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health psychology or forensic psychology??

lily2008

Hi
I am currently in my last year doing a bsc in psychology with criminology. I am struggling to decide whether to do an MSC in health psychology or forensic psychology.

It seems that health is more broad and opens more doors and I may still be able to work in forensic settings if i took the health route. From researching online I have realised there is hardly any jobs in forensic and it is hard to find a psychologist to supervise you on the stage 2 programme.

i am more interested in forensic however job prospects seem to be more applicable in health.

any advice will be appreciated
thanks

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 1

xPineapple35

Original post by lily2008

Hello,

Forensic psychology is such an interesting area, but highly specialised.

In terms of stage 2 pathways, health psychology has various funded pathways (PhD in health psychology and NHS health psychologist in training posts in Scotland).
But, for both health and forensic psychology, with a few exceptions, stage 2 pathways are typically self funded. There's ways of obtaining supervision from relevant health psychologists or forensic psychologists either by contacting supervisors directly or enrolling on stage 2 doctorates or training courses which provide the supervison element.

I know a few MSc forensic psychology graduates who have gone onto complete PhDs in forensic psychology, but most seem to go into a mental health specialism rather than go onto stage 2 forensic psychology training.

I think regardless of the specialism, completing a BPS accredited MSc with at least a merit, may improve prospects for various jobs.

I find forensic psych, very interesting, but opted for careers in health psychology due to seemingly more career options with health psy,

Hope this helps :smile: