Thinking about a degree?
Alternatives to a Psychology degree
Psychology is popular, but becoming a practising psychologist takes postgraduate training. There are faster ways into hands-on mental health work.
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Routes to consider
- Psychological wellbeing practitioner (Level 6)
- Deliver NHS Talking Therapies support while you train.
- Healthcare assistant roles
- Entry-level NHS work that gives real experience in mental health settings.
- Counselling courses
- Accredited courses at college, often part time.
Is a degree apprenticeship better than this course?
If you want to support people with their mental health soon, rather than study research methods for three years, a wellbeing practitioner route can be a better fit.
When the degree is still the right call: Choose the degree if you want to become a chartered clinical, educational or forensic psychologist. That needs an accredited degree, then further training.
Check the facts for yourself
- Psychologist: National Careers Service profile
- Counsellor: National Careers Service profile
- Healthcare assistant: National Careers Service profile
- To compare specific university courses, use the official Discover Uni site.
Other guides: Law, Computer Science, Business, Nursing, or apprenticeship vs university.
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