Psychology researcher - is this a real job?

[Parsley65]

Hi all.

Dd16 has been mad about psychology for several years. She really wants to go into research at the end of her degree, but I'm wondering if this is real or a bit niche?

She has been very serious so far about getting relevant work experience
and volunteering (for a psychology degree) and we have already visited some open days (Cardiff, Sussex & Loughborough so far) all of which offer a placement year. She's currently in the Lower Sixth.

If anyone could give her some advice it would be much appreciated...

Thank you.

Currently year two of my psychology degree - currently on a research placement for a term. I believe that research skills are incredibly sought after for graduate jobs (based on what my tutor has told us!)

Psychology researcher is definitely a career. Most psychology researchers work in universities and the career pathway is normally undergraduate degree > master's degree > PhD > a number of years working as a researcher on fixed-term contracts > university lecturer. It's a competitive career path though requiring a lot of postgraduate study and without a lot of job security in the early stages.

There are also some psychology research jobs in industry but it's more of a niche area with fewer opportunities (but potentially more stability).

Yes, I know a couple.

It’s easy to get on a Psychology degree course as they are offered at so many universities. However getting work in the field is very challenging. A few highly qualified students go on to do funded research or qualify as PhDs. Most don’t work in the field at all.

Research skills are no more valued from Psychology students than History or Geography students, for example. It’s dog eat dog for Jobs. Your university isn’t really being straight with you.

does she like statistics, if she good at stats?

Below are some great psychology research areas (required math knowledge or at least Games Theory, Bayesian logic)

Nocebo

Conspiracy Theories

Why Torture doesn't work

Prisoners' Dilemma

I did it for a few years straight after Psychology degree but that was a long time ago. Really loved it. Took a research Secretary job first on a big project that then gave me the experience to land a salaried PhD as a Research Assistant.

Think it would be harder these days and path as stated above, friend I worked with now a lecturer but very hacked off with it.

Of course it's real. Why wouldn't it be?

I'm not sure nowadays if you can go straight into research after your degree? My understanding is that you need post grad qualifications to go into research? Do bear in mind that psychology like law and criminology is a gateway degree - it has scope to lead to things but most graduates don't end up working in that field.

Sorry, I meant path would have been in one of the posts above and agree you would need post grad now.

Thank you all for taking the time to reply

my son initially wanted to do this post psychology MSC but couldnt get any jobs. Also know someone else who does it. Fixed term contract and not especially good pay according to him. So agree with others that say its competitive and not great for job security due to fixed contracts. Son loves his job working as a psychologist.... there are loads of other opportunities in industry. According to him cardiff has a really strong reputation - thats one of the uni's he went to