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Teaching & Research

On this page:

• What do teachers and researchers in psychology do?
  
• How do I become one?
• How much will I get paid?
• Where are jobs advertised?
• What if I'm a mature student?
• Where do I find out more?

What do teachers and researchers of psychology do?

Teaching and research in psychology usually go hand in hand. Some teaching staff will have qualified in one of the applied psychological professions already mentioned. They may return to teaching to develop professional practice and conduct research, or simply to share their knowledge. All university lecturers are expected to help extend their subject by gathering psychological evidence on key research questions, and tell others what they have found by publishing articles.

Administration is a large part of a lecturers' life, and can take up a great deal of time. It includes student selection, devising new teaching programmes, sitting on committees, which allocate resources and co-ordinating aspects of the life of the department.

Many schools and sixth-form colleges of further education now offer psychology as a subject at GCSE, A level, A/S level and as part of a general studies programme. Teachers prepare students for published syllabuses set by the examining bodies, so their work is not as flexible as that of teachers of undergraduates. Nevertheless, there is considerable choice in what to offer within the syllabus and an enormous range of possible studies in practical and laboratory courses.

Lecturers and researchers work in universities, colleges and schools. 'Research scientists' may also work in research units (such as the MRC Applied Psychology Unit). However, few people are able to develop careers consisting solely of research.

How do I become one?

To become a Chartered Teacher and Researcher in psychology you need:

• Graduate Basis for Registration via an accredited degree or conversion course or the qualifying exam
• Five or more years supervised and assessed professional activity. The research route will normally include taking a PhD or equivalent research experience.

How much will I get paid?

Qualified graduate teachers' salaries range from £19,000 to £38,000. Head teachers' range from £37,617 to £99,585. Additional income may be possible through private tutoring, examining other institutions or examination board, and through consultancy work.

Salaries for lecturers at FE and HE institutions range from £20,000 to £35,000

Salaries for University Lecturers range from £24,000 to £44,000.

Where are jobs advertised?

• In Psychologist Appointments, which is part of The Psychologist, the Society's monthly publication.
• In the National Press, e.g. The Times, The Guardian, The Independent
• In specialist publications from the Health Service Journal and DoH website .

What if I'm a mature student?

• Mature students often ask us if their age will prevent them from succeeding in a psychology career. You can find out more here.

Where do I find out more?

• DTRP: the Division of Teachers and Researchers of Psychology of the BPS. Access to publications, conferences, and special interest groups and chat rooms with membership.
• Contact us: request form for further specific information.