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Psychology Career Options

© The University of Manchester Careers Service 2

Contents

What can you do with a psychology degree? ........................ 3

Your skills as a psychology student ......................................... 3

Popular areas of work for psychology graduates ................... 4

Making choices ....................................................................... 9

How to make the most of your Psychology degree

Work experience and voluntary work .................................. 10

Connections and professional memberships ........................ 11

What next?

Postgraduate study options .................................................. 12

Graduate schemes ................................................................ 13

Job websites ......................................................................... 15

Becoming a practicing psychologist/psychological therapist

Clinical Psychology ................................................................ 17

Counselling & Psychotherapy ............................................... 17

Counselling Psychology ......................................................... 17

Educational Psychology ....................................................... 18

Forensic Psychology .............................................................. 18

Health Psychology ................................................................ 18

Neuropsychology .................................................................. 19

Occupational Psychology ...................................................... 19

Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner .................................... 20

Sport & Exercise Psychology ................................................ 20

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What can you do with a psychology degree? A psychology degree is attractive to employers because of its combination of a scientific approach (analytical thinking, objectivity, research skills) and humanities (understanding human behaviour, relationship building) giving you a broad choice about where you go on to work. Although the majority of psychology graduates do not become professional psychologists, many go on to work in related fields such as health, education and in the community or commercial roles and continue to apply their psychology degree in various ways every day. It is common to see psychology graduates go on to graduate schemes/graduate roles across the private, charity and public sectors too, depending on their interests.

The skills of a psychology student/graduate Here are a few areas that your degree is likely to be developing:

The scientific aspects of your degree will develop critical reasoning skills and the application of an objective, reasoned approach. It will also develop problem solving, analytical skills, data manipulation and report writing skills.

Your understanding of human behavior and motivation will help you with relationship building, effective communication, and can help with creating an argument and generating alternative approaches/creativity.

The practical or research aspects of your studies could also provide opportunities for team working, presentation skills, problem solving and use of initiative.

It is likely that you will be developing digital skills such as using digital information and tools, creating online content, and communicating effectively online.

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Popular areas of work for psychology graduates Some examples of jobs roles where psychological knowledge, skills and research experience could be applied are listed below. (NB. psychological wellbeing practitioner and chartered psychologist roles are covered later on in this booklet).

Want to find out more? For more information about all of the suggested jobs listed below, see Prospects Job Profiles www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles, and Job Sectors www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors plus the relevant Careers Service Starting Point Series booklets www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/services/downloads/startingpointseriesofhandouts

Jobs in management, IT, HR, finance Many of the graduate schemes accept applications from any degree discipline. Psychology graduates can often overlook their suitability for roles such as human factors, financial analysis and consultancy.

Human Resources Assistant/Manager/Training Officer

Human Factors, Human Computer Interaction, Ergonomist,

Recruitment Consultant

Management/IT Consultant

Web Designer /Games Developer

Business/Financial/Information Adviser or Analyst

Hotel/Hospitality/Retail/Customer Service Manager

Jobs in research and analysis, Psychology graduates carry out research work in Universities, research centres, healthcare consultancies and public sector bodies.

Social Researcher

Market Researcher / Planner /

Research Executive (quantitative/qualitative)

Research Analyst / Data Analyst / Healthcare Analyst

Research Assistant (University)

Clinical Research Associate

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Clinical Trials Assistant/Officer Information Manager/Statistician

Research Officer – Government/Political Party/Trade Union Civil Service Administrator/Fast Stream/Local Govt Officer

Jobs in marketing/PR/advertising/events/media/creative A growing number of psychology graduates are working in consumer behaviour, insights and market research, using their psychology to help organisations to understand their customers and clients better. User experience is another growing area utilising psychology skills.

Public Relations Officer

Market Researcher

Marketing/Sales Executive

Digital Media Executive/Media Planner

Consumer Behaviour/ Consumer Insights/ Consumer Scientist

User Experience (U-X)

Advertising Executive/Planner

Conference/Events Planner

Medical Sales Representative

Science Writer/Journalist/Editorial Assistant

Programme Researcher, Broadcasting, Film, Video

Arts Administrator

Jobs in mental health, general health care and therapy Support worker and e-therapy roles are popular for psychology graduates looking to build their experience in mental health. Look out for new roles like social prescribing. For information about psychological therapies, see the back of this booklet. See also the “Mind Guide to Who’s Who in Mental health” for other roles to consider

www.mind.org.uk/media/46941/the_mind_guide_to_who_s_who_2013.pdf

Assistant Clinical Psychologist E-therapy Coordinator (on-line CBT) Support worker / therapy worker - mental health

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Therapeutic Parent/Family Therapist Project/Support/Rehabilitation Worker – drug and alcohol Social worker (mental health/learning disabilities) Creative Arts /Play/Music Therapist Health Promotion Specialist/Health visitor Some graduates build on their psychology foundation and train in one of the “Allied-health professions.” See the Starting Point Booklets, “Graduate Entry to Allied Medical Professions” and “Graduate Entry to Nursing and Midwifery” for info. Adult/Paediatric/Mental Health Nurse/Midwife * Occupational Therapist * Speech and Language Therapist * Audiologist * Radiographer * Paramedic Physician Associate *

Jobs in education/working with children and young people If you want to work with young people, teaching is not the only option. For more information about ways to work with children and young people, see Skills Prospects Working with Children: www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/job-sectors/social-care/working-with-children Also try the interactive video challenge ‘A Question of Care: a Career for YOU’ at www.aquestionofcare.org.uk/home-page

Special Educational Needs Teacher/Teaching Assistant/Learning Mentor/Portage Home Visitor

Teacher – Nursery, Primary, Secondary, FE, Montessori, Early years

Lecturer in Psychology,

Research/Teaching Assistant in Higher Education

Social Worker ( vulnerable children),

Children’s Centre Manager

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Careers Adviser/Personal Adviser

Education Welfare Officer

E-Learning Developer

Education Administrator

Museum Education Officer

Jobs in the community/social care/charity sector Graduates who are looking to help and support others, but not directly working in mental health, often consider social care options.

Adult Guidance Worker/Advice Worker

Social Care Manager / Social Worker (adults)

Community Development Worker/Education Officer

Family Court Adviser / Family Support Worker

Equality and Diversity Officer

Youth and Community Worker

Housing Officer

Volunteer Organiser/Charity Officer*/ Charity Fundraising Officer* Social Prescribing Link Worker (a new role in 2019!)

For more information about ways to work with people within social care , see Skills for Care: www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Careers-in-care/job-roles/Job-roles-in-social-care.aspx

Jobs in law enforcement, security and the justice sector If you are particularly interested in working with offenders or in a preventative role there are a range of roles to explore. Some have graduate schemes like Unlocked or Police Now.

Probation Officer

Counselling,Advice,Referral,Assessment & Throughcare ( CARAT) Drug Worker in the Prison Service

Prison Officer/Manager

Facilitator: Interventions (Prison entry level Band 4 role)

Trainee Psychologist (Prisons Band 5 role)

Police Officer

Intelligence Analyst (Police, MI5,MI6, GCHQ)

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Drug/Alcohol/Sexual Health Worker

For more information see the Starting Points information Booklet the “Crime and Justice Sector”

www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/media/services/careersandemployabilitydivision/careersservice/crcpublications/startingpointseriesofhandouts/sectorsandoptions/CrimeJusticeSector.pdf

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Making Choices It can feel daunting trying to work out which direction to take after finishing your studies. For most graduates it is more of a journey where graduates take time (and try different roles) to understand more about their strengths and what they enjoy most. A few strategies to help you decide:

1. Consider your strengths and skills Are there aspects of your course that you particularly enjoy (like data analysis, research, understanding behaviour, for example) or particular skills that you have noticed in yourself during your working experiences? You may be a strong planner, diplomatic, calm under pressure. Ask your friends for feedback if you are not sure.

2. Are there particular group of people you are keen to work with?

Some students are particularly drawn to working with young people, vulnerable groups, offenders, which can stem from interests or work experiences. Trying out different types of work through internships or volunteering will help you uncover any areas.

3. What is important to you? Any passions or interests? Your degree subject is only one aspect of who you are. What about your other interests, what you choose to read about in the news, how you spend your free time or any causes that you care about. This could tell you about the type of work that might interest you.

4. What do you want to take away from your degree? Find out more about the potential value of your degree and its application to different roles and job sectors at: www.prospects.ac.uk/links/psycholdeg and targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/degree-subjects-your-options/301050-what-can-i-do-with-a-psychology-degree

5. What’s your decision making style? – going with your flow!

Think about how you normally make decisions. If you are regularly seen digesting and weighing up lots of information about your options or planning ahead, then it is likely to work for you here. If

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this is simply not you, maybe take a more pragmatic approach – see what jobs and opportunities are advertised, give things a go and try different roles out. If you want to read more, try this: www.manchester.ac.uk/careers/whichcareer

6. Can you learn from others? The stories we hear from others - about what their jobs involve, what they enjoy and what options can come next can sometimes have the biggest impact on our decisions. Find out about opportunities to connect with others in our “Connections and professional memberships” section below.

For more information on making choices see our Careers webpage: www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/whichcareer/idontknow/

How to make the most of your psychology degree Work experience and voluntary work Gaining experience during study makes a big difference, enabling you to explore your options; understand your skills and interests more and demonstrate to employers that you have the qualities they seek. There are a wide variety of things you can do, for a few ideas see www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/findjobs/ A growing number of the larger organisations will use their internship schemes as a way to spot and hire graduates early, some also offer insight weeks just for first years. Use the link above. If you are looking to qualify as a professional psychologist, you will need to build up significant experience. Starting early volunteering with relevant client groups, is a popular starting point and can build contacts for further opportunities. Experience will often be transferable across areas of psychology too. We also recommend that you approach your tutors/lecturers about volunteering to support postgraduates’ research projects if you want to build your research skills.

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Where to find voluntary work Volunteering (lots of ideas and places to look)

www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/experience/volunteering The University of Manchester Volunteer Hub (for students)

www.manchester.ac.uk/volunteers Do it (national site)

https://do-it.org Manchester Community Central

www.manchestercommunitycentral.org/volunteer-centre-manchester

Timebank (national site) www.timebank.org.uk

Vinspired (formerly Millennium Volunteers) https://vinspired.com

Find out which experiences are particularly relevant for different areas of psychology later in this booklet (particularly if you want to gain acceptance onto accredited professional training for the psychology specialisms)

Connections and professional memberships At the University There are a number of ways you can meet people doing the different jobs you are interested in, find out about opportunities to gain experience or join in with local events. We put on graduate panels and speed networking events for you to meet and hear from our former psychology students about what they are doing now. Look out for email invitations, or follow the Psychology Careers Facebook group at: www.manchester.ac.uk/careers/facebook to hear about these and other events. The university’s career fairs and employer events are put on for you to be able to chat to different employers about what their jobs involve and ask questions, too. www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/events/

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Connect online - see where other psychology graduates work Use LinkedIn to see what other psychology graduates from UoM have gone to do. You can filter for “Psychology” graduates on the second page of the alumni tab. www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-manchester/ Join our Psychology Graduate Network just for Manchester students & graduates on LinkedIn and view members: www.bit.ly/psychologynetwork The alumni office run The Manchester Network which is a similar platform for all Manchester alumni. You can also search for a mentor or ask alumni questions. www.network.manchester.ac.uk

The British Psychological Society (BPS) If you are seriously considering becoming a chartered psychologist, it is worth looking into annual membership (£21 for an undergrad, £36 for a Postgrad) of the BPS as they advertise conferences, events and workshops to student members at reduced rates. These can be great opportunities to connect with psychologists in your area of interest and to keep up to date with research and the latest insights https://beta.bps.org.uk/join-us/membership

What next? Postgraduate study options What is postgraduate study, who is it for and how to fund it? www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate-study Explore the courses available, when and how to apply: www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/study/ Postgraduate study and training is required to become a chartered psychologist – find out which courses are accredited for each specialism www.bps.org.uk/public/become-psychologist Some students take postgraduate courses to build research skills and experience; specialise their knowledge or as a route to working in research. View your psychology study options at Manchester (including

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PhD projects): www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/psychology/ Alternatively, you may want to apply your psychology knowledge to professional training in areas such as social work, speech and language therapy, nursing or law. On average, it can take seven years to gain chartered status as experience will also be needed; a psychologist must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): www.hcpc-uk.org

Graduate schemes Graduate schemes enable you to work and train in a large organisation, usually between one to three years, with a view to progressing into a senior role over the long term. Many allow you to experience different placements within the organisation for you decide what roles you are most suited to. Many of these schemes are open to students and graduates of any degree discipline. Check out the Careers Service’s web page on Graduate Schemes at www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/findjobs/graduatejobs/faqs/

Graduate schemes particularly relevant for psychology graduates Some examples of schemes that may be of particular interest if you wish to use your psychology or research skills: (some schemes do not always run every year) Social Work & related

Think Ahead (trainee mental health Social work) www.thinkahead.org

Frontline (trainee child protection Social work) www.thefrontline.org.uk

The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) Graduate Scheme www.cafcass.gov.uk/cafcass-careers.aspx

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Charity Sector Charity Works (Graduate Scheme for the charity sector)

www.charity-works.co.uk Gradunique – combined graduate programme with Macmillan

Cancer Support and the British Heart Foundation www.gradunique.org.uk/

Cancer Research UK Graduate Scheme www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-us/charity-jobs/graduates-and-interns/graduate-scheme

Education / Teaching Teach First Graduate Scheme www.teachfirst.org.uk/ Ambitious Futures Graduate Programme for University Leadership

www.ambitiousfutures.co.uk Criminal Justice

Unlocked Prison Officer Leadership Programme www.unlockedgrads.org.uk

Police Graduate Leadership Programme www.policenow.org.uk/

Health, Government & Social Care NHS Management Training Scheme www.nhsgraduates.co.uk Civil Service Fast Stream www.faststream.gov.uk/ Local Government Graduate Scheme www.ngdp.org.uk Care Quality Commission (CQC) Intelligence Graduate Scheme

www.bringdatatolife.co.uk/our-roles/intelligence-graduate-scheme/ Skills for Care Graduate Management Programme

www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Careers-in-care/Starting-your-career/Graduates/Graduate-roles-in-social-care.aspx

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Job websites particularly relevant for psychology graduates Not all graduates join a graduate scheme. Most graduates find a specific job and progress from there onwards. Here are a few sites that our graduates have found particularly useful as a starting point: All / Psychology related jobs

Careerslink (excellent job site just for UoM students) www.manchester.ac.uk/careerslink (log on with your student ID)

British Psychological Society (BPS) “Jobs in Psychology” www.jobsinpsychology.co.uk

Career Jet www.careerjet.co.uk/psychology-jobs.html Indeed www.indeed.co.uk Glassdoor www.glassdoor.co.uk

Mental Health & Healthcare related: PsychMinded www.psychminded.co.uk Mental Health Jobs www.mentalhealthjobs.co.uk NHS www.jobs.nhs.uk Healthjobs UK www.healthjobsuk.com Creative Support www.creativesupport.co.uk Turning Point www.turning-point.co.uk The Big Life Group www.thebiglifegroup.com/ The Priory Group www.priorygroup.com Halliwell ( supporting children and young people through trauma)

www.halliwellhomes.co.uk Education / Young people

Children and Young People Now Jobs www.cypnowjobs.co.uk The Cambian Group www.cambiangroup.com One Education – www.oneeducation.co.uk

Government / Social Care / Community / Charity Civil Service Jobs www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk Look Ahead – Housing and Social Care roles

www.lookahead.org.uk CharityJobs www.charityjob.co.uk Jobsgopublic www.jobsgopublic.com Community care jobs https://jobs.communitycare.co.uk

Commercial – HR, Marketing & related

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HR / learning & development jobs (CIPD) https://pmjobs.cipd.co.uk

Marketing jobs (Marketing Week) http://jobs.marketingweek.com

Research & related Market research Jobs www.researchjobfinder.com Social research the-sra.org.uk/jobs/ University / Academic related jobs (inc research assistant roles)

www.jobs.ac.uk/jobs/psychology (psychology lecturing/research) www.jobs.ac.uk/ (for administration/support services roles)

Want to know more? This site tells you about where other types of jobs are advertised and also lists the main aggregator graduate job sites www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/findjobs/graduatejobs/

Becoming a Practicing Psychologist /Psychological Therapist Is my degree accredited? To practice as a professional psychologist you need to take a Society accredited undergraduate degree course (The University of Manchester degree course is accredited). If your first degree is not in Psychology, and you are considering a career change, then you will need to take a conversion course prior to embarking on the relevant postgraduate training. A list of accredited psychology conversion degrees can be found on the BPS website https://beta.bps.org.uk/public/become-psychologist/accredited-courses What areas can I go into? To find out more about what is possible, in psychological therapies, including being a professional psychologist, www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/i-am/considering-or-university/studying-psychological-therapies

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Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychologists use psychological methods and principles to assess and treat psychological problems. They promote and enhance mental well-being and research and evaluate new models of psychological therapy. Clinical psychologists support people with issues including anxiety, child and family problems and serious mental illness. They also work closely with other professionals such as doctors, social workers and other professionals to enable them to better support patients.

Find out about the relevant qualifications, training, experience needed and vacancy sites at: www.bit.ly/clinpsychlinks

Counselling / Psychotherapy

Counsellors help people to identify problems in their lives, reflect on what is happening to them and consider alternative ways of doing things, with the aim to reduce confusion and increase their ability to cope with challenges, or to make positive changes to their lives. Psychotherapists help clients explore and express their thought processes, feelings and behavior and help clients understand their inner conflicts and find new ways to alleviate and deal with distress.

Counselling is often a second or third career, as life experience is valued.

Find out about the relevant qualifications, training, experience needed and vacancy sites at: www.bit.ly/counsellorlinks

Counselling Psychology

Counselling psychologists employ psychological methods and a therapeutic approach to help people manage difficult events in their life. Counselling psychologists may see clients from any age or clinical group in the both public and private sector. Their role may include counselling the bereaved, couples and families with relationship problems or people with mental health or addiction issues. Counselling Psychology integrates psychological theory with therapeutic practice.

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Find out about the relevant qualifications, training, experience needed and vacancy sites at: www.bit.ly/counspsychlinks

Educational Psychology

Educational psychologists use psychological methods, theories and research to help children and young people who are experiencing difficulties in education. These can include learning, behavioural, social or emotional problems. Educational psychologists assess a young person’s problems by observation, discussion and consultation with teachers, parents and other professionals. Find out about the relevant qualifications, training, experience needed and vacancy sites at: www.bit.ly/educpsychlinks

Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychologists are trained to apply psychological theory to aspects of legal processes in the criminal and civil justice field. The main focus of their work is with offenders, victims and professionals within the criminal justice system. Some forensic psychologists work within academia, the NHS or as part of the child protection team with social services. However, the largest single employer of forensic psychologists is the prison and probation service. Find out about the relevant qualifications, training, experience needed and vacancy sites at: www.bit.ly/forensicpsychlinks

Health Psychology

Health Psychology is a relatively new field of psychology. Health psychologists advocate healthy living through education and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle using psychological principles to promote changes in people’s attitudes, behaviour and thinking about health and illness. Some of their work is concerned with providing the public with information about disease prevention and cure. There may also work

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providing support for patients and their families during illness and work with teams providing palliative care. Many health psychologists will conduct research for health care providers which will guide health policy decisions and impact on public health communication campaigns. Find out about the relevant qualifications, training, experience needed and vacancy sites at: www.bit.ly/healthpsychlinks

Neuropsychology

The clinical side of neuropsychology overlaps with academic neuropsychology, which provides a scientific understanding of the relationship between brain and neuropsychological function. This in turn helps form the basis for assessment and rehabilitation of people with brain injury, or other neurological disease. Neuropsychologists may be employed within the NHS, and also in the independent sector within both private and not-for-profit charitable organisations. Neuropsychologists work with people of all ages with neurological problems, which might include traumatic brain injury, stroke, toxic and metabolic disorders, tumors and neuro-degenerative diseases. Find out about the relevant qualifications, training, experience needed and vacancy sites at: www.bit.ly/neuropsychlinks

Occupational Psychology

Occupational psychologists are concerned with how people function in work environments. They use psychological methods to assess how the nature of work and working conditions can affect people. Their role can include recruitment and selection, psychometric testing, health and safety, training, appraisals, organisational change and ergonomics. A related area also includes Human Factors work. Find out about the relevant qualifications, training, experience needed and vacancy sites at: www.bit.ly/occuppsychlinks

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Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs) If you want to work within mental health as a therapist but you are not sure if clinical psychology is right for you, it’s worth considering the growing role of the Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. PWPs are trained to assess and support people experiencing common mental health problems such as anxiety disorders and depression – in the self-management of their recovery, via a range of low-intensity, evidence-based interventions, informed by underlying cognitive/behavioural principles.

Find out about the relevant qualifications, training, experience needed and vacancy sites at: www.bit.ly/pwplinks .

Sport and Exercise Psychology Sports psychologists use psychological methods to help sporting participants achieve positive results. They may work with individuals or teams alongside coaches and managers at both amateur and elite levels. Their aim is predominantly to help athletes prepare psychologically for competition and to deal with the psychological demands of both competition and training, to improve motivation. Sports Psychologists also offer support to clients dealing with the psychological and emotional consequences of injuries. Some sports psychologists will be involved in conducting research into the psychological aspects of sport and exercise.

Find out about the relevant qualifications, training, experience needed and vacancy sites at: www.bit.ly/sportpsychlinks . This publication is copyright The University of Manchester and may not be produced wholly or in part for commercial or non-commercial purposes without prior permission.