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Psychologist
Psychologists study the way people think and act. They look at all aspects of behaviour and the thoughts and feelings that make us act the way we do. Psychologists use their understanding to help people with difficulties to change their lives for the better. Many psychologists work in health and education services, but they can be found in a wide range of other areas.
Work activities
There are various different types of psychologist, although they all use their understanding of psychology to try to help people change their lives for the better:
- Clinical psychologists help people who have physical and mental health issues. For example, they may train people in relaxation techniques to help them cope with anxiety. They also work with people who have eating disorders, phobias, head injuries and illnesses. Clinical psychologists work in health and social care settings, such as hospitals, health centres and community mental health teams.
- Health psychologists apply psychological knowledge and methods to the study of health care. For example, they investigate why and when people seek professional advice, what might prevent them from using medication, and how they cope with illness. Health psychologists usually work in universities, medical schools and health services.
- Educational psychologists study and treat the learning, behavioural and emotional problems of children and young people. They assess young people’s progress, and academic and emotional needs. Increasingly, educational psychologists help teachers to improve the school environment, recognising that this can influence young people’s behaviour and ability to learn. Educational psychologists usually work in schools, colleges, nurseries and special units.
- Occupational psychologists look at the performance of people at work and in training. They are involved in issues like the selection and training of staff, effective management and the working environment. They work for large companies, the government and public services, and as private consultants.
- Counselling psychologists help people to improve their sense of well-being, resolve crises and increase their problem-solving abilities. Counselling psychologists work with individuals, groups or families. Some work privately, others in GPs surgeries, counselling organisations and academic settings.
- Forensic psychologists give evidence in courts of law and tribunals, and to prisoners’ review panels. They help offenders to understand their behaviour and to avoid re-offending on release. Some forensic psychologists are involved in prison management, others work with the victims of crime. Forensic psychologists work in prisons, youth custody centres, special units and regional secure hospitals.
Personal qualities and skills
As a psychologist, you need:
- An investigative mind.
- A strong interest in the way people think and act.
- A logical and methodical approach to problem solving.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- A calm, professional approach at all times.
- The ability to express your findings, including in reports.
- Teamworking skills, to work with other professionals.
- Strict respect for your clients’ confidentiality.
- The psychological knowledge to understand behaviour in a scientific way.
You should also be:
- A good listener.
- Logical and systematic.
- Patient, non-judgemental and objective.
- Able to relate to people of all ages, from all walks of life.
- Able to build a trusting, constructive relationship with clients.
- Committed to helping people transform their lives in a positive way.
- Resilient and able to avoid becoming burdened by the difficulties you encounter.
Pay and opportunities
Earnings for psychologists vary depending on their area of specialisation and whether they are employed or in private practice. Clinical psychologists working in the NHS start on Agenda for Change pay band 5, starting on £28,407. They may progress to band 6 (up to £42,618) and beyond.
Psychologists work a basic 35-40-hour week. Some evening and weekend work may be required. Part-time opportunities may be available.
It can be difficult to secure a place on a postgraduate training course, due to high demand.
Employers include the NHS, private companies, consultancies, the Civil Service and local government. Psychologists also work in university teaching and research. Opportunities for psychologists occur throughout the UK.
It is possible for psychologists to set up in private practice.
Where are vacancies advertised?
Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers, on job boards, on the British Psychological Society’s Psychologist Appointments website, on employers’ websites, on the Government’s Find a Job service.
Entry routes and training
If you want to work as a psychologist, you’ll need to study an undergraduate university degree, followed by a postgraduate qualification before you can be registered. The steps towards registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) are shown here:
- Complete a psychology degree accredited by British Psychological Society (BPS)
- Make sure the degree gives eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC)
- Start building up work experience in your specialist area of interest
- Study for a postgraduate professional training course accredited by BPS.
If your first degree isn’t in psychology or isn’t BPS-accredited, there are conversion courses you could take so you will be eligible for GBC.
In order to get a place on a HCPC-approved postgraduate training course, you’ll need at least a 2:1 degree, as well substantial relevant experience. The postgraduate qualification you choose will depend on the area you want to specialise in. For example, educational psychology, occupational psychology and forensic psychology each has a slightly different route to qualification. Most will take at least two years to complete. You can find out more on the HPC or BPS websites. Once you’ve qualified, you’ll still need to keep up to date with changes and further develop your skills.
With experience, psychologists can progress to supervisory and management positions. Some psychologists specialise further or study for a PhD, eventually moving into teaching or research.
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act: Chartered psychologist posts are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means that you must supply information to an employer about any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings, if they ask you to. This is different from other careers, where you only have to reveal information on unspent convictions if you are asked to.
Qualifications
For entry to an accredited degree course in psychology, the usual requirements are:
- Three A-levels, including a science subject in some cases.
- Five GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English, maths, and sometimes a science subject.
Psychology at A-level is not always a requirement. Other qualifications, such as an Edexcel (BTEC) Level 3 National qualification or the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma could also be considered.
Adult opportunities
Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.
If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree course, a college or university Access course (e.g., Access to Psychology) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details. There are accredited conversion courses open to graduates with degrees in subjects other than psychology (and those with non-accredited psychology degrees). You can find out more by looking on the British Psychological Society’s (BPS) website.
Funding for courses may be available from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and agencies such as the Nuffield Foundation and the Wellcome Trust. The British Psychological Society (BPS) makes a number of awards available each year to recognise excellence in research, practice teaching and education in psychology.
