Psychology degree\ forensic psychology degree

You will need to do a normal Psychology degree and then a postgraduate qualification in Forensic Psychology. Your A level subjects are fine for the vast majority of unis, but you also need to check that you meet their GCSE requirements too as some of them will require a grade 5 in maths, for example.

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/forensic-psychologist

Hi,
So I’m in year 12 currently and so I’m new to the whole university thing 😅

So basically I’m taking english lit, psychology and spanish. Im interested in studying forensic psychology in the future and when i look on various uni websites they have no specific a level requirements to study the course. So what I’m wondering is, is forensic psychology a course you can study straight after a levels or do you have to get a degree in psychology frst to be able to graduate and then do forensic psychology.
If so are my a levels right to study psychology?
Sorry if this is confusing, i cant explain my self properly but if you get the gist please do explain whatever you can 🤣

Many thanks

Hi!

There are undergraduate programs in forensic psychology, but honestly I would recommend doing a straight psychology degree or psychology and counselling or similar as an undergrad degree. Make sure it is accredited by the BPS as you will need this if you want to progress in the field of psychology. After your undergrad, you can then do a postgraduate qualification in forensic psychology should you choose to go down that route. It's better to start broad and then specialise at postgraduate level when it comes to psychology, unless you are completely set on a specific job. There are a LOT of areas within psychology in which you can specialise.

Hope this helps!

Loren

Hi,
So I’m in year 12 currently and so I’m new to the whole university thing 😅

So basically I’m taking english lit, psychology and spanish. Im interested in studying forensic psychology in the future and when i look on various uni websites they have no specific a level requirements to study the course. So what I’m wondering is, is forensic psychology a course you can study straight after a levels or do you have to get a degree in psychology frst to be able to graduate and then do forensic psychology.
If so are my a levels right to study psychology?
Sorry if this is confusing, i cant explain my self properly but if you get the gist please do explain whatever you can 🤣

Many thanks

Hello! I've been wanting to get into criminal psy fields to work for juvenile crime actively. I have a legal background and now am considering psy postgrad for this in UK. Should I go for MSc in Forensic Psy (BPS accredited) and then find my way into working for juvenile delinquents or would it be better to do MSc Criminology & Crim Justice and then doctorate in forensic psychology for licensing later?

It's 'young offenders', not 'juvenile delinquents'.

And it depends which specific role you're looking at working as. I don't know that much about criminology but if your background is in law and you want to go into Forensic Psychology, you'll have to complete a conversion course in Psychology first. Then you can either complete an accredited MSc in Forensic Psychology (Stage 1) and the Stage 2 BPS Qualification, or complete a PhD in Forensic Psychology which is both Stage 1 and Stage 2 combined.

Thanks for the correction!

I actually have been looking to work with young offenders - profiling, understanding criminal deviations, assisting police with psychological profiles and behaviors etc sort of a thing. As an international student, how does the conversion course work, why do I need it? What if I go for a MA in Forensic Psy?

As a lawyer, will the MA/MSc Forensic Psy work better for me or MSc in Crimology & Crim Justice. If latter, can I do a doctorate in forensic psy after that to get accredited?

I actually have been looking to work with young offenders - profiling, understanding criminal deviations, assisting police with psychological profiles and behaviors etc sort of a thing. As an international student, how does the conversion course work, why do I need it? What if I go for a MA in Forensic Psy?

Bones-McCoy is spot on regarding the fact you would need to have BPS Psychology Degree level accreditation ( bet it 1 year Msc or Conversion course) then additional Forensic Psychology postgraduate training. Realistically, you would be looking at 5 years plus if you wanted to go down that road from where you are now.

However, based on what you have written it doesn't sound like you understand the role of the Forensic Psychologist very much, and it sounds like you have a Hollywoodised view of what the job entails. There is very little profiling, assisting the police, or understanding the minds of killers. Having worked in forensic settings in the past (albeit over 10 years ago) I can tell you there is a lot more of assessment, rehabilitation work, staff management and involvement with judicial system bureaucracy.

The thing that is clear to me is that you really do need to speak to an actual forensic psychologist to get a clearer understanding of the job before you spend a lot of money for a job you may not actually like very much.

Thanks Lord Asriel!

I think I agree with both of you here.. I'll try to find a licensed forensic psychologist and get a clearer understanding of the job prospects.

Given that I have outlined my interests and the kind of work I want to do, do you think it'll be better for me to pursue MSc in Criminology & Crim Justice? And see how I navigate my way through? Or is there any other course that I should be doing, any recommendations?