Career of the week: Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologist profile

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.

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: