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As a psychologist you’ll understand, interpret and advise patients on their mental wellbeing and encourage positive behaviour change. Read below to find out what being a psychologist is like, how you can qualify and the skills you’ll need for a successful career.
Career development in this field is possible once qualified, after which you will choose how you’d like to focus your efforts.
You’ll typically start working through placements during your studies, after which you’ll usually take on a junior psychologist role. With experience and further training, you’ll be able to work at a consultant level. NHS psychologists will generally take around 5 years or more to reach consultant level pay grades. Some vacancies will expect at least several years’ experience to apply for the position.
Self-employment is possible for psychologists who want to work directly with patients and set their own schedules.
Many people will start their career in psychology with voluntary or paid work experience alongside studying, along with teaching or clinical work during their postgraduate studies.
After qualifying you might choose to achieve chartered status through the British Psychological Society (BPS). There are many professional bodies for certain disciplines within psychology, such as the Health Care Professions Council or the General Medical Council, who offer both regulation and further training and can keep you up to date with best standards and practice.
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