FROM CRIME SCENE TO COURTROOM: FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

Cold cases. Heists. Gangland kidnaps. In recent years, interest in true crime has rocketed, fuelled by an influx of binge-worthy documentaries and podcasts.

Audiences are seemingly fascinated by the complexities of criminal behaviour. But beyond the shocking headlines and dramatisations lies a complex and challenging world of work, where forensic psychologists play a crucial role. Let’s look at what a career in forensic psychology involves and how you can break into this field.

The role of a forensic psychologist

Forensic psychology is best described as the point where psychology meets the criminal justice system. Forensic psychologists utilise their understanding of human behaviour and the legal system to aid investigations, court cases, and occasionally rehabilitation. Their work involves assessing offenders to understand their mental state, the reasons behind their crime, and the likelihood of their reoffending. They also provide testimony in court to help judges and juries make fair decisions. Some design rehabilitation programmes to help offenders change their behaviour. Others focus on supporting victims and witnesses throughout the legal process. A forensic psychologist might work in a prison, a secure hospital, in the courts, with probation services, or with the police.

Career path

There are different ways to build a career in forensic psychology. Here’s how a career might typically develop:

Starting out: A typical starting point is a job as an assistant psychologist or support worker in a secure setting, such as a prison or hospital.

Next steps: Once you are a fully qualified forensic psychologist, you could find yourself working as a team leader or specialist assessor. There will be opportunities for you to work on projects independently and to take on greater responsibilities.

Advanced roles: Higher-level roles include senior psychologist, consultant, head of service, or a step into academic roles such as teaching or research.

Associated fields: You might prefer to go into the research side of things, work to shape national policies, teach at universities, or collaborate with legal teams on complex cases.

Salaries for forensic psychologists range from £30,000 for those just starting to over £60,000 per year for those in senior roles.

Qualifications and training

Here are some options for typical training and qualification routes into the industry:

A-levels: Doing subjects like psychology, sociology, biology, or even criminology (if available) at A-level is a great start.

College or vocational courses: As an alternative to A-levels, you could do a level 3 diploma in applied psychology at college.

Undergraduate degree: After completing A-levels or a vocational course, it is essential to progress to a psychology degree that’s accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). 

Postgraduate training: After your degree, you can progress to an MSc in Forensic Psychology or Stage 1 of the BPS Qualification in Forensic Psychology. You should follow this with at least 2 years of supervised practice and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Key skills for the job: Critical thinking, empathy, resilience, effective communication, and attention to detail are all essential skills for careers in forensic psychology.

Even after qualifying as a forensic psychologist, you would continue to take courses and undergo training to stay up-to-date with new techniques and industry practices. 

Local opportunities

If you’re based in the Liverpool City Region, here are some local options for studying forensic psychology:

University degrees (BPS-accredited)

• University of Liverpool: MSc in Investigative & Forensic Psychology
• Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU): BSc (Hons) in Forensic Psychology & Criminal Justice, MSc in Forensic & Investigative Psychology
• Edge Hill University (Ormskirk campus): BSc (Hons) in Psychology with Forensic Perspectives

College & vocational routes

Local colleges, such as St Helens College and Riverside College, offer Access to Higher Education (Psychology) Diplomas, which are an excellent stepping stone onto a degree course.

Local placements

As part of their degree programmes, local universities offer support placements or volunteering with the Liverpool NHS Trust, probation services, youth offending teams, or charities that work with offenders. This hands-on experience will enhance your CV and is invaluable when applying for postgraduate training or jobs.

Forensic psychology is a bridge that connects law and criminal justice with an understanding of the human mind. If this appeals to you, then this could be a great career path. To do well in this role, you need to develop empathy, resilience and a sharp thinking style. These skills will serve you well alongside your qualifications, whether you work with offenders in prison, support victims, or assist the police in solving crimes.