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Psychologist
Chartered psychologist
Psychologists apply the scientific study of the mind and behaviour to solving real life problems.
Average salary (a year)
£44000
Starter
£57000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
35.0 to 40.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
9am to 5pm
flexibly
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You can get into this job through a university course.
University
To become a psychologist, you'll need to:study a psychology degree accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) or do a psychology conversion course, gain Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, complete an accredited postgraduate qualification in your chosen specialism to practice as a psychologist
Psychology conversion course
You might be able to complete an approved psychology conversion course if:your psychology degree is not accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), you have a degree in a subject other than psychology
Postgraduate qualification
To practice 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
educational psychology, forensic psychology, occupational psychology, sport and exercise psychology
To apply for a postgraduate qualification in a specialism, you’ll often need
a first or 2
1 (upper second class) degree, excellent research skills, relevant work experience
a first or 2
1 (upper second class) degree, excellent research skills, relevant work experience
You might want to 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
British Psychological Society (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
Volunteering
It can be helpful to get some paid or 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.
More Information
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.
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
Knowledge of psychology
To enjoy working with other people
Counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
Active listening skills
Excellent verbal communication skills
Sensitivity and understanding
Maths skills
Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Related Restrictions
pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults
Day to day tasks
Your day-to-day tasks will depend on your specialism. For example you could
support young people with learning or emotional issues, work with patients with brain injuries, use psychological theory to help people who have been in prison, support people with conditions like anxiety, stress and depression, help businesses improve employee job satisfaction, help improve individual or team motivation and performance
support young people with learning or emotional issues, work with patients with brain injuries, use psychological theory to help people who have been in prison, support people with conditions like anxiety, stress and depression, help businesses improve employee job satisfaction, help improve individual or team motivation and performance
Working environment
You could work at a school, in an NHS or private hospital, in a prison, in a therapy clinic, in the community or at a client's business.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.
Your career path will depend on your psychology specialism.
You could
move into supervisory or management positions, move into teaching, academic research, policy or consultancy work, become self employed and run your own private practice
move into supervisory or management positions, move into teaching, academic research, policy or consultancy work, become self employed and run your own private practice
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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