Career advice

Become a Psychologist

Psychologists study human behaviour in order to explain thoughts, feelings and emotions. Once they understand where behaviour is coming from, they can improve lives by offering support in the form of counselling or therapy.

  • Average salary in UK £34,192 (PayScale)
  • Average salary in US $77,761 (PayScale)
  • Average salary in Canada CA$76,398 (PayScale)
  • Average salary in Australia AU$90,000 (Seek)
Source: PayScale

What skills do you need to become a psychologist?

  • Scientific mind

    Psychologists use scientific methodologies in their work, such as clinical assessments and psychometric tests. Therefore, it’s important to understand the human brain and behaviour from a scientific perspective.

  • Empathetic nature

    Since the purpose of a psychologist is to improve the emotional wellbeing of others, you need to have an empathetic and non-judgemental nature in order to thrive in this role. Psychologists deal with very sensitive and personal issues, so you must be understanding of this.

  • Research skills

    A large proportion of the work psychologists do will involve research, so you need to enjoy research work. This might include conducting tests, interviews, assessments, observations or case studies.

  • Great communication

    You’ll be working with lots of different people as a psychologist, often with varying personalities and issues. Therefore, you’ll need to be great at communicating, particularly when it comes to listening and explaining things to others.

Develop these skills. Start a short psychology course.

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Monash University

Introduction to Psychology

Discover the fascinating field of psychology from past to present, as you explore how the human mind affects our behaviour.

6 courses

12 weeks

Introductory

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Courses
11 Courses

Learn new skills, pursue your interests or advance your career with our short online courses.

The Open University

Forensic Psychology: Witness Investigation

4.8 (356 reviews)

Discover how psychology can help obtain evidence from eyewitnesses in police investigations and prevent miscarriages of justice.

8 weeks

3 hrs per week

Included in Unlimited

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University of Padova

Understanding Epilepsy and its Neuropsychology

4.7 (35 reviews)

Find out what epilepsy is and what its cognitive and psychosocial consequences are.

3 weeks

3 hrs per week

Included in Unlimited

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King's College London

Caring for People with Psychosis and Schizophrenia

4.9 (78 reviews)

Explore the key issues related to caring for a relative with psychosis or schizophrenia, with this short, free online course.

4 weeks

3 hrs per week

Included in Unlimited

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Coventry University

Consumer Behaviour and Psychology

4.6 (123 reviews)

Learn about the origins of consumer psychology and examine how consumer behaviour can be influenced by a range of factors.

2 weeks

3 hrs per week

Included in Unlimited

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Monash University

Introduction to Psychology: Biological Psychology

4.7 (259 reviews)

Understand the link between behaviour and human biology, and learn how genes and the environment influence our behaviour.

2 weeks

6 hrs per week

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Monash University

Introduction to Psychology: Developmental Psychology

4.8 (197 reviews)

Examine the physical, cognitive and social development we undergo throughout our lives.

2 weeks

6 hrs per week

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Monash University

Introduction to Psychology: Sensation and Perception

4.7 (127 reviews)

Learn how our sensory systems work together to help us to perceive and respond to the world around us.

2 weeks

6 hrs per week

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Monash University

Introduction to Psychology: The History and Science of Psychology

4.8 (321 reviews)

Investigate the history and science of psychology while mastering the basic principles of the scientific method.

2 weeks

6 hrs per week

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