Navigating your ​Psychology Career: ​Your Go-To Guide for​ International Students​ in the UK ​

A one-stop place for international students navigating the ​challenges of pursuing Psychology in the UK - connect, ​ask questions, and explore the FAQs to find your an​swers.

Q: How much time does it take to ​become a Psychologist in the UK?

The length of time differs from one person to another as the ​process involves several stages.

Typically this can be around 8-12 years, depending on the route ​you take and the number of years you work for. Most Doctoral ​programmes require you to have a minimum of 1-2 years of work ​experience before applying.

Here’s a general educational timeline:

1. Undergraduate Degree (3 years, it can be 4 with placement)
   
2. Postgraduate Study (1-2 years): You may choose to complete a ​Master’s degree or a postgraduate diploma. This is not a pre-​requisite to get into the Doctorate programme, but is still ​helpful.
3. Doctoral Training (3-4 years): Undertake a Doctorate in Clinical ​Psychology, Counselling, or another specialised field.
   

Q: What type of visa can I secure ​after undergrad or postgrad?

You can apply for the “Graduate Route Visa which gives you 2 ​years in the UK to work/study. This costs 1857 Pounds.. More ​information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa

You can ask the company you applied to whether they would be ​able to apply for a “Skilled Worker Visa”. There is a fee that the ​company pays and that you pay to secure this visa.

I initially thought “being sponsored” meant that the company ​pays the entire visa fee but there is an application fee and ​healthcare surcharge fee that you will need to pay. More ​information can be found here, https://www.gov.uk/skilled-​worker-visa.

Q: What type of work experience ​can I gain?

The most common post students look for is an Assistant ​Psychologist job. This is a fantastic role that will give you the ​relevant experience.

However, other jobs are also relevant to the field, including:

• Research Assistant
  
• Mental Health Recovery Worker
  
• Mental Health Support Worker
• Social Prescriber
• Youth Recovery Worker etc.

You are not limited and no role is superior. All experience is valued.

Q: Do I have to complete a Masters to ​secure a place on the Doctorate?

In most cases, no.

For most Doctoral courses a Masters is not a prerequisite

A Masters strengthens your application so it is not a waste of time.

But if you don't have one, additional work experience also ​strengthens your application.

If you do decide to do a Masters, I would recommend looking at all ​your options and thinking about your specific interests.

Q: Do I have to complete a Doctorate ​or are there other courses?

To become a Clinical, Counselling, Educational, Forensic, ​Occupational psychologist in the UK a Doctorate is required.

There are alternative routes that involve different types of training ​and qualifications, for example:

• Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP)
  
• Counsellor - A counselling diploma is required
• Social worker - a Masters degree in social work or graduate ​diploma in social work is needed

Doctoral fees can be high, if you choose to complete your ​Doctorate/Masters elsewhere in the world where you can qualify ​as a Psychologist, you can apply to be recognised in the UK by the ​HCPC. This can sometimes be a lengthy and difficult process. Here ​is more information, ​https://www.imgconnect.co.uk/news/2020/06/hcpc-route-to-the-​uk-a-guide-for-overseas-psychologists/76.

Q: Are there any scholarships ​available for the Doctorate?

There are different scholarships available such as country specific ​scholarships and international excellence scholarships, as well as ​hardship funds.

You will need to look at the university webpages to get a better ​idea.

However, most scholarships only cover a small portion of your fees. ​For example, for a country specific scholarship 1500 pounds may ​be deducted from your fees per year.