Students who complete a Psychology with Clinical & Health Psychology degree typically pursue careers in mental health, healthcare, research, and wellbeing-related fields. While some graduates enter roles directly related to psychology, others use their skills in counselling, health promotion, or human services. Many careers in clinical and health psychology require further postgraduate training and professional accreditation.
Common Career Paths:
- Clinical Psychologist – Requires a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, working in the NHS or private practice to assess and treat mental health conditions.
- Health Psychologist – Specialises in how psychological factors affect health, requiring an MSc and professional training.
- Counsellor or Psychotherapist – Providing therapy to individuals or groups, often requiring further accreditation.
- Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) – Supporting people with mild-to-moderate mental health issues, typically in NHS services.
- Mental Health Support Worker – Working in hospitals, care homes, or community settings to assist individuals with mental health conditions.
- Researcher or Academic – Conducting studies in mental health, health behaviours, or psychological interventions.
- Health Promotion Specialist – Working in public health to develop interventions that encourage healthier lifestyles.
- Human Resources or Occupational Health – Applying psychology to workplace wellbeing and employee support.
- Further Study (e.g., MSc, PhD, Doctorate in Clinical/Health Psychology) – Many roles in clinical and health psychology require postgraduate training and registration with professional bodies like the HCPC or BPS.
Certainly! Here’s a detailed breakdown of the career paths available to graduates of a Psychology with Clinical & Health Psychology degree:
1. Clinical Psychologist
Clinical psychologists work with individuals experiencing mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and psychosis.
? Key Responsibilities:
- Assessing and diagnosing mental health disorders.
- Providing psychological therapies (e.g., CBT, psychodynamic therapy).
- Working in hospitals, mental health clinics, or private practice.
- Collaborating with psychiatrists, social workers, and healthcare teams.
? Where They Work:
- NHS mental health services.
- Private healthcare practices.
- Prisons, rehabilitation centres, and forensic settings.
? Further Study Required:
- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) (a competitive, funded NHS programme in the UK).
- Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
? Progression:
- Becoming a Consultant Clinical Psychologist.
- Specialising in neuropsychology, forensic psychology, or child and adolescent mental health (CAMHS).
2. Health Psychologist
Health psychologists study the psychological and behavioural factors affecting physical health, such as chronic illness, lifestyle choices, and pain management.
? Key Responsibilities:
- Supporting patients with long-term conditions (e.g., diabetes, chronic pain, cancer).
- Helping individuals change unhealthy behaviours (e.g., smoking, obesity, stress management).
- Designing public health interventions to promote better wellbeing.
- Working with NHS, charities, or corporate health programmes.
? Where They Work:
- Hospitals and GP surgeries.
- Public health organisations (NHS, WHO, Public Health England).
- Corporate wellness programmes.
? Further Study Required:
- MSc in Health Psychology, followed by a Stage 2 Qualification in Health Psychology (Doctorate or supervised practice).
- Registration with the HCPC and British Psychological Society (BPS).
? Progression:
- Becoming a Consultant Health Psychologist or working in policy development.
3. Counsellor or Psychotherapist
Counsellors and psychotherapists help people manage emotions, trauma, and life challenges through talking therapies.
? Key Responsibilities:
- Providing one-on-one or group therapy for clients.
- Specialising in areas such as relationship counselling, trauma therapy, or cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT).
- Helping individuals with stress, anxiety, bereavement, and self-esteem issues.
- Working in NHS mental health services, charities, private practice, or schools.
? Where They Work:
- NHS (IAPT services in the UK).
- Private therapy clinics or self-employed practice.
- Schools, universities, and community organisations.
? Further Study Required:
- Postgraduate Diploma or MSc in Counselling or Psychotherapy.
- Registration with the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) or UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy).
? Progression:
- Specialising in trauma, addiction, or couples therapy.
- Becoming a clinical supervisor or trainer.
4. Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP)
PWPs work in NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services, providing low-intensity mental health support for conditions like anxiety and depression.
⚕️ Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting psychological assessments.
- Delivering guided self-help, CBT-based interventions, and group therapy.
- Supporting individuals via phone, online, or in-person sessions.
? Where They Work:
- NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT) services.
- Community mental health organisations.
? Further Study Required:
- A Postgraduate Certificate in Low-Intensity Psychological Interventions (PWP training).
- Registration with the BPS or BABCP.
? Progression:
- Becoming a High-Intensity CBT Therapist (requires MSc in CBT).
- Progressing into Clinical Psychology training (DClinPsy).
5. Mental Health Support Worker
Mental health support workers assist patients with severe mental health issues, offering emotional support and practical help.
? Key Responsibilities:
- Supporting individuals in hospitals, supported living, or care settings.
- Helping clients manage daily tasks, employment, and social integration.
- Assisting psychologists and psychiatrists with treatment plans.
? Where They Work:
- NHS mental health wards.
- Care homes, charities, and rehabilitation centres.
? Progression:
- Training as a Mental Health Nurse (via MSc or postgraduate diploma).
- Moving into Clinical Psychology or CBT therapy.
6. Researcher or Academic
Some graduates enter psychological research, studying mental health, cognition, or behavioural science.
? Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting research on mental health interventions and treatments.
- Analysing psychological data and publishing findings.
- Teaching psychology students at universities.
? Where They Work:
- Universities and research institutions.
- NHS-funded research projects.
? Further Study Required:
- MSc and PhD in Psychology, Neuroscience, or Behavioural Science.
? Progression:
- Becoming a University Lecturer or Professor.
- Leading clinical research trials.
7. Health Promotion Specialist
Health promotion specialists focus on preventing disease and improving public health through behavioural change strategies.
? Key Responsibilities:
- Designing campaigns on mental health awareness, smoking cessation, or nutrition.
- Working with schools, workplaces, and communities.
- Advising policymakers on mental health and wellbeing strategies.
? Where They Work:
- Public Health England, WHO, NHS health promotion teams.
- Local councils and charities.
? Progression:
- Specialising in behavioural change or community health psychology.
8. Human Resources (HR) & Occupational Health
Some graduates apply psychology to workplace wellbeing and employee mental health.
? Key Responsibilities:
- Managing workplace stress and mental health policies.
- Running employee wellbeing programmes.
- Conducting psychometric testing and HR assessments.
? Where They Work:
- Corporate HR departments.
- Occupational health consultancies.
? Progression:
- Becoming a Wellbeing Manager or Organisational Psychologist (requires MSc).
Further Study & Registration
Many psychology-related roles require further study:
- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) – For Clinical Psychologists.
- MSc Health Psychology + Stage 2 training – For Health Psychologists.
- MSc Counselling/Psychotherapy – For Counsellors & Therapists.
- PhD in Psychology – For research careers.
Summary
A degree in Psychology with Clinical & Health Psychology offers diverse careers in mental health, research, public health, and wellbeing. Some graduates pursue clinical careers (with further study), while others work in research, health promotion, or occupational settings.
Choosing the Correct Pathway
The units listed below include 15 ungraded and 45 graded credits at Level 3, enabling you to apply to university for a Psychology with Clinical & Health Psychology course. Most UK universities accept the Access to Higher Education Diploma; however, we recommend checking the entry requirements on the undergraduate course webpage of your chosen institution.
For more details about the Access to HE (Health Science Professions) Biology & Chemistry Pathway, click HERE.
You may also be interested in the Access to Psychology diploma that has Health and Social Science units. If the units do not match the University entry requirement we may be able to tailor a custom course with 60 credits to make a Level 3 Diploma.
