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Clinical psychologist

Alternative titles for this job include

Clinical psychologists help people manage mental health issues, phobias and addiction.

Average salary (a year)

£35,000 Starter

to

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a clinical psychologist

You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.

University

You'll need a degree in psychology accredited by The British Psychological Society.

If you have a degree in a subject other than psychology, you can apply for an accredited conversion course.

Postgraduate course

After your degree, you'll need a postgraduate doctorate in clinical psychology. There's usually a lot of competition for places on postgraduate courses.

To get a place on a course, you'll need:

  • a first or 2:1 (upper second class) in your degree
  • evidence of excellent research skills
  • some work experience

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 3 A levels or equivalent

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do a clinical associate in psychology degree apprenticeship.

As a clinical associate, you would work under the supervision of a registered clinical psychologist.

Once you've completed your degree apprenticeship, you'll need to apply for graduate membership before you can apply for jobs as a clinical psychologist.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • a degree in a relevant subject

More Information

More Information

Registration

Professional and industry bodies

You can join The British Psychological Society for professional development and training opportunities.

Further information

You’ll find more about careers in clinical psychology from The British Psychological Society and Health Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of psychology
  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
  • the ability to understand people’s reactions
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • analytical thinking skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • excellent written communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a clinical psychologist, you'll:

  • work out what your client needs using interviews and tests
  • decide on the best treatments, like therapy or counselling
  • go to conferences and research different topics
  • work closely with other professionals like doctors
  • write reports and act as an expert witness in court

Working environment

You could work in an NHS or private hospital, at a client's home, at a university or at a health centre.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience or more training, you could:

  • specialise working with certain people, such as children or young offenders
  • specialise in clinical neuropsychology
  • move into research or teach at a university
  • work as a freelance consultant, advising other professionals and clients
  • set up your own psychology practice

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a clinical psychologist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Psychology

  • Provider: TURTON SCHOOL
  • Start date: 10 September 2024
  • Location: Bolton

Psychology

  • Provider: RUSHCLIFFE SPENCER ACADEMY
  • Start date: 02 September 2024
  • Location: Nottingham

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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Skills assessment

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