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Occupational Psychology

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What do occupational psychologists do?
How do I become one?
What is relevant work experience and how do I get it?
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 occupational psychologists do?

Occupational psychology is concerned with the performance of people at work in training, how organisations function and how individuals and small groups behave at work. The aim is to increase the effectiveness of the organisation, and to improve the job satisfaction of the individual. The speciality is broader in scope and less formalised than most other areas of psychology, and it touches on the diverse fields including ergonomics, personnel management, and time management. Work can be in an advisory, teaching and research roles, and to a lesser extent, technical and administrative roles.

Occupational psychologists often work for large companies (in both the private and public sectors), in government and public services, in management training centres and for private consultancies. They usually work alongside other professionals such as managers, trade union representatives, training offices and specialist staff from the firm or industry concerned.

The Civil Service is one of the largest single employers of occupational psychologists: the prison service, the Home Office, the Employment Department Group (including the Employment Service), the Ministry of Defence, and the Civil Service Commission all employ occupational psychologists.

How do I become one?

To become a Chartered Member of the Society through the occupational psychology training route, you will need the following qualifications:

1. Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC, previously known as GBR). This is achieved by completing a Society accredited degree or conversion course.
2. A Society accredited masters in Occupational Psychology or Stage 1 of the Society’s Qualification in Occupational Psychology
3. Stage 2 of the Society’s Qualification in Occupational Psychology (2 years supervised practice)

In order to use the title Occupational Psychologist, you will need to be registered with the Health Professionals Council (HPC). This will involve completing Stage 2 of the Society's Qualification in Occupational Psychology or equivalent qualification that has been approved by the HPC. Please contact the HPC for more information on the entry requirements for their register.

What is relevant work experience and how do I get it?

The universities offering the accredited Masters courses for Occupational Psychology will decide upon the type and nature of experience, if required. Identify the courses you are interested in and then approach the course tutors directly to see if they can provide you with a profile of the type of experience a successful applicant will have gained.

How much will I get paid?

With the many changes in society, economy and technology, the services of occupational psychologists are increasingly in demand. Opportunities exist in both the public and private sectors although most occupational psychologists are employed in the private sector. Salaries can vary enormously. The approximate range for those in government services are:

Ranges of typical starting salaries: £15,000 - £30,000

Ranges of typical salaries at age 40: £35,000 - £70,000

Salaries in the private sector or industry can vary from £15,000 to £100,000+. Higher salaries can be found in consultancy work and depend on expertise and length of contract.

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)
• Specialist publications and websites from the Civil Service

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 information under the Change of Career section.

Where do I find out more?

• Accredited Psychology Courses: can give you more info on entry requirement, experience needed, course contents etc…
• DOP: the British Psychological Society's Division of Occupational Psychology. Access to publications, conferences, and special interest groups and chat rooms with membership.
• Contact us: request form for further specific information.