Career options in psychology

Research in psychology requires the application of skills and knowledge to scientifically hypothesise about an aspect of human behaviour, then to test it, analyse it and communicate the results. Research underpins much of the teaching and practice of psychology as it provides the evidence-base for psychological theory and the effectiveness of treatments, interventions, tests and teaching methods.

Assistant psychologists take on a variety of different roles providing clinical support under the direct supervision of a qualified psychologist.

Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology is a specialist mental health professional whose duties include assessing, formulating, and treating clients within specified ranges of conditions and age, either in primary care/adult mental health settings or in a range of areas involving children, young people, and their families.

Clinical psychology aims to reduce psychological distress and to enhance the promotion of psychological wellbeing.

Counselling psychologists focus on working with a tailored psychological formulation to improve psychological functioning and wellbeing, working collaboratively with people across a diverse range of disciplines.

Educational psychology is concerned with helping children and young people experiencing problems that can hinder their chance of learning.

This avenue relates to the psychological aspects of legal processes in courts. Forensic psychology is also often used to refer to investigative and criminological psychology: applying psychological theory to criminal investigation, understanding psychological problems associated with criminal behaviour and the treatment of those who have committed offences.

Health psychology is primarily concerned with people’s experiences of health and illness.

Neuropsychology is concerned with the assessment and rehabilitation of people with brain injury or other neurological disease.

Occupational psychology is concerned with the performance of people at work and with how individuals, small groups and organisations behave and function. Its aim is to increase the effectiveness of the organisation and improve the job satisfaction of individuals.

Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners are trained to assess and support people experiencing common mental health problems – principally 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.

Sport psychology’s predominant aim is to help athletes prepare psychologically for the demands of competition and training. Exercise psychology is primarily concerned with the application of psychology to increase exercise participation and motivational levels in the general public.