Psychology undergraduate

Hi, If you work in the NHS such as volunteering during the 3/4 years as a undergraduate student, do you still have to take a year gap for having experiences?

Thank you 😊

Reply 1

Scotland Yard

Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by Lilyazar

Hi, If you work in the NHS such as volunteering during the 3/4 years as a undergraduate student, do you still have to take a year gap for having experiences?

Thank you 😊

Could you clarify your question for me, please? What is it that you wish to do after uni?

Reply 2

Lilyazar

I want to become a postgraduate student and do clinical psychology

Reply 3

Scotland Yard

Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by Lilyazar

I want to become a postgraduate student and do clinical psychology

You want to do clinical psychology, OK. It's a good idea to gather work experience for your clinical psychology application, but this does not necessarily mean you might not have to take a year gathering more work experience anyway, as the competition for clinical psychology doctorates is very high. However if you get work experience at uni then you might be lucky and find a paid position as an assistant psychology.

Reply 4

PostmanJack

You need to do more than volunteering

Reply 5

UoNstudents

Official Rep

Original post

by Lilyazar

Hi, If you work in the NHS such as volunteering during the 3/4 years as a undergraduate student, do you still have to take a year gap for having experiences?
Thank you 😊

Hi @Lilyazar !!!

You can definitely start building experience during your undergraduate degree. Things like volunteering in the NHS, care homes, schools, mental health charities (external or through societies at university), or doing research assistant work all help your future DClinPsy application.

However, even if you volunteer consistently throughout your degree, most people still take at least a year or two after graduating to build up substantial clinical experience. The doctorate is extremely competitive, and successful applicants usually have paid experience in roles like:

•

Assistant Psychologist (AP)

•

Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP)

•

Support worker, healthcare assistant, or research assistant in mental health

Volunteering as an undergrad helps you get your foot in the door; it shows commitment, insight into the NHS, and relevant skills. But the DClinPsy courses look for depth and responsibility in clinical experience, which is hard to get purely as a student volunteer.

Aimee, UoN Official Student ReP #UoN