Best route to psychology- Advice

DanKnev

Hi,

Just wondering if anybody involved in psychology as a career could offer some impartial advice based on their own experiences.

Of late, Ive began to consider a career as a professional psychologist (academic or clinical- undecided as of yet) but my educational background is not related to psychology ( Biochemisty graduate).

I recently got offered places in TCD and NUIG on their H.Dip (Psych) courses, but at the same time got offered a PhD in neuropsychology/ pharmacology.

Basically, Im wondering would it be of more "use" to do the PhD ( so id have the research capabilites in a related area) first over doing the H.Dip? Or, in reality, would it be a "waste of time" relative to pursuing a career in psychology.

Thanks in advance for putting some old heads on new shoulders.

Blueskye

It depends on what you want to do really. It might be more useful to do a more general foundation (i.e. the Hdip or a degree in psychology) to get a general grounding and a clearer idea of where your interest lies. I'd be concerned the Phd would pigeon-hole you into a specific area but it really does depend on what you are interested in and where you would like to see yourself working in years to come. If you have a specific interest in neuro then maybe that's the road for you.

JuliusCaesar

The Dip in Psych is only a start.....then you'd have to do post-grad. If you wanted to get into Clinical, there are more people chasing few places each year. (See threads on getting into clinical.) On the other hand, once you have the Clinical you can specialise in neuropsychology. Maybe you'd prefer Occupational, Health, Counselling or Educational? I don't know what the job prospects are like. Neither am I an academic, so can't help you at all really. Maybe ring a few of the Lecturers?