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Psychology graduate CV example

Your psychology graduate CV should emphasise academic achievements, research experience, and an understanding of human behaviour, demonstrating your ability to apply psychological principles in various professional settings.

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Andrew Fennell | CV Expert Updated on March 4, 2025
 

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CV news features

Understanding the human mind is one thing – convincing an employer you’re the right fit is another. 

It’ll take more than your degree – employers need to be convinced that you’d be able to apply your analytical skills and research abilities to practical settings.

This guide and its Psychology Graduate CV example will walk you through everything you need to know to ensure you stand out to recruiters in the field of psychology.

Psychology Graduate CV example

Psychology Graduate CV

How to write your Psychology Graduate CV

Learn how to create your own interview-winning Psychology Graduate CV with this simple step-by-step guide.

Psychology is all about understanding people, but when it comes to job applications, recruiters won’t spend much time analysing your CV – they need to see your value instantly.

Whether you’re aiming for a role in mental health, human resources, research, or beyond, this guide will help with writing a CV that arranges your qualifications and skills in a way that makes an impact.

Psychology Graduate CV structure

CV structure
CV structure

A psychology graduate’s CV should be as well-organised as a well-conducted study. A clear, structured application makes it easy for recruiters to identify your strongest attributes, from research expertise to interpersonal skills.

Here’s the layout your CV should follow:

  • Name and contact details – Keep these personal details at the top so a potential employer can reach out to you.
  • Personal statement – Immediately draw in the recruiter with a brief summary of your skills and experience
  • Core skills – Quickly list your key abilities such as research methods, data analysis, and communication.
  • Work experience – Walk through internships, placements, research roles, or customer-facing experience that demonstrates your skills.
  • Education – Detail your degree, relevant coursework, and any additional psychology-related certifications.
  • Additional info – You can optionally list any relevant hobbies and interests which help to convey you suitability for a psychology role.

Psychology Graduate CV format

CV format
CV format

Presentation matters, whether it’s in a research report or your CV – keep it clean, structured, and easy to navigate. Hiring managers scan CVs quickly, so a clean format and professional layout, free from any avoidable mistakes, is absolutely essential.

To make sure your CV is easy to read and looks polished, follow these formatting tips:

  • Bullet points – Help the recruiter skim your CV quickly and pick up the important bits with ease.
  • Divide sections – Logically organise the information and make it easy to navigate
  • Use a clear and readable font – Just make sure it’s a clear and easy font to read.
  • Keep it 1-2 pages – This is the perfect length to cover the essentials without getting boring. If you’ve got no work experience, you should condense your CV to a single page.

Psychology Graduate CV profile

CV profile
CV profile

Your personal statement (or profile) is your chance to introduce yourself as a psychology graduate with valuable skills. Since you may not have extensive work experience, this section should highlight your academic background, key strengths, and your overall aspiration in a matter of seconds.

It’s highly recommended that you attach a cover letter too – this should expand on the things that won’t fit into a short CV, and be tailored to each individual role.

Psychology Graduate CV profile examples

Ambitious Psychology Graduate with a strong foundation in behavioural research, mental health studies, and psychological assessments. Skilled in data analysis, research methodologies, and patient support. Experienced in assisting with clinical observations and research projects through academic placements. Passionate about applying psychological principles to improve well-being and support individuals.

Motivated Psychology Graduate with hands-on experience in counselling support, mental health advocacy, and social care settings. Skilled in conducting interviews, administering psychological surveys, and providing emotional support. Proficient in using SPSS for data analysis and maintaining patient confidentiality in line with ethical guidelines. Committed to pursuing a career in clinical and applied psychology.

What to include in your Psychology Graduate CV profile

Here’s what to include:

  • Psychology degree and specialisation – Mention your field of study and areas of focus, such as clinical, forensic, or cognitive psychology.
  • Research and analytical skills – Demonstrate your ability to conduct studies, interpret data, and apply findings.
  • Communication and interpersonal abilities – Psychology is about understanding people, so showcase your ability to interact effectively.
  • Relevant experience – Include any internships, voluntary work, or projects related to psychology.
  • Career aspirations – Show enthusiasm for your field and indicate your intended career path.

Core skills section

CV core skills
CV core skills

Your CV skills section is a snapshot of your most valuable strengths – make sure it’s tailored to the role you want. Whether it’s research methods, data analysis, or communication, you should highlight your most relevant competencies.

Even if you have no experience in a psychology-specific role, focus on transferable skills gained through your degree, research projects, and internships. Whether it’s statistical analysis, counselling techniques, or behavioural research, tailor your skills to the specific role you’re applying for.

Recruiters look for candidates who can apply psychological knowledge in real-world settings, so make sure your skills reflect both academic and practical expertise.

Top skills for your Psychology Graduate CV

  • Research and Data Analysis – Conducting psychological studies, collecting data, and analysing findings using statistical tools like SPSS or R.
  • Cognitive and Behavioural Assessment – Understanding psychological theories to evaluate human thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
  • Report Writing and Documentation – Preparing structured reports, case studies, and academic papers based on psychological research.
  • Ethical and Professional Conduct – Adhering to ethical guidelines, confidentiality, and professional standards in psychological practice.
  • Survey and Questionnaire Design – Creating and administering psychological assessments and surveys for research and practical applications.
  • Interpersonal and Communication Skills – Applying psychological knowledge to effectively interact with individuals and groups.
  • Mental Health Awareness – Understanding common mental health conditions, treatments, and intervention strategies.
  • Experimental Psychology Methods – Designing experiments to study human behaviour, cognition, and social interactions.
  • Applied Psychology – Using psychological principles in areas like organisational behaviour, marketing, and counselling support.
  • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving – Evaluating psychological research, theories, and real-world applications to assess their effectiveness.

Education section

CV education
CV education

A psychology degree is a strong foundation, so your education section should clearly outline your academic background.

List your degree, university, and graduation year. If you specialised in a particular area of psychology, such as clinical, forensic, or occupational psychology, mention it here. Any additional training, workshops, or certifications in mental health, behavioural analysis, or counselling should also be included.

If you wrote a dissertation or thesis on a relevant topic, it’s worth mentioning it to showcase your specific expertise.

Example education sections

First Class BSc (Hons) Psychology | University of Birmingham | 2020–2023
Modules included Cognitive Neuroscience, Abnormal Psychology, and Psychological Research Methods. Conducted a final-year dissertation on the effects of mindfulness on anxiety, achieving a distinction. Completed a research internship focusing on behavioural interventions for stress management.

3x A-Levels (A-B) | Bristol Sixth Form College | 2018–2020

9x GCSEs (A*-C) | Bristol Academy | 2016–2018

Upper Second Class BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling | University of Leeds | 2019–2022
Modules included Clinical Psychology, Counselling Theories, and Applied Behavioural Science. Completed a dissertation on the impact of social media on adolescent self-esteem. Undertook a placement at a local mental health charity, assisting with group therapy sessions and client assessments.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care (D*D*D) | Manchester City College | 2017–2019

10x GCSEs (A*-C) | Manchester High School | 2015–2017

What to include in your education section

For each qualification, add the following info:

  • Qualification & organisation – Tell recruiters the qualification you studied and where you did it
  • Dates studied – Then, note when you earned the qualification
  • Extra details – If any qualifications you’ve got are especially pertinent to the role you’re applying for, you should expand upon it and if detail, give a brief outline of specific modules which convey your suitability.

Best qualifications for Psychology Graduates

  • BSc or MSc in Psychology – The core qualification for roles in psychology, research, and mental health.
  • Mental Health First Aid Certification – Useful for roles involving patient care, counselling, or social work.
  • Research Methods & Data Analysis Certification (e.g., SPSS, R, Python) – Valuable for research-focused positions.
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Training – Beneficial for candidates seeking roles in mental health support.
  • HR or Organisational Psychology Training – Great for psychology graduates moving into human resources or workplace psychology roles.

Work experience

CV work experience
CV work experience

A psychology degree equips you with many valuable skills, but employers want to see how you’ve applied them. Your work experience section should highlight real-world applications, even if they’re outside of psychology.

If you’ve completed research projects, internships, or work placements, emphasise your role, responsibilities, and the impact you had. If you have experience in customer service, tutoring, or support roles, highlight the transferable skills that relate to psychology – such as problem-solving, active listening, and working with diverse individuals.

For those without formal work experience, volunteer work, university projects, and even group research assignments can demonstrate critical skills that employers value.

How to structure jobs

Job example
  • Outline – Provide a brief introduction to the organisation, research project, or company where you worked and your role in the team.
  • Responsibilities – Explain key duties, such as conducting psychological research, analysing data, or working with clients. Use action words like “observed”, “assessed”, and “analysed.”
  • Achievements – Demonstrate measurable contributions, whether through published research, improved patient support strategies, or data-driven insights.

Example jobs for Psychology Graduates

Supported psychological research studies at a university research department, assisting with data collection, participant recruitment, and statistical analysis to contribute to evidence-based findings.

  • Conducted literature reviews to support ongoing research on cognitive and behavioural psychology.
  • Recruited and screened participants for psychological studies, ensuring ethical guidelines were met.
  • Collected and analysed quantitative and qualitative data using SPSS and NVivo.
  • Assisted in preparing research reports and academic papers for publication.
  • Attended research meetings, contributing to discussions on study findings and methodology.
  • Helped streamline data analysis processes, reducing reporting time by 20 percent.
  • Presented research findings at a student conference, receiving positive feedback.
  • Recognised for attention to detail in data handling and statistical interpretation.

Provided emotional support and practical assistance for a mental health charity, working with individuals experiencing mental health challenges to improve well-being and access to support services.

  • Engaged with service users in group therapy sessions, fostering a supportive environment.
  • Assisted in developing activity plans to promote social inclusion and mental well-being.
  • Helped individuals navigate mental health resources and support networks.
  • Worked alongside mental health professionals, gaining exposure to clinical care strategies.
  • Maintained confidentiality and followed safeguarding procedures in all interactions.
  • Improved group participation rates by 30 percent through structured activity planning.
  • Received commendation from supervisors for empathetic communication skills.
  • Contributed to a community mental health awareness campaign, increasing outreach by 25 percent.

Additional info

CV additional info
CV additional info

As a candidate with less formal experience, the optional additional information section would make a good inclusion. Here, list off any extras that make you the right fit for the role. Only include things which relate specifically to the role: any unnecessary fluff will only take up space and distract from the good stuff.

Good additional info for Psychology Graduates

  • Hobbies – Activities that showcase analytical thinking, emotional intelligence, or communication skills—such as writing, mindfulness, or studying human behaviour—can be beneficial.
  • Awards and Achievements – Recognitions for academic success, research contributions, or leadership roles demonstrate dedication and a strong understanding of psychology.
  • Extracurricular Activities – Involvement in psychology societies, debate teams, or mentoring roles can highlight critical thinking, communication, and leadership abilities.
  • Personal Projects – Any independent research, blogs, or initiatives related to psychology can show a passion for the field and a proactive approach to learning.

Additional info example

Hobbies

Behavioural psychology research – Reading case studies and psychology journals to explore cognitive and social behaviour.

Creative writing – Writing short stories based on psychological themes, improving storytelling and emotional intelligence.

Meditation and mindfulness – Practising stress management techniques to develop self-awareness and emotional regulation.

Awards and Achievements

Highest dissertation grade – Achieved top marks for research on cognitive biases in decision-making.

Dean’s List – Recognised for outstanding academic performance in psychology studies.

Extracurricular Activities

Psychology Society member – Attended guest lectures on mental health, neuroscience, and behavioural studies.

Peer support mentor – Provided emotional and academic support to first-year psychology students.

Personal Projects

Mental health awareness blog – Researched and wrote articles on anxiety and coping strategies to help promote well-being.