Forensic psychologist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through a university course or by working towards this role.

University

To become a forensic psychologist, you can either follow the accredited degree process or complete a doctorate programme.

Accredited degree process

To become a forensic psychologist, you'll need to:

• Do a psychology degree or conversion course that is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
• Apply for graduate membership to obtain the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC).
• Do a masters degree in forensic psychology that is accredited by BPS.
• Do 2 years of supervised practice as part of stage 2 of the BPS qualification in forensic psychology.

Doctorate programme

Alternatively, some universities offer a doctorate programme in forensic psychology. This is the equivalent of the accredited masters degree and 2 years of supervised practice.

There's a lot of competition for postgraduate training. To apply, you might need:

• a first or upper second class (2

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
• 3 A levels or equivalent

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Work

You may be able to start your career as an interventions facilitator in HM Prison Service .

You could study for a psychology degree part-time while you work. You could then apply for a trainee forensic psychologist role.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• knowledge of psychology
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• excellent written communication skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• active listening skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• a good memory
• maths skills

What you'll do:

Forensic psychologists study criminal behaviour and help people who have committed crimes.

On a typical day, you could:

• help police identify possible suspects which is known as criminal profiling
• advise on how to reduce stress and improve life inside prisons
• provide psychological therapy to help people understand and overcome their problems
• carry out research, prepare risk assessments and reports and help to write policies
• offer advice to parole boards, mental health tribunals and courts
• train new psychologists

Location : You could work in a prison, in an NHS or private hospital or at a police station.
Environment : Your working environment may be emotionally demanding and you'll travel often.

Salary:

Starter : £27,000
Experienced : £54,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm

Career Path:

With experience, you could:

• run the psychology department in a prison
• move into a policy, strategy or management role
• move into freelance and consultant work, for example as an expert witness