Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Rechtspsychologie SGRP- how we perceive, think, and learn about the world around us
- how biological and social factors influence how we behave
- how different people’s interests and abilities are
- how we communicate verbally and non-verbally
- how and why our mental abilities change throughout our lives
- how we communicate verbally and non-verbally.
Are you interested in becoming a psychologist? | Why study Psychology?
If you’re interested in being a psychologist, one of the first things you need to do is earn a degree in psychology. A bachelor’s in psychology will give you a strong foundation in the field. You can specialise in a particular area of psychology, such as social or cognitive psychology,. In addition to taking coursework in psychology, you’ll also need to study science subjects like mathematics and statistics. You can also take psychology A levels if you are keen on bettering your chances of getting into a psychology degree at university, either in the UK or abroad.
There are many reasons to enter a degree course in psychology, from career prospects to personal interests.
Psychology is a fascinating area of study.
You will better understand human behaviour, thought processes, and how we act, feel, and think. If you’re thinking about majoring in psychology, you probably already know what a fascinating field it is. Our psychology courses examine critical issues, like why people behave in specific ways. What factors affect how we behave? How do we learn from our experiences and grow over time? Studying psychology is a good idea to gain a deeper grasp of human nature, and you have a range of optional areas you can do courses in to help further your knowledge of psychology. Although this is a sufficient justification in and of itself, you should also take a psychology course for a number of additional reasons.Psychology can help you better understand people around you
A degree won’t, of course, provide you with a complete grasp of all of your interactions with others. After all, we are fairly sophisticated creatures. However, the knowledge you gather about people’s motivations, perceptions, and behaviour may help you see things differently and better understand how others think and behave.Psychology can help you better understand yourself
You will better understand yourself due to the knowledge you gather about human motives, mental processes, group effects, and many other facets of behaviour. Many students discover that studying psychology has helped them become better communicators as they learn about language, emotion, and other subjects.
What A-levels do you need to study psychology at university?
Pay attention to the combination of A level subjects.
You must have completed an A-level in either science or mathematics if you want to enrol in most institutions (this includes Psychology, Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Mathematics; Geography, Economics, Statistics, and Computing). Subjects that demand analytical thinking or broad knowledge are typically not accepted. However, you may be eligible at certain universities. Prospective psychology students also need to be mindful of achieving the required grades that their university of choice demands.
How long does it take to become a psychologist?
You must graduate from an approved university if you want to work as a psychologist. The British Psychological Society should accredit the degree programme (BPS). Additionally, you must have finished all the foundational courses and research methodologies. One branch of psychology recognised by the BPS is health psychology. You can apply on a graduate basis for chartered membership in the BPS if you hold an undergraduate qualification in a different branch of psychology. It is the first step towards becoming a chartered psychologist.
What do Psychology graduates earn?
After earning their degrees, graduates can pursue careers as psychologists or in other important fields. For example, clinical therapists in training begin at £32,306 (Band 6 of the NHS Agenda for Change (AfC) pay rates). Salary levels within the NHS begin at £40,057 after qualification (Band 7). Psychologists with more experience might make between £47,126 and £63,862 annually (Bands 8a and 8b).These earnings will vary based on the graduate’s area of specialisation and the years of education.
What skills will I get from studying psychology?
When you study psychology, you will acquire various useful abilities in various contexts. Your future degree in psychology will equip you with communication skills, data analysis techniques, and research methodologies. You will also learn about typical and atypical behavior and how to apply this knowledge in real-world situations. International students may also have the chance to do a research project or acquire work experience in a social science environment in the UK or overseas. Therefore, a psychology degree is a great starting point for a career in various industries.
Degrees in Psychology | 4 core areas of psychology degrees
Associate Degree in Psychology
An undergraduate degree in psychology that introduces you to the field is called an associate degree. An associate degree is known as the “two-year college degree” since it usually requires two years to complete. You may pursue a bachelor’s degree after completing the 60 credits needed for an associate degree. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree does not necessitate earning an associate’s.Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at University
Another undergraduate degree that will help you build a solid foundation in the topic while also allowing you to take general education courses to complete your education is a bachelor’s in psychology. You can choose to specialise in a particular topic that interests you with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology at degree level, such as:- Degree in child psychology
- Forensic Psychology BA
- Degree in mental health
Master’s Degree in Psychology
After receiving your bachelor’s, you can continue your education by pursuing a graduate degree, such as a Master of Science (MS) in Psychology. You can take the route that brings you one step closer to clinical roles and licence by earning a master’s in psychology. You can choose from many types of psychology including:- Psychology for Children and Adolescents, MS
- Forensic Psychology Master’s
- Graduate degree in industrial-organisational psychology
Doctorate in Psychology
A doctorate is considered to be the final degree classification for a graduate. Later, they can opt to have additional study when they choose to go for postdoctorate qualification. You can study core areas of psychology in-depth, conduct and guide research work, and become noted in your field with a doctorate. There are two options available:- PhD in philosophy (PhD)
- PhD in psychology (PsyD)
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), a PsyD is available in professional psychology schools for people who wish to offer psychological services. A Ph.D. is more prevalent and intended for those who want to concentrate on scientific research or teaching. PhDs in the UK can quickly become professional psychologists, given their grasp of the many aspects of psychology.
Work experience
Being a chartered psychologist requires postgraduate education and training. Due to course entry criteria, many psychology graduates spend a year or more gaining work experience before beginning postgraduate school. Building up your professional experience as soon as possible is a good idea. Before applying for a paid job, you will typically need to undergo training in psychology while working on a volunteer basis. Depending on the field you’re interested in, different types of experience are required. It is crucial to have employment as an assistant psychologist in fields like nursing, social work, mental health, services for people with disabilities, mentoring young offenders, and work in prisons, probation, or social services. Research assistant experience is also relevant. Experience working with children in educational, child care, or community contexts is necessary for educational psychology. Having teaching experience is helpful, but it’s not necessary. Those interested in occupational psychology should have a prior business, management, and people experience. Many psychology graduates opt to pursue other fields of work. To reiterate, work or volunteer experience in your sector of choice is crucial. This can include part-time employment while pursuing your degree, internships and summer jobs, volunteer work, and job shadowing. Some colleges also allow students to spend a year of study working in the sector, putting their academic knowledge to use.UK entry requirements for undergraduate study
A levels
Even though all three sciences must be completed at the A-level to receive a psychology degree, most colleges advise taking at least one of the following: chemistry, physics, biology, or maths. Generally speaking, taking topics at the A level is essential, along with a blend of satisfactory academic achievement. For most employment, an A level in psychology is advised but not always necessary. Sociology, geography, anthropology, economics, politics, philosophy, and history are a few more popular subjects. Also highly appreciated is history. Having A levels in literature can be beneficial due to the report writing you will inevitably be asked to undertake. Having A levels in maths or statistics can help with the analytical portion of the degree. General studies are typically not thought to be appropriate. You need to have all three of your A-levels in your chosen subjects to apply to the university. The entry thresholds range from CCC to AAB, with BBB serving as the benchmark for acceptance into universities and colleges. There is fierce rivalry for the few open spaces for psychology in the UK because of the strong demand for those programmes. As a result, admissions tutors frequently request strong grades or a high number of UCAS points. You need to pass your A-levels with strong grades if you wish to stand out from the competition. Make sure to investigate each course provider’s entry requirements carefully before applying to study. Most universities grant direct entry to students who make their requirements without an additional entrance exam; however, do your research fist-hand so as not to be blindsided by unexpected entrance exams. An A-level psychology tutor can help students focus their time so that they achieve the required results for their first or second choice university course. Similarly, once there, a university psychology tutor can ensure the positive study habits developed are used and that students understand their coursework and excel on assignments.Highers in Scotland
Highers, the most prevalent qualification, have entry criteria ranging from BBBB to AAAAB, with BBBB being the standard that universities and colleges usually require. Universities may request Advanced Highers in addition to standard Highers. Universities and colleges normally require students to have at least an AA to take Advanced Highers. An academic staff member may ask you to participate in a small group activity on an open day or during an interview, which will test your learning and assessment. You will be required to speak about a subject related to the course during this activity, and the other group members will then discuss your topic with you. You might receive an invitation to an interview or open day if you perform well. This exercise does not require you to know about your coursework; rather, it focuses on your ability for independent study.Personal statement
Universities and colleges will be searching for a well-written and organised statement, with proof that you are educated about the topic and that you are motivated and interested in it. The following examples could serve as examples to illustrate this: Detailed but personal insights into the topic, including your goals for the subject outside of school or college and any relevant work experience or volunteer work you have done. Further study and reading on crucial subjects, course material, and pertinent subjects. To make your personal statement even more impressive, apply for a course in basic psychology or attend a few seminars over the summer break. Of course working with a university admissions tutor can help you to prepare for your final exams at secondary school as well as perfect your personal statement. You may find you actually end up with a result that is much higher than you expected - and once on your undergraduate psychology degree - you'll be motivated to excel!What You’ll Study during your Psychology Programme: learning and assessment
Modules for courses in this subject may include:
- Social psychology
- Research methods in psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Cognitive processes in psychology
- Issues in personality and individual differences
- Evolutionary psychology
- Behavioural psychology
Study abroad | English language requirements for a UK BSC Psychology Qualification
You must meet the institution’s English language standards to enrol in a BSC Psychology programme at a UK university. This could entail finishing an approved English language programme or taking an English proficiency exam like the IELTS or TOEFL. You can also be asked to show proof of your English language proficiency if you are studying overseas.
What do Psychology graduates earn?
Entry-level salaries for psychology graduates range from £17,000 to $23,000. A clinical psychologist employed by the NHS may make between £32,500 while in training to £90,000 as a consultant psychologist with experience. Working with prisoners is another option; a senior counselling psychologist employed by HM Prison Service can make between £42,500 and £51,000.The British Psychological Society
The British Psychological Society (BPS) is a professional body for psychologists in the United Kingdom. The BPS accredits psychological training courses and sets standards for teaching psychology. The Psychology Society also promotes research and publishes journals on psychological topics.