Forensic psychology can be challenging but if you're resilient and willing to help and understand offenders, it could be your ideal career Show Your work as a forensic psychologist will mainly relate to the assessment and treatment of criminal behaviour. You'll work not only with prisoners and offenders, but with other professionals involved in the judicial and penal systems as well as with victims of crime. While you will be involved in criminal profiling, your role will stretch far beyond this. You'll be heavily involved in providing research-based evidence to develop policy and working practices, as well as give evidence in court and advise parole boards and mental health tribunals. Your work will help to rehabilitate prisoners and you'll have the chance to support and train other staff. ResponsibilitiesAs a forensic psychologist, you'll need to:
You may also need to:
Salary
Salaries in other areas of work may vary. Additional benefits may include a competitive pension, childcare vouchers, cycle to work scheme and travel loans. Income data from HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and Health Careers. Figures are intended as a guide only. Working hoursAs a forensic psychologist you'll usually work a 37-hour week from Monday to Friday, although there may be some flexibility required. Job-share and part-time working options are possible and you may be able to take a career break depending on the employer. With experience, and if you'd like to focus on the consultancy side of the role, it might be possible to become self-employed or carry out freelance work. What to expect
QualificationsTo practise as a forensic psychologist in the UK you must be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), which involves training at postgraduate level. To become a chartered forensic psychologist, you'll need:
A small number of universities offer a Doctorate programme in forensic psychology, which is the equivalent of both an accredited Masters in Forensic Psychology and the QFP (Stage 2). For a list of all accredited courses, see BPS Accredited Psychology Courses. On successful completion of either the QFP (Stage 2) or the Doctorate in Forensic Psychology, you're entitled to chartered status and full membership of the BPS Division of Forensic Psychology. You'll also be eligible for entry onto the HCPC register, which entitles you to use the title 'forensic psychologist'. Find out more about HCPC registration. Entry without a degree may be possible at assistant level or as an interventions facilitator working for HMPS, but your progression will be limited unless you carry out further study to achieve GBC. SkillsYou'll need to show:
Work experienceCompetition is fierce for both BPS-accredited Masters degrees and entry-level forensic psychologist jobs. To succeed in both, it's crucial that you build up as much work experience as possible. You'll have an advantage if you can show course tutors that you have mentored young offenders or done voluntary work with organisations such as the Witness Service or Victim Support. Preference for jobs is usually given to those with experience of working in a forensic setting. This may include work within prisons, probation services or social services, or as a psychological assistant or operational support grade. You may also get valuable experience in a range of settings such as:
Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available. EmployersThe main employer of forensic psychologists is HM Prison Service. However, there are also opportunities in the broader criminal justice field and elsewhere and you may be employed by:
There may also be opportunities for experienced forensic psychologists to work in private consultancy. Look for job vacancies at:
Professional developmentOnce you've qualified as a forensic psychologist, you must carry out continuing professional development (CPD) in order to stay registered with the HCPC. CPD helps to keep your skills and knowledge up to date and relevant activities can include:
You must keep a record of all CPD activities and be able to provide a written profile, which explains how you've met the standards for CPD if requested. Find out more at HCPC - Standards of continuing professional development. You may be encouraged by your employer to develop skills in teaching, training or supervising others and will receive regular clinical and professional supervision from experienced colleagues. It's possible to carry out further research at PhD level or to specialise in a particular area of forensic psychology, e.g. the assessment and treatment of sexual offenders. Career prospectsProgression within HM Prison Service is based on ability and experience. More opportunities may be available if you're willing to relocate. As a qualified psychologist you'll be able to progress into a number of roles, including developing policy, management or delivery of services. With experience you may be appointed to a senior psychologist post, for example, in the management of a sex offender treatment programme, or to a principal/lead level, with overall responsibility for the management and delivery of offending behaviour programmes. Regional leads will oversee teams and will collaborate with prison directors and other senior stakeholders. There are also opportunities to move sideways to other employers, for example, from the prison service to the NHS. There are a range of job opportunities in the NHS, including treatment leads for therapy initiatives and supporting the forensic wards. You can also progress to very senior management levels, such as head of services. Freelance work and self-employment is sometimes possible. For example, you could move into consultancy in a forensic context. What is the highest paying jobs in forensic psychology?What are Top 5 Best Paying Related Forensic Psychologist Jobs in the U.S.. What can forensic psychology do?The practice of forensic psychology involves investigations, research studies, assessments, consultation, the design and implementation of treatment programs and expert witness courtroom testimony. Arguably one of the most interesting assessments for a forensic psychologist is assessment in “mens rea” (insanity) cases.
What is the most common job for a forensic psychologist?Common jobs for forensic psychologist majors to pursue include:. Victim advocate.. Correctional officer.. Probation officer.. Clinical counselor.. Forensic science technician.. Jury consultant.. Forensic social worker.. Crime analyst.. |