CAREERS IN PSYCHOLOGY

In this section some of the more popular areas of Psychology are covered. For more information on these or other areas, see the BPS website

To work as a psychologist, your undergraduate degree must be accredited by the BPS.  An accredited course is a degree course that is recognised by the BPS as of a standard that means graduates will have the right basis to start a career in psychology. Combined courses may be accredited if there are enough psychological modules.

Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychologists work with a range of people who are suffering from mental illness or in psychological distress. This can include people with a specific disorder like schizophrenia or depression, or people who are having relationship or family problems. Clinical psychologists carry out assessments to understand more about the person’s problems and then will either provide the client with therapy, counselling or advice themselves, or refer them to another professional. Clinical psychologists work in the NHS or in other health or social care settings. To become a clinical psychologist you need a undergraduate degree that is accredited by the BPS, and then a doctorate in clinical psychology. To get on a doctorate you will need relevant experience, usually as an assistant psychologist.


Counselling Psychology
Counselling Psychologists are similar to Clinical Psychologists; however, they work in a more diverse range of settings including in industry and in prisons. Counselling Psychologists carry out assessments on clients and will then carry out appropriate therapy with the client. They then monitor the progress and outcome of the therapy. They may also be involved in managing other Counselling Psychologists. The route into Counselling Psychology is less straightforward than Clinical. You must firstly have a psychology degree that is accredited by the BPS, and then you can complete a counselling psychology course that is accredited by the BACP, or complete a combination of courses and practise in a counselling role.


Educational Psychology
Educational psychologists work mostly in school settings, dealing with the problems that young people within these settings face. This can include educational needs, or social or emotional problems. Educational Psychologists assess the needs of the child or young person and then recommend the best solution for the child’s need. This may involve working directly with the child or young person through counselling or indirectly by recommendation to teachers, schools or parents about the best educational provision for the child. Educational Psychologists may also undertake research for local authorities into particular problems or issues. To become an Educational Psychologist you must have a accredited degree in Psychology and then do a doctorate in Educational Psychology.


Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychologists work within the legal system. They have many tasks, including treatment of prisoners with psychological problems, eliminating criminal behaviour, stress management for prisoners, advising parole board and probation services staff, and investigating causes and treatment of criminal behaviour. Forensic Psychologists work within the Prison Service and for the Home Office. To become a Forensic Psychologist you must have an accredited degree and then do a masters degree in Forensic Psychology. Finally you will have two years of supervised work where you must complete a Stage Two Diploma.


Occupational Psychology
Occupational Psychology is concerned with the performance of people at work and in training, how organisations function and how individuals and small groups behave at work. The aim is to increase the effectiveness of the organisation, and to improve the job satisfaction of the individual. Occupational Psychologists often work for large companies (in both the private and public sectors), in government and public services, in management training centres and for private consultancies. They usually work alongside other professionals such as managers, trade union representatives, training offices and specialist staff from the firm or industry concerned.
The Civil Service is one of the largest single employers of Occupational Psychologists: the Prison Service, the Home Office, the Employment Department Group (including the Employment Service), the Ministry of Defence, and the Civil Service Commission all employ occupational psychologists.


Teaching and Research
Psychology is a very popular subject at A-Level and University. To teach A-Level a PGCE is required. A PGCE is not required to teach in a university although it may become more important. However, you will be required to have a Masters degree and possibly a PHD or be working towards one. University lecturers have a dual role. They are required to teach but also do research in their chosen area of Psychology.

Counselling and Psychotherapy
These professions are similar to Clinical and Counselling Psychology but are more likely to be employed independently. These jobs involve providing therapy for individuals who are mentally ill or have personal issues. Counselling is different to psychotherapy as counsellors are trained in a very specific form of therapy.

Other Careers
Graduates with a Psychology degree are eligible to go on a wide variety of graduate training programs. Graduate training programs are run by large companies that take on graduates and train them in various areas of business and industry.  Psychology is sometimes considered to be a numerate degree as it does contain statistics so can enable the holder to get into some financial industries, like insurance.
Other jobs where a Psychology degree may be beneficial include:

• Management
• Human Resources / Personnel
• Advice Worker i.e. Career, Citizens Advice
• Social Work
• Market Research

For more information on the above careers try http://www.prospects.ac.uk/