Clinical psychologist

The first step is to study for a degree in psychology accredited by The British Psychological Society .

If you have a degree in a subject other than psychology, you can apply to do an accredited conversion course .

Postgraduate course

After your degree, you'll need to complete a postgraduate doctorate (DClinPsych) in clinical psychology. There is usually a lot of competition for places on doctorate courses.

To get a place, you'll need:

• a first class or 2

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 3 A levels or equivalent

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could do a Clinical Associate in Psychology Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.

As a qualified clinical associate, you could apply for graduate membership of The British Psychological Society.

You would work within the field you trained for under the supervision of a registered clinical psychologist.

You would also continue with further postgraduate doctorate training (DClinPsych) to become a clinical psychologist.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• a degree in a relevant subject

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Registrations

you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

Professional and Industry Bodies

You can join The British Psychological Society for professional development and training opportunities.

Further Information

You can find out more about careers in clinical psychology from The British Psychological Society and Health Careers .

You can also explore other careers in the psychological professions .

As a clinical psychologist, you could:

• talk to clients to learn about their situation, emotions and mental health state
• assess client needs and diagnose conditions through further tests and observations
• provide personalised evidence-based treatments, like talking therapies
• keep clients' families and carers updated on progress
• record accurate client case notes and write up reports
• support trainee and newly qualified psychologists
• develop research projects to improve understanding of conditions and how best to treat them

You could work in an NHS or private hospital, at a client's home, at a university or at a health centre.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.