Working in the UK with a Psychology Degree from Abroad

Originally written by Roger Cook, updated by the editorial team on 24th April 2026

The basics

If you trained in psychology outside the UK and want to work here, the process is workable but rarely quick. Two bodies matter. The British Psychological Society (BPS) sets academic standards and accredits the courses that feed into chartered status. The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is the statutory regulator: anyone using a protected title such as Clinical Psychologist, Counselling Psychologist, Educational Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist, Health Psychologist, Occupational Psychologist or Sport and Exercise Psychologist must be registered with them.

The main sticking point for overseas graduates is that UK undergraduate psychology degrees are built around breadth. Students cover a wide spread of core areas before specialising at postgraduate level. In much of Europe and elsewhere, training narrows earlier. That difference usually causes problems when qualifications are assessed.

If you want to study psychology at undergraduate level in the UK, you apply through UCAS like any other applicant. Fees and student finance depend on your residency status, so check GOV.UK before assuming you will pay home fees. The rest of this article is for people who already hold psychology qualifications from abroad.

Trained Abroad? Your Route Into Psychology Work in the UK

Qualified in psychology outside the UK? Find out whether you need HCPC registration, how the BPS assesses overseas degrees, which jobs you could apply for now and what to do about a visa.

Try our Trained Abroad? Your Route Into Psychology Work in the UK free, here on this site →

Getting your undergraduate degree recognised

If you already have a psychology degree from another country, apply to the BPS for an assessment. If accepted, you become eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC): the standard entry route for most BPS accredited postgraduate training and the professional pathways that lead to chartered status.

To be granted GBC on the basis of an overseas degree, you generally need to show that:

Your degree is equivalent to a UK honours degree, with psychology making up the majority of the content. You may be asked for a full syllabus and module breakdown.
The content covers the core areas the BPS expects: biological, cognitive, developmental, social and individual differences psychology, along with research methods.
Your awarding institution is recognised, and you can provide certified translations of transcripts and certificates where needed.

If your degree falls short, the most common fix is an accredited conversion course, offered by many UK universities at postgraduate level. The BPS Qualifying Examination still exists but is rarely used. Once you hold GBC, you can apply for accredited postgraduate training in your chosen area.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

If you have already finished your training abroad

If you have both an undergraduate degree and postgraduate professional training from outside the UK, and you want to practise here under a protected title, you will deal with two organisations.

The BPS will assess whether your undergraduate qualifications meet GBC and whether your postgraduate training matches the standards of the relevant division. For clinical psychology, the BPS operates a separate route through its Committee on Training in Clinical Psychology, assessing overseas qualifications against the UK Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

The HCPC runs a parallel international registration process. If you want to use a protected title, this is the one that legally matters. The HCPC examines your qualifications, training hours, supervised practice and professional experience. If there are gaps compared with UK standards, they may require further study, additional supervised practice, or a test of competence before granting registration.

Many candidates need some top up work to meet UK expectations. Clinical and educational psychology tend to involve the most, partly because of the strong placement and supervision requirements built into UK doctoral training.

Working rights, visas and next steps

Since the end of free movement, people from the EU, EEA and Switzerland need permission to work in the UK like applicants from elsewhere. The relevant route for most psychologists is the Skilled Worker visa, which requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor. NHS trusts commonly sponsor clinical roles, but private healthcare providers, local authorities, universities, prisons, forensic services and occupational or sport psychology employers can sponsor too. The Health and Care Worker visa is a variant with lower fees for eligible healthcare roles. Check GOV.UK regularly: salary thresholds and visa fees change often.

Irish citizens have the right to live and work in the UK under the Common Travel Area. People with settled or pre settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme keep their existing rights, but the scheme closed to most new applicants after 30 June 2021.

A practical checklist:

Gather every transcript, syllabus, module description, placement log and supervision record you can find, with certified translations where needed.
Apply to the BPS for assessment of your undergraduate degree, aiming for GBC.
If you have completed postgraduate professional training abroad, approach both the relevant BPS route and the HCPC international registration process early.
If you are not Irish and do not already have settled status, look into the Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa and identify licensed sponsors.
Expect the possibility of top up study, supervised practice or a test of competence, particularly in clinical and educational psychology.

Start early and contact the BPS and HCPC directly before you commit to a move. Their assessors will give you a clearer picture of what your specific qualifications will and will not cover.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Trained Abroad? Your Route Into Psychology Work in the UK lets you qualified in psychology outside the UK? Find out whether you need HCPC registration, how the BPS assesses overseas degrees, which jobs you could apply for now and what to do about a visa. Try it now →

57 questions

Ask Careers in Psychology a Question

CareersInPsychology Editor 12/08/2026 at 3:00 pm

@chi Hang in there, the market is brutal right now and most people apply for months before landing something. If your degree is from abroad, get a HCPC statement of equivalence sorted early, as many NHS and assistant psychologist roles will filter you out without it. In the meantime, look at Band 4 support worker, IAPT PWP trainee, or research assistant posts to build UK clinical hours. Also join the ClinPsy forum, the job leads and CV feedback there are genuinely useful.

chi 12/08/2026 at 2:33 pm

I am graduating by September 2026 from my masters program in clinical psychology and i am stocked , all my applications for job are all unfortunate
i need help

CareersInPsychology Editor 30/07/2026 at 6:04 am

@Vani With that background, your first step should really be a BPS Statement of Equivalence for your Indian qualifications, as without GBC you can't progress onto UK protected routes. If it comes back favourable, the Counselling Psychologist doctorate (or the qualification in Counselling Psychology via the QCoP) would suit your clinical experience best, though places are competitive. In the meantime, Assistant Psychologist or Honorary Assistant roles in the NHS are the usual way to build UK-specific experience and references. Academia is an option too, but harder to sponsor visa-wise.

Vani 30/07/2026 at 5:36 am

Hey! I have completed my Bachelor's degree in Psychology (3 years), Masters in psychology (2 years), Post gradtuadte diploma in psychotherapy with children (1 year), Post graduate diploma in trauma focused therapy (1 year) and currently in my last of PhD in psychology (3.5 years); all from India. I want to move to the UK from India. I have 4 years of experience in private practice. I wanted to know, what would be the best route for me? Do I take an assistant/academic route or a counselling psychologist route? What would be the best route for me?

CareersInPsychology Editor 29/07/2026 at 1:00 pm

@Danielle Honestly, the sticking point for HCPC registration as an Educational Psychologist is that they require a BPS-accredited undergraduate degree (or conversion) plus an accredited doctorate in Educational Psychology. Experience doesn't substitute for those qualifications, however extensive. Your best bet is to contact HCPC directly with your transcripts and ask about individual assessment under their international route, as they occasionally accept equivalence. Realistically though, without a psychology bachelor's or conversion, the odds are slim, so do get it in writing before making plans.

Danielle 29/07/2026 at 12:09 pm

I am both a British citizen and American citizen currently living in California. I am a school psychologist and licensed educational psychologist in California. My post-graduate program in California was 3 years and included 450 supervised practicum hours and a 1,200 paid internship hours in educational psychology in the schools. The postgraduate program did not include a research thesis, although I did take a couple of research/type postgraduate courses in educational psychology.

I do have over 100 post-graduate credits in the USA, which is equivalent to nearly four years of postgraduate work, as I took additional postgraduate work in career counseling (counseling psychology) and behavior analytical coursework.

My undergraduate degree was in the social sciences and not in psychology. I have been practicing privately and contracting with schools for 14 years in California.

I am concerned that I won't qualify to be chartered by the BPS because my bachelor's degree was not in psychology?

Additionally, I'm concerned about jumping through hoops with the HCPC trying to become registered because I don't have a bachelor's in psychology nor do I have a teaching degree.

For HCPS registration, I'm wondering if my experience as a educational psychologist in California might make up for the lack of a psychology or teaching undergraduate degree or PhD. My post graduate work was the same number of years plus additional courses. Additionally, I continue to take CPD courses, which is part of the requirement to maintain my educational psychology licensure under the Board of Behavioral sciences in California.

I am an older adult so I do not have any interest in the getting another degree or university equivalency.

With my professional educational psychology background, what do you think my chances are of becoming HCPC registered?

Thank you for your consideration.

CareersInPsychology Editor 23/07/2026 at 12:00 am

@Salima nyende Given your graduate visa, your best bet is Assistant Psychologist or Psychology Assistant roles in the NHS, advertised on NHS Jobs and Trac. Also look at Support Worker, Recovery Worker and Research Assistant posts on Charity Job, Indeed and university careers pages, as these count as relevant experience and often sponsor later. Join the BPS as a graduate member for their job board and networking events. Apply widely and tailor each application to the person specification, since these roles are very competitive.

Salima nyende 22/07/2026 at 11:55 pm

I am a ugandan citizen currently on a graduate visa in the UK. I graduated last year with a Masters in Psychology, Anglia Ruskin University. I am seeking for your assistance in my search for a job opportunity, to gain post graduate experience in the UK. Your advice on how to go about the search will be highly appreciated, whether for a graduate internship placement or a permanent or part time job opportunity.

CareersInPsychology Editor 20/07/2026 at 12:00 pm

@John Hi John, your biggest hurdle won't be qualifications but the visa, as Assistant Psychologist posts rarely come with sponsorship and the NHS band is usually too low to meet Skilled Worker salary thresholds. I'd suggest getting your qualifications assessed by the BPS for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership first, since without GBC you'll struggle to progress towards the DClinPsy anyway. Honestly, many in your position look at research assistant roles at universities, which sometimes sponsor, or consider training routes in Ireland instead.

John 20/07/2026 at 11:57 am

Hi. Thanks for your time. I have a four-year bachelor's in psychology research from the US and a two-year master's in clinical psychology from Italy. I would like to work in the UK. I suppose that the only job I am eligible for is as an assistant psycholgist. My only citizenship is American. If you have any guidance as to how to proceed, it would be appreciated.

CareersInPsychology Editor 22/04/2026 at 8:14 am

@Di It's good that you have Pre-Settled Status, as this gives you the right to work in the UK. With your Portuguese masters, you'll likely need to check whether your qualification is recognised here. The British Psychological Society (BPS) can advise on international qualification equivalency, though many Assistant Psychologist roles don't strictly require BPS accreditation in any case.

A good place to start is by registering with NHS Jobs and searching for Assistant Psychologist positions. The roles are competitive, so consider broadening your search to include research assistant or support worker positions in mental health settings for some UK experience. Consider that your international perspective could be valuable, particularly in diverse communities.

I'd recommend contacting the BPS directly about your specific qualification and joining their International Affiliate scheme if eligible. This can help with networking and understanding the UK psychology landscape better. Good luck with your future career.

Di 22/04/2026 at 12:59 am

Hi
I have completed my Master's degree in Clinical Psychology in Portugal and would like to move to UK to to get a position as an Assistant Psychologist. Could you please explain the steps I need to follow? I already have Pre-Settled Status.Appreciate in advance your answer

Mai2 07/04/2024 at 3:57 pm

l have a degree in Psychology from a University in Zimbabwe. l am currently working in UK under skilled work visa as a care assistant. How can l change from being a carer to become an assistant Psychologist in UK

Anam 24/01/2024 at 4:21 pm

Hi I have completed my post graduation from Pakistan and now i moved in uk I’m looking for job I need guidance related BOS registration how can I get graduate base membership or which job can I apply as I already check my degree comparability through uk naric and it’s equivalent to master in uk now what steps should I take to get register in BPS or get job as psychology practitioner in uk. I also want know about teaching side job related to my degree can I apply for college teaching jobs in uk as I have 2 year experience of teaching psychology as well

Luana 09/12/2023 at 8:38 pm

Hi! I have a master's degree in clinical psychology from Portugal and work here in private practice with psychotherapy. I am not an EU citizen, though. I am looking up for jobs as a CAP or a PWP and even HI Therapis trainee, but I am not sure if I am even elegible for trainings funded by UK government since I don´t live there yet. Could you clarify that for me? Should I apply for a CAP trainee program maybe? I applied for BPS (GMB) membership, waiting for their response. Thanks.

Coco 24/04/2023 at 9:29 am

Hi, I have a degree (BA) in psychology, from india University . I'm currently in swindon UK and work as supply in schools. I want to start my career in psychology but don’t know how and where to approach.I need proper guidance I am interested in hospital based jobs.please guide me.

Ailsa 19/02/2023 at 8:57 am

Australian qualified fully registered psychologist with 12+ years practice under registration. Request advice about undertaking process for registration as assistant psychologist in UK (have dual citizenship with UK).

Grace 16/01/2023 at 11:15 am

Hi, I have level 6 in psychology from Portugal. I do not have any experience. Could I work in Uk to obtain experience with this level?
I have settled status in Uk.

Asfandyar 05/11/2022 at 7:19 pm

Hi I have completed my under graduation in clinical psychology from Pakistan.I want to start my career in Uk but don’t know how and where to approach.I need proper guidance I am interested in hospital based jobs.please guide me where to send my 4 years Bs hons degree wether it’s approved here or not .

Honey 05/10/2022 at 10:21 pm

Hi
I have completed my post graduation in clinical psychology from Pakistan.I want to start my career in Uk but don’t know how and where to approach.I need proper guidance I am interested in hospital based jobs.please guide me where to send my master degree wether it’s approved here or not .

Ella 23/04/2022 at 5:30 am

I have degree in psychology from a Russian university. I have experince in both lecturing and counselling. Taking into consideration growing number of Russian speaking refugees and immigrants I could do counselling in Russian language only. What I need to do to start working in this capacity?

Neat 15/03/2022 at 5:43 am

I have worked as a ‘Generalist’ psychologist in private practice for 30 years in Australia. Can you tell me what level psychology positions I could apply for in the UK? Thanks

Lhmuir 01/10/2021 at 11:46 pm

I am a fully registered psychilogist in Australia. I have worked in full time capacity for past 15 years. I want to come back to live in Scotland. I have Graduate Basis for Registration how do i become formally registered to practice as a psychologist in UK.

Tati 17/05/2021 at 9:59 am

I have a BA in psychology from Brazil and a MA in counseling from USA. But during my MA I did not have a change to undertake my training. Is it possible to apply only for a training here in UK? thx

REEM 19/02/2021 at 7:46 am

I have done post graduation in Psychology from India and have 10 years experience as counselling Psychologist. I want to work in UK. Can I get registration in BPCA.

Noemi 18/02/2021 at 5:44 am

I'm graduating with a bachelor's in psychology and a minor in Criminal investigation. Could I obtain employment and continue my education in the UK with these credentials?

Daisy 02/02/2021 at 6:06 pm

I have dual UK/USA citizenship and I hope to be a Counselling Psychologist in the UK in a few years time. I have a US undergraduate degree, but not in psychology. I've applied to a US school to do a psychology masters degree (3 years), but I'm wondering if it would be better to do all study in UK from here on? Any help in deciding would be much appreciated.

Zviad Beraia 23/01/2021 at 10:52 pm

Hi, If I have a diploma from a course which is accredited by BACP, can I find jobs in the UK?

Naina 05/01/2021 at 3:15 pm

I have completed my postgraduation in Psychology from India. I want to work in uk as a psychologist. What should I do for that.

JenB 22/12/2020 at 12:07 pm

Hi, if you are a general registered psychologist in australia, are you able to work as a psychologist in the UK?

Jsav 22/12/2020 at 12:04 pm

Hello there. I am almost finished my Australian internship and will be registered as a general psychologist in Australia. I graduated with a Bachelor of psychology. Oncw i am fully registerex as a general psychologist in australia can i be considered a psychologisf and work in the uk as a paychologist?

Ayesha 26/11/2020 at 9:46 pm

Hi

I have a bachelors degree in sociology and I am about to start my masters in Clinical psychology in India. However I plan to move to the UK after 2 years. Will my masters from India be recognized by the BPS?

Lakshmi 25/11/2020 at 5:30 pm

Hi
I have 13 years of experience from India with a Postgraduate degree (M. Phil) in Clinical Psychology. I have had my private practice for 8 years dealing various types of clients ranging from children to adults. I have my registration with the BPS. How do I proceed next. I have been applying for jobs and looking for work experience, but in vain. Looking for a mentor to lead me in the right direction.

Renee' 23/11/2020 at 6:26 pm

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an approved supervisor in the in the United States. I have been practicing for 30 years. 6 years in psychiatric hospitals with children, adolescents, and as the Familly Therapist. Also as a liaison for the hospital flying across the country to multiple Military Bases. I have been in private practice since that time serving the general public along with an extensive connection with the military doing training and presentations there as well as all over the U.S. along with local universities.

I would like information about how to licensed as a psychotherapist with a Masters Degree from a distinguished univsersity for practicing psychotherapy in the U.K.
Thank you for your time.

Chevan 23/11/2020 at 6:58 am

I am a qualified Psychometrician in South Africa and would like to know if my qualification would be recognized in the UK. Would I be able to trade as a Psychometrist? Thank you

Ris 16/11/2020 at 3:35 pm

I am a psychology freshman student from the Philippines. I plan to work in the UK. I'd like to ask for advice, after finishing my Bachelor's degree in psychology, should I acquire a Master's degree? Would there be better job opportunities if I applied with a Master's degree? or is it okay to apply with a Bachelor's degree only? Thank you so much!

Karen 26/10/2020 at 3:31 pm

Hi. I have a Masters in Educational Psychology from South Africa and have been practicing since 2004. Does anyone know who to contact to get your qualifications registered and recognised in the United Kingdom?

B 21/10/2020 at 12:25 pm

Hi!

I did my post graduate from India in a premier uiversity in Clinical Psychology and I am moving to UK on spouse visa. I have undergraduate degree in Social Work which was a four years course from Nepal.
I wish to take up doctorate degree but my grades are just average which lessens the chances of me getting enrolled in a good universityand also the fees are too high.
Due to my grades and lack of work experience, I am not sure if I will be offered a job in my field.
So I am considering taking up a one year course in child psychology from any one university. However the intake is apparantly from september 2021. I plan to take up a job for till that time in the field of psychology if possible.

Can you suggest any job that will help me with my career as well?
Also since I have an undergraduate degree in Social Work, what should I do to become a registered psychologist?

Thank you

Karen 29/08/2020 at 11:39 pm

This is Karen again! Perhaps I should add that I have a Bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. Thanks!

Karen 29/08/2020 at 11:33 pm

I am a license Marriage and Family Therapist in the USA. I have dual citizenship. I've practiced in California and Nevada. I'm wondering if I can move back to the UK where I was born (left at age 30), and begin practice there? What would I need to do?

Sanemm 18/08/2020 at 2:04 am

Hello!
I graduated form Beykent University in Turkey. i am moving to UK in November. I studied 4 years in psychology department. The courses I completed in turkey were the same as those at UK universities. But I don't know how I should start. Thanks

Oli 17/08/2020 at 6:48 pm

Hi. I finished General Psychology in Serbia. I finished Msc Occupation Psychology at University of Nottingham and I am also a Member of BPS but I have a problem to find the job in UK. A have EU passport and I am 6 years in the UK but still didn’t get job in my profession. Also, I was working like Psychologist more than 10 years in Serbia at Community Hospital. Also, finished 2 years of Psychotherapy in Belgrade at Serbian Radix Psychotherapy School. I am little bit stuck and I am really depressed because I can’t work with my degrees here in Uk.Can you help me with advice. Olivera

Meenah 16/08/2020 at 9:40 pm

Hi, I finished my B.Sc degree in Sudan, and I specialised in Counseling and Health Psychology with a first class. I have been given a post to study Clinical Psychiatry at Univer of South Wales Diploma M.Sc. I am thinking of relocating to Uk, I currently work with children with specialization in UAE. How can you guide me please.

Thank you

Ri98 22/07/2020 at 12:17 am

Hi!
I’ve just got my psychology bachelor degree in University of Szeged, Hungary.
What do I need to do to continue my studies in England?

Angel 16/07/2020 at 10:22 am

Hello I've got a degree in Psychology from The National University of Colombia and 8 years experience working with vulnerable people. I have moved to the UK because my husband is British and I have work permit. Please, can you you give me advice to go back to work?

Dottie 09/07/2020 at 11:13 pm

I have a master's degree in mental health counseling from the United States. What would I need to do to work as a therapist in Scotland?

Eli 13/06/2020 at 7:40 pm

Hello ,I graduated in Bulgaria as a psychologist.Now I’d like to know what I need to work in UK?Thank you!

lakshmi 01/05/2020 at 6:10 pm

I am a clinical psychologist with 13 years of experience from India. I am in Uk on a spouse visa which permits me to work here. What are the next step I need to take for me to start my practice in Uk.

Lollo 05/04/2020 at 7:07 pm

Hello! I just finished my masters degree in psychology in Sweden and would like to move to the UK and work there as a psychologist, what would I need to do?

Sim 11/12/2019 at 11:47 am

Hello my sister is a clinical psychologist in india. What are the designations she can apply for a work permit?

Maria 06/06/2019 at 8:42 pm

Hello, I graduated in Central Univerdity of Venezuela, as a psychologist with a Master Degree. I made a Coaching Trainning in Spain. Now I'd like to know what I need to work in UK like Psychologist or in Human Resources. My plan is to keep studying while working. I have 2 nationalitie, Venezuela and Spanish. Thank you for the information.

Maryam 03/03/2019 at 12:08 am

Hello
I have graduated in General Psychology from Iran and I worked there as a Psychologist in a university and I had my own councelling office as well.
Now I have moved to UK because my husband is a UK citizen and I have work permission.
So, I would like to work as a Psychologist in the UK and need help because I don't know how I should start.
Thank you for your guide.
Maryam

Andy 14/01/2019 at 6:52 pm

Hello,

I'm going to get my postgraduate education in psychology in Spain even though my degree is from an accredited university in the UK. Would I then be able to work in the UK as a psychologist?

I feel this website lacks specific information regarding the issue.

Thanks in advance!

Bruiser 20/11/2018 at 6:31 pm

I'm wondering if it is possible for a psychologist in the US to go to England and perform only 1 forensic evaluation. I'm assuming this would require a temporary license or certification. -df

Mitul 05/10/2018 at 6:14 am

I have completed my PhD in psychology from university of Calcutta, India with specialization in Developmental disability and autism.
I was a research scholar and still actively working in the field
I am moving to UK. So what I have to do in order to get registration to work in UK.

nicoleaa89 15/08/2018 at 8:58 am

Hello,

I graduated in Costa Rica as a psychologist. I made a postgraduate title in Universidad de Barcelona in Spain. Now I'd like to know what I need to work in UK. My plan is to keep studying while working
Many thanks

Alba Jimenez Gasulla 18/03/2011 at 7:05 pm

Hello,
I graduated in spain, and I don't really know what does that part of the text means: "Your degree must be the equivalent of a UK honours degree and the syllabus must have been made up of more than 50% psychology. You may be asked to provide details of the complete syllabus. It is also important that the subjects studied meet the BPS' emphasis on "breadth".

Thank you very much

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