How to become a psychologist

CONTENTS

1. What is a psychologist?

2. Routes to becoming a psychologist

3. Skills you’ll need

4. Finding work experience

5. How to get a job as a psychologist

6. What does a psychologist do?

What is a psychologist?

First, what is psychology? It’s the scientific study of how we think, and how this influences our emotions and behaviour. A psychologist is a skilled navigator of the human mind, using scientific techniques to explore how people think, feel, and act. They may also tackle mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and stress.

A psychologist may work in diverse environments – clinics, schools, hospitals, and businesses. Specific roles include:

• Clinical psychologists who treat mental health issues.
• Educational psychologists, who support learning in schools.
• Forensic psychologists who work in the criminal justice system.

Watch this video from our sister site Whatuni for a quick overview of what it takes to become an educational psychologist, and what it’s like to study for a psychology degree.

Psychotherapist vs psychologist

A psychotherapist treats emotional issues using talking therapy. They require specific training in psychotherapy rather than an accredited degree in psychology. The regulation of psychotherapists varies. Many register with the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy). Find out how to become a counsellor or therapist.

Psychologists also talk to clients, but they use scientific methods to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health problems. Psychologists are regulated by the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council).

Routes to becoming a psychologist

Becoming a psychologist in the UK follows the same steps in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland:

• Step 1 is a psychology degree accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), which could be an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate conversion course.
• Step 2 is a master’s or doctorate (3–5 years), depending on the type of psychologist you want to become.

After successfully completing an accredited psychology degree, you can apply for graduate membership of the BPS.

How long does it take to become a psychologist?

It will take at least 6–8 years to become a psychologist in the UK.

Is becoming a psychologist hard?

Psychology is an extremely popular course. There may be as many as 15 applications for every place at some universities. Then, to become a practising psychologist, in most cases you will need to complete a doctorate. The competition for places – and then jobs – is fierce. It takes a long time and a lot of dedication to follow this path.

But other related roles may bridge the gap between finishing your psychology degree and further study towards becoming a psychologist.

Such roles may include:

• Psychological wellbeing practitioner
• Human resources positions
• Research assistant
• Psychological support work

Undergraduate psychology degrees

Psychology degrees may include clinical training or be offered in combination with other subjects like business and psychology. They may take three or four years, depending on whether they include an integrated master’s degree. Read our Psychology subject guide to find out more, including what topics you’ll cover and how you’ll be assessed.

Check if the course is accredited by the British Psychological Society; you can do this on the BPS website. This demonstrates to potential employers that you have the standard of knowledge and skills required.

You can find the best universities for Psychology in the UK on our league tables.

What else can you do with a psychology degree? If you change your mind about becoming a psychologist, there are plenty of other careers that beckon. Find out about other careers with a psychology degree.

Psychology degree entry requirements

You usually need between 104 and 165 UCAS points or from BCC to A*A*A* at A Level.

If you’re wondering what A Levels you need for psychology, it depends on the university. Science subjects (including maths) are often asked for. Social sciences are also helpful, as they build your understanding of human behaviour.

You’ll also need a good grade in maths and English at GCSE.

Degree apprenticeships

In England and Wales, a degree apprenticeship offers an alternative to university for many occupations. You are employed, and your employer pays your course fees. You’ll have a mix of on-the-job training and classroom-based learning, with around 20% of your time spent on academic study.

There are two degree apprenticeships in psychology; both are approved by the BPS.

• Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (Level 6)
• Clinical Associate in Psychology (CAP) (Level 7)

Degree apprenticeships at Level 7 are equal to a master’s degree.

Apprenticeships are only available when advertised. You can find them on the NHS jobs website when they are available. You can also search for apprenticeship opportunities via Find an apprenticeship.

Postgraduate degrees

If your first degree wasn’t a psychology degree (or it wasn’t accredited by the BPS), it’s possible to complete an approved psychology conversion course. Master's in Psychology conversion courses may be available part-time and can take from one to three years to complete. You can also take a psychology conversion course online.

To practise as a psychologist, you’ll need an extra postgraduate qualification in your chosen specialist area, such as education, forensics or health.

• To become a clinical associate, you’ll need a psychology master's.
• To become a clinical psychologist, you’ll need to complete a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
• To become an educational psychologist, you’ll need to complete a Doctorate in Educational Psychology that has been approved by the HCPC.
• To become a forensic psychologist, first you need a forensic psychology master's. Then you can either complete a BPS qualification in forensic psychology (Stage 2) or a Doctorate in Forensic Psychology.

Postgraduate entry requirements include a relevant undergraduate degree or psychology conversion course accredited by the BPS – you are likely to need at least a 2:1.

For a doctorate, you are likely to need one or two years of relevant full-time work (paid or voluntary). Suitable roles could include research assistant, assistant psychologist, or a role in a mental health setting.

Postgraduate loans are available if you are a UK resident, including doctoral loans.

Skills you’ll need

As well as having a comprehensive understanding of how the mind works, you’ll also need good skills in:

• Communication
• Empathy 
• Critical thinking 
• Data handling and analysis
• IT literacy and numeracy
• Organisation and project management
• Presentation and report writing
• Problem-solving
• Teamworking
• Time management
• Self-motivation and resilience

Finding work experience

Work experience will help you find out whether a career in psychology will suit you. It can also help you decide which area you want to specialise in. On your psychology degree you will also get experience, but extra opportunities will show a potential employer you’re committed.

Try looking for work by:

• Volunteering for a relevant charity, such as mental health or victim support.
• Shadowing an occupation that might be relevant to your future career. This might be a relevant role in a school, health or care sector, or perhaps a university if you are interested in research.

How to get a job as a psychologist

On completing your degree, it’s important to register with the BPS as a graduate member.

Job opportunities are also advertised on their website. Most clinical and counselling psychologists are employed by private health companies or the NHS.

If you want to become a forensic psychologist, the main employer is HM Prison Service. For educational psychologists, it is local authorities.

What does a psychologist do?

As a psychologist, you’ll be using your skills and knowledge to help people with a range of mental and physical issues. Depending on your role and specialisation, your tasks could include:

• Supporting people with learning or emotional issues.
• Working with patients with brain injuries.
• Assessing and diagnosing mental health conditions.
• Using psychology to help people who are or have been in prison.
• Supporting people with conditions such as anxiety, stress, and depression.
• Helping to improve individual or team motivation and performance.

Depending on your area of expertise, you might work at a school, in a prison, in a therapy clinic, in an NHS or private hospital, in the community, or at a client's business.

What does a psychologist earn?

Psychology graduates can expect entry-level salaries of £22,000–£25,900.

A psychologist salary in the UK ranges between £47,810 to £125,600 in the NHS:

• £27,900 to £37,800 for an assistant psychologist (Band 4 to 5).
• £47,810 for a newly qualified psychologist (Band 7).
• Up to £125,600 for a head of service (Band 9).

Progressing into a leadership role will boost your salary – as will a shift into the private sector.

Areas with shortages can also pay more. An educational psychologist salary can be between £43,500–£88,700 working for a council (Soulbury rates). But day rates for self-employed educational psychologists may be between £350–£1,000 per day.

In HM Prison Service, an interventions facilitator starts at £33,275; once qualified, a starting salary is from £52,316. Become a directorate lead, and your earnings will be more than £88,444.

Is a role as a psychologist right for you?

If you're ready to study hard for both an undergraduate and postgraduate qualification, this role might be right for you. It will help you support many people in improving their mental and physical health. 

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