I am a
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Psychologist

Psychologists apply the scientific study of the mind and behaviour to solving real life problems.

Average annual salary

£44,000 to £57,000

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Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through a university course.

University

To become a psychologist, you'll need to:

Psychology conversion course

You might be able to complete an approved psychology conversion course  if:

  • your psychology degree is not accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS)
  • you have a degree in a subject other than psychology

Postgraduate qualification

To practice 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 qualification in a specialism, you’ll often need:

  • a first or 2

You might want to 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 British Psychological Society (BPS) .

Entry requirements:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Volunteering

It can be helpful to get some paid or 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 .

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Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:
  • 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
  • an understanding of statistical methods and data analysis
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • knowledge of sociology and anthropology for understanding society and culture
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to understand people’s reactions
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • the ability to work well with others
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • the ability to read English
  • knowledge of English language
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • a desire to help people
  • concentration skills
  • a good memory
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What you'll do:

Psychologists apply the scientific study of the mind and behaviour to solving real life problems.

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

Location : 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.
Environment : Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

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Salary:

Starter : £44,000
Experienced : £57,000

These figures are a guide

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Working hours:

35 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is 9am to 5pm flexibly

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Career Path:

Your career path will depend on your psychology specialism.

You could:

  • move into supervisory or management positions
  • move into teaching, academic research, policy or consultancy work
  • become self employed and run your own private practice

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