I am a psychology student at University although I have to choose what subject I need for honours soon; either chemistry or psychology. I am wondering due to the number of psychology graduates and the overall limited number of jobs available, if a psychology degree really means anything these days. What are the career prospects for a psychology graduate in the police, other psychology fields etc?
Hello and thank you for your question.
Speaking as a psychology graduate myself, I have to say that there is seemingly no set career path for psychology graduates. This can be daunting or positive, depending on how you look at it. It seems as though you do not have a clear career path in mind, which is no bad thing, as you can be open-minded as to what you may do after you have graduated. Perhaps you could see if you could do some work experience to understand potential paths a little clearer before you commit?
Essentially, a knowledge of psychology is helpful in the vast majority of jobs. It helps your communication skills, interpersonal skills, nunchuck skills (oops, sorry a bit of Napoleon Dynamite sneaked in there)... you get my drift. Psychology helps you develop strong reasoning ability, too, which is useful for both commercial and vocational occupations.
Answer a few questions about your interests, qualifications, and goals and find out which psychology careers suit you best.
Try our Psychology Career Finder free, here on this site →If you're particularly set on a career in the Police force, the types of role that a psychology qualification could be useful for would be forensic and criminal areas, victim support roles and community support roles. Be aware that you will still be required to pass the 'standard' initial recruitment tests. It's worth looking online at your local council website as they always advertise all their roles, including teaching and police positions, although sometimes they've already been filled internally and the advert is just a formality.
Outside of the police force, career possibilities are endless. It's probably better to think about what you actually want to do, as there is very little that your choice will restrict, assuming you get the required grades. Many psychology graduates go onto community or social work, mental health support or working in rehab, either in the public or private sector. But outside of these 'caring' fields, psychology graduates can also thrive in industries where it really helps to know 'what makes people tick' - like sales, corporate training, human resources and advertising.
If you really love chemistry, go for a chemistry honours, but if you're really not sure, you may find that psychology leaves more doors open for you.
Good luck!
Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.
I am currently working as a lawyer but after a number of years I am starting to think that I would like a change in career to something I am more interested in. I am very interested in a career in Psychology. I am starting to do some research about the best options for achieving this. I have concluded that I would need to do an accredited undergraduate degree in the first instance. Is that correct?
Many thanks
I am currently working for a cognitive consultancy company, within the corporate solutions division as a Research Associate. My position involves supporting a Consultant to sell training products to global clients. My duties include keeping up to date with new research, finding new leads, note taking on calls, writing proposals, creating pitch decks, leading small calls, logistical support to pass deals over to the project team, etc.
I have a Psychology BSc (Hons) and a Occupational Psychology MSc and have been in my current role for a year and a half. Prior to this I worked at a different psychology consultancy firm as a project manager. I moved to this new role to have a new challenge, however I have soon realised because the company is small there is no progression. We don't have any development check in's and I have tried to raise this with my manager who isn't interested. I don't know what other roles I am suitable for, so i am reaching out to hear advice of where I could go? I am also worried companies may not be hiring because of covid. Please help!
I was wondering if anyone could advise me about getting unpaid work experience in these sectors?
I graduated from my Masters degree in Psychological Research Methods in 2013, and got a job soon after working in a college as a strategy and policy assistant.
I am hoping to get a job in a more psychological based role, I am aiming for an Assistant Psychologist role in the NHS or a University. I have been out of Psychology for around a year now, and I am worrying that I am running out of time before I would have to retrain. My question is what advice would you give me in getting into a role where I would be doing what I trained at University to do? I have tried to get into the NHS but without any success. Is there something I am missing that would be helpful, or is it a case of keep trying until, or if, I succeed? Or, is it too late and should I look at getting more training in something more specialised?
Thanks
H Eamsey
I am interested in pursuing a career in either Child Psychology or Educational Psychology. I have a BA in English and History and an MA in Modern Literature. I also have a PGCE and have taught English for twenty five years across the full range of educational needs and contexts. In addition, I have spent ten years in Senior Management as a Pastoral Deputy Head and I am a Samaritan Listener in my local area. Can you help me to find the fastest and most effective route to a new career in Psychology?
Many thanks,
Louise
What education will I need? What mental health related jobs are there? What is the role of a clinical psychologist?
I have a bachelor's degree in psychology and this year I will start Msc Foundation in Clinical Neuropsychology in Bangor University.I would like to ask is this master a qualified in Neuro psychology? I saw in the site that you were mentioned only four universities which offer this program. Will I have the chance to be a neuropsychologist with this master course?
I am about to start an Undergraduate Degree in Psychology at University. I'm just wondering as to the prospects for me once I graduate. Is it essential to study post graduate to enter into the Psychology field? I ideally would like to enter into educational psychology as I am already a qualified Child Carer and absolutely adore working with children & families. Are there many opportunities for Undergraduates in Educational Psychology?
Any help and advice would be really helpful!
Thanks :-)
I am really interested in becoming an Educational Psychologist! I do not have a degree in Psychology, however I studied some Child Psychology many moons ago and also studied Psychology as part of an Access course (at that time I was working with children in a Primary school setting) to take me to University (where I studied Linguistics and Applied English Language and Literature). I have since quaified Postgraduate PGCE (Iwork as a Sessional Lecturer and in the Learning Support department) and have worked with students with several difficulties including: Emotional, Social, Psychological, Behavioural and Learning.
Please can you tell me the best way to fulfil my full potential
Thank you
N.Cusack
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