A branch of Applied Psychology that is concerned with the collection, examination and presentation of evidence for judicial purposes.
Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Forensic Psychologist- from: Youtube Search
Working Life
Core Forensic Practice areas
Expert Resource for Specialist Assessment Criminal courts, solicitors, parole boards, police, health and social care agencies, risk assessment, motivation to address offending behaviour, therapeutic interventions, sentencing recommendations, capacity and fitness to stand trial.
Treatment & Rehabilitation Offence focused/ Mental Health/ Personality Disorder/ Trauma Practitioner
• Direct involvement with client
• Advises on disposal and treatment
• Management of difficult clients
• Rehabilitation/therapeutic process & evaluation of outcome
Forensic Psychologist work in a variety of settings.
Interests - Forensic Psychologist
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Entry / Progression - Forensic Psychologist
In order to become a Forensic Psychologist, an accredited honours undergraduate degree where psychology is the major subject is required. Completion of a recognized accredited postgraduate training programme in Forensic psychology is then necessary. Recognition with the The Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), is the learned and professional body for psychology and psychologists in the Republic of Ireland.
UCAS route options
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: Social care, Youthwork.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: Applied Social studies, Forensic Science & Criminology, Forensics & Criminology, Law, Psychology, Forensics & CyberSecurity.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Social Work, YouthWork.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: Applied Social studies, Forensic Science & Criminology, Forensics & Criminology, Psychology, Forensics & CyberSecurity.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: Psychology, Forensic Psychological Studies.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialized training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Forensic Psychologist
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €27k - €84k
Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, grade, and experience.
Data Source(s):
HSE/ Indeed/ Jobted/ Payscale/ Salary Expert/ Jooble/ Glassdoor/ Eireri
Last Updated: April, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Forensic Psychologist
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Psychologists; Pharmacists; Opticians (including dispensing opticians); Dental practitioners; Veterinarians; Medical radiographers; Podiatrists; Health professionals n.e.c.; Health services and public health managers; and directors Social services; managers and directors Health care practice managers.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment growth was above the national average for this occupation, although employment in 2022 were similar to 2021 levels. The CSO Census data shows that employment was spread across a large number of roles in 2022, with increases across all within this occupation since 2016.
While the numbers employed have increased since 2016, for the most part, the supply from the education and training system has not, and plans to expand training will not have an impact on the potential supply to the labour market in the short-term, given the duration of training required. This has led to issues for a number of roles within this group; for instance, there is an increasing number of students opting to study veterinary medicine in Poland due to the lack of available places to study in Ireland.
Psychologists and pharmacists were added to the employment permits Critical Skills list in June 2022 although new permits issued in 2022 primarily related to radiographers/sonographers, with a small number issued for dentists and pharmacists. With a quarter of those employed aged 55 years or older, replacement demand alone will create job opportunities in the coming years. Demand remains high across these occupations and issues with recruitment are occurring; however, as the numbers employed are too small across the roles for detailed analysis, evidence of shortages are difficult to determine.
Useful Contacts - Forensic Psychologist
-
Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI)
- Digital Office Centre Camden, 12 Camden Row, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 8, D08 R9CN, Ireland
- (0)87 387 7179
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Law Society of Ireland
