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Medical

Clinical psychologist

Clinical psychologists help people manage mental health issues, phobias and addiction.

Annual Salary

£35,000 to £50,000

Average UK salary in 2022 was £33,200
(source Office for National Statistics)

Working hours

37 to 39 a week

You could work: evenings / weekends; occasionally

3.8%
Future employment

There will be 3.8% more Clinical psychologist jobs in 2027.

Day to day tasks

As a clinical psychologist, you'll:

  • work out what your client needs using interviews and tests
  • decide on the best treatments, like therapy or counselling
  • go to conferences and research different topics
  • work closely with other professionals like doctors
  • write reports and act as an expert witness in court

Working environment

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.

You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.

University

You'll need a degree in psychology accredited by The British Psychological Society.

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

Postgraduate course

After your degree, you'll need a postgraduate doctorate in clinical psychology. There's usually a lot of competition for places on postgraduate courses.

To get a place on a course, you'll need:a first or 2:1 (upper second class) in your degree; evidence of excellent research skills; some work experience

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 3 A levels or equivalent
For more information
Apprenticeship

You could do a clinical associate in psychology degree apprenticeship.

As a clinical associate, you would work under the supervision of a registered clinical psychologist.

Once you've completed your degree apprenticeship, you'll need to apply for graduate membershipbefore you can apply for jobs as a clinical psychologist.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • a degree in a relevant subject
For more information

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

More information

Professional and industry bodies

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

Further information

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

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With experience or more training, you could:specialise working with certain people, such as children or young offenders; specialise in clinical neuropsychology; move into research or teach at a university; work as a freelance consultant, advising other professionals and clients; set up your own psychology practice

You’ll find more details about careers in psychology from The British Psychological Society and Health Careers.

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

You'll need:

  • knowledge of psychology
  • counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
  • the ability to understand people’s reactions
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • analytical thinking skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • excellent written communication skills
  • concentration skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
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