Thinking about a Psychology degree? Maybe you have a specific career in mind. Or perhaps you’re fascinated by the human mind but still exploring which psychology career is the right fit. The good news? Psychology offers a huge range of career options. There’s bound to be something that clicks with your passions and interests. So, where do you start? Research! Exploring the different jobs you can get with a psychology degree is key.
Let’s dive into some popular Psychology careers and what it takes to become a Chartered Psychologist in each.
- Educational Psychologist: Championing Young People’s Learning and Well-being
Imagine supporting kids and teens who are struggling to develop. That’s what educational psychologists do. They work with children and young people facing challenges, whether it’s a disability, or social, behavioral, or emotional difficulties. They team up with parents, teachers, and support staff in schools and other educational settings. What does a typical day look like? Think assessments – interviews, observations, the whole nine yards – to understand what’s going on. Then, they recommend actions to boost the young person’s development and well-being. Sometimes, they even run broader programs designed to improve education and lives for young people. The path to this career? First, you’ll need a BPS accredited Psychology BSc or MSc (conversion) and Graduate Basis for Membership (GBC). Then, it’s on to a BPS accredited Doctorate in Educational Psychology. Pro tip: Experience working with kids or in an educational setting is a definite plus.
- Health Psychologist: The Mind-Body Connection
Health psychology explores the link between our minds and our physical health. These psychologists help people deal with the psychological and emotional fallout of being physically ill. They also empower people to adopt healthier habits. And they’re a valuable resource for other healthcare professionals, advising them on the psychological impact of illness so they can provide better patient care. You’ll find health psychologists in hospitals, community health centers, research, public health, and even consulting firms. They collaborate with patients and families, doctors, nurses, dieticians, rehab therapists – pretty much the whole healthcare team. The work itself? It’s a mixed bag. One day you might be raising awareness about healthy lifestyles. The next, you could be supporting healthcare staff in sensitive patient interactions. Or maybe you’re helping someone cope with a serious illness or an addiction. They even get involved in shaping health policy or researching how patients and doctors make treatment decisions. How do you get there? You guessed it: a BPS accredited Psychology BSc or MSc (conversion) and GBC. Next up: a BPS accredited Masters in Health Psychology (Stage 1). Then, you’ll need to complete Stage 2 training: either the BPS Qualification in Health Psychology Stage 2 (QHP Stage 2) or a BPS accredited Doctorate in Health Psychology. 1 Important note: Stage 2 training comes in different forms, so do your homework and choose the right one for you. BPS accreditation is a must.
- Forensic Psychologist: Psychology and the Law
Forensic psychologists bridge the gap between psychology and the legal system. Many work in prisons, but you’ll also find them in universities, forensic labs, and research settings. They work with a diverse group of people: prison staff, young offender teams, probation officers, police, lawyers, health and social workers, prisoners themselves, and even victims of crime. What do they actually do? Forensic psychologists use their understanding of the psychology behind criminal behavior for all sorts of things. They might design and run treatment programs, provide expert research for court cases, advise parole boards, develop prisoner profiles, analyze crimes, and even help reduce stress for prison staff and inmates. The road to becoming a forensic psychologist? A BPS accredited Psychology BSc or MSc (conversion) and GBC are your starting points. From there, you’ll need either a BPS accredited Masters in Forensic Psychology (Stage 1) followed by the BPS Qualification in Forensic Psychology Stage 2 or a Doctorate program in Forensic Psychology. Fair warning: this career path can be tough. But if you’re resilient and can stay calm under pressure, you can make a real difference.
- Sports Psychologist: The Mental Edge in Athletics
Love sports and psychology? Then sports psychology might be your calling. These professionals help athletes navigate the emotional rollercoaster of competitive sports. They work with athletes, coaches, referees – basically anyone involved in the sporting world. Their mission? Using psychological principles to boost athletic performance. That could mean building team spirit, helping athletes manage the pressure of competition, or even supporting them through the psychological impact of injuries. How do you become a sports psychologist? First, you’ll need a BPS accredited Psychology BSc or MSc (conversion) and GBC. Then, it’s on to a BPS accredited Masters in Sport and Exercise Psychology (Stage 1). Finally, you’ll complete Stage 2 training: either the BPS Qualification in Sport and Exercise Psychology (Stage 2) or a BPS accredited Doctorate in Sport and Exercise Psychology. Fun fact: Exercise psychology is a close cousin to sports psychology, but it focuses more on getting the general public active and healthy.
- Counselling Psychologist: Guiding Individuals Through Life’s Ups and Downs
Counselling psychology uses psychological theory and research to provide therapy. These psychologists help individuals, groups, and families navigate tough times – think relationship breakdowns, abuse, bereavement – and manage mental health conditions like depression, psychosis, or eating disorders. They often work in health or mental health settings, like hospitals or health centers, and interact with a range of health and social care professionals. They also spend a lot of time communicating directly with their clients and their families. What does a counselling psychologist do? They help people recover or learn to live well even when they’re struggling. That involves assessments (mental health needs, risk assessment, psychometric testing), creating and implementing treatment plans, analyzing the results, and working with other professionals to make sure the client gets the support they need. The path to this career? A BPS accredited Psychology BSc or MSc (conversion) and GBC, of course. Then, you’ll need either a BPS accredited Doctorate in Counselling Psychology or the BPS Qualification in Counselling Psychology. Key skills for this role: self-awareness and the ability to connect interpersonal dynamics and communication with therapy.
- Clinical Psychologist: Addressing Mental and Physical Health Challenges
Clinical psychologists are the experts in treating a wide range of mental and physical health disorders, from anxiety and depression to learning difficulties. Their goal? To reduce distress and improve quality of life. They work with patients, their families, and a whole host of other professionals – doctors, social workers, health visitors, psychiatrists, you name it. What does a clinical psychologist do? They work closely with patients, using psychological methods and research to diagnose, assess, and manage their conditions. They might use psychometric tests, interviews, or observations to get a better understanding of the situation before recommending treatment, like counselling or therapy. Want to become a clinical psychologist? You’ll need a BPS accredited Psychology BSc or MSc (conversion) and GBC. Then, a BPS accredited Doctorate in Clinical Psychology is essential. Important note: Most Clinical Psychology Doctorate programs use the Clearing House for Postgraduate Courses in Clinical Psychology for applications, but not all, so do your research!
- Occupational Psychologist: Creating Positive and Productive Work Environments
Occupational psychology is all about how people behave at work and how organizations function. These psychologists try to make sure people are performing at their best and that workplaces are positive and productive. They’re also key players in making sure employees are happy and satisfied in their jobs. You’ll usually find occupational psychologists working in offices, either as consultants or as part of a company’s staff. They work with managers, HR professionals, and employees at all levels. What do they do day-to-day? They might be involved in shaping company culture, making sure office spaces are designed for productivity, hiring and assessing new employees (think psychometric tests and interviews), developing talent management programs, coaching employees, helping with organizational change, and even mediating disputes. How do you become an occupational psychologist? You’ll need a BPS accredited Psychology BSc or MSc (conversion) and GBC. Then, complete a BPS accredited Masters in Occupational Psychology. Finally, you’ll need to complete Stage 2 of the Society’s Qualification in Occupational Psychology (two years of supervised practice). Keep in mind: Occupational psychologists work in all kinds of businesses, so think about what kind of work environment appeals to you.
