WHERE CAN PSYCHOLOGY TAKE ME? There are many careers in Psychology and many types of psychologist. If you are thinking of a career in Psychology, you need to go to university to study Psychology at undergraduate level. The course should give you GBC (Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership).
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY Clinical psychologists aim to reduce psychological distress and enhance and promote psychological well-being. A wide range of psychological difficulties may be dealt with, including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, learning disabilities, child and family problems and serious mental illnesses. DOCTORATE IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY (3 years) Relevant work experience is also desirable.
COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY Counselling psychologists are involved with the integration of psychological theory and research with therapeutic practice. DOCTORATE IN COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY OR THE SOCIETY S QUALIFICATION IN COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY (2-3 years) A BASIC COUNSELLING SKILLS COURSE IS ALSO DESIRED.
EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY Educational psychologists tackle the problems encountered by young people in education, which may involve learning difficulties and social or emotional problems. They carry out a wide range of tasks with the aim of enhancing children's learning and enabling teachers to become more aware of the social factors affecting teaching and learning. DOCTORATE IN EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY. (3 years) RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE IS ALSO REQUIRED.
FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY Forensic psychology is devoted to psychological aspects of legal processes in courts. The term is also often used to refer to investigative and criminological psychology: applying psychological theory to criminal investigation, understanding psychological problems associated with criminal behaviour, and the treatment of criminals. MASTERS DEGREE IN FORENSIC PSCYCHOLOGY (1-2 years) SOCIETY S QUALIFICATION IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY (2 years).
HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY Health psychologists work in a relatively new field of applied psychology. Psychological principles are used to promote changes in people's attitudes, behaviour and thinking about health and illness. MASTERS DEGREE IN PSYCHOLOGY (1-2 years) SOCIETY S QUALIFICATION IN HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY (2 years)
NEUROPSYCHOLOGY Neuropsychologists work with people of all ages with neurological problems, which might include traumatic brain injury, stroke, toxic and metabolic disorders, tumours and neuro-degenerative diseases. They helps form the basis for assessment and rehabilitation of people with such neurological problems. DOCTORATE IN CLINICAL OR EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (3 years) SOCIETY S PRACTITIONER FULL MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATION IN NEUROPSYCHOLOGY.
THE SOCIETY S QULAIFICATION IN OCCUPATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (2 years) OCCUPATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY Occupational psychology is concerned with the performance of people at work in training, how organisations function and how individuals and small groups behave at work. The aim is to increase the effectiveness of the organisation, and to improve the job satisfaction of the individual. MASTERS IN OCCUPATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (1-2 years)
SPORT AND EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY Sport psychologists work with sports participants across a range of both team and individual sports. The aim is predominately to help athletes prepare psychologically for competition and to deal with the psychological demands of both competition and training. Exercise psychologists are primarily concerned with the application of psychology to increase exercise participation and motivational levels in the general public. MASTERS IN SPORTS AND EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY (1-2 years) SOCIETY S QULAIFICATION IN SPORTS AND EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY (2 years)
TEACHING AND RESEARCH Teachers, lecturers and researchers work in universities, colleges and schools. 'Research scientists' may also work in research units. ROUTE: DEGREE IN PSYCHOLOGY (3 years) FIVE OR MORE YEARS SUPERVISED AND ASSESSED PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY. THE RESEARCH ROUTE WILL NORMALLY INCLUDE TAKING A PHD OR EQUIVALENT RESEARCH EXPERIENCE.
OTHER RELATED PROFESSIONS Psychiatry, Counselling, Psychotherapy, Life coaching, Art therapy, Drama therapy, Psychoanalysis