How to become an assistant psychologist 

Looking to make a real difference in mental health care? Becoming an assistant psychologist is a popular way to start your career in psychology. The demand for mental health support is growing across the UK, which means now is a great time to plan out your career path. 

At Aston Online, our flexible psychology degrees are designed to fit around your life while providing you with the skills employers look for. Whether you're new to psychology or changing careers, this guide explains everything you need to know about becoming an assistant psychologist. We've laid it out in an easy roadmap for your future – from looking at entry requirements, career progression to salaries and how to get started with our Bachelor of Science in Psychology BSc (Online) and Master of Science in Psychology (Conversion) MSc (Online) degrees. 

What does an assistant psychologist do? 

Assistant psychologists support qualified psychologists in delivering mental health care, research, and treatment planning. Typical responsibilities include: 

• Assisting with psychological assessments and collecting patient data 
• Supporting treatment planning and therapy sessions 
• Helping with risk assessments and crisis intervention 
• Using assessment tools to evaluate mental health needs 
• Maintaining accurate patient records and preparing reports 
• Contributing to research projects and data analysis 

Work settings include hospitals, community mental health teams, schools, research institutions, or private practices. Roles often combine patient-facing duties with research and administrative work, making organisation, communication, and critical thinking top skills to have under your belt. 

Who should become an assistant psychologist?

Research highlights three key motivations for pursuing psychology careers: 

1. Desire to help others: Many assistant psychologists are driven by a desire to improve mental health support in their communities. 
2. Curiosity about human behaviour: The role offers daily opportunities to understand how people think, feel, and respond to interventions. 
3. Career versatility: Psychology opens doors to diverse areas, from clinical and counselling roles to organisational psychology and research. 

What are ideal traits for assistant psychologists?  

• Empathy and compassion for vulnerable individuals
• Resilience when working in challenging environments
• Analytical thinking for research and data interpretation
• Communication skills to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams
• Ethical awareness when handling sensitive information

Entry requirements for assistant psychologist roles 

What qualifications do you need to become an assistant psychologist? 

• A Bachelor of Science in Psychology BSc (Online) degree 
• Or a Master of Science in Psychology (Conversion) MSc (Online) if your first degree is in another subject 

Each programme has a different set of entry requirements: 

To study the Bachelor of Science in Psychology BSc (Online) programme at Aston University, you'll need a BBB in any three A levels or a BCC in any three A levels.  

To apply for the Master of Science in Psychology (Conversion) MSc (Online), you'll need a UK 2:2 honours degree or recognised international equivalent. 

We also consider applicants with relevant work experience or alternative qualifications on a case-by-case basis. Contact our admissions team for advice if you wish to apply. 

English language requirements for both programmes: 

If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide evidence of English proficiency through an accepted qualification such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Pearson PTE (taken within the last two years). 

Employers also value: 

• Research experience, gained through placements or university projects
• Mental health experience, such as volunteering with charities or working as a mental health support worker
• Skills in report writing, data analysis, risk assessment, counselling techniques, and ethical practice

How Aston Online's psychology degrees prepare you for a successful career 

Both Aston University’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology BSc (Online) and Master of Science in Psychology (Conversion) MSc (Online) provide the academic knowledge and practical skills employers look for in assistant psychologists. Through modules in research methods, cognitive and social psychology, mental health, and clinical applications, students build: 

• Strong research and analytical abilities 
• Ethical awareness and critical thinking 
• Practical understanding of mental health conditions and interventions 

With Aston University ranked among the UK's Top 5 for graduate prospects in psychology (Complete University Guide, 2024), graduates leave prepared for assistant psychology roles or further professional training. 

How to become an assistant psychologist in the UK 

Your 5-step plan to becoming a psychology assistant  

Step1: Study a psychology degree

If you're starting fresh, Aston Online’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology BSc (Online) provides the academic foundation employers expect.

If you already hold a degree in another field, our Master of Science in Psychology (Conversion) MSc (Online) gives you the skills needed for psychology roles.

Step 2: Gain practical experience

Volunteer with mental health charities or helplines.

Support research projects at universities or NHS trusts.

Work in entry-level mental health roles, such as a healthcare assistant or support worker.

Step 3: Develop specialist skills

Additional training in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), risk assessment, or safeguarding can strengthen your CV.

Step 4: Apply for assistant psychologist roles

Search NHS Jobs, local authority websites, mental health charities, or private practices.

Step 5: Plan your career progression

Many assistant psychologists later pursue clinical psychology doctorates, counselling training, or careers in research and occupational psychology.

Assistant psychologist salary and job outlook 

How much does an assistant psychologist make in the UK? 

Starting salaries for assistant psychologists typically range between £24,000 and £27,000, with a median salary of £27,840 (Data Source: Lightcast, 2025). Roles above £30,000 are common for those with experience or specialist training, and salaries in London or other major cities may be slightly higher due to living costs. 

Demand for these roles is strong. In 2024, there were 2,394 job postings for assistant psychologists, with most positions filled within a month (Data Source: Lightcast, 2025). This reflects growing investment in mental health services and the need for early-career professionals to support qualified psychologists across the NHS, private practices, and charities. 

Career progression opportunities 

Working as an assistant psychologist builds the experience needed for advanced roles such as: 

• Clinical psychologist – requires a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) 
• Educational psychologist – supports children and young people in schools. 
• Occupational psychologist – focuses on workplace wellbeing and performance. 
• Health psychologist – develops interventions for public health and behaviour change 
• Counselling psychologist or psychotherapist – provides therapeutic support in mental health services 

Some professionals transition into research, teaching, or policy development, using their analytical and evidence-based practice skills to influence mental health strategies at a broader level. 

Related roles in psychology 

If you're exploring similar career paths, consider: 

• Mental health support worker
• Psychological wellbeing practitioner (PWP)
• Research assistant
• Counsellor
• Human resources or organisational development specialist

These roles provide complementary experience and can act as a springboard for assistant psychologist positions or further professional training. 

If you want to know more about psychology roles, here's an in-depth blog to give you more information about what careers you can pursue with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology BSc (Online). 

What's next? 

Ready to begin your journey toward becoming an assistant psychologist?  

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology BSc (Online) – ideal if you're new to psychology. 
• Master of Science in Psychology (Conversion) MSc (Online) – perfect for graduates in other fields seeking a career change. 

Both degrees combine academic theory with practical skills such as research methods, cognitive psychology, and mental health applications. With flexible, online learning, you can study part-time around work or personal commitments. 

Explore Aston University Online's psychology programmes today and start building a career that makes a real difference in mental health care. Contact us to start your career.