Ensure your CV format is structured to best highlight your unique experience and life situation.
Psychology Graduate CV Template (Text Format)
PERSONAL STATEMENT
Recent graduate with a BSc in Psychology (2:1) from the University of Exeter and internship experience as an Assistant Psychologist at NHS Royal Devon. Proven effectiveness carrying out data-driven research and supporting the development of patient-centred treatment plans under supervision. Eager to apply my academic knowledge and practical experience to the Band 4 Assistant Psychologist role at Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
BSc (Hons) Psychology (2:1)
University of Exeter, Sep 20XX – July 20XX
- Dissertation: ‘The Effects of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy on Anxiety Disorders’
- Completed modules in Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, and Research Methods
- Actively participated in the university’s Psychology Society
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Mental Health First Aid England, 20XX
Safeguarding Adults Level 2
NHS Royal Devon, 20XX
WORK EXPERIENCE
Assistant Psychologist Intern
NHS Royal Devon, Exeter| Jan 20XX – Present
- Took part in 50+ psychological assessments, aiding in the diagnosis and development of tailored treatment plans for diverse patient groups
- Played a key role in the collection and analysis of patient data, contributing to research that led to a 15% improvement in patient outcomes
- Author detailed reports for multidisciplinary teams, facilitating clear and actionable treatment recommendations
- Assisted in 30+ clinical interviews, improving patient rapport and ensuring comprehensive clinical evaluations
- Collaborate with a team of psychologists to develop and implement treatment plans, enhancing team efficiency and patient care
Voluntary Mental Health Support Worker
Mind Charity, Exeter | Sep 20XX – Dec 20XX
- Provided one-on-one support to individuals with mental health challenges, positively impacting 60+ clients through emotional and practical assistance
- Organised and led support group sessions, increasing participant engagement by 20% through effective facilitation and support
- Managed a caseload of 15 clients, ensuring timely and personalised support by effectively prioritising tasks and responsibilities
PUBLICATIONS
Smith, J. (20XX). ‘Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety: A Comprehensive Review.’ Journal of Psychology Research, 15(2), 123-135.
KEY SKILLS
- Psychological assessment
- Data collection and analysis
- Report writing
- Clinical interviewing
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Team collaboration
- Empathy and compassion
How to write a Psychology Graduate CV
Before you begin writing, make sure you know how to write a CV in a way that best emphasises your strengths.
A psychology graduate CV should blend academic achievements, relevant experience, and research expertise. Whether you’re aiming for a research role, a postgraduate position, or a role in mental health services, here’s how to write a CV that shines:
1. Start with a concise personal statement
Your personal statement should summarise your academic background, key skills, and career aspirations. Mention your degree, any specific areas of psychology you’re passionate about, and the strengths that make you an excellent candidate for a job or further study.
Personal statement for a psychology graduate CV
Recent Psychology graduate with First Class Honours from the University of Edinburgh, specialising in cognitive neuroscience and mental health. Experienced in conducting experimental research, data analysis, and psychological assessments. Aiming to apply my strong research skills, critical thinking, and passion for understanding human behaviour to a research assistant role in a leading psychology lab.
2. Detail your education and certifications
The education section should highlight your psychology degree, any relevant coursework, research projects, and certifications that enhance your profile. Include academic awards or honours to make your CV stand out.
Example education section for a psychology graduate CV
BSc (Hons) Psychology
University of Edinburgh
Graduated: June 20XX
- First Class Honours with a focus on cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, and research methods
- Dissertation: ‘Neural correlates of empathy in adolescents: A functional MRI study,’ awarded Best Undergraduate Dissertation in Psychology
Include your psychology-related certifications in the same section like this:
Certifications for a psychology graduate CV
Certifications
- Mental Health First Aid Certification, MHFA England (Completed: March 20XX)
- Introduction to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Beck Institute Online Course (Completed: September 20XX)
3. Highlight your relevant work experience
Include any roles or internships that demonstrate your practical experience in psychology, mental health, or research settings. Focus on responsibilities that align with the job you’re applying for, especially those that require psychological knowledge, research skills, or client interaction.
Psychology graduate work experience section example
Research Assistant
Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, University of Edinburgh
September 20XX – May 20XX
- Conducted neuropsychological assessments and cognitive tests on participants for a study on memory retention, collecting and analysing data to contribute to ongoing research
- Assisted in the preparation of ethics applications and maintained participant confidentiality, ensuring all research adhered to BPS ethical guidelines
- Managed the lab’s data entry and cleaning processes using SPSS and R, improving data accuracy and reducing processing time by 25%
4. Include publications that demonstrate research skills and contributions
If you have published any psychology research papers or contributed to any academic publications, this section is essential. List each publication with the title, co-authors, and where it was published. Include any notable presentations or posters at conferences as well.
Example publications section
- Smith, J., Doe, A., & Patel, K. (20XX). Neural correlates of empathy in adolescents: A functional MRI study. British Journal of Psychology. [DOI: 10.1234/bjp.20XX.5678]
