Forensic Psychologist pathway

1

I’m concerned about work experience and my pathway into becoming a Forensic based Clinical Psychologist.
I am currently studying my Bachelors Degree in Forensic Psychology at the Open University, I plan to go to university, probably in London, for my Masters and Doctorate.
I am wondering how I go about actually working in the field, before I complete my Masters/Doctorate.
Please help!

Reply 1

UEA Rep Grace

Official Rep

6

Original post by Willow35

I’m concerned about work experience and my pathway into becoming a Forensic based Clinical Psychologist.
I am currently studying my Bachelors Degree in Forensic Psychology at the Open University, I plan to go to university, probably in London, for my Masters and Doctorate.
I am wondering how I go about actually working in the field, before I complete my Masters/Doctorate.
Please help!

Hi Willow, could you clarify what you mean by a 'forensic based clinical psychologist'? Do you mean you want to become a clinical psychologist or a forensic psychologist? Either way, I would suggest getting experience working in roles where you interact with other people. For instance, working for a victim support organisation, or maybe something like SHOUT or Samaritans, volunteering for youth offender teams if possible or becoming a research assistant. Another option if possible might be to do a placement with the police; the intern after me got to sit in on offender rehabilitation sessions.

Basically, just gain as much experience as possible. Perhaps start with volunteering to build up your CV and then start going for research assistant or assistant psychologist roles?

Reply 2

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

13

Original post by Willow35

I’m concerned about work experience and my pathway into becoming a Forensic based Clinical Psychologist.
I am currently studying my Bachelors Degree in Forensic Psychology at the Open University, I plan to go to university, probably in London, for my Masters and Doctorate.
I am wondering how I go about actually working in the field, before I complete my Masters/Doctorate.
Please help!

Hi @Willow35 😊

I'm currently studying my BSc Psychology and Criminology, and have similar future plans.

I find the BPS website really useful for looking at career pathways and the different stages, I recommend looking at the 'Clinical Psychologist' and 'Forensic Psychologist' sections on the page that I've linked.

It could be a good idea to seek out some careers advice and support from your university. I know here at UoS we have a Careers Hub who help with all this sort of thing so have a look for this within your university too, but I also find reaching out to staff on my course a really useful resource and are who I most often turn to. Having a search of universities which offer the Masters course you would be interested in applying for could be a great step too, and get in touch with their enquiries team to see if they can give you some advice or pass you onto any staff on the course who could too.

It can be really confusing navigating all the different options and pathways in psychology so I find it really helpful to have a good chat with staff, and they may have some advice for what other students have done in the area too 😊

All the best😄

Becky
University of Salford Student Rep

Forensic Psychologist pathway

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