Should I do a Law or Forensic Psychology degree?

1

At GCSE I got grades 8/9s.I'm doing A Level Psychology, Law and Sociology and I am doing extremely well in all of them.
I have a passion for psychology especially the forensic side of it, however I really enjoy law and in the future I want to be involved in the court proceedings, including speaking in court. However, I'm aware that Forensic Psychologists work more behind the scenes to do risk assessments, rehabilitation plans and a profile for the defendant. My only real conflict is that I would like a job that keeps me on my toes, constantly changing and not doing the same thing all day everyday, part of this could include working in courts. For example, Family court one week and the next a serious case with something like murder, rape, theft or other felonies/ serious crimes. I would really enjoy to do both and combine it into one career and become a lawyer that uses psychological theories, working with victims of crime, criminals/suspected criminals and also in court proceedings. Is there a way that i could combine the roles of a forensic psychologist and lawyer/ barrister, that would allow me to act as a pychologist and a lawyer?

Reply 1

AAJXOXO

8

There is a course at the University of Southampton where they offer Law with Psychology. You can also look at Criminological and Forensic Psychology, which is what I did, and that does include modules regarding Law and Justice which I enjoyed too!

Reply 2

LSBU Student Rep

10

Original post

by historystudent10

At GCSE I got grades 8/9s.I'm doing A Level Psychology, Law and Sociology and I am doing extremely well in all of them.
I have a passion for psychology especially the forensic side of it, however I really enjoy law and in the future I want to be involved in the court proceedings, including speaking in court. However, I'm aware that Forensic Psychologists work more behind the scenes to do risk assessments, rehabilitation plans and a profile for the defendant. My only real conflict is that I would like a job that keeps me on my toes, constantly changing and not doing the same thing all day everyday, part of this could include working in courts. For example, Family court one week and the next a serious case with something like murder, rape, theft or other felonies/ serious crimes. I would really enjoy to do both and combine it into one career and become a lawyer that uses psychological theories, working with victims of crime, criminals/suspected criminals and also in court proceedings. Is there a way that i could combine the roles of a forensic psychologist and lawyer/ barrister, that would allow me to act as a pychologist and a lawyer?

Hi @historystudent10,

It seems like you have a love of two fields and trying to find a way to combine both fields.

As I’m aware, I do not believe there is a way where you could be a lawyer and psychologist. However, I do believe that there is a place where both skill sets can be utilised, such as witness service with you can do volunteering. Which will allow you to help and see multiple cases.

Regarding with course Law vs Psychology (Forensic) to do. I’d recommend looking at the modules and seeing which you’d prefer I’m aware that psychology typically has an ethics module, which you may find as interesting.

At LSBU you hold 4 courses that you might be interested in:
LLB Law
https://www.lsbu.ac.uk/study/course-finder/llb-hons-law-main-pathway

BSc Psychology
https://www.lsbu.ac.uk/study/course-finder/bsc-hons-psychology

BSc Psychology (Forensic Psychology)
https://www.lsbu.ac.uk/study/course-finder/bsc-hons-psychology-forensic

BSc Psychology with Criminology
https://www.lsbu.ac.uk/study/course-finder/bsc-hons-psychology-criminology

Hope I managed to help a little.

Kaprice R [3rd Year - BSc (Hons) Forensic Science]
LSBU Rep

Should I do a Law or Forensic Psychology degree?

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