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Career Paths in Psychology: How to Become a Psychologist in Hong Kong
I have published several articles on the topic of career paths in psychology in Hong Kong. I will take this opportunity to consolidate some key points so that readers can get a clear overview.
What are the career prospects for psychology graduates? This is a question almost every student interested in psychology asks. First of all, I want to emphasize that there are no definitive answers to questions like “what careers can I get with this degree.” In this day and age, such questions are irrelevant. Your career path is determined by the goals you set, your determination, and your effort — not by a single exam or a degree. That said, if you want to pursue psychology as a lifelong career and become a psychologist, what can you do? How should you plan your path?
Becoming a Psychologist in Hong Kong: Practitioners
The main purpose of an undergraduate psychology degree is to train future psychologists. There are two main types of psychologists — ”applied” psychologists who apply psychological knowledge in real-world settings, and academic psychologists involved in research and teaching. Applied psychologists are also known as practitioners.
In Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Psychological Society recognizes four types of applied psychologists that can be registered — Clinical Psychologists (RCP), Educational Psychologists (REP), Industrial/Organizational Psychologists (RIOP), and Counseling Psychologists (RCoP). Overseas psychological associations recognize even more types.
In Hong Kong, Clinical and Educational Psychologists are highly reputable with minimum requirements of a master’s or doctorate degree. Their high reputation also means high salary competitiveness, so admission into related postgraduate programs is extremely competitive. Becoming a CP or EP is the dream job for many psychology students. In Hong Kong, only HKU and CUHK offer accredited clinical and educational psychology master’s and doctorate degrees. Industrial/Organizational Psychologists often consult for businesses on areas like HR, training, and employee well-being. In Hong Kong, CUHK and LU offer related postgraduate degrees, again with fierce competition for admission.
