Where do psychology graduates work?

Psychology graduates are attractive to employers because the subject combines a scientific approach (analytical thinking, objectivity, research skills) with humanities (understanding human behaviour, relationship building). Although the majority of psychology graduates do not become chartered psychologists (only around 20% of them do), many go on to work in related fields such as health, education, community or commercial roles. It is common to see psychology graduates join graduate schemes across the private, charity and public sectors too.

Should you wish to become a Chartered Psychologist, the University of Kent Psychology degree programme is accredited by The British Psychological Society which enables you to gain Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). Following this, you can undertake further training to specialise in the specific field you want to work in. Becoming a chartered psychologist takes up to 5 years of further training and supervised work experience, including a recognised PhD. Entry onto approved courses is extremely competitive – to be a successful applicant you’ll need six months to a year of work experience in a psychology-related role. You’ll also need to demonstrate dedication, academic excellence and a range of soft skills.

Learn more about Clinical Psychology careers here.

Teaching is another popular route for psychology graduates that requires further study. Insights from psychology will help with parts of your teacher training, such as understanding learning styles, behaviour management, and safeguarding young people.

Psychology also plays an important role in marketing products so, for those attracted to the commercial sector, marketing is a popular career choice where psychology graduates are highly valued. Marketers need to coordinate with many other areas of the business, such as product management and web design, so well-developed communication skills are vital. Additionally, the critical thinking and analytical skills you develop during your psychology degree will help you with the business side of marketing; company goals and the bottom line.

Human Resources is another area where having a psychology degree is especially attractive to employers. To work in HR you need a good understanding of people’s motivations and interactions. Your role could include hiring the right person to complement a team, mediating in workplace disputes and managing personality clashes. If you’re serious about HR, you should also consider further training from the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development – though this can be done on the job.

A career in research is also a very real possibility for a psychology graduate, even if you don’t want to become an academic. As well as direct knowledge of psychiatry topics, your psychology degree develops strong research and analytical skills. Research doesn’t necessarily mean a Master’s or PhD – as a graduate, you can go straight into work as a research analyst. All kinds of organisations, from major corporations to government departments, are on the lookout for psychological research. You might run a fully-fledged research project into worker productivity, or gather and analyse information to brief an MP.

Top employers for psychology graduates

NHS and NHS Trusts

Private clinics

Government departments

Charities