Help with a psychology career?

Question

Im 18 and doing my A levels now in history, english literature and psychology and have been predicted the grades ABA respectively. I have applied for university courses centering around psychology. I want to go on to do something in criminal psychology, specifically criminal profiling but have found it hard getting details on how to go about it. I have been told to focus on social psychology and that will maybe lead into it, but im looking for information on actual courses that could help me after i finished a B.A in psychology. I know forensic is really the closest to criminal (i think) but i don't have the science subjects to gain access to forensic psychology courses. Any information would be appreciated, thanks =)

[I live in the uk btw - northern ireland and have got 6 conditional offers from University of Ulster and Queens University. Im still waiting on news from courses in the republic from UUC, Maynooth and UCD.]

Answer 1

hey
i wanted the same career as you when i started uni. Im at the university of central lancashire doing a BSC in Forensic Psychology, i also know that lincoln uni does this course, or you could do a joint degree in psychology and criminology.

you can become a registered forensic psychologist, beginning with this degree. You would then have to do an MA (masters) in it. Then find a placement and work under a registered psychologist for 2 years (the pay is crap!) then you are eligable to apply for registered psychologist status with the BPS (british psychological society) have a look at their website.

forensic psychologists can be public or private sector..the main employer is the prison service
I have to tell you thought that there is no actual qualification for profiling. There is no qualification you can get that will 'make' you a profiler. Profilers are generally people with years of experience in the field, sometimes they are psychologists (not neccessarily forensic ones) often they are police or psychiatrists. There is no governing body for profilers, which basically means anybody can be one! they are just people who help out with investigations and it is up to the police force who they deem to be suitable. It is not a career. It is just a person who will help the police out on a case and if the investigating officers are impressed, maybe they will have you as a contact, but thats about it!

in case your interested, my degree was basically a straight psychology degree for 2 years.. just with occasional options for modules you can pick. i picked forensic ones. The thirs year is when the forensic part comes in

my modules this year were juvenile delinquency, offender profling, psych of evidence, psych of violent behaviour, drugs and behaviour, applied psych in prison setting, and victimology

hope this helps!

Answer 2

You could try the University of Abertay, in Dundee as they do a course similar to the one you are looking for!
Check out their website at www.abertay.ac.uk
And good luck!!

Answer 3

Perhaps you want to consider doing Criminology alongside with Psychology -try Keele, in Staffordshire. They offer joint degrees.