Smart Career Paths: Psychology

Did you know that psychology is one of the fastest-growing degrees in the UK? It’s currently the fourth most popular degree among students. This is because we are seeing an increasing demand for professionals in this field to help people manage their stress levels and receive treatment for various mental health issues.

So the fact that you are considering this career path can only be described in one word: smart. To give you a better idea, a 2014 survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing in England found that 1 in 6 people aged 16 and over had experienced symptoms of a common mental health problem, such as depression or anxiety. Of course, the COVID pandemic has only made things worse, yet only 1 in 8 receive mental health treatment. 

In other words, there are thousands of people in the UK alone who need help. And if you look at global statistics, you will see that people today are paying more attention to their mental health, seeking help, and trying different options for their well-being. 

Through this article, we will guide you on the path to becoming a psychologist and we will share important insights to help you get started in your high school years.

Traditional Subjects that Will Help you Have a Strong Foundation in Psychology

While you are in high school, several subjects will help you better prepare for college. Each of them will introduce you to key concepts that will be covered in greater depth in your professional education. Let’s take a look at the traditional subjects you should pay close attention to.

Psychology

If your high school offers advanced psychology, don’t hesitate to enrol. On the one hand, this program serves as a useful introduction to key concepts (e.g., learning and memory, brain function, biological bases of behaviour, personality, etc.) and research methods. On the other hand, adding this subject to your profile will make you look good to the admissions office of the university of your choice. 

The benefits don’t stop there. Learning and understanding stress and human behaviour will help you develop certain skills that will come in handy when you face challenging situations.

Biology

This is the science most closely related to the field of psychology. As a student in this class, you will be introduced to topics such as cell biology, human anatomy, brain anatomy, genetics, and evolution, among others. All core subjects that you, as a future psychology student, will need to understand human behaviour and the relationship between mind and body. 

We encourage you to take advanced biology courses during your high school years. On the one hand, it will help you become familiar with concepts that will lay the foundation for your future studies and work. On the other hand, it will look good in the eyes of university admissions offices.

Statistics and Research Methods

When you start researching different university programmes, you will find that they all have at least one statistics course. This is because, as a future professional in the field, you will constantly be faced with complex data sets about human behaviour that need to be analyzed to draw conclusions. 

Taking courses such as Statistics and Research Methods will help you understand how to organize data, identify patterns, make precise measurements, evaluate the significance of results, and make decisions. All key components to your success as you prepare to graduate with a degree in psychology.

Sociology

Most university programmes suggest that applicants should have taken sociology in high school, as it’s closely related to the process of understanding humanity and its actions. Completing courses in this area not only serves as an introduction to various concepts (ethics in different cultures, cultural trends that affect society, the role of the family in education, the organization of society, etc.), but also helps you develop critical thinking skills.

Less Obvious but Beneficial Subject Choices

Your preparation does not end there. Many high schools offer courses in other areas that will come in handy as you prepare to become a psychology graduate student and professional. Remember that each class is designed to help you understand different concepts and develop different skills. The sum of it all is what’s going to set you apart.

Philosophy

While taking philosophy is not a requirement for admission, we believe it will be very helpful in your preparation. This is the subject that will push you to pursue your intellectual curiosity. Through the coursework, you will be encouraged to think about mind-body problems, the nature of humanity, ethics, justice, religion, and more. This will make it easier for you to understand and succeed in your college philosophy classes.

Anthropology

While anthropology focuses on human societies and cultures (and collective behavior), psychology specializes in the study of the human mind and behavior. But if you pay close attention, you will realize that although they have different perspectives and approaches, they both study human beings. 

As a future psychology student, it will be of great benefit to understand key concepts early on, such as the elements that create cultures, the biological development of humans, or how language affects human behavior.

Neuroscience

Most high schools don’t offer neuroscience classes, but there are many summer programs or extracurricular activities that can give you an introduction to the field. Experience that will come in handy as you begin to prepare to become a psychologist. These two fields are complementary and constantly seeking answers to questions about cognition, behavior, neural development, and more.

Education

Another great option to consider is taking courses or classes that will help you understand learning theories and educational practices. These skills will be a strong asset, especially if you are considering working as a school psychologist.

Rounding Out with Extracurriculars

At the same time, you need to spend time and focus on making your profile even more robust. At Immerse Education, we believe that you need to develop empathy and communication skills, as well as research and self-learning.

Developing Empathy and Communication

There are three main ways to work on your empathy and communication skills and relate them to the psychological world. Each is designed to help you better understand what the field is all about and the different challenges you may face as a professional in the field.

• Volunteer with mental health organizations: Gain first-hand experience and insight into mental health challenges, while developing empathy and interpersonal skills. Some organizations you can reach out to are Place2Be, Nightline, Royal Voluntary Service, Anxiety UK, Shout, and Battle Scars. 
• Participate in peer counseling programs: Develop counseling skills and an understanding of therapeutic approaches in a supervised setting. Hub of Hope, Togetherall, Depression UK, and Side by Side are just a few examples of counseling programs you can check out and participate in. 
• Active participation in psychology clubs: Network with like-minded peers, organize guest lectures, and participate in psychology-related activities. Among the most popular psychology clubs in the UK, you can find Richmond Psychology Associations (RPA), PsychSoc, Psychology Seminar Club, and Psychology Society. 

Research and Self Learning

For these skills, you may want to consider one of the following options. 

• Undergraduate research opportunities: Joining a research lab or assisting with research projects will give you hands-on experience with psychological research methods. 
• Reading Psychological Literature: Keep up with the latest research and theoretical developments in your areas of interest through academic journals and books. Check out American Psychologist, Psychological Review, American Journal of Psychiatry, Psychological Bulletin, Basic and Applied Social Psychology, British Journal of Psychiatry, etc.
• Online courses and workshops: Enhance your knowledge and skills in specific areas of psychology through MOOCs and professional workshops. Check out options such as Introduction to Psychology, Positive Psychology, Developmental, Social, & Clinical Psychology, etc.

Different Career Paths in Psychology

Once you have decided to study psychology, you will be faced with the fact that there are many different career paths in the field. It’s up to you to take the time to research each one and then decide which one is a better fit for your skills and interests.

• Clinical Psychology: This is the branch of psychology that focuses on the assessment and treatment of mental illness, behavior, and psychiatric problems. Without question, it is the path that employs the largest number of people. As a clinical psychologist, you can expect salaries in the range of £60,000 with increases as you gain more experience.
• Counseling Psychology: Refers to the field that focuses on improving the well-being and mental health of people at all stages of life. You will use a wide range of practices to help them prevent and alleviate distress and maladjustment, as well as resolve crises. As a specialist in this field, you can earn around £49,476 per year.
• Educational Psychology: Professionals in this field study how people learn and develop in educational settings (e.g., classrooms) and are constantly looking to improve teaching methods, curricula, and the overall learning experience. The average annual salary for these professionals is around £47,626.
• Industrial-Organizational Psychology: This is a specialized area of psychological practice and applied research that focuses on the study and improvement of human behavior within teams and organizations. On average, professionals in this field can earn between £20,500 and £86,000 per year.
• Research and science: Are those who use scientific methods (observation, experimentation, empirical evidence) to study human emotions, mental processes, and behavior. With an advanced degree, you can expect to find teaching positions in universities, healthcare organizations, private industry, or even the government. In the UK, the average salary for a research psychologist is £45,767 per year.

Emerging Fields and Interdisciplinary Roles

A career in psychology is diverse and rewarding. It offers many opportunities to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals and communities. Success in this field requires a commitment to continuing education, practical experience, and a passion for understanding the complexities of human behavior.

That said, here are a few options to consider as you continue your education and development as a professional in this field.

• Neuropsychology: Focuses on the relationship between brain function and behavior and requires additional training in neuroscience. To work in this field, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in psychology, neurology, biology, or medicine, a master’s degree in psychology, and a doctorate in psychology with a concentration in neuropsychology. It’s a long road, but in the end, you’ll be working with therapists and psychiatrists to identify, diagnose, and treat mental health problems resulting from brain abnormalities.
• Health Psychology: The study of how psychological, biological, and social factors influence health and illness. While most universities don’t offer a bachelor’s degree in this field, we recommend that you begin your education with a general bachelor’s degree in psychology and supplement it with courses and programs specifically designed to expand on the material.
• Forensic Psychology: Applies psychological principles within the legal and criminal justice systems. It helps answer legal questions that may arise in criminal, civil, and contract proceedings.
• Sports Psychology: Works with athletes to enhance performance and address the psychological aspects of sports injuries and rehabilitation. Most open positions require a master’s or doctoral degree in clinical, counseling, or sport psychology. However, you may begin your education with coursework in kinesiology, physiology, and sports medicine.

Final Thoughts

In closing, we would like to emphasize the importance of acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this field. While some may think it’s an easy career, the truth is that there’s a lot at stake, and to be successful you’ll need to go the extra mile and get additional training beyond the classroom. 
A great place to start is by completing an Engineering summer programme which will allow you the opportunity to get answers for fundamental questions while gaining in-depth knowledge about the way we think, the different conditions that can affect the way we perceive reality, human behavior, and more.