To do or not to do a Master's in Psychology? That is the question...
Spoiler alert: It depends on YOU!
There is a lot of debate as to whether or not it is beneficial to complete a Master's Degree (MSc) in Clinical Psychology, given that the Clinical Doctorate Training (DClinPsy), doesn't formally require aspiring Psychologists' to complete an MSc. There have been many successful people getting onto the programme with and without a MSc – the emphasis seems to be more on experience (i.e. assistant psychologist, research assistant etc.). Nevertheless, there are many pro's and con's as to why you may want to pursue completing an MSc in Clinical Psychology.
Pro’s:
- For Knowledge – If you are someone who enjoys academia, doing a MSc after your BSc may seem appealing to you in terms of developing your knowledge, expanding what you have learnt from undergraduate, and gaining more skills in terms of research (i.e. completing another dissertation and learning more about statistics). As I am currently completing a MSc myself, I realised that masters are much more focused on research and statistics (which is explained further in another bullet point).
- Job Opportunities – There are *some* jobs within the Psychology sector that desire aspiring Psychologists to have a MSc when applying for jobs. I have seen a few Assistant Psychologist (AP) posts that require a MSc for certain jobs that tend to be for complex services and research (though these jobs are also paid higher in comparison to other AP posts!).
- To see if the DClinPsy is Right for You – A MSc can be a good way to decide whether or not continuing to doctorate level study would be right for you. Master’s tends to be a ‘step up’ from undergraduate as previously mentioned, thus the programmes are tailored to be slightly more advanced than what you would have learnt during BSc – thus it may be a way to ‘prepare’ yourself before doing a doctorate. Though, remember that MSc's can be quite expensive, so it may be worth speaking to faculty members or a University advisor before committing to do one.
- To Specialise in a Certain Area – There are many types of different MSc's in Psychology, which means there is a lot of opportunity to specialise in a certain sector that may interest you. For example, if you wanted to specialise in Clinical Psychology, there are two types of MSc's you can do including research or taught. Both of these differ as research is more independent in nature – you are more likely to focus on projects under the guidance of a supervisor, but the main focus will be based on your own research. Taught MSc on the other hand (which is what I am currently doing) is similar to BSc, in the sense that you will complete modules and study independently.
- New Environment and Opportunity to Connect and Socialise – If you are someone who enjoys connecting with other fellow aspiring Psychologists, getting to know new lecturers and Psychologists, and enjoy the university experience as a whole, then doing a MSc may seem ideal for you. It is useful to be able to expand and connect with other that are in a similar mindset to you not only for educational and knowledge purposes, but also for your own wellbeing and social aspects too! I myself have met so many amazing people and new friends at my University who are also similar minded, and we tend to share our experiences and journeys with each other!
Con’s:
- It is Expensive – Doing a MSc is not cheap, especially if you are going to a University that is not near your hometown. The master’s that I am currently doing (MSc Taught Clinical Psychology) was approximately £11,000! However, if you do decide that you would like to do a MSc but cannot afford some or all of it, you can apply for student finance with Student Finance England. Though, this loan is very limited as you can only receive up to £10,000 maximum (roughly!), thus it would be your decision if you wanted to use that money to pay for your loan and find an alternative way to pay for accommodation etc. (if you are living outside your home for example) or vice versa.
- It can be Stressful – Most students I know that are completing a MSc, tend to be also working alongside - so it can get quite stressful at times! Additionally, some of the coursework can be intense, and you have to be very good at being able to manage your time effectively and efficiently.
- It is Not Required for DClinPsy – Some people may decide to do a MSc as it *may* increase their chances of getting onto to the DClinPsy programme. However, there have been many successful applicants who have gotten onto the doctorate training without a master’s degree! If you look at the entry requirements for most doctorates, they require at least a 2:1 in your psychology undergraduate degree, and at least eight months of experience in the clinical sector such as Research Assistant/Support Worker/Assistant Psychologist – that’s why these jobs are so attractive to aspiring Psychologists!
- Time – Doing a MSc adds at least another year or two in terms of your education and career. If you are someone who is motivated to get into work straight away after undergraduate, then perhaps doing a MSc isn’t the most ideal situation for you. Alternatively, if you are looking to do the DClinPsy programme as soon as possible after becoming a graduate, then you may be more focused on trying to get relevant experience rather than doing a MSc – which is perfectly okay too! Though, it is difficult to get onto the programme, but there have been many people who have managed to get onto the training sometime after graduation.
Conclusion
As you can see, it is totally up to you whether or not doing a MSc in Clinical Psychology would be beneficial to you or not! On the one hand, it isn’t really a bad thing having a MSc on your CV. It is also a time to find out whether or not the DClinPsy programme would be something you would be interested in, and if not – then at least you have gained extra knowledge and transferable skills that can be used in various other sectors! However, if you feel confident in terms of what your goals are after undergraduate, then there is no harm in pursuing that instead, whether it may be applying for the doctorate programme, or getting a job and gaining work experience instead.
And What About Me (The Author)?
I am currently completing a MSc in Clinical Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London, part-time. I am also working as an Assistant Psychologist (see my other blog post for more information: https://aspiringpsychologist.wixsite.com/theaspiringpsy/post/from-graduate-to-an-assistant-psychologist) full-time to gain experience. As you can see it is pretty hefty what I am doing right now, but this is what suits me, and what my goals are at this very moment in time! I do not regret doing a MSc personally, as I enjoy academia, and it is a great opportunity for me to see whether I would want to do the DClinPsy programme or not. In addition, I have been able to use my MSc knowledge alongside my job, and even based one of my coursework to my work and the service I work with! The one thing I recommend to other aspiring Psychologists like myself, is that you have to do what you think is best for you, and what aligns to your future goals. Therefore, it is entirely your decision whether you want to complete a MSc, go to work, do both, or perhaps even something else! Whatever the decision may be, make sure it is your OWN decision.
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