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Clinical psychologist

Alternative titles for this job include

Clinical psychologists help people manage mental health issues, phobias and addiction.

Average salary (a year)

£35,000 Starter

to

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Clinical psychologist

You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.

University

The first step is to get a degree in psychology accredited by The British Psychological Society.

If you have a degree in a subject other than psychology, you can apply for an accredited conversion course.

Postgraduate course

After your degree, you'll need a postgraduate doctorate (PhD or DClinPsych) in clinical psychology. There's usually a lot of competition for places on doctorate courses.

To get a place, you'll need:

  • a first or 2:1 (upper second class) in your degree
  • evidence of excellent research skills
  • some work experience

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 3 A levels or equivalent

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Clinical Associate in Psychology Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.

As a qualified clinical associate, you could apply for graduate membership of The British Psychological Society.

You would work within the field you trained for under the supervision of a registered clinical psychologist.

You would also continue with further postgraduate doctorate training (PhD or DClinPsych) to become a clinical psychologist.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • a degree in a relevant subject

More Information

More Information

Registration

Professional and industry bodies

You can join The British Psychological Society for professional development and training opportunities.

Further information

You’ll find more about careers in clinical psychology from The British Psychological Society and Health Careers.

You can also explore other careers in the psychological professions.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of psychology
  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
  • the ability to understand people’s reactions
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • analytical thinking skills
  • active listening skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a clinical psychologist, you'll:

  • work out what your client needs using interviews, tests and observations
  • decide on appropriate treatments, such as therapy or counselling
  • work closely with medical professionals like other doctors
  • write reports and act as an expert witness in court
  • go to conferences and keep up to date with developments in the field
  • develop research projects to improve understanding of conditions and how best to treat them

Working environment

You could work in an NHS or private hospital, at a client's home, at a university or at a health centre.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience and further training, you could:

  • specialise working with certain people, such as children or young offenders
  • specialise in clinical neuropsychology
  • move into research or teach at a university
  • work as a freelance consultant, advising other professionals and clients
  • set up your own psychology practice

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a Clinical psychologist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Psychology

  • Provider: TURTON SCHOOL
  • Start date: 10 September 2025
  • Location: Bolton

Psychology

  • Provider: THE GRYPHON SCHOOL
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Sherborne

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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