What can you do with a psychology degree?

Your study of psychology will provide you with knowledge and skills that are valuable to employers:

Undergraduate psychology programmes at the University of Plymouth are approved by the British Psychological Society and provide students with the Graduate Basis for Chartered membership (GBC). This is a requirement for postgraduate training leading to Chartered Psychologist status in occupations such as clinical, educational, forensic, counselling, health and occupational psychology.

Entry to Chartered Psychologist training is fiercely competitive and successful applicants typically have a range of relevant employment experience in addition to a first class honours degree. In healthcare settings the Chartered workforce is Increasingly supported by a range of new psychology professions. These include various Psychological Practitioner roles as part of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme and related roles such as the Clinical Associate Psychologist.

Nationally, most psychology graduates do not train as professional psychologists, however their broad skillset opens up opportunities across a variety of employment sectors including public services, industry and commerce and not-for-profit organisations. Health and social care, education and criminal justice are popular choices, but psychology graduates are also found in the business services sector, for example in marketing, public relations, human resources and data analytics roles. A small number of graduates pursue research-based career pathways.

Given the diversity of career options open to psychology graduates, it is important to research and explore these fully so that you can make informed decisions about your future.

The following websites provide helpful information for career research:

Below is a snapshot of what some University of Plymouth psychology graduates told us they were doing 15 months after graduation. For some graduates, these jobs serve as stepping stones to professional posts by providing relevant workplace experience.

*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2018/19 – 2020/21. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.

Some of the careers chosen by psychology graduates will require or benefit from further study, so this should be considered carefully. The University of Plymouth offers the following postgraduate study options in psychology: 

Many of the emerging psychology professions like Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, Childrens Wellbeing Practitioner, Education Mental Health Practitioner and Clinical Associate Psychologist have postgraduate qualifications integrated into their training pathways. Typically you would need to apply for a trainee role advertised on the NHS Jobs website. 

For most other postgraduate courses you will need to apply directly to the relevant university. You should consider the financial implications of further study as well as selecting a programme that suits your interests, learning style and future career direction. The following websites are a good starting point for exploring postgraduate options, but you may also benefit from talking to a Careers Consultant about your particular situation.

Some useful websites to help you find a suitable postgraduate programme:

It is also worth investigating what further study options the University has to offer as you may find the perfect course for yourself in an institution you already know. There are also sometimes financial benefits of staying on such as a fee discount to Alumni – find out your funding options. 

Accessing support from the Careers Service couldn’t be easier, come along to the Careers Service Helpdesk in the Student Hub or access our 24/7 online resources.

There is a wide range of support available from skills workshops to events, placements and internships advice, 1-2-1 appointments and help getting started with LinkedIn.

Our bite-sized Skills Workshops can give your career the boost it needs. Choose from a range of topics:

Workshops are delivered by the Careers Service, however they are also an opportunity to learn from your peers, share experiences and ask questions. Visit myCareer to see the full range of activities and to book your place.

Build your network and job sector knowledge using LinkedIn’s alumni tool. This will allow you to see the career journeys of graduates from your programme, the qualifications they completed, the skills they developed and employers they worked for. You can then ‘connect’ with people of interest.

For more information about the alumni tool select the LinkedIn alumni tool guide. If you are looking for help to set up or learn how to make the most out of your LinkedIn profile, select the LinkedIn guide for students or come to one of our workshops.

Undertaking work experience in your first and second years will help you stand out from the crowd when the time comes for you to complete applications for graduate employment and further study. Work experience develops valuable skills and qualities that employers are looking for and is essential for many roles. It can also help you to confirm or rule out particular career choices. Furthermore, experience in the workplace can bring you into contact with people who may be able to assist you at the beginning of your career.

You have plenty of options open to you. You could apply for a placement year, work part-time around your studies, undertake volunteering or approach organisations directly to negotiate short periods of work experience. Some organisations offer paid internships over the summer or of one year’s duration.

The University of Plymouth Students’ Union also offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities.

For those interested in training as a Chartered Psychologist or research-based careers, the School of Psychology runs the Research Apprentice Scheme which provides an opportunity for students to support academics with cutting edge research. Find out more information about the scheme.