Psychologist
Psychologists apply the scientific study of the mind and how it affects behaviour to help people deal with real life issues.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a psychologist, 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
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.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could.
- move into supervisory or management positions
- work in teaching, academic research, policy or consultancy
- become self employed and run your own private practice
What it takes
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
- the ability to understand people’s reactions
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults
How to become
You can get into this career through a university course.
To become a psychologist, you'll need to:
- study for a psychology degree accredited by the 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 work as a psychologist
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
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.
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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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.