How to tell if psychology is right for you?
You’ll need to be committed to become a qualified and accredited psychologist. But how do you tell if psychology is the right career change for you? Try asking yourself these questions:
- Are you willing to put in the time and study to retrain?
- Do you have an interest in the human mind, behaviour and mental health?
- Do you want a job that helps people?
- Are you comfortable working with a wide range of people?
- Are you a good listener and a good communicator?
- Are you empathic, open-minded but also analytical?
Still not sure if switching careers to psychology right for you? Try reading others’ experience for further insights:
Late to the game, or exactly where we should be? | BPS
Real-life stories - psychological professions | Health Careers
What types of psychology careers could I go into?
Here are some careers in psychology that you could consider as a qualified and chartered psychologist:
- Child psychologist
- Clinical psychologist
- Occupational psychologist
- Educational psychologist
- Forensic psychologist
- Health psychologist
- Sports psychologist
- Counselling psychologist
- Assistant psychologist
Here are some careers related to psychology that you may consider:
- Life coach
- Psychological wellbeing practitioner
- Counsellor
- High intensity therapist
- Education mental health practitioner
- Mental health and wellbeing practitioner
Each role has its own unique qualification and accreditation route - research carefully what qualifications and experience you need.
A couple of helpful resources:
What can I do with a psychology degree? | Prospects.ac.uk
Am I too old to train as a psychologist?
The short answer is No! It’s true that the road to becoming a psychologist is quite long and requires a lot of commitment. However, switching to psychology is a great second career (or third!). As an older, more mature person, you’ll bring valuable life experience to your work and diversity to the psychological professional community. When you consider that people are working longer and later in life, it makes sense to pursue a second career that provides you with purpose and meaning.
When considering a career change, think about the following:
- Can I afford it? You’ll need to finance your degree and/or postgraduate so assessing your financial situation is crucial. Look at funding options such as undergraduate or postgraduate loans.
- Do you have the time to study? Balancing study, work and family can be tricky. Opting for distance learning gives greater flexibility.
- Are you willing to start from the bottom again? Changing your career likely means starting at a junior level again. This could feel uncomfortable having already established yourself in your first career. You’ll need a shift in mindset and to keep reminding yourself of why you’re doing this to keep you motivated.
How to switch careers to psychology
1. Gain Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC)
You’ll first need Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). This means completing a psychology degree or conversion course accredited by The British Psychological Society (BPS). This is an essential step to get you onto the next stage which is usually doctorate postgraduate level.
ARU’s distance learning MSc Psychology Conversion provides GBC for those whose first degree is not psychology.
2. Research the psychology specialism you want to focus on
To practise as a psychologist in the UK, you must be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and involves completing a doctorate level degree approved by HCPC and accredited by BPS.
The doctorate you need to undertake depends on the specialism you want to pursue. For example, a clinical psychologist would need to complete a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology accredited by the BPS and approved by the HCPC. A counselling psychologist will need to complete the BPS-accredited Qualification in Counselling Psychology (QCoP) or Doctorate.
3. Gain work experience
Competition to get onto a doctorate degree is fierce and many universities and employers want candidates with relevant work experience. Consider the type of work that will fit in with the specialism you want to pursue. Volunteering is another option. Types of work experience include:
- Assistant psychologist
- Research assistant
- Health and social care roles
- Wellbeing practitioner and other mental health related roles
- For educational psychologists, working with children
- For occupational psychologists, working in business and/or HR settings
- Working in roles within probation or prisons
4. Update your CV and take every opportunity you get
FAQs about switching careers to psychology
Can I convert my degree to psychology?
Is a career in psychology competitive?
Is a career in psychology well paid?
It can be. According to National Careers Service, the average salary for a psychologist is between £46,000 to £61,000 depending on level of experience.
At time of publication, trainee psychologists working for the NHS start at band 6 (roughly £38,000) and consultant psychologists at band 8d (roughly £90,000).
What skills do I need to become a psychologist?
Here are some of the skills you need to become a psychologist:
- interpersonal skills
- communication skills
- problem solving
- good mediation skills
- critical thinking and analysis skills
- research skills
Why choose distance learning to switch careers to psychology?
Choose distance learning and make studying more flexible. You’re not tied down to a timetable but still benefit from all the support you’d expect from traditional university campus teaching.
ARU offers two psychology distance learning degrees:
Both are accredited the British Psychology Society and when you complete, you’ll be eligible to apply for Graduate Chartered Membership.
