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Forensic psychologist (prison and probation services): Entry requirements

Full details of training to become a chartered forensic psychologist are available from the British Psychological Society (BPS)  . Briefly, you will need the following qualifications:

• Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBS), achieved by completing a BPS accredited degree or conversion course. (See British Psychological Society (BPS) Accredited Psychology Courses  for further details.) Entry is not possible without a degree, except at psychological assistant level where progression will be limited unless GBS is achieved. For psychology graduates entering at this level, the post does provide a strong foundation from which to move into a trainee forensic psychology role.
• A BPS accredited Masters in Forensic Science or Stage 1 of the BPS’s Diploma in Forensic Psychology. Courses are available by distance learning or part-time for those who start work in an assistant or trainee capacity without a postgraduate qualification.
• Stage 2 of the BPS’s Diploma in Forensic Psychology (two years' supervised practice, assessed by the Health Professions Council (HPC) ).

Some universities offer a Doctoral programme that covers both Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the BPS’s Diploma in Forensic Psychology.

Previous experience may strengthen your application for an accredited Masters course. Identify the courses you are interested in and then contact course tutors direct to find out what sort of experience would be valuable.

In order to use the title ‘forensic psychologist’, you will need to be registered with the HPC. This will involve completing Stage 2 of the BPS's Diploma in Forensic Psychology or equivalent qualification that has been approved by the HPC. Contact the HPC for more information on the entry requirements for their register.

Pre-entry experience is usually required before you can start formally working as a forensic psychologist. Preference is given to those with experience of working in a forensic setting. This may include experience gained with the prison, probation or social services, as a psychological assistant, operational support grade (OSG) or as a probation service officer (PSO). Voluntary experience with offenders/victims in other settings, such as the National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders (NACRO) , bail hostels of the National Approved Premises Association (NAPA) , refuges, drug/alcohol treatment centres and victim support groups (e.g. Victim Support and the Samaritans ), is also worth considering. Health care roles, particularly in secure hospitals or rehabilitation units, and opportunities with young people’s services (for example a regional youth offending service or Connexions ) are further valuable sources of experience.The context of the experience is critical as it is important to be able to demonstrate an understanding of the broad needs of offenders.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge of current issues in the prison and probation services and the role of the psychologist in the criminal justice system and will also need to show evidence of the following:

• planning and reviewing skills;
• motivation and commitment;
• the ability to empower clients;
• problem-solving ability;
• a systematic approach;
• teamworking and leadership skills;
• rehabilitation orientation;
• the ability to establish a relationship with the offender community;
• self-awareness;
• a high level of security awareness;
• a non-discriminatory/non-judgmental approach;
• the capacity to cope with an element of personal risk.

Competition is growing. It is worth contacting chartered forensic psychologists and area psychologists, who have area recruitment responsibilities, about work experience and training opportunities. The BPS has an online directory of psychologists. Many posts are only made available to people already working as psychological assistants. Graduate and assistant psychology network groups are an excellent source of contacts, support and vacancies at regional level. Contact information is available on the BPS website.

For more information see work experience and find courses and research.

AGCAS

Written by David Henderson, University of Durham

Last updated:

October 2009

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