Psychology opportunities in Canada

loopychick

Hey all,

I'm just looking for some advice about going to Canada. I currently have a Higher Diploma in Psychology and some a range of experience working in different areas of Psychology.

However, I would just like to know would I be better off trying to obtain a Masters degree in Psychology before applying for a visa?

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Faith

What areas are you looking to work in?

I also did a H.Dip, but I have an MSc in Clinical Psychology under my belt. I'm speaking only with regard to Vancouver here, as I don't know what the rest of the country is like.

It's not easy, that's for sure. I originally thought I could get work doing assessments, but any available jobs were snapped up by doctoral students. I thought I could get work doing research, but dozens of applications went unacknowledged. I secured a job by being in the right place at the right time, essentially.

With only an undergrad qualification, you could probably get some front line work - mental health worker, residential worker etc. In Vancouver, you could expect to earn approximately $15/hr to maybe $18/hr at best. Research would be hard to get into because it's typically students who do the entry level work.

You can get a job at your level, but it won't be very well paid. Let me know if you have any more specific questions.

TheNibbler

You could maybe consider applying for a MSc or similar in Canada? I have been looking into this of late and there seems to be some funding available (at least far more than in Ireland) and additional possibilities for RA/TA work as a student. The fees in University of British Columbia are quite reasonable too. University of Toronto fees are considerably higher though.