MSc Psychology online / other online Masters

[BabbleBee]

I’m not sure this will get much traffic but here’s hoping…

I need to do something as a plan B to my current job. I work p/t but currently off sick and likely to lose my job because of this. I am also a parent carer. I have a BSc 2:1.

Does anyone out there have any experience of online Masters courses that could lead to a change in career? Psychology seems like a natural progression from my current job, would make sense on my CV, something I can do self-employed (allowing me to continue with caring responsibilities) and importantly I could enjoy.

Obviously no one can make decisions for me, but I’m worried about my future ability to earn, especially as I’m likely to be unable to return my current job. I need some positive inspiration!

I don’t think a psychologist masters will help you gain a career as a psychologist - unless you are doing it to get BPS recognition (in which case you may be better off doing a conversion course). Doctorates are notoriously difficult to get a place on, unless you have loads of experience (paid / unpaid).
other ideas are - counselling masters / courses. where you could practice afterwards. Although these can be intense as you have to get the hours in, as well as the academic side of things.
If you want a job with people similarish to psychologists I would look at mental health nursing, SALT too.
Although not sure I can recommend the NHS in any shape or form so….

What kind of job do you have in mind? Psychology isn’t a job but an area of study, so I would have a think about what kind of role you want and then work back to the best qualifications.

Do you want to do something for fun or for a career? I can’t see what benefit and MA or MSc in psychology will provide other than it would be interesting. If it’s not accredited then it’s fairly pointless for a career

@Farmhouse1234 I’m currently NHS and know exactly what you mean. The MSc psychology I’ve seen is a conversion course, so I’d need to study further to be able to go on to something like Ed Psych which interests me. I would never, and could never, be an RMN.

@Everylittlethingsgonnabealright Love the user name! I know that the psychology course is only a stepping stone. Beyond that, further study probably, maybe Ed Psych or counselling. I have an interest in medical trauma and there’s definitely a lack of support for people who need help to process their experiences.

@PandaOrLion The courses I’ve looked at are BPS accredited. I’d happily study for fun and to use my time, but would prefer if I could use it to gain employment afterwards.

You’re all over the place OP. What would be the purpose of completing a psychology masters? This wouldn’t allow you to practice as a psychologist. Psychology is just an area of study as a PP has said

I agree, totally all over the place. About to lose a career of 25 years and desperately seeking solutions.

Can you afford dedicated professional careers advice? I think there are places that specialise in mid-life career change. That might be a good investment at this point - it’s easy to fall into a bad decision when one’s feeling under pressure.

With regard to ill health and your current job - are you getting all the support you’re probably entitled to?

I have an interest in medical trauma and there’s definitely a lack of support for people who need help to process their experiences.

so this seems like a really good focus! Have you researched what you’d need to do to get into that area? Are you thinking something in the NHS for people to access post surgery, does that role even exist? Or are you thinking about setting up as a private provider, in which case would counselling qualifications not be more suitable?

Btw if you’re thinking about setting up as a private counsellor, think about the business skills you might need too - how to market yourself, keep books and do your taxes etc.

@MuddlerInLaw I haven’t used careers advice since I was at school, will look into it. My union has been supporting me, the NHS can dismiss me under capabilities if I’m unable to give a likely return date. I was about to be considered for redeployment- I have long Covid. However, I have a second reinfection that could set me back, change timeframes and will therefore allow my trust to dismiss me or suggest a “career break”. I need to reconsider my future but I’m only qualified for one thing.

@Everylittlethingsgonnabealright I’ve met clinical psychologists in the NHS who are attached to paediatric oncology, but that’s all. I would prefer private practice so I can manage my own hours around my family commitments. DH would help with the business side.

Do you understand what it takes to become a practising clinical psychologist? It doesn’t happen by doing a psychology masters…

@Kiktikat yes, I’ve already said that I’m aware that doing this course is a stepping stone with further study required beyond it.

If you're viewing it as a longer term plan then psych conversion with a view to become an Ed psych isn't a bad option at all. Parts of it will be potentially challenging to fit in with being a full time parent carer, but not impossible, and it can be competitive, but so are many things!

It might have changed, but when I looked at Ed psych a few years ago it was hugely competitive and the amount of experienced you needed was massive - I wonder if a careers advisor can help with what experience you might need for any of the careers you’re choosing as it would be really disappointing to spend £££££ and then find another hurdle.

I would definitely recommend seeing a careers adviser.
But just thinking ..... would that interest you as a career change? There are MA's in Career Guidance/Development and I'm pretty sure at least one university offers this as a distanced learning course.
It's similar to psychology and there is a huge skills shortage in the sector at the moment so getting a job is pretty much guaranteed.

I haven’t used careers advice since I was at school

I daresay that’s the case for most people! But careers consultants for adults are nothing like school. Decades ago when I wasn’t quite sure which route to take I spent maybe a week in Barnes undergoing a slew of tests and interrogative conversations to help me identify the best option. Cost a moderate fortune but did push me to make an informed decision.

@MuddlerInLaw that's interesting and definitely something I’d be open to. I know my values and what I want my career to be, not necessarily exactly what that is. Having a disabled child complicates working, but I need and want to earn a wage. I recently did a level 6 course which I enjoyed and had been accepted onto an MSc related to my field of work which I was really looking forward to. That’s obviously not going to happen now, which I’m really disappointed with.

Sorry to hear of the current work situation. I know a few EdPsychs and they were a bit frustrated that in reality they spent all their time writing reports after assessment and little intervention time. This may or may not work for you, but probably not from what you said.
if you like idea of working with kids and happy to shape your practice (rather than sign up to a LA job / NHS) what about play therapist? They work with the same kinds of presentations psychologists do, but just different approach? I know an Ed Psych who did training in this to work privately

Left field suggestion, which may or may not suit you, but there are a number of online MScs in health data science which appears to be a growth area. You would need to be confident with stats and technology. If this is of interest I would recommend starting cheaper courses in the area first to support your application and check it suits you.