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How to get a job of a criminal profiler

I am currently a masters student and I will be completing my MA counselling psychology next year. I wanted to move ahead and go on to do a diploma in forensic psychology (2 years)from Ireland . However I am confused because I am interested in criminal behaviour and I want to know if having a 2 year diploma with a masters in psychology will help me get a job of a criminal profiler. Please revert . All your help and guidance will be appreciated!
Hi, unfortunately the job role of a criminal profiler doesn't really exist here in the UK, it's more of a thing in the US. The closest thing we have in the UK is probably a Behavioural Investigative Advisor (BIA) working for the National Crime Agency, but considering there's only 3 of them employed in this country it's practically impossible to get into that line of work.

If you went down the Forensic Psychology or Criminology route, you could potentially work for the police which I guess is the next best thing
(edited 3 years ago)
Reply 2
Original post by bones-mccoy
Hi, unfortunately the job role of a criminal profiler doesn't really exist here in the UK, it's more of a thing in the US. The closest thing we have in the UK is probably a Behavioural Investigative Advisor (BIA) working for the National Crime Agency, but considering there's only 3 of them employed in this country it's practically impossible to get into that line of work.

If you went down the Forensic Psychology or Criminology route, you could potentially work for the police which I guess is the next best thing

Thank you so much! But if I pursue forensic psychology and criminology will I get a good stipend and is there scope for someone coming from another country altogether?
Reply 3
Original post by Shaykh_98
Thank you so much! But if I pursue forensic psychology and criminology will I get a good stipend and is there scope for someone coming from another country altogether?

Also, my current specialisation is clinical psychology. What is the scope for such professionals there? And what are requirements to work as a psychologist in general ? Help will be truly appreciated!
Original post by Shaykh_98
Thank you so much! But if I pursue forensic psychology and criminology will I get a good stipend and is there scope for someone coming from another country altogether?


Original post by Shaykh_98
Also, my current specialisation is clinical psychology. What is the scope for such professionals there? And what are requirements to work as a psychologist in general ? Help will be truly appreciated!

I don't know too much about criminology but to become a practicing forensic psychologist you either need to do an accredited MSc (Stage 1), followed by at least 2/3 years of supervised practice (Stage 2) or a PhD in Forensic Psychology which combines Stages 1 and 2 together.

I do forensic psychology so don't know a lot about the clinical side but I do know you have to do the DClinPsy which is very, very competitive. You often need a very good undergraduate degree and a substantial amount of experience, many don't end up getting onto the DClinPsy the first time they apply and some will do an MSc in order to increase their chances of being accepted.

In general, most areas of psychology require an MSc, if not a PhD or equivalent.
(edited 3 years ago)

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