What you need to know about a career in Psychology
Do you enjoy helping people to do better at work or in life?
Are you usually able to read other people’s intentions and desires accurately?
If your answers are “yes,” you may be cut out for an exciting career in Psychology.
What Psychologists Do
A psychologist is someone who studies the human mind and behaviour.
The term is used to describe anyone who works in the field of psychology. However, there are three main types of psychologists.
A clinical psychologist uses psychological knowledge and research to help clients solve or manage their psychological issues. They help their clients manage mental illnesses like schizophrenia or anxiety disorders. A typical work day involves tasks such as assessing, diagnosing, and treating these clients.
Research psychologists carry out research work on human or animal subjects. They often work for universities, private businesses, or the government. They may focus on different specialty areas such as cognition, neuroscience, development, and social behaviour.
Applied psychologists draw on psychological principles to solve real-world problems. They can be aviation psychologists, sports psychologists, and industrial-organisational psychologists.
So how do you decide which area within Psychology to pursue?
One way is to consider your preferred clientele and work setting. If you have a passion for helping people improve their lives, you can opt for a career in body, mind and soul analysis.
Healthy Demand for Psychology Professionals
Sadly, more children in Singapore are seeking help for mental health issues. Children as young as 5 years old are dealing with depression, bullying, and family problems.
Suicide prevention centre SOS reported that it received 1,900 calls from those aged 5 to 19 in 2016, which is an increase of 70% compared to 20121.
Such trends point to the greater need for clinical psychologists in Singapore. The job prospects are looking good for Psychology graduates, with salaries heading north.
According to recent reports, those employed in programmes funded by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) will have their salary norms enhanced by up to 12%. These professions include early intervention and special education teaching staff, psychologists, social workers, and others.
Said Minister Desmond Lee, “Our future social needs are growing in complexity and intensity, and will inevitably demand more from the sector and our professionals.”
What about the future prospects of psychologists?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, the demand for psychologists is expected to grow by 19% by the year 2024. This is a much faster rate than the 7% average growth predicted for all occupations2.
Amidst such a backdrop, the demand for psychologists will remain strong. The outlook for school, clinical, counselling, and industrial-organisational psychology is especially rosy, as demand grows in these sectors.
Academic Education and Training
Keen to become a psychologist? You should first obtain a degree majoring in Psychology.
The academic requirements for psychologists in Singapore vary by type.
For example, clinical psychologists usually have a minimum of 6 years of university education, which includes a formal professional training component. Two years of supervised practice are required before the training is fully recognised.
Counselling psychologists usually possess a Master’s Degree, along with a period of supervised practice3.
Salary and Benefits for Psychologists
According to Payscale, the median annual salary for a clinical psychologist is around $51,000, while top psychologists can draw almost $190,000 per year.
According to National Council of Social Service’s salary guidelines, the minimum monthly salary for an Associate Psychologist (with degree) is $3,230, while that for a Psychologist (with post-graduate qualifications) is $4,110.
Beyond the practical aspects, a career in Psychology is rewarding in many other ways.
If you enjoy working with people and helping them reach their potential, you will find many opportunities to do this.
As you gain experience in the field, you may also have the opportunity to run your own private practice, which allows you the freedom to plan your working hours to suit your needs.
Boost your Prospects in Psychology with a Degree at Murdoch University
Murdoch University offers the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, available in both full-time or part-time arrangements.
The programme is accredited by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and recognised by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Murdoch University’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology covers core modules such as Introduction to Psychological Science, and Psychology: Family Relations and Social Development.
You can also opt for a double major. One combination to consider is Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Human Resource Management, which will give you insights into organisational and human behaviour if your interests lie in applied psychology in the workplace.
To find out more about the programmes, register for an information session or request for a prospectus today.