What are my options?

[sking3]

Hi, I was recently introduced to this forum, which has so far been very helpful!

I'm currently studying for an unrelated honours degree and plan to do a Conversion MSc afterwards (some universities offer a full MSc course without the 60 credit stipulation).

Do I need to gain a further, specialised Masters in order to get a job at the end as at the moment I don't feel I would have enough qualifications after only having done a conversion course in the subject, would this be accurate?

Do you have to get a doctorate to work in the field of clinical psychology (obviously not a Chartered Psychologist), or are there other jobs out there that you don't necessarily need a doctorate for?

[mr_tippy]

I'm also doing an unrelated degree. So far my advice has been that a conversion course is not discriminated upon, and that it would be okay not to gain a (nother) masters.

To me this seems counter intuitive, since nearly everyone applying these days seems to have extra learning, and its hard to think of a conversion course as equal to the indepth learning a Bsc allows, but I guess being able to pass a conversion well is a sign of potential, as they are intensive and show intent.

At the same time, many courses have different demands, and I feel that if I were to get a significant amount of client work I may prove an interesting candidate for the course at least!

You do not need the doctorate, and once you've got the conversion course could work in mental health in the IAPT services as a low intensity worker or graudate mental health worker which promises progression. Google search these terms

Remember, a clinical psychologist has a strong leadership and research role, and doesn't just deliver therapy, so its important to consider this when thinking about a career in clinical psychology. I'm sure even those with psychology degrees will admit to forgetting this sometimes and these aspects require a rigour which be unfamiliar.

All the best

[choirgirl]