What does a forensic psychologist do?
Forensic psychologists apply psychological knowledge within the criminal justice and legal systems. They assess, evaluate, and work with individuals involved in legal processes, including offenders, victims, and people at risk of offending. Their work may involve psychological assessments, risk evaluations, treatment programs, expert reporting, and providing advice to courts or justice agencies.Forensic psychologists commonly work in correctional services, courts, forensic mental health services, government agencies, and research or policy settings. Their role supports decision making related to public safety, rehabilitation, and justice outcomes.
Is a career as a forensic psychologist right for me?
A career in forensic psychology may suit you if you are interested in human behaviour, mental health, and the justice system. Skills and attributes important for this profession include:
- strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- emotional resilience and professionalism
- ethical judgement and integrity
- clear written and verbal communication
- the ability to work with complex and sensitive information
- strong boundaries and reflective practice.
How to become a forensic psychologist
If you are exploring how to become a forensic psychologist, the pathway in Australia requires extensive study and supervised practice. This typically begins with an accredited undergraduate degree in psychology, followed by honours and postgraduate training in forensic psychology or a related area.
To practise as a psychologist, graduates must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Endorsement in forensic psychology requires completion of an approved postgraduate program and supervised practice in forensic settings.
A forensic psychologist course is usually undertaken at postgraduate level and focuses on areas such as forensic assessment, criminal behaviour, ethics, and legal processes.
Every journey to study is individual, and psychology pathways may vary depending on academic performance, professional goals, and available training programs.
View UniSQ’s Psychology and Criminology degrees.
Average salary per week
$2054
Future demand
Very Strong
Industries
Related careers
Source: yourcareer.gov.au
© Commonwealth of Australia
Forensic psychologist FAQ's
What qualifications are needed to become a forensic psychologist?
Becoming a forensic psychologist requires completion of an accredited psychology degree sequence, followed by postgraduate study and supervised practice in forensic psychology. Registration with the Psychology Board of Australia is mandatory before practising.
What forensic psychology careers are available?
Forensic psychology careers may include roles within correctional services, forensic mental health teams, courts, government agencies, rehabilitation programs, research, or policy development. Some psychologists also work in academic or advisory roles supporting justice initiatives.
What careers in criminal psychology can this lead to?
Careers in criminal psychology may extend beyond forensic psychology and include research roles, offender rehabilitation, policy analysis, behavioural assessment, and program development within justice or community organisations.
What forensic psychologist course can I study?
A forensic psychologist course is typically a postgraduate qualification that builds on an accredited psychology degree. These courses focus on forensic assessment, legal frameworks, ethics, and applied psychological practice in criminal justice settings.
How long does it take to become a forensic psychologist?
The pathway to becoming a forensic psychologist can take several years. This includes undergraduate study, honours, postgraduate training, and supervised practice. The full process commonly takes eight or more years depending on the pathway followed.
Sign up for the latest information
UniSQ is collecting the personal information on this form for support for students and prospective students and for marketing purposes. Further information concerning privacy is available.