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About Forensic Psychology
You'll become
- Consultant
- Forensic Psychologist
Average Salaries
Forensic Psychology workers may earn between $49,000 and $78,000 per year
Play a leading role in how we understand criminal behaviour by studying a challenging and exciting course in forensic psychology.
Applying psychological approaches, theories and skills within the criminal justice system, forensic psychologists play a critical role in our understanding and management of criminal behaviours. Usually working as forensic psychologists, graduates of forensic psychology courses work closely with clients engaged in the justice system to deeply understand motivations, attitudes, values and behaviour patterns, and to offer solutions and approaches to law enforcement officials.
In an increasingly volatile and dynamic society, we need skilled, level-headed professionals to interrogate and understand the nuances of human behaviour. With a qualification in forensic psychology, you’ll be equipped to untangle some of society’s most difficult problems.
In order to work as a forensic psychologist, you must complete a psychology degree recognised by the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council, then undertake specialised study in forensic psychology either in Australia or overseas.
If you have an analytical mind and want to help facilitate justice, a forensic psychology course is your next career step.
What do forensic psychology graduates do?
Graduates of forensic psychology courses can seek employment in a range of positions across the justice and rehabilitation sectors. Due to the wide variety of roles available, your tasks may vary greatly, but all forensic psychologists can be expected to conduct clinical work, and must possess strong skills in interviewing and managing clients.
Practising as a forensic psychologist, you may perform tasks like:
- Assessing cognitive, behavioural and emotional behaviours of people engaged in the justice system;
- Administering and interpreting diagnostic tests;
- Developing, administering and evaluating individual and group treatment plans;
- Collecting and reporting psychological evidence for criminal proceedings;
- Conducting psychological interventions, including performing psycho-education and applying psychological therapies to patients and families;
- Offering advice, evidence and opinions on the progress and condition management of people engaged in the justice system;
- Liaising with law enforcement officials, service providers and other key stakeholders;
- Advocating on behalf of clients;
- Evaluating and monitoring clients’ continuing psychological health;
- Evaluating and monitoring psychological programs and interventions; and
- Conducting research and analysis, and preparing submissions and reports.
If you choose to work in research or policy analysis instead of practising psychology, you may perform tasks like conducting research, preparing reports and opinions, conducting advocacy work, writing submissions, interpreting data and evaluating other information.
Career Outcomes
Career Outcomes
Graduates of forensic psychology courses may work independently or in private practices as forensic psychologists, and may be called upon to consult to courts, mental health bodies, corrections services, tribunals, family counselling services, rehabilitation services, and the police.
After completing a forensic psychology course, you may also choose to seek employment as an officer or consultant within a prison, rehabilitation centre, police department, law firm, school, or government department.
- Consultant
- Forensic Psychologist
You may also choose to pursue a career in academia or education after completing a forensic psychology course. You may work as a researcher or policy analyst for a range of government department, educational institutions, and think tanks, not-for-profits, policy institutes and other independent bodies.
After completing a forensic psychology course you will also be able to practise psychology, and may work as a counsellor, or pursue further study in clinical psychology.
Is forensic psychology right for you?
You’ll find a career in forensic psychology rewarding and enjoyable if you:
- Can think critically and analytically
- Can make sound decisions and exercise judgment
- Are a good listener
- Have excellent organisational and time management skills
- Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Work well under pressure
- Can interpret information
- Are highly motivated
- Are proactive and disciplined
- Love solving problems
Can work well independently and in a team
Job opportunities
The Australian Government’s Job Outlook reports that job opportunities in psychology have been growing strongly over the past 10 years, and are expected to continue growing moderately until at least 2020. Currently employing approximately 23,000 people, the sector is expected to employ approximately 25,000 by 2020.
Average Salaries
According to PayScale, a psychologist can expect to earn between $49,000 and $98,000 per year, with an average salary of $76,000. While PayScale reports a positive relationship between experience and earning capacity, entry-level psychologist can still expect to earn an average wage of $68,000 per year, and earning potential levels off when a psychologist has been working for more than 15 years.
As forensic psychology is more specialised service, forensic psychologists are likely to command higher salaries than general psychologists.
Industry Bodies
- Australian Clinical Psychology Association
- Australian Psychological Society
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Association of Australia
- Australia and New Zealand Society of Criminology
- Australian Institute of Criminology
- Australian Criminal Justice Society