Since psychology allows you to study human behavior and assist others who may be in need, it is a very satisfying field to work in. It can also be a very financially rewarding sector to work in. There are many different careers available for people who are interested, and individual pay vary depending on the precise profession and the degrees of education required.

A career in psychology involves both the study of human behavior and the treatment of mental illness. Professionals in psychology watch and analyze a person’s actions and experiences to draw conclusions about how the mind functions. They may also offer advice on further healthcare strategies to assist a person’s quality of life. The level of advice and treatment offered depends on the role and the professional’s level of expertise and education.

With an estimated 750,000 people working in jobs linked to psychology in the UK, psychology is one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand professions there. Statistics show that 1 in 4 people in the UK have either long-term or short-term mental health disorders, making the field of mental health vital to the country’s labor market.

The epidemic made people’s mental health worse, which increased the demand for helpline services and mental health software. In the UK, there were 32,000 psychologists according to research from 2020.

However, there are a number of encouraging indicators, such as the 19% predicted increase in psychology-related professions in 2024 and the 10,000–20,000 increase in mental health apps. The job options for psychology graduates are being expanded as psychology is being incorporated into many other sectors, including business and sports. Psychologists in the UK are thought to make an average of £24.78 per hour.

Some of the highest-paying careers in psychology are located in the UK; however, geography, specialization, and years of experience all have an impact on income. In the UK, some of the psychological positions with the highest salaries are:

1. Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists in the UK can make an average salary of £93,730 a year. Psychiatrists are trained in diagnosing and treating various mental illnesses and their physical aspects. In the UK, to become a Psychiatrist, you must have a degree in medicine, have a two-year general training program, and a three-year Psychiatry training.

2. Industrial/Organizational Psychologist

Industrial-organizational psychology is one of the newest trends in psychology. Industrial/organizational psychologists are tasked with improving work performance and the workplace environment. Industrial/organizational psychologists can make more than £80,000. 

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Regarding Organizational Psychology, also known as Occupational Psychology, the UK requires you to achieve a “Chartered Psychologist” status with the UK’s British Psychological Society. Once that’s obtained, you can register with the Health and Welfare Professions Council to become an Occupational Psychologist.

3. Neuro Psychologist

Neuro Psychologists are specialized in brain and nerve-related injuries. Neuro Psychologists can make, on average, £55,575 per year.

Regarding Neuropsychology in the UK. You must first obtain a three-year psychology degree that meets the standard of the British Psychological Society. Once that’s done, you must ensure that your score qualifies you to apply for a “Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of BPS”. After obtaining work experience, you can become a Neuropsychologist through educational training or taking the clinical route.

4. Child Psychologist

Child Psychologists help diagnose and treat psychological disorders in children and focus on children’s development. Child Psychologists make an average of £49,500 per year.

Child Psychologists in the Uk must first obtain a Psychology degree that meets the British Psychological Society standards. It would be best to take up a master’s degree or PHD later; this depends on your career plans. It is also necessary for you to obtain two years of work experience, either through volunteer work or paid work, to qualify as a Child Psychologist.

5. Clinical Psychologist

Clinical Psychologists help in diagnosing and treating mental disorders. Clinical psychologists in the UK can earn an average of £48,711 per year.

Clinical Psychologists in the UK require a British Psychological Society-approved degree, a graduate degree, and a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. Not to mention that between each degree, you must obtain work experience. 

6. Forensic Psychologist

Forensic Psychologists combine the study of psychology and criminal behaviour; forensic psychologists work within the justice system to aid in criminal investigations. In the UK, forensic psychologists make £48,644 a year on average.

To become a Forensic Psychologist in the UK, you must earn a British Psychological Society-approved bachelor’s degree, apply for graduate membership to obtain the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, and later take a master’s in Forensic Psychology. Once that’s done, you must take a two-year supervised training, part of the BPS qualification in forensic psychology.

7. Military Psychologist

Military psychologists are tasked with maintaining the psychological welfare of the troops as well as diagnosing and treating psychological issues. Military psychologists can make an average of £44,565 a year. 

To become a Military Psychologist in the UK, you must first obtain a PhD and later take on an internship/training before applying to the military. Most applicants for Military Psychology roles are Clinical Psychologists.

8. School Psychologist

School psychologists help students and staff members deal with various personal and academic-related issues that can impact their mental health. In the UK, school psychologists make an average of £43,040 per year.

To become a school psychologist in the UK, you must have a BPS-approved psychology bachelor’s program, apply for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of BPS, and have relevant work experience. Lastly, you must obtain a doctorate degree in Psychology, prove fit for the job, and apply to be part of the Health Professions Council.

9. Sports Psychologist

Sports psychology is a relatively new addition to the psychology sector. Sports psychologists work with athletes to overcome pressure from the sport and help them emotionally recover after an injury. In the Uk, sports psychologists can make an average of £33,724 a year.

To become a Sports Psychologist in the UK, you must take a British Psychological Society-approved bachelor’s degree, a BPS-approved master’s in Sports Psychology, and a practice program by the Health and Care Professions Council.