Are you considering a career in psychology? Here are our top tips on how to become a Chartered Psychologist in the UK.Did you know that Psychology is swiftly becoming one of the most popular degree courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level? Show A quick Google search tells us there are thousands of different short courses available in the UK, with even more undergraduate, Masters and conversion degrees available. However, only a select number will help you to graduate with the qualification you need to become a Chartered Psychologist in the UK – a title which is legally recognised and reflects the highest standard of psychological knowledge. Achieving Chartered Psychologist status is essential for most careers in the sector – from educational psychology to sports psychology, occupational psychology, to forensic psychology and more – and will ensure you reach your full earning potential. To give you a helping hand, we’ve outlined the three steps you’ll need to take and the vital accreditation you need to look out for to become a Chartered Psychologist: Step 1: Study a BPS Accredited Psychology Qualification No doubt one of your first questions is “what qualifications do I need to become a psychologist?”. With a plethora of course options and career paths to choose from, the answer to this question can seem a daunting one. However, in order to become a Chartered Psychologist in the UK, there’s only one accreditation you need to look out for: British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation. The BPS is the representative body for psychology and psychologists and is responsible for awarding individuals with Chartered Psychologist status. BPS accreditation can be bestowed upon undergraduate, postgraduate and conversion degrees – such as our Masters degree in Psychology - and shows the course has met a set of rigorous criteria set by the Society. There are many Psychology courses which run without BPS accreditation. However, these courses are usually better suited to students looking to pursue careers more broadly related to how people think, act and feel – such as teacher, counsellor, HR practitioner or social worker. If you are looking to specialise in psychology after graduation, even if you don’t know what path you want to pursue yet, ensuring your course is BPS accredited is essential. It’s also key your course is a full degree in Psychology rather than a short course. If you’ve previously graduated from another discipline, taking a BPS accredited conversion Masters could be an excellent first step to break into the field. Step 2: Achieve Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BPS Once you graduate from a BPS accredited undergraduate or postgraduate conversion course, you’ll be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BPS. This shows that you’ve studied Psychology in sufficient breadth and depth to be able to progress to the next step; the Society-accredited professional postgraduate training needed to become a Chartered Psychologist in your chosen field. As further training is highly specialised and jobs are extremely vocational, it is advisable that, at this stage, you identify what specialism you’re most interested in pursuing and look to gain relevant work experience. For example, if you’re thinking about specialising in occupational psychology, experience in an HR department could be advantageous. Or, if you’re considering a career as a chartered clinical psychologist, securing a role as an assistant psychologist and providing support for people with mental health problems would be extremely worthwhile. GBC status, and graduating with a 2:1 or equivalent degree from a BPS accredited degree programme is normally an essential requirement for assistant psychologist positions.
Step 3: Gain Further Training in the Field of Psychology You Want to Work In The final step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist is to undertake BPS accredited postgraduate study or training in the area you wish to specialise in, and if applicable, to register as a practitioner psychologist with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC). You could also complete a doctoral programme that, whilst not accredited by the BPS itself, could allow you to follow an academic career and become a Chartered Member of the BPS. There are a number of different routes you could pursue at this stage, depending on the field of psychology you want to work in:
Find out more about the training options available. Once you have graduated from your specialist programme, you’ll be on course to apply to become a Chartered Member of the BPS - the final stage of your journey. Take your first step to becoming a Chartered Psychologist with Northumbria University. Learn more about our BPS accredited Psychology conversion course. What masters can I get with a bachelor's in psychology?There are several graduate degree options that may be available to you with a completed bachelor's degree in psychology. These options may include master's degrees in counseling, criminal justice, education, health sciences, or social work.
What do we need to be a psychologist?A Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree is required in Psychology. The curriculum focuses on personality development, psychotherapy, stress management, and neuro-psychology. Postgraduate specialisation is available, with an MA or M.Sc. in Psychology, Social Work, or Counselling.
Which psychology degree is best?Clinical Psychology
Licensed clinical psychologists who generally hold doctoral degrees will find the best career opportunities, entering well-paying positions in healthcare or mental health organizations, schools, government and nonprofit agencies, or private practice.
|