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Psychologist

Alternative titles for this job include Chartered psychologist

Psychologists apply the scientific study of the mind and how it affects behaviour to help people deal with real life issues.

Average salary (a year)

£46,000 Starter

to

£61,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

35 to 40 a week

You could work

9am to 5pm flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this career through a university course.

University

To become a psychologist, you'll need to:

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

Volunteering

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.

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.

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
  • 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:

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 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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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

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 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

Applied Psychology

  • Provider: HAVANT AND SOUTH DOWNS COLLEGE
  • Start date: 04 September 2025
  • Location: Havant

Psychology (Applied) Extended Certificate

  • Provider: BEXHILL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Bexhill on Sea
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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