Traditional Psychology Careers

Traditional psychology careers involve working as an Academic Psychologist engaged in teaching and research or in one of the practitioner psychologist jobs which are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council. Detailed below are some of the career pathways available complemented with further information regarding opportunities available at the University designed to make you more employable and support your future career aspirations.

Careers in Brief

Academic Psychology

Working in a range of settings from universities to private companies, academic psychologists are involved in any aspect of teaching and researching psychology. You can go into entry-level jobs straight from your degree, but usually academic psychologists will pursue Masters degrees and PhDs.

Related opportunities available:

Introduction to Counselling Skills | Psychology Technician Apprenticeship | Research Apprenticeship Scheme | Elevate Coaching & Mentoring Placement

Clinical Psychology

Working usually within the NHS with patients assessing and treating a range of psychological disorders (e.g. depression and anxiety, neurological disorders, schizophrenia). To become a clinical psychologist you usually need at least a year’s relevant work experience before completing a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Related opportunities available:

Introduction to Counselling Skills | Behaviour Analysis Clinic Placement | Research Apprenticeship Scheme | NHS E-Learning and Development | React Support Services | Elevate Coaching & Mentoring Placement

Educational Psychology

Working usually with local education authorities and schools with children and young people with learning difficulties, emotional problems and any other issues that might be negatively affecting their education. To become an Educational Psychologist, at least three years additional study is needed after finishing your psychology degree.

Related opportunities available:

Introduction to Counselling Skills | Behaviour Analysis Clinic Placement | Research Apprenticeship Scheme | NHS E-Learning and Development | Elevate Coaching & Mentoring Placement

Counselling Psychology

Working with individuals and groups in the NHS, organisations or privately to provide assessment and psychological therapies. To become a Counselling Psychologist you must complete either a BPS qualification in Counselling Psychology or complete a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology with both routes taking at least three years.

Related opportunities available:

Introduction to Counselling Skills | Behaviour Analysis Clinic Placement | NHS E-Learning and Development | Elevate Coaching & Mentoring Placement

Occupational Psychology

Working with businesses, managers and employees to help create good work environments select appropriate new staff and get the best out of people at work. To become an Occupational Psychologist you have to complete a Masters degree followed by at least two years applied training.

Related opportunities available:

Research Apprenticeship Scheme | Elevate Coaching & Mentoring Placement| USW Psychology Student Magazine

Health Psychology

Working with individuals, groups and organisations (such as the NHS) to promote health-related behaviour change, illness prevention and provide support during periods of illness. To become a Health Psychologist you have to complete a Masters degree followed by at least two years of applied training.

Related opportunities available:

Introduction to Counselling Skills | Behaviour Analysis Clinic Placement | Research Apprenticeship Scheme | NHS E-Learning and Development | Elevate Coaching & Mentoring Placement

Sport and Exercise Psychology

Working with athletes to provide psychological support for all aspects of sports performance from effective training to dealing with anxiety and team cohesion. To become a Sport and Exercise Psychologist you have to complete a Masters degree followed by at least two years of applied training.

Related opportunities available:

Introduction to Counselling Skills | Research Apprenticeship Scheme | Elevate Coaching & Mentoring Placement

Forensic Psychology

Working with a range of individuals and organisations within the criminal justice system to provide psychological services from offender treatment and rehabilitation to working with police and parole boards. To become a Forensic Psychologist you must complete a Masters degree followed by a Doctorate in Forensic Psychology.

Related opportunities available:

Introduction to Counselling Skills | Research Apprenticeship Scheme | NHS E-Learning and Development