How to Become a Psychologist: Essential Qualifications

A psychologist is a person who makes a psychological diagnosis. It is based on a very detailed interview with the patient, sometimes lasting for months or even years. Psychologists often use complex psychological tests to make their diagnoses even more specific. The demand for psychologists is increasing with the development of technology, which brings many risks, and with the increasing awareness of society. A great psychologist is an empathetic person with analytical thinking who can empathize with the patient’s problems. In this article, we answer the question of how to become a psychologist in the UK.

Psychologist’s Specializations

Psychology is a vast field, so students have to choose the area they want to specialize in and work in the future. What does the psychologist do, and what are the specializations?

• Clinical psychology deals with work in the area of general mental and behavioural health. The clinical psychologist works with patients of all ages. Sessions are held individually, in groups or in pairs, depending on the needs of the individual. Clinical psychology is comprehensive patient care.
• Perceptual psychology carries out the innate aspects of the human cognitive system. A perceptual psychologist studies and analyses the everyday behaviour of people in relation to their innate characteristics.
• Counselling psychology is a specialization based on helping people who have not fully adapted to the world around them. A counselling psychologist helps people cope with phobias and anxieties, often with a focus on improving the quality of their working life.
• Developmental psychology is a field of study that deals with the changes that occur during a person’s life. The developmental psychologist explains how the way you think and approach the world changes as you grow up and age.
• As the name suggests, educational psychology studies how individuals write information into their brains. Educational psychologists try to understand how different teaching methods affect a person. They also want to make it as easy as possible for us to acquire information with as little effort as possible.
• Environmental psychology deals with the interactions between people, but also with their environment. Its aim is to understand what influence the environment in which people grow up and in which they move every day has on them and how to use this knowledge can be used to improve their quality of life.
• Forensic psychology is still a young field of science. It is an ideal specialization for people who want to understand the effects of the offender’s mental state on certain processes. Forensic psychologists often cooperate with lawyers and judges, highlighting psychological elements in court proceedings
• Health psychology often referred to as medical or behavioural psychology, studies how biology and social factors influence disease. Health psychologists try to understand how a patient’s attitude can influence the development of certain diseases that are often not directly related to mental health.
• Industrial and organizational psychology is primarily concerned with the analysis of human behaviour in the workplace. It aims to increase the satisfaction of both employers and employees. Often whole organizations are considered, not individual units
• Neuropsychology studies how the brain and the entire nervous system affect people’s lives. It also often analyses the influence of the development of particular parts of the brain on certain dispositions and deals with the diagnosis of dysfunctions that occur due to neurological problems.
• School psychologists are people who, not only specialize in psychology but also are great pedagogues. They help children and young people to cope with problems they have while studying or in the social life of the school
• Social psychology is the study of the influence of the presence and behaviour of others on the mental state of an individual or group.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Psychologist In the UK?

We will now show you the steps that most of today’s psychologists have successfully taken. It will not be a path without difficulties, but the attainment of the dream goal compensates for the years devoted to science. These are the psychologist qualifications you need to have:

1. Study a psychology degree accredited by BPS

Despite numerous courses for future psychologists available on the internet, it rarely pays to take a shortcut. Such courses will help you find a job in professions connected with psychology, but not as a chartered psychologist.

 In the beginning, you should focus on obtaining accreditation from the British Psychological Association (BPS). The BPS is the body authorized to award Charted Psychologist status to individuals. The BPS accreditation is awarded as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree and is proof of meeting a set of criteria required by the organization.

2. Achieve GBC of BPS

The next step is to obtain the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) for BPS. The GBC is proof that you have achieved the appropriate level in psychology to apply for professional development accredited by the organization. It is required to become a certified psychologist in a particular field.

Continuing education involves long hours of apprenticeship and has a lot to do with the practice of the profession. Therefore, it is worthwhile for you to determine which specialization interests you the most at this stage. If you plan to become a sports psychologist, it is worth applying for an internship in a sports club, etc.

But to even think of becoming an assistant psychologist, you need GBC status and a 2: 1 BPS -accredited degree.

3. Continue training for a psychologist and become a specialist

At this stage, much depends on the direction you want to take. Most choose to gain experience in the field they want to develop during their training. Remember, it is essential for you to register as a practising psychologist with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC). Some choose to study for a doctorate to further their academic career. Those can then apply to become a Charted Member of BPS

Research whether the specialization you are interested in requires an accredited pathway (neurology) or not (social psychology). This is especially important for people who want to continue their education because often postgraduate training requires extensive work experience.

So, how long does it take to become a psychologist? Taking into consideration, all the steps we mentioned, you have to spend from 8 to 12 years in higher education to be a certified psychologist. 

Psychologist’s jobs is both rewarding and demanding. To choose the best place for you, visit Gowork.uk and get to know everything about the employers in the industry!