Psychologists are probably best known for their work in the health and education services, but psychology graduates can be found in almost any area of life.

A psychology degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities, and new areas such as sports psychology and environmental psychology are being developed all the time. This booklet will cover areas in which you can register as a Chartered Psychologist with the Society – where there is a recognised training route leading to membership of a Division of the Society. These areas are:

• Clinical psychologists, working in health and care settings;
• Counselling psychologists, in private practice and commercial settings;
• Educational psychologists, in local education authorities, schools and special schools;
• Forensic psychologists, working in penal establishments, special hospitals and with young offenders;
• Health psychologists, working in hospitals, health authorities and health research departments;
• Neuropsychologists, helping people with brain injury;
• Occupational psychologists, in management, personnel, training, selection and careers services;
• Research and teaching in institutions of higher education.

A third of graduates who go into permanent employment as psychologists enter public services (such as the health service, education, the Civil Service and the Armed Forces), and a third go into industry or commerce (market research, personnel management etc). Of the remainder, about a tenth teach and research in schools, colleges and universities.

It has been calculated that 15 to 20 per cent of psychology graduates end up working as professional psychologists.This does not mean that the majority of graduates do not use the skills they have learnt; on the contrary, they are likely to use some of them whatever job they do.

There are also related professions sometimes confused with psychology.A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (unlike a psychologist), and can prescribe drug treatment for serious mental illness. Contact the Royal College of Psychiatrists for further information. A psychotherapist or counsellor may or may not have training in medicine or psychology, and uses a variety of non-medical based treatments to overcome difficulties and facilitate change in a variety of situations, including severe psychological disorders and everyday problems. Contact the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy, or the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. We now turn to the various areas of psychology accredited by the Society. If you are considering studying psychology you will find it a useful summary of some of the areas of research you would cover on your course. If you are already studying for a psychology degree and are considering further training to become a professional psychologist, this booklet will tell you how.You should read it alongside www.bps.org.uk/careers/careers.cfm.This website has extensive careers information and is updated regularly.