Forensic Psychologist

Typical Salary

£31,365 To £44,503

Typical Hours

37 to 39 a week

between 8am and 6pm

How To Become a Forensic Psychologist

You can get into this job through:

a university course
working towards this role

College / University

You'll need to complete:

a 3-year degree in psychology accredited by The British Psychological Society (BPS)
a postgraduate master's in forensic psychology
complete 2 years’ supervised practice on Stage 2 of the BPS Qualification in Forensic Psychology - QFP

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

3 A levels or equivalent

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

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

You could study for a psychology degree part time, while you work. Once complete, you could apply for trainee forensic psychologist roles.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

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

Day To Day Tasks

You'll use your specialist knowledge of psychological theory and criminal behaviour to:

support police investigations through criminal profiling
support prison staff and other professionals in the welfare or criminal and civil justice systems
carry out research to improve and develop professional practice

You'll work with offenders to help them understand and overcome their problems and behaviour patterns. In this role you'll:

prepare risk assessments for offenders
advise on the best location for prisoners
develop treatment and rehabilitation programmes
provide psychological therapy
offer expert advice to parole boards, mental health tribunals and courts
produce formal written reports
help to write policies and strategies
train and mentor new psychologists
find ways to reduce stress and improve life inside prisons

Working Environment

You could work at a police station, in an NHS or private hospital or in a prison.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding and you'll travel often.

Career Path & Progression

You could go on to run a prison psychology department, move into a policy and strategy-based role or a management post, focusing on specific issues.

You could also move into freelance and consultancy work, for example as an expert witness.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Registration

you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the The British Psychological Society for professional recognition and training opportunities.

Further information

You'll find more about careers in forensic psychology from The British Psychological Society and Health Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks