Neuropsychology

I am interested in neuropsychology. I wan to work in clinical neuropsychology but I don’t where to start or what kind of work experience and volunteering work I can do whether it online or not. I am 16 year old based on London. I am going to take a level bio and psychology and chemistry. I really need help to build up my cv

Reply 1

dvszcx

Original post by Snailsq

That is the same topic I'm interested in!

In terms of academic route:

1) pass your A-levels with decent grades (around ABB if you're aiming for average unis)
2) you will need a degree in Psychology BSc with first honours class or second upper (although first gives you a net advantage)
3) you will also need a master in Clinical Psychology and at least one whole year of relevant work experience which usually is AP (assistant psychologist) or researcher assistant (both really competitive positions)
4) then you need to apply for a PhD in Clinical Psychology (here's where it gets really hard. But once you're past this point, good job you basically made it!)
5) after a PhD you need further specialising in Neuropsychology and then you're all set!

For work experience I'd suggest to find volunteering charities online that deal with mental health. Like Mind, Alzhaimer's Society, Shout, etc..
Then you can apply for jobs as support worker, or SEN teaching assistant or anything you can find that is in contact with people that have mental health disabilities.

Once you've built up your CV you can start applying for those "golden" jobs that I mentioned before (AP, research assistant, etc). Once you get one of them you can apply for a PhD and hopefully get in.

P.s. you can also think about placement years which would be extremely helpful. But since you will have so many years ahead of you I'd try to see if I really should or no.

Reply 2

Interrobang

You don't need to do a masters, but many clinical psychology applicants will.

You can become a clinical neuropsychologist after an educational or counselling psychologist too

And the specialisation involves both academic (an accredited clinical neuropsychology masters usually, but can also be done by exam/essay independently) and relevant practice experience that enables you to be recognised by the BPS