Psychology : Career areas

Psychology is one of the most popular degree subjects at university, yet only a small percentage of psychology graduates pursue options in professional psychology.

A 2011 HESA survey of 2010 graduates indicates that six months after graduation 60% were in employment in the UK or overseas and another 10% were combining work and study. Psychology graduates entered into a wide range of jobs in a variety of sectors. Initially, around 30% of those employed went into non-graduate roles, such as clerical/secretarial positions, retail, catering or bar work.

Of those who entered graduate-level jobs, social and welfare occupations were the most popular with almost 15% of graduates entering this type of work. 7% went into management roles in various sectors. Almost 6% pursued work in business and finance professions. Other psychology graduates pursued options in marketing, sales and advertising, the health professions and education.

Where are the jobs?

The National Health Service (see NHS Careers ), local councils, and multinational organisations are all major employers of psychology graduates. Recruitment agencies such as Psychologist Appointments  can be a good source of jobs. Most health-related professionals work in multidisciplinary teams throughout the country. Non health-related jobs can be found throughout the UK.

Psychology graduates enter a diverse range of careers in almost all sectors but major employment areas include:

• health - explores both primary and secondary care roles in the health sector;
• social care - investigates jobs that meet the needs of those coping with problems such as poverty, life crisis, and emotional ill health.

See industry insights for further information on possibilities in other employment areas.

Statistics are collected every year to show what HE students do immediately after graduation. These can be a useful guide but, in reality, because the data is collected within six months of graduation, many graduates are travelling, waiting to start a course, paying off debts, getting work experience or still deciding what they want to do. For further information about some of the areas of employment commonly entered by graduates of any degree discipline, check out What Do Graduates Do?  and your degree...what next?