Graduates with a degree in Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience have a range of career options in psychology, healthcare, research, and technology. Their career path depends on whether they pursue further study or enter the workforce directly.

Common Career Paths:

1. Clinical and Healthcare Roles

• Clinical Psychologist – Requires further training (e.g., Doctorate in Clinical Psychology).
• Neuropsychologist – Specialises in brain injury and cognitive disorders (requires postgraduate training).
• Occupational Therapist – Helps individuals with cognitive or mental health challenges regain independence.
• Mental Health Practitioner – Supports individuals with conditions such as anxiety and depression.
• Speech and Language Therapist – Works with patients who have communication difficulties due to neurological conditions.

2. Scientific Research and Academia

• Neuroscientist or Cognitive Neuroscience Researcher – Conducts studies on memory, perception, and brain function.
• PhD or Master’s Student – Further studies in psychology, neuroscience, or a related field leading to academic or research careers.
• Clinical Trials Coordinator – Manages trials for new treatments and therapies.

3. Technology, AI, and Data Science

• Human Factors Specialist – Improves user experience by applying knowledge of human cognition.
• AI and Machine Learning Researcher – Contributes to brain-inspired computing models.
• Data Analyst or Market Researcher – Uses psychological insights to interpret consumer behaviour.

4. Business and Applied Psychology Fields

• Occupational or Organisational Psychologist – Applies psychology to improve workplace performance (requires further training).
• Consumer Neuroscience and Marketing Analyst – Studies how people make decisions and engage with brands.
• HR or Talent Management Specialist – Uses psychological principles for recruitment and employee wellbeing.

5. Public Sector and Policy Roles

• Science Communication and Journalism – Translates psychological research for the public.
• Policy Advisor (Health, Education, or Mental Health) – Informs government or healthcare policies.
• Charity and Advocacy Work – Supports mental health and neurological research initiatives.

Further Study Requirements

• Many psychology-related careers (e.g., Clinical Psychology, Neuropsychology) require postgraduate training and professional accreditation.
• Some graduates transition into related fields like medicine (graduate-entry medical programmes) or law (conversion courses in forensic psychology or legal practice).

This degree equips graduates with research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, making them employable across various industries beyond psychology and neuroscience. Would you like more details on any specific career path?

Below are detailed breakdowns of three key career paths for Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience graduates:

1. Clinical Psychologist

Overview

Clinical psychologists assess and treat individuals with mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. They work in hospitals, mental health clinics, or private practice.

Typical Responsibilities

• Conduct psychological assessments and therapy sessions.
• Develop treatment plans for patients with mental health conditions.
• Work alongside psychiatrists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.
• Carry out research on mental health treatments.

Pathway to Becoming a Clinical Psychologist (UK)

1. Undergraduate Degree – A BSc in Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience (must be accredited by the British Psychological Society, BPS).
2. Relevant Work Experience – Assistant psychologist, research assistant, or mental health support work.
3. Postgraduate Study – Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) (highly competitive, funded by the NHS).
4. Accreditation – Register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and gain Chartered Psychologist status from the BPS.

Salary (UK)

• Trainee Clinical Psychologist: ~£35,000 (NHS Band 6)
• Qualified Clinical Psychologist: £45,000–£60,000 (NHS Band 7-8)
• Senior Consultant/Private Practice: £80,000+

Work Settings

• NHS Hospitals & Mental Health Clinics
• Private Practices
• Charities & Nonprofits (e.g., Mind, Rethink Mental Illness)
• Universities & Research Centres

2. Cognitive Neuroscientist (Research and Academia)

Overview

Cognitive neuroscientists study brain function and how it relates to behaviour, memory, perception, and mental health. They work in research institutions, universities, or the pharmaceutical industry.

Typical Responsibilities

• Conduct brain imaging studies (e.g., fMRI, EEG) to analyse cognition.
• Develop and test theories about brain function and mental processes.
• Research disorders such as Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, or autism.
• Teach and supervise university students.

Pathway to Becoming a Cognitive Neuroscientist

1. Undergraduate Degree – BSc in Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience.
2. Postgraduate Study – MSc or PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology, or Neuroscience.
3. Research and Laboratory Experience – Gaining hands-on experience in neuroimaging, experimental psychology, or computational modelling.

Salary (UK)

• Research Assistant: £25,000–£35,000
• Postdoctoral Researcher: £35,000–£45,000
• Senior Researcher/Professor: £50,000+

Work Settings

• Universities (Research & Teaching)
• Neuroscience Research Institutes
• Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies
• Government Health Agencies (e.g., NHS, Public Health England)

3. Human Factors Specialist (Applied Psychology & Tech)

Overview

Human factors specialists apply psychology and neuroscience principles to improve technology, workplace safety, and user experience in fields like aviation, healthcare, and consumer electronics.

Typical Responsibilities

• Analyse how people interact with technology to improve usability.
• Design user-friendly systems for healthcare, transport, or AI applications.
• Conduct experiments on human attention, memory, and decision-making.
• Work with engineers and product designers to develop safer systems.

Pathway to Becoming a Human Factors Specialist

1. Undergraduate Degree – BSc in Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience.
2. Postgraduate Study (Optional but Beneficial) – MSc in Human Factors, Ergonomics, or Cognitive Science.
3. Industry Experience – Internships in tech firms, healthcare, or aviation.

Salary (UK)

• Entry-Level (Usability Researcher, UX Analyst): £30,000–£40,000
• Mid-Level (Human Factors Consultant): £40,000–£60,000
• Senior Roles (Tech or Aerospace Industry): £70,000+

Work Settings

• Tech Companies (Google, Microsoft, Apple, AI Research Labs)
• Healthcare & Medical Technology (e.g., designing cognitive aids for dementia patients)
• Aerospace & Automotive Industry (ensuring pilot and driver safety)

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 Cognitive Neuroscience 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) Social Science Pathway, click HERE.

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.