How To Become A Forensic Psychologist In Australia?
Are you interested in crime, human psychology, law, and criminal justice? Then, you could pursue a Forensic psychologist career.
Forensic psychologists are licensed mental health professionals who operate within the legal system. They research and study the minds of criminals to help law enforcement create criminal profiles and anticipate the risks of re-offence.
To become a registered forensic psychologist, you must complete an undergraduate bachelor's and master's degree in Psychology or a related field. You must also complete supervised training under a licensed forensic psychologist to receive endorsement from the Psychology Board of Australia.
Read this blog to explore a forensic psychologist's career and what it takes to become one in Australia.
Learn about their daily duties, work conditions, job opportunities, salary, courses, degrees, and earning potential to make an informed career decision.
1. What Is A Forensic Psychologist?
Forensic psychologists are licensed clinical psychologists specialising in criminal, civil, and family cases such as custody disputes, lawsuits, homicides, or many other issues. They study suspects and evidence to determine the motive behind crime and solve criminal cases.
Forensic psychologists work with criminals, victims, investigators, judges, and attorneys to analyse the psychological details of cases, resolve injustices and support the rehabilitation of criminals. They may also make necessary policy amendments to enhance the criminal justice system.
2. What Does A Criminal Psychologist Do In Australia?
Forensic psychology is the intersection of law and psychology. Forensic psychologists perform several duties in the legal system, criminal justice system, psychology research, and counselling.
Their most common responsibilities include:
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Conduct research in the human psychology and criminal justice system
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Interview offenders to understand their behaviour and motives
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Provide expert opinions and testimony concerning the mental health of defendants in court
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Create criminal profiles that help police to scrutinise suspect pools
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Work with imprisoned criminals to rehabilitate them and prepare them for re-entry into society
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Collaborate with police officers, investigators, and forensic scientists
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Offer therapy to crime victims and those who show criminal tendencies
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Perform psychological and risk evaluations
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Consult with policymakers on criminal and civil law and prison reform
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Examine reports of child abuse
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Evaluate Child custody
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Assess potential jurors and consult with the plaintiff's attorneys and prosecuting defence for jury selection
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Provide training curriculum for corrections and law enforcement agencies
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Train Juris doctorate candidates at law schools
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Perform psychological screening to assess potential police officers for employment
3. What Skills Do You Need To Work As A Forensic Psychologist?
You need a combination of technical competency and soft skills to work and succeed in this profession.
Technical Skills
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Good understanding of scientific theories
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Thorough knowledge base of social and cultural issues
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Solid legal knowledge related to mental health law, courtroom procedures, and case law
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Clinical knowledge
Soft Skills
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Excellent communication skills
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Good analytical abilities
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Investigative skills
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Critical thinking
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Attention to detail
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Confidence
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Thick skin
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Objectivity
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Empathy and Compassion
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Professional disposition
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Excellent writing skills
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Public speaking skills
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Able to stay calm and composed under stressful circumstances
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Like staying updated with changing laws, legal policies, assessment tools, and the latest research in the field.
4. Forensic Psychologist Qualifications In Australia
To become a Forensic Psychologist, you need to meet the following academic and training requirements:
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Hold Australian citizenship.
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Complete a Bachelor of Forensic Psychology by studying for an undergraduate degree in psychology, criminal justice, or sociology
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Obtain a master's degree in criminal or forensic psychology or clinical psychology, majoring in forensics.
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Complete supervised training under an endorsed practitioner and obtain an endorsement from the .
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Hold a valid Driver's License.
5. Steps To Become A Forensic Psychologist In Australia
You need to be registered with the to practice as a forensic psychologist in Australia.
Here is a 5-step guide to help you become an accredited Forensic Psychologist in Australia:
Step 1: Study Forensic Psychology
The first step to making a career in Forensic Psychology is to study for an undergraduate degree in psychology, criminal justice, or sociology.
The course combines classroom instruction and work experience to help students gain knowledge in psychology, social sciences, and the legal system. Some relevant undergraduate coursework may include:
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General Psychology
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Sociology of deviance
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Introduction to sociology
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Juvenile justice
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Social psychology
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Introduction to law
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Research methods
Step 2: Enroll In An Internship Program
While completing an undergraduate degree, it is beneficial to consider working as an intern or a research assistant to gain practical work experience in psychology, criminal justice, and sociology.
You can seek a clinical psychology internship or an internship within a law firm or juvenile justice program, or a research assistant position. Choose a job that suits your career aspirations and helps you develop specific skills in your interest area.
It will help you become more skilled and gain industrial exposure, widen your professional network, and improve your candidature when applying for a competitive graduate program.
Step 3: Obtain A Doctorate / Master Of Forensic Psychology In Australia
Once you have an undergraduate qualification, the next step is to obtain a master's degree in criminal or forensic psychology or a clinical psychology program majoring in forensic psychology.
Alternatively, you can consider completing a Doctor of Psychology or Philosophy. Where a forensic psychology Master's degree can take two years of study, a PhD in forensic psychology in Australia may take up to five years.
Both options are eligible for licensing if you study in an accredited institution.
Step 4: Apply For An Endorsement
When you have obtained the necessary qualification, the final step is to apply for an endorsement in Forensic Psychology. For this, you need to complete training under the supervision of an endorsed practitioner.
The training period is one year if you hold an accredited doctorate or two years for a postgraduate qualification. The training equips you with the essential knowledge and skills to commence your independent practice.
After completion of training, you can obtain an endorsement from the .
It is the regulatory body for psychologists administering practising psychologists to meet a high standard of therapeutic care, ethical practice, and professionalism. Registered practitioners must renew their registration once a year to keep it active.
6. Forensic Psychology Courses In Australia
) – Swinburne University of Technology
Three years full-time (Hawthorn campus and digital learning)
This undergraduate degree provides statistical skills and specialist knowledge about the practical use of psychology in the justice system, law, and forensic science.
The program comprises research projects, project units related to forensic psychology, and specialist units in research design.
These courses are professionally accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and pave the way for the Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours).
– Swinburne University of Technology
Blended learning – Hawthorn-campus and digital learning
It is a two-year part-time postgraduate course that provides advanced training that includes coursework and clinical placements.
This course is for practising psychologists who hold an endorsement in any other relevant field and seek to practise forensic psychology.
During the program, students will work in mental health and justice agencies in Victoria and complete five placements under the supervision of forensic psychologists. It helps them gain expertise and skills to work in a practical setting.
– The University of New South Wales
Do you want to become a registered forensic psychologist? Studying forensic psychology at UNSW is a great way to advance your professional career and pursue a career in the Australian legal system.
It is a two-year full-time course in face-to-face (including blended) mode. The program comprises a minimum of 1,000 supervised practicum hours in the UNSW Forensic Psychology Clinic and a minimum of two other work placement settings.
The training focuses on psychological disorders and disabilities, civil and criminal law, interviewing skills, and investigative approaches.
By undergoing this practical experience, students develop skills, confidence, and competence to work on various assignments undertaken by forensic psychologists.
Moreover, the program is professionally accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. Postgraduates become eligible to take further two years of supervised practice and register as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.
– Swinburne University of Technology
Employers generally prefer psychologists to hold a doctorate to work as researchers and therapists. Earning a doctorate in forensic psychology opens the door to employment options and promotion opportunities.
It is a four-year, full-time PhD course delivered at the Hawthorn campus. It involves intensive high-level research training in clinical psychology and forensic psychology through coursework, a research thesis, and clinical placements related to clinical forensic psychology.
Graduates from the program qualify to work as clinicians and researchers in forensic psychology and clinical domains.
7. How To Become A Forensic Psychologist For The FBI?
You will need a degree in forensic psychology or higher to work as a special agent in the FBI and the federal government. A Master's or a Doctoral degree is recommended to improve your employment prospects.
Applicants who are US citizens and within the age band of 23 to 36 years are preferred for this role.
Based on your qualification, you need to have 1-year or 2-years of work experience and a valid driver's license to apply for a job in the FBI.
Job applicants must demonstrate excellent physical fitness, vision, and hearing abilities and undergo a fitness test as part of the recruitment process. Moreover, you must be fit, or your application may get rejected.
Applicants who pass the fitness test will undergo a 20-week training at the FBI Academy. The training involves web-based and classroom lessons in law, forensics, behavioural science, ethics, and investigative practices.
Students will also learn about defensive techniques, ammunition, surveillance, working undercover, and tactical driving.
8. Work Environment For Forensic Psychologist In Australia
The work conditions of forensic psychologists depend on their area of specialisation and employment setting. They may work standard office hours or be on-call 24/7 for emergencies.
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Forensic psychologists working as instructors or researchers in schools, universities, and government organisations usually work standard business hours.
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Those employed in healthcare facilities like hospitals and clinics may work weekends or evening shifts.
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Forensic psychologists who offer legal consultancy or counselling services work in a courtroom or an office setting and choose their working hours to accommodate their client's needs. Working as a consultant requires them to travel to visit their client's offices.
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The profession requires frequent interaction with psychologists, psychiatrists, defendants, nurses, police officers, prisoners, crime victims, judges, lawyers, legal assistants, and other corrections and criminal justice professionals.
9. Where Do Forensic Psychologists Work In Australia?
Licensed forensic psychologists are directly employed by the state, local, or federal government. They often run their private practice and offer consulting services to police agencies and courts on a contract basis.
Forensic psychologists are recruited to assist in a wide range of legal matters that include:
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Understanding the mental state of criminal defendants
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Jury selection
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Civil damages
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Family law or child custody
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Violence risk prediction
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Discrimination
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Mediation or dispute resolution
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Social science research
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Civil commitment
Some of their most common workplaces include:
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Prisons
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Research institutions
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Mental health clinics
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Courtrooms
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Police stations
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Medical examiners' offices
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Universities
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Forensic labs
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Private research companies
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Insurance firms
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Juvenile justice
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Community services
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Corrections facilities
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Legal, investigative, and police agencies
10. What Jobs Involve Forensic Psychologists In Australia?
Based on popular job portals like and , the most common forensic psychology jobs are:
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Forensic/Clinical Psychologist
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Forensic Psychologist
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Forensic Clinician
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Forensic Evaluator
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Special Agent Expert: Psychology/Counselling
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Criminal Psychologist
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Clinical Director
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Correctional Psychologist
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Jury Consultant
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Testing Psychologist
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Educational & Developmental Psychologist
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Psychologist - Assessment Services Consultant
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Assessment Psychologist
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Child and Family Psychologist
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Senior Psychologist
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Senior Clinical Psychologist: Disability and Inclusion
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Director of Psychological Services
11. Forensic Psychology Specialties
Forensic psychology is a broad field. Experienced professionals in this field can undertake programs leading to specialised jobs.
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You can specialise in investigative forensic psychology to primarily work at crime scenes.
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To work as an expert witness in the courtroom, you can pursue a specialisation in trials.
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You can specialise in the psychology of child abuse to learn about child psychology and mental disorders that influence criminal actions.
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Those who want to conduct research can earn a PhD. with a specialisation in research.
12. How Long Does It Take To Become A Forensic Psychologist In Australia?
The study pathway to becoming a forensic psychologist involves completing a 3-year undergraduate bachelor's degree and a 2-year Master's degree/4 year- Doctoral degree in Forensic Psychology.
However, you must register with the to work in this role. You need additional supervised training to apply for an endorsement and become a fully registered forensic psychologist.
Those with a relevant Doctorate need to complete 1-year training, and those with a master's qualification need 2-years of training to become registered forensic psychologists.
Thus, it can take anywhere from 7 to 8 years after high school to become a forensic psychologist based on what learning route you choose.
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Bachelor's degree (3 years)
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Master's degree (2 years) and two years of supervised training
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Doctoral degree (4 years) and one year of supervised training
13. Job Prospects For Forensic Psychologists In Australia
Crime has become a significant issue today. Law enforcement is one of the best ways to curb and eradicate criminal activities prevalent in society. The need for research, consultation, and clinical practice of the law will remain in demand as long as the crime prevails.
Forensic psychology is a field that interfaces psychology and the law to solve and prevent crimes from occurring.
Forensic psychologists have specialised legal and psychological knowledge and help people, organisations, and government employees to navigate the legal, civil, and criminal justice systems.
Since forensic psychology is a diverse, rapidly growing, and specialised field in Australia, there is immense demand for it.
The government expects strong growth in employment opportunities for all types of psychologists, including forensic psychologists the coming years.
14. How Much Do Forensic Psychologists Earn In Australia?
Several factors, including geographic location, level of education, certifications, years of experience, area of expertise, and specific employers, influence the salary potential for these professionals.
Based on Payscale, the average forensic psychologist's salary in Australia is AU$73,649 per year or equivalent to AU$40.00 per hour.
Forensic psychologist with a doctorate who runs a private consultancy may earn more than those working in state governments or as a counsellor in prison.
Furthermore, private practice forensic psychologists working in coastal cities may charge higher hourly rates than those working in rural towns with a lower cost of living.
Salary Based on Experience
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Early career Forensic Psychologists (1 to 4 years of experience) earn AU$72,742
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Experienced Forensic Psychologists (10 to 19 years of experience) make AU$89,500
15. Conclusion
Forensic psychologists play a crucial role in the criminal justice system. They work to understand the psychology behind criminal behaviour and work alongside crime victims, criminals, and legal professionals to resolve criminal cases and offer therapeutic interventions.
Budding forensic psychologists should understand that it may take years of dedicated and consistent effort to develop a career and get a job in this field.
If you are ready for this challenging yet satisfying profession, follow the steps to become a registered forensic psychologist.
Useful Links to Explore:
- English Language Requirements for Australia
- Cultural differences you may experience in Australia
- How to find Part-Time work as a Student in Australia
- Seven Tips for Students on a Budget in Australia
- How to get a Scholarship to Study in Australia
- Driving in Australia as an International Student
- How to change your Course or Institute in Australia
- The Benefits of a Professional Year Program (PYP)
- A Complete Guide to Study in Australia
- Types of Education in Australia
- What to Study in Australia?
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