Forensic psychologist
Forensic psychologists study criminal behaviour and the reasons behind it, and help to treat people who have committed offences.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a forensic psychologist, you could:
- help police identify possible suspects, 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 write reports
- offer advice to parole boards, mental health tribunals and courts
- work closely with other professionals and train new psychologists
Working environment
You could work in a prison, in an NHS or private hospital, at a police station or in the community.
Your working environment may be emotionally demanding and you'll travel often.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could:
- become a senior psychologist in a prison or hospital secure unit
- move into a policy, strategy or service management role
- work freelance as a consultant, for example as an expert witness
What it takes
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 confidently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
How to become
You can get into this job through a university course or by working towards this role.
To become a forensic psychologist, you can either follow the accredited degree process or complete a doctorate programme.
Accredited degree process
- 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).
- Study for a master's degree in forensic psychology that is accredited by BPS, known as stage 1.
- Complete 2 years of supervised practice as part of stage 2 of the BPS qualification in forensic psychology.
Doctorate programme
Some universities offer a doctorate programme in forensic psychology. This is the equivalent of the accredited master's degree and 2 years of supervised practice.
There's a lot of competition for postgraduate training. To apply, you may need:
- a first or upper second class (2:1) degree
- evidence of excellent research skills
- relevant work experience, for example in a prison, probation or youth offending service
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
- 3 A levels or equivalent
More Information
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 would then apply for a trainee forensic psychologist role.
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 can find out more about how to become a forensic psychologist from The British Psychological Society and Health Careers.
You can also explore other careers in the psychological professions.
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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.