Psychologist
Psychologists study the way people think and act. They look at all aspects of behaviour and the thoughts and feelings that make us act the way we do. Psychologists use their understanding to help people with difficulties to change their lives for the better. The NHS employs psychologists in four main specialisms: clinical work, counselling, forensic work and health psychology.
Clinical – Clinical Psychologists diagnose, assess and treat clients with a wide range of conditions; for example, depression, eating disorders, addiction or challenging behaviour.
Counselling – Counselling Psychologists work with clients to help them solve or manage their problems, included with life events, such as bereavement, or with relationships.
Forensic – Forensic Psychologists work in the justice system, perhaps with offenders or advising on how prisons are run.
Health – Health Psychologists study behaviour related to health, illness and health care. For example, they look at how patients adapt to illness and how they respond to health education.
Entry Requirements
The normal entry requirements for a degree in Psychology are three/four Highers, including English, Maths and/or Sciences are usually required at Higher. Check the appropriate prospectus of the university that you wish to study at.
To work in any of the psychology careers, you must have a strong interest in the way people think and act. You must also be committed to helping people transform their lives in a positive way.
Psychologists need investigative minds and a logical, methodical approach to solving problems. You must have the intellectual ability and psychological knowledge to understand behaviour in a scientific way.
Training
If you want to practise Psychology or become a Chartered Psychologist you should usually have an honours degree in psychology. This degree must be accredited by The British Psychological Society (full list on the British Psychological Society website ,a href="www.bps.org.uk">www.bps.org.uk and confers the Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR). If your degree course is not accredited or your degree is in a subject other than psychology you can obtain the GBR by taking an accredited postgraduate conversion course. Non-accredited Psychology graduates can also gain the GBR by sitting the BPS’s Qualifying exam.
Chartered Clinical Psychologists follow achievement of the GBR with a three year accredited postgraduate training course in Clinical Psychology.
Chartered Counselling Psychologists, after achieving the GBR, usually undertake three year postgraduate training leading to the BPS Diploma in Counselling Psychology or alternatively a Society accredited postgraduate training course.
Chartered Health Psychologists usually need a clinical qualification (i.e. nursing or clinical psychology). Most health psychology practitioners have completed an accredited professional training course in Clinical Psychology.
To register as a Chartered Forensic Psychologist you need to obtain the GBR and then take an accredited postgraduate degree in Forensic Psychology and a minimum of two years’ practice as a forensic psychologist under the supervision of a Chartered Forensic Psychologist.
Career Prospects
Psychologists in the NHS are paid on a rising scale: Assistant Psychologist, £12,978-£14,598 a year; Trainee Psychologist, £15,185-£17,078 a year; Psychologist Grade A, £17,078-£38,919 a year; Psychologist Grade B, £37,421-£62,312 a year.
Due to a national shortage, job opportunities for qualified Clinical Psychologists are very good.
How to apply
Click here to search for current NHS Scotland vacancies in Psychology
Vacancies are also advertised in local and national press.
Applications for degree courses are made through The Universities and Colleges Admission Services.
Further Information
For further information on careers in Psychology please contact the British Psychological Society
