heard the expression 'read for a degree.' Being a student requires a lot of reading. Throughout your educational journey, you will have undoubtedly read something that was pivotal in shaping your current understanding, interests, and performance. 

If a particular book or article has inspired you, why not share the joy with other students? 

Questions to answer: 

• What insight and knowledge did you gain from reading this book/article?
• What did you particularly enjoy about the content, writing style and format?
• How have you applied this understanding to enhance your own studies and practice?

What makes an outstanding article and/or interview?

An outstanding article communicates complex information in an informative and concise manner, for high quality and impact. 

We welcome all pieces with a fresh, positive outlook that offer solutions to overcome barriers within Psychology. 

Articles are selected based on the following specific criteria: 

• Scientific and professional value: Is your article grounded in the latest peer-reviewed research?
• Critical analysis: Does your article contribute valuable new insight into your chosen topic?
• Written communication: Is your article grammatically correct with a clear, comprehensible structure?

If you have any questions, please send us an email at [email protected]. 

For more information and previous issues, visit the Psych-Talk webpage.

We look forward to reading your submissions!

As a self-driven psychology student, you may be looking for creative ways to showcase yourself as an outstanding candidate to future employers. Publishing your best work is a great solution to practically demonstrate a wide range of employability skills and strengthen post-graduate applications. 

Here are some skills to add to your CV when your work is featured in Psych-Talk.

Writing and communication

Writing for Psych-Talk will demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely. In your article, you will structure logical arguments in an accessible way to engage with the Psych-Talk audience.

Remember, Psych-Talk is created by students, for students. The aim is to inform and inspire your peers, while showcasing your best work to the wider Psychological workforce.

Did you know? Psych-Talk is free to download for BPS student members.

Critical thinking 

Critical analysis is an essential scientific skill. A Psych-Talk article will prove your ability to evaluate the current body of research, identify limitations and generate alternative explanations for results. 

You can use your evaluations to provide recommendations for how to overcome barriers in the industry: this could include suggestions for future research ideas or interventions.

Time management

Demonstrate to employers that you are prepared to go the extra mile! A Psych-Talk article will evidence that you can diligently balance busy student life with professional writing and successful navigation of the publication process. 

Knowledge of your research field

Specialising in a specific area of Psychology can be difficult to pursue, especially as students don't always have the freedom to choose assignment topics. 

By taking the time to explore your chosen topic in-depth, you can show your true passion and extensive knowledge of the area you seek to specialise in. 

Having published work in this area can really make your CV stand out to employers within your chosen field. 

Literature review 

Literature review is an integral part of any scientific writing, as you thoroughly review the latest research on a topic of your choice.

In your article, you will consolidate a whole body of research literature into a cohesive and persuasive argument. This will signify to employers that you can effectively select relevant information from an expansive array of scientific findings. Furthermore, you can use the knowledge gained from the literature review in your article to both inform other students and enhance ongoing assignments.

Experience with the publication and peer-review process

Once your submission is received, a member of the editorial team will review your work. 

Throughout this process, you will demonstrate that you can respond effectively to feedback and revise manuscripts according to a list of suggested edits. You will also be provided with forms to help you understand publishing copyrights and your retained rights as an author. 

These are valuable skills that could pave the way for your work to be published in future academic journals.

For more information about the peer-review process, email us at [email protected].

Application of research ethics 

As a psychology student, you will be familiar with the importance of ethics for both research and practice.

Throughout your article, you can champion the BPS Code of Ethics and Conduct by discussing controversial or sensitive narratives with respect, competence, responsibility and integrity. 

For more information, read the BPS Code of Ethics and Conduct.

For a chance to be featured in an upcoming Psych-Talk issue, please email your article to [email protected].

For further information or to read past Psych-Talk issues, visit us at BPS Explore.

You're studying hard, but how do you make sure you secure your dream job?

Coming across well in a job interview is an important step towards your landing your perfect job, and there are lots of psychological tips to make sure you come out on top.

As well as exclusive keynote speakers and panel discussions the event also featured several Q&A sessions with representatives from various BPS member groups.

Part 1

• Welcome and introduction - Hazel McLaughlin, BPS President
• My route into Clinical Psychology and Beyond - Dr Gemima Fitzgerald
• The psychology of performance excellence - Dr Mustafa Sarkar CPsychol

Part 2

• Panel discussion - including practitioner psychologists, BPS student member and representative of the student committee and BPS staff from membership and education & training
• Cognition and neuroscience: a day in the life - Dr Chris Street

Part 3

• Being a Forensic Psychologist: from the street to the laboratory - Professor Coral Dando
• Speaker panel - a Q&A session with our expert keynote speakers

The recording provides information about clinical psychology training programmes and sharing the experiences of BAME colleagues during training and as qualified clinical psychologists.

Participants heard from a number of professionals who work within a variety of settings such as the NHS, private settings and the third sector.

Speakers included:

• Dr Suzanne Roos, Consultant Psychologist & Professional Lead for Psychological Therapies, NHS Orkney
• Dr Siân Clifford CPsychol., Chartered Counselling Psychologist
• Dr Fani Papayianni, Counselling Psychologist
• Ben Amponsah, BSc, PGDipl, GMBPsS, MBACP (Accred)

The event featured four speakers with psychology backgrounds who now work with children, each of whom presented a 'Day in the life of' segment describing what a typical day looks like in their role, and this was followed by a panel discussion.

These videos providing advice on a variety of topics and answer some key questions, such as:

• The value of professional development
• Why is CPD important?
• What are the benefits of engaging in CPD?
• Advice to peers to encourage CPD engagement
• How do you approach CPD?