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Careers FAQs

What qualifications do I need to have to work as a psychologist in the UK?

The Health Professionals Council (HPC) is the statutory regulator for practitioner psychologists in the UK. In order to offer services to the public as a psychologist in one of the seven areas of psychology regulated by the HPC, you need to complete an HPC approved programme of training.

The British Psychological Society is the representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK, with numerous benefits of membership. The Society accredits training routes that allow people to become Chartered Psychologists and use the abbreivation CPsychol after their name. CPsychol is the benchmark of professional recognition and reflects the highest standard of psychological knowledge and expertise.

You can find more information about training to become a psychologist on the Types of Psychologist page.

What is the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC, previously GBR)?

Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership(GBC) is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist. If you hope to continue to study psychology after your degree, it is recommended that you choose an accredited course so that you can leave your options open. Without eligibility for the GBC you will not gain entry onto Society accredited postgraduate and professional study.

Can the Society recommend a degree course?

The Society is not able to recommend specific degree courses. However, we do suggest you keep your options open and take a degree that is accredited by the Society, as this will allow you to apply for Society accredited postgraduate courses. You can find more information in the Undergraduate Careers section of this website.

What are the consequences of completing a degree that isn’t accredited by the Society?

If you complete a non-accredited degree, you will not be able to apply for Society accredited postgraduate training and become a Chartered Psychologist until you have gained the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). However, as a graduate of another subject you can gain GBC by completing an accredited conversion course (please see below).

What is a 'conversion course'?

Graduates who have not taken an accredited programme in psychology may undertake a conversion course. Conversion courses provide the opportunity for graduates to build on their first degree qualification to become eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC, previously known as GBR). Courses are usually at least one year full-time (or part-time equivalent) and are typically worth 120 credits.

Applicants to conversion programmes must have a degree which has not been accredited by the Society and usually have previously studied the equivalent of at least 60 credits of psychology at undergraduate level. If you have not done 60 credits or more of psychology study, you can usually do a bridging or access course (often a certificate in psychology) first. Some accredited conversion courses offer these 60 credits as part of their provision.

You will need to contact universities directly to find out if you meet their entry requirements.

I want to change my career and become a psychologist. Is there a fast track route?

There is not a quick route to becoming a Chartered Psychologist. It is necessary to have a Society accredited degree plus at least 3 years of postgraduate training. If you already have a degree that isn’t accredited by the Society, you can complete a conversion course (please see above).

Does it matter whether the degree I complete is a BSc or a BA?

No. As long as the degree you complete is accredited by the Society and you achieve at least a 2:2, you will be able to gain the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership. All of the courses we accredit have been evaluated against our minimum standards, which relate to both curriculum coverage and resources. Accredited courses will either meet or exceed those standards and there is no difference, from the Society's point of view, in completing a BSc rather than a BA (or vice versa).

How do I become a child psychologist?

There isn’t a direct training route to becoming a Child Psychologist. You would either train as a clinical or counselling psychologist and specialise in working with children once you have completed your training, or train as an educational psychologist and work with children in an educational setting. Please see the Types of Psychologist section of our website for more information on these areas.

If I train as a psychologist in the UK, will I be able to work overseas?

You would need to contact the Psychological Society of the country that you want to work in to find out what level of training they require. You can find a list of European Psychological Associations on the European Federation of Psychological Associations website.

Where can I find work experience?

Unfortunately, the Society cannot directly help you find posts or work experience. You may find it difficult to find placements working directly with psychologists until you have a completed a psychology degree; however, you can try contacting those working in your area by searching the Society’s Directory of Chartered Psychologists.

Consider what type of people you want to work with and contact local organisations and charities that are relevant. For example, if you want to work with children, get in touch with your Local Education Authority, children’s charity or the children’s unit at your local hospital.

I haven't found the answers I was hoping for. What should I do?

Please contact our Help Desk (telephone +44 (0)116 254 9568 or use the online request form) and we will be happy to help.

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