Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychologists work in a variety of settings including the Health, Educational and prison systems. Traditionally this has been an extremely popular but difficult route for undergraduates to follow - there were always too many applicants for too few places. Nowadays there are 30 plus institutions that offer clinical training and most, if not all, provide this at Doctoral level over a three year programme. A number of places on these courses are paid for by Health Boards who sponsor students and provide on the job training i.e. placements.

The hours can be long but the job is very rewarding - and well paid after qualifying - and you will deal with a wide variety of people with various conditions.

Key areas that are covered on the courses include: Addiction, Anxiety, Childhood disorders, Depression, Schizophrenia, and Stress and Trauma. Clinical psychologists work with mental and physical health across all ages and abilities and attempt to improve the quality of life for people affected by such conditions.

Details of all accredited courses are available at the BPS website

Recommended reading:

Addictions or Understanding and Counselling Persons with Alcohol, Drug & Behavioural Addictions

Anxiety or Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Childhood Disorders or Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence

Eating Disorders : Innovative Directions in Research and Practice

Depression or Depression: 'The Way Out of Your Prison'

Schizophrenia or Schizophrenia: A Positive Perspective

Stress and Trauma or Trauma: 'A Practitioner's Guide to Counselling'