Psychology is one of the most popular subjects to study, which encompasses a range of fields. If you want to pursue a career in this industry, it’s essential to do plenty of research so that you can make the right decision. This discipline embraces a variety of aspects of the human experience, from the functions of the brain to child development. As a result, you may discover that there is a certain branch of psychology that fits your interests and goals more than others. To help you evaluate the options available to you, we have compiled a list of some of the most common types of psychology to consider for your degree.
Clinical Psychology
This specialty focuses on behavioural and mental health issues in individuals across all ages and ethnical and cultural backgrounds. Clinical psychologists are typically responsible for providing assessments, consultations, and interventions for people dealing with intellectual, emotional, social, and behavioural maladjustment issues. They may often work with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or even severe psychopathology. As there is a broad range of services offered by clinical psychologists, these jobs can be found in a variety of environments, including hospitals, mental health facilities, or government-run organisations, such as schools or police departments. Keep in mind that most clinical career fields may require a doctoral degree.
Sport Psychology
Sport psychology uses psychological knowledge and skills to address optimal performance and wellbeing for athletes. It may be beneficial to complete a bachelor’s degree in sports psychology, so that you can gain a better understanding of how psychology affects athletic performance. For example, this sports psychology bachelor degree provided by The University of Stirling explores academic knowledge and practice, related to sport and exercise psychology. It addresses psychological issues across a range of sports settings, enabling you to investigate different contemporary issues and build a successful career in sports psychology at local, national, international, and global levels.
Developmental Psychology
Developmental psychology aims to explain growth, change, and consistency throughout the lifespan. It essentially looks at how thinking, feeling, and behaviour may change during the course of a person’s life. While some people may follow similar patterns, others might reach developmental milestones at a different pace. If you are interested in developmental psychology, you may work in a range of settings, including government agencies, health care facilities, and schools. You will be able to study how people grow and adapt at different life stages and conduct research to help people reach their full potential.
Educational Psychology
Educational psychology uses the application of psychological theory and research to support children, young people, and their families in promoting emotional and social wellbeing for young people. As an educational psychologist, you might also work with people with learning difficulties to help them achieve their full potential. You may work with children and young people to promote learning and support psychological development. In addition, this may involve consultations with parents, teachers, social workers, and other people involved in the education and care of children and young people. New trainees in educational psychology are required to complete a 3-year postgraduate training program.
Social Psychology
Social psychology studies the way people’s thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and intentions are constructed within a social context. Therefore, it aims to examine human behaviour and how it’s influenced by others and the conditions under which social behaviour and feelings are likely to occur. Some common topics that might be examined in social psychology include self-concept, social influence, group processes, prejudice and discrimination, interpersonal processes, aggression, attitudes, and stereotypes. When studying social psychology, you will be able to consider how it applies to contemporary life and gain insights into people’s behaviour. You also see the importance of social psychology in understanding employment, mental health, and relationships.
Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychology is perhaps one of the most distinctive fields of psychology. It aims to provide psychological expertise within the judicial and legal system. These psychology specialists work with individuals who might appear to suffer from psychiatric disorders or show other characteristics that may affect legal decisions. They also often work with legal professionals, including attorneys and courts. Similar to other career paths in psychology, forensic psychologists need to be doctor-qualified. You may find a variety of roles in police stations, courthouses, or law firms.
Experimental Psychology
Experimental psychology involves using scientific methods to collect data and conduct research. As a result, you may work in a variety of settings, such as universities, research centres, and private businesses. The exact type of research you can do will depend on a number of factors, including your educational background and interests. Often, if you have training in experimental psychology, you will be able to contribute across many subfields by using scientific research. This can help improve teaching and learning, create safer workspaces, or encourage healthy child development, to name a few. In addition to performing research, you may want to teach psychology courses and work in academia.
