Question: why didnt you become a clinical physcologist

Lauren Burns answered on 25 Jun 2018:

Hi There! Really great question actually (especially if you are interested in becoming a Clinical Psychologist 🙂 ). To become a Clinical Psychologist, after you do a masters you have to do a DClinPsy (to become a Doctor of Clinical Psychology). However, this course is incredibly competitive – as in over 500-900 applicants (dependent on the uni) for approx. 25 places competitive. So, to be the best of the bunch, you have to work with the NHS for a few years as an Assistant Psychologist. But, to become an Assistant Psychologist, often you need experience as a Mental Health Care Worker or something related. I volunteered for 2 years by the point I was applying for the DClinPsy and it wasn’t enough as you need actual experience. I essentially had a decision to make, to start from scratch, or to change career – so I decided to do this PhD in Data Science instead!
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If you are considering becoming a Clinical Psychologist, some overall advice:
1) Make sure the University’s Psychology course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS);
2) In your undergraduate degree, try to pick up a part-time job as a mental health care worker (this often requires a car) – even if it is just over the weekend! Or a couple of evenings!;
3) If any opportunities to develop come up in your job/at uni – I’d highly recommend you take them, even if the thought scares you, as you never know what may come of them!