The 101 guide to becoming a psychologist (and where to start)

If becoming a psychologist sparks your curiosity, keep reading. While people often have a glamourised view of what it takes to participate in talk therapy, there is a carefully considered process that allows therapists the privilege and the responsibility of others’ mental health. 

A psychology background is also a strong foundation for many meaningful careers, but how do you actually become a psychologist in the UK? We’re going to look at the steps you should take if you’re starting from scratch.

This guide explains the different types of psychology careers, how to begin your studies, and where Aston University’s accredited online programmes can fit into your journey.

What careers can psychology lead to?

Psychology is an extremely diverse field. While many people associate it with counselling or therapy, psychology graduates go on to work in areas as varied as education, public health, business, the justice system, and technology. If you’re interested in a career that helps others, informs policy, or improves systems through a better understanding of human behaviour, psychology offers a solid base for branching out.

Some careers in psychology include:

• Clinical psychologist – supporting people with mental health conditions through evidence-based therapies.
  
  
• Forensic psychologist – working within the criminal justice system to assess risk, support rehabilitation, and contribute to investigations.
  
  
• Educational psychologist – helping children and young people overcome learning and behavioural difficulties in school settings.
  
  
• Occupational psychologist – improving workplace wellbeing, team dynamics and performance.
  
  
• Health psychologist – supporting behaviour change and better health outcomes in individuals and communities.
  
  
• Counselling psychologist – working in a range of settings to help people navigate life’s challenges.
  

These are protected titles in the UK, which means you’ll need to complete a specific academic and professional route to use them. But psychology graduates also do well in adjacent roles that don’t require registration, such as UX research, career coaching, or data analysis.

What qualifications do I need?

Your journey starts with an undergraduate degree that’s accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Aston Online’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BSc) is fully BPS-accredited and designed for online learners. This means it meets the academic requirements for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), an important first step if you want to go on to professional training.

If your first degree is in another subject, you can still pursue psychology through a conversion programme. Aston Online’s Master of Science in Psychology (Conversion) gives you the academic foundation to move forward in the field, even if your undergraduate studies were in arts, science, business, or something else entirely.

From here, you may choose to enter the workforce or pursue postgraduate training in your chosen specialism. For example, becoming a clinical psychologist typically requires a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Others, like health or occupational psychology, have different routes involving supervised practice and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

How Aston’s Psychology programmes prepare you

We design our online psychology degrees to meet the needs of learners planning long-term careers. Our programmes are grounded in real-world challenges and underpinned by research-led teaching.

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology BSc (Online) covers foundational areas such as cognitive, biological, social and developmental psychology, while developing your research, critical thinking and communication skills. As you progress, you’ll explore topics like mental health, neuropsychology, and wellbeing. These give you the context and confidence to pursue roles in care, education, or business, or to take the next step towards professional training.

The Master of Science in Psychology (Conversion) MSc (Online) is ideal if you’re pivoting from another field. You'll build a robust foundation in psychology and carry out an independent research project. The curriculum covers cognition, development, individual differences, neuroscience and more, while preparing you for work across a range of psychology careers in the UK.

Both programmes are fully online, so you can study part-time while working, raising a family, or changing career. You’ll complete one module at a time, with academic support and access to Aston’s online library and student services.

Psychology careers and salaries

Salaries vary depending on your role, experience and qualifications. Some examples include:

• Assistant Psychologist: Averages £25,436; recent NHS jobs £32,199–£34,876 (higher end, London area) (checkasalary.co.uk)
• Clinical Psychologist (after doctoral training): Official Agenda for Change Band 7; job postings £43,567–£60,504. (NHS)
• Occupational Psychologist: Average £52,842–£53,058 nationally; London ~£50,452. (Jooble)
• Counsellor or Wellbeing Practitioner: Counsellor average £33,910–£38,704; PWP trainee £26k–£29k, qualified Band 5 £31k–£38k. (Jooble)
• UX Researcher: Median £68k total comp; entry £28k–£38k, mid £38k–£58k (Levels)
• Academic Researcher or Lecturer: Average £46,306–£47,977. (Jooble)
  
  

Roles like Mental Health Support Worker, Research Assistant, Behavioural Technician, or Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) often fall in NHS Band 4–5 (£27k–£38k), serving as pathways to higher psychology positions. Salaries reflect 2025/26 NHS Agenda for Change updates and market data from job sites. London premiums can add 10–20%.

Mapping your journey

Here are some practical steps you can take if you're thinking about a career in psychology:

1. Start with an accredited degree

Choose a BPS-accredited programme that gives you Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). Aston Online’s Psychology BSc and Psychology (MSc) (Conversion) both meet this standard.

2. Get experience

Volunteer, work part-time, or apply for internships in relevant settings. Mental health charities, youth services, educational support, or research projects can provide you with hands-on experience.

3. Think about your interests

What aspect of human behaviour are you drawn to? Do you enjoy working with children, supporting mental health, or understanding systems? This will help you decide which psychology career fits best.

4. Consider further training

To become a Chartered Psychologist, you’ll need postgraduate study and supervised experience. Each field has its own path, and planning early helps.

5. Build transferable skills

Strong communication, research, empathy and analytical thinking are some of the most important components in psychology and are valued in many other careers. Aston’s programmes focus on developing these through applied learning and assessment.

Supporting your future

We help you apply psychological knowledge in ways that support your career goals, whether that’s working with people, shaping policy, or designing better systems.

Both our BSc and MSc online programmes prepare you to take the next step, whatever that may be. You might go on to postgraduate professional training, pursue a role in the public sector, or apply your insight to business and tech.

No matter where you begin, psychology offers you a meaningful, flexible and impactful career path. Find out more about the Bachelor of Science in Psychology BSc (Online) and the Master of Science in Psychology MSc (Online) to start your career in psychology.