What can you do with a psychology degree?

Choosing a higher education path is one that will shape your future. But what if that choice could also shape the future of others – for the better? The world of psychology is as interesting as it is complex, offering an exciting range of career prospects for you to explore. If you're intrigued by the intricate workings of the human mind and behaviour, getting a psychology degree can give you a robust foundation to excel in multiple fields.

With a plethora of career prospects at your feet, let’s explore all the reasons why you should study psychology so you can make the most informed decision about pursuing further education.

Where can a psychology degree take you?

One of the main benefits of a psychology degree is that you are not limited to a singular career path. The question of “should I become a psychologist?” therefore becomes moot when there are so many other options you can take advantage of. In fact, what you can do with a psychology degree spans an incredible array of professional roles, including:  

• Mental health counsellor: Help clients manage their emotional and mental challenges through therapeutic conversations and interventions.
• School psychologist: Work within the education sector to assess and address students’ academic, behavioural and emotional needs.
• Clinical psychologist: Diagnose and treat a wide variety of mental health disorders using learned therapeutic techniques.
• Human resources specialist: Use your understanding of human behaviour in the workplace. Oversee recruitment, training and ongoing management employees in diverse organisations.
• Market research analyst: Apply your psychological insights to analyse consumer behaviours and trends to guide marketing strategies.
• Rehabilitation counsellor: Help people with disabilities to live more independent and fulfilling lives by providing professional counselling and support.
• Child psychologist: Specialise in understanding the psychological issues facing children and adolescents.
• Occupational therapist: Assist people who are trying to regain day-to-day life skills through therapeutic activities.
• Social worker: Advocate for social justice and support at-risk individuals and communities through counselling and resource coordination.
• Sports psychologist: Work closely with athletes to boost their mental resilience and, subsequently, their performance on the field.
• Marriage and family therapist: Provide counselling to couples and families to help improve their relationships and address ongoing conflicts.
• Substance abuse counsellor: Help individuals who are struggling to overcome addiction and teach them valuable coping strategies.
• Industrial-organisational psychologist: Apply psychological principles to improve workplace dynamics, boost employee satisfaction and generate greater productivity across an organisation.
• Health educator: Promote healthy behaviours and educate people and communities on preventive health measures.
• Neuropsychologist: Study the relationship between brain function and behaviours to help diagnose and treat cognitive disorders.

Why get a psychology degree: 7 career paths

Now that you have seen the sheer breadth of job opportunities available, let’s delve into a few key psychology career types. Even if you are studying a separate degree, here’s why it is good to major in psychology:

1. Psychologist

Clinical psychologists – a subset of general psychology graduates – specialise in diagnosing and treating a wide spectrum of mental health disorders through evidence-based therapies. They take a multifaceted approach that combines therapeutic techniques, research and empathy to give their patients personalised care. Through counselling and interventions, they help their clients better manage their emotional wellbeing and foster greater mental resilience.

2. Counsellor

There are some significant differences between a counsellor and psychologist , and the former may be a more appropriate pathway depending on your long-term goals. Counsellors offer unwavering support and help guide clients who are grappling with unique challenges. They help people navigate the intricate maze of life’s complexities, and provide a safe space for reflection, growth and healing. They are masters of active listening and empathy, and can create tailored strategies that empower individuals to make the best decisions to enhance their overall quality of life.

3. Forensic psychologist

Forensic psychologists use their psychological insights to contribute to the legal and justice systems. From criminal profiling to engaging in court proceedings, they bridge the gap between psychology and law enforcement. It’s through their meticulous analysis of behavioural patterns, motives and personalities that forensic psychologists can help solve crimes.

4. Health psychologist

The focus for health psychologists extends far beyond simply diagnosing illnesses – they seek to understand how emotions and behaviours can impact overall wellbeing. They plan interventions that promote healthier lifestyles, manage stress and boost patient compliance, all for the purpose of contributing to preventive medicine and human wellness.

5. Community psychologist

Community psychologists not only engage in individual therapy sessions – they also dedicate themselves to enhancing the wellbeing of entire communities. They may address things like societal issues, promote social change and collaborate with local organisations to drive positive transformations. When they aren’t researching, they are spending their time on advocacy and grassroots efforts to empower people to access resources and strengthen their support networks.

6. Sports and exercise psychologist

Sports and exercise psychologists play a critical role in supporting professional athletes’ mental performance and overall wellbeing. By understanding the psychology behind peak performance and stress management, they can help athletes to unlock their true potential. They will create tailored strategies that empower their clients to overcome challenges, develop mental resilience and achieve success – both on and off the field.

7. Psychiatrist

While both share an interest in mental health, psychology differs from psychiatry. Most notably, psychiatrists require medical training and qualifications, which take years to acquire. With an in-depth understanding of both psychology and medicine, psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental illnesses through a comprehensive approach. They incorporate therapy and medication to treat their patients, and their expertise spans a wide range of mental health disorders, making them essential in the field of psychiatric care.

Benefits of a psychology degree

So, why get a psychology degree? Beyond career prospects, a psychology degree offers a multitude of benefits. It gives you a profound understanding of human behaviour, helping you foster empathy, build your analytical thinking and become a more effective communicator. A degree in psychology will also help you cultivate the critical skills required to excel in both professional and personal contexts.

Choosing to study psychology isn’t just an educational decision. It's an investment in a more meaningful future – for both you and your future clients. The skills and insights you’ll gain from studying a psychology degree will prepare you for a fulfilling career that sees you make a positive contribution to your community.

How to study psychology

Obtaining a psychology degree is a path to limitless possibilities. With a huge range of career options and a deeper understanding of the human psyche, you’ll be equipped to function in numerous sectors and roles – whether you aspire to be a clinical psychologist, a counsellor or transition into a research role.

If you’re ready to begin your career in the intriguing world of psychology, the University of Adelaide can help you find the right study pathway towards becoming a psychologist:   

• If you have a non-psychology related bachelor’s degree, you’ll learn the essential psychology foundations with a Graduate Diploma in Psychology Online.
• Once you successfully finish the graduate diploma, the next step towards becoming a psychologist is the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced).
• The University of Adelaide has been accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as a recognised program that will contribute to an official psychology registration.

So if you’re interested in making a real difference to people’s lives, find out where a psychology degree can get you today.