The Minds Underground™ Psychology Essay Competition 2026
We run two Psychology Competitions - The British Psychology Olympiad (designed in collaboration with Aseeder) and our Psychology Essay Competition.
The British Psychology Olympiad follows a different format to the standard Minds Underground Psychology Essay Competition, with more than 1 round. Candidates who would not like to enter the full Olympiad are able to enter just the MU Psychology Essay Competition (See questions below).
Format:
Round 1 - Multiple Choice Question Round (MCQ): Sunday 8th February 2026 (register via the button below)
Round 2 (National Round) - Open Question Test: Sunday 22nd February 2026
Round 3 (Global Round) - Global Psychology Essay Competition: Winning Olympiad Candidates must submit an essay for the global Minds Underground Psychology Essay Competition by 11pm on 3rd April (see Olympiad submission form via email - do not submit below). For those just entering the Essay Competition (not part of the Olympiad), the deadline is also 3 April (submit below). Olympiad candidates who do not make it to Round 3 may still enter the Essay Competition separately via the submission form on this page.
Psychology Essay Competition Overview
The Minds Underground™ Psychology Essay Competition invites students in Year 12 – though younger entrants and Year 13 university re-applicants are also welcome – to explore human behaviour, the mind, and psychological theory through independent research and academic writing.
This competition provides an opportunity to develop university-level essay and analytical skills, engage with current debates in psychology, and prepare for psychology admissions tests and interviews at Oxbridge and other top universities.
Entrants must choose one question to answer.
The 2026 Minds Underground Psychology Essay Competition questions are now live. Submit by 3 April 2026!
01
Are humans the most intelligent species?
2026 Psychology Essay Competition Questions
03.
Do personality traits remain stable across a lifetime?
Are you in Year 11/12 & Thinking of Pursuing Psychology at Degree Level/ Oxbridge?
We offer a range of exciting opportunities for students aspiring to a degree in Psychology at a leading university:
Research Projects in exciting current fields with subject experts
Psychology Summer School for university/ Oxbridge applicants
Long-term Oxbridge Psychology mentoring: Boosting knowledge beyond the curriculum, preparing for personal statement and interviews - visit our on-curriculum site, U2 Tuition for more information: https://www.u2tuition.com/oxbridge-mentoring
Interested in a Psychology Competition Mentor? Looking for specialist support researching & writing? Our Oxbridge-educated masterminds are here to help! Sessions from £75/h + VAT. Enquire here
Past Questions
01
To what extent is the mind just the product of a biological computer?
03.
How deeply ingrained is our sense of self? Are humans the only species to experience this, and how can it be affected in pathological states?
N.B. You may be interested in undertaking one of MU’s online Psychology: Decode the Mind masterclasses with our experts to give you ideas and help direct your research. Some examples below! Contact us if you may be interested in taking a masterclass as a group class and we will enquire with other students to see if anyone will split the rate.
