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Mental Health

Psychologist

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Psychologists study how people think, feel, and behave. In the UK, they can work in various fields, such as clinical, educational, occupational, forensic, or counselling psychology. Their work often involves assessing clients, providing therapy or interventions, conducting research, and sometimes advising on policies or organisational practices. Many psychologists work within the NHS, supporting individuals with mental health difficulties, learning needs, or behavioural challenges. Others may work in schools, prisons, businesses, or universities. To become a psychologist, you usually need a psychology degree accredited by the British Psychological Society, followed by postgraduate training in your chosen specialism.

Psychologist

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Qualified psychologists in the UK typically earn between £31,000 and £52,000 per year, with experienced specialists or consultants earning over £80,000.

Job Opportunities

There are approximately 22,000 practising psychologists in the UK, with roles available in the NHS, private practice, education, research, and industry.

Training Duration

Becoming a chartered psychologist usually takes a minimum of 6 to 7 years of university study and supervised practice.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Child Psychologist

Works with children and young people to help them deal with emotional, social, and behavioural issues.

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Clinical Psychologist

Assesses and treats people with mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and phobias.

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Forensic Psychologist

Applies psychological principles within the criminal justice system, often working with offenders or victims.

Achieve Strong Academic Foundations

Study Relevant Subjects at School

Focus on subjects like Psychology, Biology, and Mathematics at GCSE and A Level.

Taking Psychology at A Level (if offered) provides a valuable introduction to the subject. Biology helps you understand the scientific aspects, while Mathematics is useful for research and statistics. Good grades in these subjects will strengthen your university application.

Research Psychology Degree Courses

Explore accredited psychology degree programmes at UK universities.

Look for courses accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). This is essential if you wish to become a Chartered Psychologist in the UK. Consider course content, entry requirements, and opportunities for work placements or research.

Complete Higher Education

Earn a Psychology Degree

Complete a BPS-accredited undergraduate degree in Psychology.

A three-year full-time course is standard in the UK. Your degree must be accredited by the British Psychological Society to progress to postgraduate training. Engage in research projects, join psychology societies, and gain relevant experience through volunteering or part-time jobs.

Pursue Postgraduate Training

Specialise by undertaking a relevant postgraduate course such as Clinical, Counselling, Educational, or Occupational Psychology.

Postgraduate training typically takes one to three years and includes both academic study and supervised practical experience. Entry is competitive, so gaining work experience beforehand is important. Options include a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) or MSc in your chosen area.

Gain Professional Experience and Registration

Gain Work Experience

Work in roles such as an assistant psychologist, mental health support worker, or research assistant to build practical experience.

Experience in mental health, education, or research settings is highly valued. This stage helps you develop essential skills, understand the realities of the job, and build contacts in the field. Many postgraduate programmes require substantial experience before you can apply.

Register with the HCPC and Gain Chartered Status

Register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and apply for Chartered status with the BPS.

After completing your postgraduate training, you must register with the HCPC to practise as a psychologist in the UK. Becoming a Chartered Psychologist with the BPS further demonstrates your expertise and commitment to professional standards.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Psychologist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

How to become

You can get into this career through a university course.

University

To become a psychologist, you'll need to:

Psychology conversion course

You may be able to complete an approved psychology conversion course if:

  • your psychology degree is not accredited by The BPS
  • you have a degree in a subject other than psychology

Postgraduate qualification

To practise as a psychologist, you'll need to complete an accredited postgraduate qualification in your chosen specialism.

Specialisms include:

  • educational psychology
  • forensic psychology
  • occupational psychology
  • sport and exercise psychology

To apply for a postgraduate specialism course, you’ll need:

  • a first or 2:1 (upper second class) degree
  • excellent research skills
  • relevant work experience

You should check the postgraduate entry requirements with the admissions department where you want to study.

You can find out more about all of the different specialisms and the postgraduate training from The BPS.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Volunteering

It can be helpful to get some voluntary experience in health or social care or in education before you apply for a course.

You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do IT.

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Professional and industry bodies

You can join The British Psychological Society (BPS) for professional development opportunities.

Further information

You'll find more advice on careers and training in psychology from The British Psychological Society (BPS) and Health Careers.

You can also explore other careers in the psychological professions.

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