Do I need postgraduate study for the main careers related to psychology?
Not always. A psychology bachelor’s degree can support careers such as research assistance, human resources, community services, or related graduate roles. However, practising as a licensed or registered psychologist—such as a clinical, counselling, educational, or forensic psychologist—normally requires postgraduate professional training, supervised practice, and registration. Academic research careers may also require a master’s or PhD.
Key points
- Check whether the job title is legally protected in the country where you want to work.
- Postgraduate requirements differ between psychology specialisms and employers.
- Psychiatry is a medical career and requires medical training in addition to psychology-related study.
Things to check
- Exact qualifications, registration rules, and permitted job titles vary by country and professional regulator, so check the relevant official requirements.