A degree in Forensic psychology can open an array of career opportunities. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for Psychologists are expected to grow by almost 14% by 2026. Psychologists include specialised fields such as Forensic Psychologists, Clinical Psychologists, Counselling Psychologists and Rehabilitation Psychologists. From consulting services to working with criminal justice, Forensic Psychologists have a wide range of career options to choose from. Let’s explore Forensic Psychology scope, eligibility and more.
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Skills Required to Become a Forensic Psychologist
- Effective Communication and Listening skills
- A systematic approach to work
- Great Teamwork and Leadership skills
- Motivational and commitment ability
- Problem-solving ability and Decision-making skills
- Planning and Research skills
- Analysing and presenting statistical information
- Self-awareness
- Must have a non-discriminatory, non-judgemental approach
- Resilience and the capability to cope with an element of personal risk
Top Universities for Forensic Psychology Abroad
- Buckinghamshire New University, United Kingdom
- University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom
- Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom
- London Metropolitan University, United Kingdom
- George Washington University, United States
- University of Denver, United States
- Teesside University, United Kingdom
- Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom
- University of Kent, United Kingdom
What Does a Forensic Psychologist do?
A Forensic Psychologist works in both criminal and civil settings. The typical job responsibilities of a Forensic Psychologist are:
- Applying psychology to the criminal justice system
- Assessing offenders’ state of mind at the time of the offence
- Assessing competency of individuals to stand trial
- Assessing witness credibility
- Evaluating child custody in divorce
- Preparing testimonials in court
- Assessing consistency of factual information across different sources
- Advising police on mental illness and criminal psychology
- Consulting with attorneys on mental health issues in the court system
- Working with trauma survivors, Sexual Abuse Victims etc.
- Designing correctional programs
Job Profiles
There are many job profiles available after completing your degree in forensic psychology. You can earn from 7-15 lakhs per annum on average.
- Crime Analyst
- Forensic Case Manager
- Psychological Assistant
- Victims Advocate
- Investigative Researcher
- Correctional Counselor
- Jail Supervisor
- Jury Consultant
- Probation Officer
- Forensic Scientist
- Crime Scene Consultant
- Criminal Researcher
- Criminal Profiler
Salary
The earning amount of a Forensic Psychologist depends upon experience and skills. However, the average salary of a Forensic Psychologist in different countries is mentioned below in the table:
Country | Average Salary per annum |
USA | US$ 72,017 (INR 55,14,255) |
Australia | AU$ 73,649 (INR 41,27,433) |
UK | £34,450 (INR 34,49,112) |
Canada | C$ 90,000 (INR 53,96,339) |
India | ₹5,30,000 |
FAQs
Harvard University, University of Cambridge, Stanford University, and the University of Oxford are some of the best universities for pursuing a Psychology Degree abroad.
It takes around 6-10 years (3-4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 1-2 years for a master’s degree and 4-5 years for a doctoral degree) to become a Forensic Psychologist with an additional year or 2 for work experience.
You can opt for a bachelor’s degree in either criminal justice, criminology, or general psychology to start your career as a Forensic Psychologist.
Are you planning to study Forensic Psychology abroad? Our Leverage Edu experts will provide you with end-to-end assistance. Call us at 1800 57 2000 to book a FREE 30-minutes counselling session today!