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Psychologists study people; their behaviour, motivations, thoughts and feelings. They use their understanding together with counselling and other forms of therapy, to help people avoid, overcome or control their problems.

Psychologists will usually specialise and work in one of nine main areas: Clinical psychologists work with people who have a wide range of mental health problems. They try to reduce psychological distress in clients through treatments which can include counselling, therapy or advice.  Educational psychologists work with children and young people experiencing problems in education. They use a range of techniques including supported learning programmes, to make sure each child makes the most of their potential.  Occupational psychologists help businesses improve performance and increase the job satisfaction of staff. This area can include ergonomics, time management and human resources management.  Forensic psychologists (or criminological psychologists) apply psychological theory to criminal investigations. They work with offenders and prison staff, and use therapy and rehabilitation programmes to modify behaviour. Health psychologists promote healthy attitudes and behaviour, and help patients and their families to cope with illness. Counselling psychologists help people resolve their problems and make decisions for themselves, particularly at stressful times in their lives. Sports psychologists help athletes at all levels prepare psychologically for training, competition, and for times of injury. Exercise psychologists work with the general public, for example as a result of a GP referral, to increase exercise participation by using a range of strategies including goal-setting. Neuropsychologists help patients with brain injuries and neuropsychological diseases to recover or improve their quality of life.

Some areas of psychology have no direct training route. For example, child psychologists initially train as clinical psychologists or counselling psychologists (specialising in children). Alternatively they train in educational psychology and work with children in education.

Hours and Environment

As a psychologist, your working hours will vary depending on the area you specialise in. Many psychologists work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, but some also work evenings. There are opportunities for part-time work and job sharing.

Depending on your specialism, you may work in hospitals, recreational exercise settings, schools or prisons. Although most psychologists are usually office-based, some will make use of treatment rooms or visit clients in their own home.

Skills and Interests
As a psychologist, you will need:  an interest in how people act as individuals, interact in groups, their abilities and temperaments a desire to help other people the ability to maintain a professional distance excellent communication skills the ability to work as part of a team a tolerant and patient manner good problem solving skills and a logical approach the ability to act in the best interests of clients and maintain confidentiality to be accurate and methodical, especially when gathering and using data computer literacy skills

Opportunities

As a psychologist you can work within local authorities, in education or social services departments, in child guidance and community homes. You will also find opportunities within the Civil Service; in the Home Office, Prison Service, Department for Education and Skills, and Ministry of Defence.

Many psychologists work in the private sector in human resources, private practice, market research or as freelance consultant.

If you specialise in teaching and research work, you will find most opportunities within schools, colleges and universities.

Opportunities are increasing as the importance of psychology becomes more widely recognised. Currently there are national shortages of clinical and educational psychologists.

Promotion prospects are good for psychologists, and some organisations have clearly defined career paths. You may need to relocate to find your first position or to take up a more senior post.

Annual Income
Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Salaries may vary depending on geographical location, area of psychology, and sector.  In the NHS, the starting salary for a graduate trainee psychologist is likely to be around £22,000 a year. For more experienced psychologists, salaries can range between £27,500 and £37,500 a year. Senior psychologists, responsible for managing a department and a number of staff, can earn around £43,000. Psychologists in the private sector or in industry may earn around £80,000.

Further information

British Psychological Society
St Andrew's House
48 Princess Road East
Leicester
LE1 7DR

NHS Careers
PO Box 376
Bristol
BS99 3EY

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