Psychology Career Prospects
At Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh we offer a variety of single and joint honours undergraduate psychology courses. With a degree in psychology you can go on to discover many different career prospects depending on your interests and qualifications. Following a career in one of these areas requires further training.
Health Psychology
Both nationally and internationally, health psychology is a rapidly developing discipline - the scope of research in health psychology is matched by the range of contexts in which professional activity takes place. Health psychologists are employed across a broad spectrum of contexts in higher education as well as in other sectors such as the NHS, industry, government and charitable trusts. Areas of professional activity include public health, health promotion and policy-making, in addition to professional activity concerned with specific health-related matters, eg cardiovascular disease, stress, pain management, cancer management, HIV/AIDS, obesity, diabetes etc.
Clinical psychology
Chartered clinical psychologists tend to work in healthcare settings such as hospitals and specialist practices. Their role includes the clinical assessment of clients and the resultant therapy and/or advice. Clinical psychologists often work with adults and children with a range of psychological problems including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and serious mental illnesses. Competition for clinical psychologist training is intense with many courses only accepting those with a 2.1 or higher. Those interested in furthering a career in clinical psychology are advised to gain experience as an assistant psychologist.
Counselling psychology
Counselling psychologists work with a range of clients and are involved with the assessment and application of therapies. Counselling psychologists may work in a number of fields including the health and social care system, prisons, educational institutions or industries. They work with such human problems as relationships, bereavement and mental health issues and disorders.
Educational psychology
If you are interested in working with children then a career in educational psychology may be ideal. Educational psychologists help children and young people with learning, social and emotional difficulties.
Forensic psychology
Forensic psychologists may work within the prison system or in health or social services. They are concerned with the psychological aspects of legality and criminology. Key roles for forensic psychologists include managing rehabilitation programmes, prisoner profiling and providing psychological evidence in court.
Neuropsychologists
Neuropsychologists are concerned with the functions of the brain. Those working in this area often work with those who have experienced brain injury or neurological diseases such as strokes or degenerative disorders.
Occupational psychology
Occupational psychologists work for large companies to improve both the company’s effectiveness and the individual’s satisfaction at work. Occupational psychologists are therefore concerned with work behaviour and performance.
Teachers and researchers in psychology
Teachers and researchers work in universities, colleges and schools. Usually the two go together as most teachers are expected to contribute to their field by also conducting up-to-date research.
For more information on careers in psychology please go to the British Psychology Society's website. in particular their careers page where you can also view a video on what to do with your psychology degree.
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