Occupational psychologist: Entry requirements

The British Psychological Society (BPS) is the main body that represents psychologists in the UK and accredits training leading to designation as a chartered psychologist. From 1 July 2009, it became a legal requirement for anyone employed as an occupational psychologist (or using the title occupational psychologist) and other types of practitioner psychologist to register with the Health Professions Council (HPC) .

It is not obligatory for HPC-registered occupational psychologists to be BPS members or chartered psychologists but they are normally required to have completed the equivalent of the qualifications, training and supervised practical experience that would make them eligible for chartered membership. For further information see the BPS and HPC websites.

There are three stages involved in becoming fully qualified to register as a chartered psychologist with the BPS and with the HPC as an occupational psychologist:

Stage 1 involves an accredited degree in psychology or equivalent.
Stage 2 involves completion of an accredited Master’s degree in occupational psychology, which includes study, skills training and research.
Stage 3 involves two years of supervised practical experience.

For Stage 1, you need the minimum of a 2.2 honours degree in psychology from an accredited course for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the BPS, which is essential for postgraduate training and employment in this field. Non-psychology graduates may take a conversion course that the BPS accepts as equivalent to a degree in psychology for GBC. See the list of British Psychological Society (BPS) Accredited Psychology Courses for further details of accredited degree and conversion courses.

For Stage 2, you need to complete a BPS-accredited Master’s degree course, either full time in one year or part time over two or three years (by attendance or distance learning). There are currently 17 universities offering a BPS-accredited course - see the list of BPS Accredited Psychology Courses. A small number of candidates qualify independently of a university course by completing a BPS-awarded postgraduate certificate by examination. Competition for the courses is moderate to high, depending upon the course. Many courses expect at least a 2.1 class of degree, plus relevant work experience. Most students study part time, often while working in a related field and may either receive some funding or support from their employer or pay their own fees.

Relevant experience in personnel/human resources and business/management is a strong advantage for both postgraduate study and employment.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

adaptability and flexibility;
problem-solving ability;
self-confidence, with the ability to deal with a variety of people;
good communication and persuasion skills, in order to convince clients of your abilities, inspire their trust and gain information;
the ability to influence other professions, managers and staff, who may be sceptical or resistant about what you are offering;
resilience and a positive attitude;
the ability to work under pressure - you will need to achieve results within fixed deadlines whilst working on a number of projects;
pragmatism;
commercial awareness;
the ability to show that your work has practical and worthwhile benefits over a relatively short timescale.

You may also need to demonstrate a high level of competence in psychometrics or statistical analysis for particular posts.

Competition is keen for posts in both business and the civil service. Some universities may offer short courses in subjects such as counselling, human resource management, careers guidance, consultancy, disability issues and running your own business, which may give you the edge over competitors.

Working for a psychometric test publisher is a route into careers in occupational psychology for some graduates, and a good way of gaining some of the relevant commercial experience necessary for a more varied portfolio

Given the usual requirement for relevant experience as well as a postgraduate qualification, most entrants to occupational psychology are over 25. Mature graduates with relevant experience, especially in business/management, may have an advantage. Late entry or return after a career break is both possible and common.

For more information see work experience and find courses and research.

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