The skills you learn while studying Psychology at GCSE and A level are useful in a wide range of jobs. Through the study of Psychology, you:

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1 Article: Psychology Summary This article looks at some of the jobs related to this subject that might interest you. Skills you will learn The skills you learn while studying Psychology at GCSE and A level are useful in a wide range of jobs. Through the study of Psychology, you: Learn how to understand and analyse human behaviour. Look at how people think, act and interact with each other. Learn about human development, memory, feelings and motivation. Develop skills in analysing and solving problems. Develop number skills. Learn to use and interpret statistics. Learn and develop IT skills. Learn and develop communication skills - both oral and written. Although having a qualification in Psychology is not an essential requirement for many jobs, it is very useful in a wide variety of careers. An understanding of why your colleagues or the general public react in certain ways is helpful in many situations. This ability can be applied to nearly every kind of job, but in particular to those where you are working with people. Psychologists enter three main types of career: Those where the subject is directly related to the job. Those where the link may not at first seem obvious, but in which associated skills such as numeracy, analytical ability and a scientific approach are useful. Jobs which do not require knowledge of a specific subject, but demand a level of general intellectual ability. Careers directly related to psychology The following careers require a degree in Psychology (which should be accredited by the British Psychological Society) and further professional training. An alternative to taking an accredited degree is to take an accredited postgraduate conversion course. Entry requirements vary at different universities and university colleges. Some, for example, ask for a pass in a science subject, such as Biology. You should check prospectuses. An A level in Psychology is not usually required. Educational Psychologist Educational psychologists study and treat learning, behavioural and emotional issues of children and young people. These issues include learning disabilities, difficulties in reading and writing and challenging behaviour. Educational psychologists assess a case by talking to and observing children at home and at school. They guide the child through tests and assessment techniques, and plan ways to help, such as counselling, family therapy sessions and different teaching methods. Psychologists also work with parents and professionals who are involved in childcare and education, for example, training them in ways to support children with learning disabilities or handle challenging behaviour. Forensic Psychologist Forensic psychologists apply their knowledge of psychology to legal and criminal matters. They might assess offenders who are due to appear in court and, after a conviction, advise on their treatment and rehabilitation. CASCAID

2 Clinical Psychologist Clinical psychologists use their knowledge of psychology to help people who have a wide range of mental and physical health issues. For example, they may work with people who have learning disabilities, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, challenging behaviour or emotional problems. Before any treatment can begin, clinical psychologists use psychological knowledge and theory to assess patients' needs, abilities and behaviour. Treatment could include counselling, psychotherapy or stress management. Clinical psychologists see patients for treatment in a variety of settings, including clinics attached to general and psychiatric hospitals, nursing homes and community mental health centres. Counselling Psychologist Counselling psychologists help people improve their sense of well-being, resolve crises and increase their problem-solving abilities. Counselling psychologists may work with individuals, groups or families. Some work privately, others in GPs' surgeries, counselling organisations and academic settings. Occupational Psychologist Occupational psychologists apply their knowledge of psychology to the workplace. They look at how people behave and perform at work and how their behaviour and performance affects the organisation they work for. Their aim is to increase efficiency and job satisfaction throughout the organisation. In recruitment and selection, occupational psychologists suggest ways to identify and attract candidates with the right skills and abilities for a particular job. With existing staff, they may improve an individual's performance by developing training and evaluation techniques. When working in the area of organisational change, occupational psychologists may help to design a new management or staff structure, or a new company image. Health Psychologist Health psychologists apply psychology to the study of behaviour related to illness, health and health care. They study how patients and health care professionals interact, and how people adapt to illness. In their job, they: Look at the psychological factors affecting health care and illness. Identify ways of promoting health care and encourage people to change their behaviour and habits (eg, diet, exercise, smoking). Study methods of improving communication between health care practitioners and patients. Psychotherapist Psychotherapists help people to deal with psychological and emotional issues that can lead to problems such as distress, anxiety, phobias or eating disorders. They encourage clients to explore their thoughts, emotions and experiences. Psychotherapists usually work with clients on a one-to-one basis, meeting them in private and treating their problems in confidence. Some psychotherapists work with families, couples, children or groups of clients. There are various schools of thought in psychotherapy. Some psychotherapists believe that our experiences as children strongly affect our adult behaviour, even if we are unaware of this influence. These psychotherapists help clients to make links between past and present events, and to discuss their dreams, as these may provide some clue to their inner conflicts. Other psychotherapists place more emphasis on helping clients to challenge their assumptions about past experiences and present relationships. Teaching Teachers may teach GCSE and A level Psychology in schools and colleges or become lecturers in higher education, specialising in one of the branches of psychology. Research CASCAID

3 Researchers work in higher education institutions, research laboratories or in any place of work where psychology is practised. Research aims to extend knowledge in the subject. It is rare, however, to work solely in research. It is more usual to combine it with work as a practising psychologist or teaching. Careers that make some use of psychology The following are brief descriptions of other careers where a knowledge of psychology can be useful. Advertising Knowledge of how and why consumers react to specific advertising messages, in words and images, is extremely useful. Occupational therapy Occupational therapists help people to deal with or overcome the physical, mental and social problems that can result from illness, injury and disability. First, occupational therapists talk to clients and study them carefully, to find out which tasks they have difficulty with. The therapist writes a treatment plan based on the client's needs and expectations. Then, they give advice, and plan and organise therapy. This could be one-to-one or in a group. For example, people who have been badly injured in accidents might need exercises to strengthen their muscles or regain their co-ordination. People with mental health problems might need therapy for anxiety or depression, or support while they build confidence in social or work situations. Occupational therapists also advise on and arrange changes in the home that could make life easier, such as altering toilet seats and worktops for older adults or disabled people. Counselling Counsellors help people to deal with problems, distress or loss of direction in their lives. They usually work with clients on a one-to-one basis, meeting them in private and treating their problems in confidence. They do not give advice, make judgements or impose solutions. Instead, they work to create a trusting relationship with their clients, who are encouraged to talk about their feelings and experiences. They ask questions to help people examine situations and behaviour, think about the best ways to make changes, and increase their self-esteem and confidence. Human resources work Human resources (HR) officers (also called personnel officers) help organisations to find, employ and keep the right people and manage them effectively. They deal with issues such as recruitment and selection, training and staff development. HR officers also deal with employee relations, grievances, organisational change, redundancies, health and safety, rewards and benefits programmes, and planning future recruitment needs. Some HR officers have a general role, while others might specialise in one aspect of the work. Market research Market researchers provide information on what consumers and members of the general public want, and what they think about particular brands, products, services or social issues. Their work involves deciding on the most appropriate method of data collection, devising and writing questionnaires, conducting surveys, and analysing and presenting the results. Medical professions A knowledge of psychology is very useful in all professions that deal with sick, injured or disturbed people who need understanding and sympathy, or who need to be persuaded of the value of certain forms of treatment or exercise. Examples of these professions are general nursing, dietetics, orthoptics, physiotherapy and radiography. Police work CASCAID

4 Police officers carry out a wide range of tasks to maintain law and order, protect people and property, prevent and detect crime, and deal with emergencies. They are often the first on the scene at incidents such as accidents, assaults, traffic problems or public disturbances, and they have to act quickly and decisively to contain the situation. They give first aid, handle complaints and respond to questions from the public on a wide range of matters. They investigate crimes, take statements from witnesses, apprehend and interview suspects, and give evidence in court. After training and further experience, they might go on to specialise in traffic, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), dog-handling, mounted police or underwater search units. To become a police constable, you will need to be at least 18. You will also have to pass medical, fitness and eyesight tests, and take tests of written English, number skills and your ability to solve logic problems. The Prison Service Understanding of the reasons that can cause criminal behaviour is valuable for prison officers and governors in their work to rehabilitate offenders. Prison officers make sure that offenders are securely and safely detained in prisons and other places like detention centres. Their duties vary depending on the type of prison and its level of security. They supervise prisoners, search cells and patrol buildings and grounds. Prison officers might also be involved in the assessment of prisoners. They usually need to write reports about prisoners at various stages of their sentence. Prison officers help to set targets for prisoners' education, training, work and activities that will help them when they are released. They also provide care and support for prisoners who are in danger of harming themselves. They promote anti-bullying campaigns and take part in drug rehabilitation programmes. Prison governors are the managers of the prison service and are responsible for the security, administration and smooth running of a prison unit. They have overall responsibility for things like prisoners' health and welfare, and their resettlement. All prison governors need to have a good knowledge and understanding of what is going on in their prison or centre. As well as carrying out inspections, governors liaise with probation officers, social workers, medical staff and prison psychologists. The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) has a leadership programme for graduates with at least a 2:1 degree. On the programme, you will spend some time working in uniform as a prison officer. Probation work Probation officers supervise criminal offenders before their trial, during their sentence and after their release. Their main role is to protect the public by encouraging offenders to lead a law-abiding life. Probation officers provide advice and information to the courts. This is usually in the form of a pre-sentence report, giving information about the personal circumstances of the person found guilty, the likelihood of re-offending and (if appropriate) the most suitable community (ie, non-prison) sentence. Probation officers supervise offenders who are given community sentences. They may also visit offenders while they are in prison, helping them to prepare for their release, for example, helping them to find employment or accommodation. Social work Social workers help, support and protect people who are vulnerable or at risk, or have social and emotional problems. There are two main types of social worker: field and residential. Field social workers visit their clients in the community to offer advice, practical assistance and emotional support. Most local authorities have specialist teams of field social workers, dealing with specific groups or issues such as child protection, carers in the community and older adults. CASCAID

5 With further training, social workers can specialise in supporting people who have been diagnosed with mental health problems. Residential social workers help and support people who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to live on their own or with their families, including children and young people, people with mental health problems, physical disabilities or learning disabilities, and older adults. Residential social workers provide practical support, for example, helping residents to claim social security benefits, pay bills or keep in touch with family and friends. Sometimes residential social workers help people to make the transition from residential care to independent living in the community. Speech and language therapy Speech and language therapists help people to overcome problems they have in communicating or swallowing. Much of their work is with children, although they can work with people of any age. Their clients include people who have: difficulty in making and using the sounds needed for speech problems with understanding and using language voice problems a stammer swallowing difficulties. When they first meet a new client, the therapist must diagnose and assess the problem, using medical notes and discussions with the client. Therapists base the treatment programme on this first assessment. Treatment can involve teaching people to form sounds more clearly. The therapist might teach the patient new words and explain when to use them. To be effective, the treatment must also be interesting and creative, to keep the client's attention. The usual way to become a speech and language therapist is to complete an accredited degree or postgraduate course. Youth and community work Youth and community workers help groups and individuals to improve their lives and deal with problems in the community. They often work in socially disadvantaged areas where problems include poor housing, high unemployment, lack of council facilities, under achievement in schools and other inequalities. Their activities include: offering advice, guidance and counselling sessions to young people organising social and sporting activities for young people working with tenants' groups to improve facilities on housing estates helping to establish community facilities, such as crèches, playgroups and advice centres working with people who are homeless helping to organise a local community project to tackle drug dependency, violence or racism. Social research Social researchers collect and analyse information about developments, trends and attitudes in society. Their findings help others to develop social policy, comment on aspects of modern life, or market goods and services. Social researchers use methods such as questionnaire surveys and focus groups. Quantitative research uses a large sample of people and involves measurable data. Qualitative research uses smaller numbers of people and concentrates more in-depth on their opinions and experiences. Social researchers find out about the public's attitude towards health, crime or the economy, for example. Further Information Contacts British Psychological Society (BPS) Address: St Andrews House, 48 Princess Road East, Leicester LE1 7DR Tel: CASCAID

6 Website: Getting into Psychology Courses Author: Maya Waterstone Publisher: Trotman Website: British Psychological Society Publisher: British Psychological Society (BPS) Tel: Website: Related Careers Community Worker Human Resources (HR) Manager Pet Behaviour Counsellor Police Officer Prison Officer Probation Officer Speech and Language Therapist Life/Business Coach Market Research Analyst Occupational Therapist Clinical Psychologist Educational Psychologist Occupational Psychologist Social Worker - Mental Health Youth Worker Counsellor Employee Relations Adviser Prison Governor Psychotherapist Social Researcher Social Worker Youth Support Worker Human Resources (HR) Business Partner CASCAID