Psychology Graduate CV Example
A psychology graduate CV demonstrates your understanding of human behaviour, research skills, and interpersonal abilities for careers in clinical practice, HR, research, or education.
Recommended template: ExecutivePro
Key Skills to Include
Quick Tips
- Highlight your BPS-accredited degree and Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC) status.
- Include research project details, methodology used, and key findings.
- Mention any placement experience in clinical, educational, or organisational settings.
- Demonstrate both your scientific research skills and interpersonal abilities.
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Upgrade to ProHow to Write Your Psychology Graduate CV
A psychology graduate CV should demonstrate your understanding of human behaviour, your research competence, and your interpersonal skills. Whether you are targeting a clinical pathway, organisational psychology, research, or a related sector, employers want to see evidence of both scientific rigour and the personal qualities needed to work with people. Your CV should combine academic credentials with practical experience to present a well-rounded candidate ready for professional development.
CV Structure
Use a reverse-chronological format with your profile, relevant experience, education, and skills sections. Place any clinical, voluntary, or research experience prominently. Include your BPS accreditation status in your profile or education section. If your research project is highly relevant, give it dedicated coverage. Keep the CV to one or two pages.
CV Format
Choose a clean, professional template. Psychology roles span clinical, academic, and corporate settings, so select a format appropriate to your target sector. Ensure your CV is well-organised and free of errors. Use clear headings and consistent formatting. Save as a PDF.
CV Profile Examples
Clinical Psychology Aspirant
BPS-accredited psychology graduate from the University of Bath with a first-class degree and Graduate Basis for Chartership. Completed a final-year research project on cognitive behavioural interventions for anxiety in adolescents. Experienced in clinical support work through voluntary roles in NHS mental health services. Seeking an assistant psychologist position to gain clinical experience before applying for doctoral training.
HR-Track Graduate
Psychology graduate from the University of Nottingham with a 2:1 degree and a strong interest in organisational psychology and talent management. Skilled in psychometric assessment interpretation, survey design, and statistical analysis using SPSS. Completed a summer placement in the HR department of a FTSE 250 company. Targeting a graduate role in HR, organisational development, or people analytics.
Research-Focused Graduate
Methodical psychology graduate from University College London with a first-class degree and advanced research skills in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Conducted an independent research project using thematic analysis to explore the lived experiences of neurodivergent university students. Seeking a research assistant position in an academic or clinical research setting.
State your degree, university, classification, and BPS accreditation status. Mention your strongest research skills and any relevant practical experience. Conclude with the type of role you are seeking and the career pathway you intend to follow.
Key Skills for Your Psychology Graduate CV
Research Methods
Designing and conducting research studies using experimental, correlational, and mixed-methods approaches.
SPSS/R Statistical Analysis
Running statistical tests including t-tests, ANOVA, regression, and factor analysis using SPSS and R.
Qualitative & Quantitative Research
Collecting and analysing data using surveys, experiments, interviews, and observational methods.
Report Writing
Producing structured research reports, literature reviews, and case studies following APA formatting guidelines.
Interviewing Skills
Conducting structured, semi-structured, and clinical interviews with sensitivity and professionalism.
Empathy & Active Listening
Engaging with individuals compassionately, reflecting their concerns, and building therapeutic rapport.
BPS Accreditation
Holding Graduate Basis for Chartership through a BPS-accredited degree, enabling progression towards chartered psychologist status.
Critical Analysis
Evaluating psychological theories, research evidence, and therapeutic interventions with rigour and objectivity.
Psychometric Assessment
Administering and interpreting standardised psychometric tests for research, clinical, or occupational purposes.
Work Experience Examples
Include all relevant experience, whether paid or voluntary. Clinical support work, research assistantships, mental health volunteering, and HR placements all provide valuable evidence. Describe your responsibilities, the populations you worked with, and any outcomes or feedback. For research roles, mention specific methodologies and tools.
Voluntary Support Worker
Mind, Avon & Wiltshire Branch
Volunteered for nine months providing emotional support and practical assistance to adults accessing community mental health services.
Responsibilities
- Facilitated weekly peer support groups for up to 10 adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
- Conducted initial welcome meetings with new service users, completing intake forms and identifying support needs.
- Maintained confidential case notes and contributed to safeguarding discussions during team supervision meetings.
- Supported clients with practical tasks including benefits applications, appointment navigation, and wellbeing activity planning.
- Attended monthly training sessions covering topics including suicide awareness, trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing.
Achievements
- Received consistent positive feedback from service users, with group attendance increasing by 30% during the nine-month volunteering period.
- Recognised by the branch manager for creating a welcoming, non-judgemental group environment that encouraged new members to participate.
Research Assistant (Part-Time)
University of Bath, Department of Psychology
Assisted a senior lecturer with a funded research project investigating the relationship between sleep quality and academic performance in undergraduate students.
Responsibilities
- Recruited 120 participants through university email lists, social media, and campus poster displays.
- Administered standardised questionnaires including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and distributed sleep diaries to participants.
- Entered and coded questionnaire data using SPSS, running preliminary descriptive statistics and correlation analyses.
- Conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 participants and transcribed recordings for thematic analysis.
Achievements
- Achieved a participant retention rate of 92% across the three-month data collection period through regular follow-up communication.
- Contributed to a conference poster presented at the British Psychological Society Annual Conference.
Education & Qualifications
List your BPS-accredited degree with classification and highlight relevant modules such as clinical psychology, neuropsychology, or research methods. Include your research project title, methodology, and findings. Follow with A-levels.
BSc Psychology (BPS Accredited)
An accredited undergraduate degree conferring Graduate Basis for Chartership and eligibility for further professional training.
Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC)
BPS membership status enabling progression towards chartered psychologist registration.
DBS Enhanced Check
An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check required for roles involving contact with vulnerable populations.
Mental Health First Aid
A certification in recognising and responding to signs of mental health distress, valued in support and clinical roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with a psychology degree?
How do I become a clinical psychologist in the UK?
How important is research experience for psychology graduates?
Should I include volunteering on my psychology CV?
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