The Work

There are various different types of psychologist, although they all use their understanding of the way we think and act to help people to change their lives for the better by analysing our thoughts, emotions and behaviour.

Clinical psychologists help people who have physical and mental health problems. They aim to reduce stress and to enhance and promote psychological wellbeing. For example, they may train people in relaxation techniques to help them cope with anxiety. They also work with people who have eating disorders, phobias, HIV/AIDS, head injuries and problems linked to age. Clinical psychologists work in different hospitals and community settings.

Health psychologists apply psychological knowledge and methods to the study of behaviour relevant to health care. For example, they may investigate why and when people seek professional advice, what might prevent them from complying with medication, and how they cope with illness. Health psychologists usually work in universities, medical schools and health services.

Educational psychologists study and treat the learning, behavioural and emotional problems of children and young people, from birth up to the age of 19 years. They assess young people's progress, and academic and emotional needs. Increasingly, educational psychologists help teachers to improve the school environment, recognising that this can influence young people's behaviour and ability to learn. Educational psychologists usually work in schools, colleges, nurseries and special units.

Occupational psychologists look at the performance of people at work and in training and apply psychological knowledge. They are involved in issues like the selection and training of staff, effective management and the working environment. They work for large companies, the government and public services, management training centres and as private consultants.

Counselling psychologists help people improve their sense of well-being, resolve crises and increase their problem solving abilities. Counselling psychologists may work with individuals, groups or families. Some work privately, others in GPs' surgeries, counselling organisations and academic settings.

Forensic psychologists give evidence in courts of law and tribunals, and to prisoners' review panels. They help offenders to understand their behaviour and to avoid re-offending on release. Some forensic psychologists are involved in prison management, others work with the victims of crime. Forensic psychologists work in prisons, youth custody centres, special units and regional secure hospitals.

Further Information

• Research Psychologist - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Research Psychologist - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Research Psychologist - from: GradIreland
• Research Psychologist - from: GradIreland
• Research Psychologist - from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

In order to become a Research Psychologist, an accredited honours undergraduate degree where psychology is the major subject is required. Completion of a recognised accredited postgraduate training programme in Research psychology is then necessary. Recognition with the The Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). 

Entrants can enhance their chances of achieving a place on such a programme by achieving a high grade at undergraduate level (minimum 2.1 grade) and obtaining further research or academic experience relevant to the field of clinical psychology. This can be by way of voluntary or paid work.

Training & Development Pathways

FET PLC Courses: Psychology, Soccer Coaching & Sports Psychology, Sports Performance, Psychology & Fitness - Advanced, Applied Psychology, Education and Training (with Psychology), Psychology & Social Studies,Pre-University Sport Science, Sports Science Personal Training with Sports Science at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO Entry: Applied Psychology, Arts - Psychology, Education and Psychology - Primary Teaching, English and Psychology, Psychology, Psychology (Through Science), Psychology and Computing, Psychology and Disruptive Technology, Psychology and Mathematics, Psychology and Sociology NFQ Level 8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development 

After completing your journey of learning at Undergraduate level, in order to practice in your chosen branch of Psychology you may undertake a post graduate course. 

Postgraduate Study options Clinical, Educational. Occupational. Sport. Developmental. Consumer, Health at NFQ level 9-10.

Last Updated: August, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €87k

Salaries vary by employer, grade, location, duties, role, shift pattern, and experience. Salary can be based on project sessional basis.

Data Source(s):
SalaryExpert/ Glass door/Indeed/ HSE/ HEI

Last Updated: April, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment growth was above the national average for this occupation, although employment in 2022 were similar to 2021 levels. The CSO Census data shows that employment was spread across a large number of roles in 2022, with increases across all within this occupation since 2016.

While the numbers employed have increased since 2016, for the most part, the supply from the education and training system has not, and plans to expand training will not have an impact on the potential supply to the labour market in the short-term, given the duration of training required. This has led to issues for a number of roles within this group; for instance, there is an increasing number of students opting to study veterinary medicine in Poland due to the lack of available places to study in Ireland.

Psychologists and pharmacists were added to the employment permits Critical Skills list in June 2022 although new permits issued in 2022 primarily related to radiographers/sonographers, with a small number issued for dentists and pharmacists. With a quarter of those employed aged 55 years or older, replacement demand alone will create job opportunities in the coming years. Demand remains high across these occupations and issues with recruitment are occurring; however, as the numbers employed are too small across the roles for detailed analysis, evidence of shortages are difficult to determine.

• Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI)

  • Digital Office Centre Camden, 12 Camden Row, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 8, D08 R9CN, Ireland
  • (0)87 387 7179
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Department of Education and Skills

  • Marlborough St, Dublin 1
  • (01) 889 6400
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• British Psychological Society

  • St Andrews House, 48 Princess Road East, Leicester LE1 7DR
  • +44 (0)116 254 9568
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here