How to become a criminal psychologist in Australia

Thinking about a career as a criminal psychologist? If you’re curious about human behaviour and passionate about protecting our communities, a career in criminal psychology might be for you.

Criminal psychologists work across a range of settings – from police departments and correctional facilities to courts and community organisations. You might help law enforcement interpret behavioural patterns, support rehabilitation through counselling, or shape policy that leads to safer communities. Some specialise in youth justice, trauma recovery or risk assessment, while others work in clinical or educational contexts.

A Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice/Psychology (Honours) will set you up for success in this field. At UNSW, you can study criminology at one of the world’s top psychology schools and Australia’s leading criminology program. UNSW is #1 in NSW for criminology research (ERA, 2018), UNSW Science ranks #2 in Australia and =#32 globally for psychology (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).

In this guide, we’ll explore what a criminal psychologist does, the skills you’ll need, the steps to qualify, and what your future career could look like.

What does a criminal psychologist do?

Wondering what a criminal psychologist does? Criminal psychologists use their understanding of human behaviour to support investigations, prevent reoffending, and promote justice and rehabilitation in our communities. 

While the day-to-day responsibilities of a criminal psychologist can vary depending on where they work, their role often includes:

• Investigating the psychological causes of crime

• Developing criminal or geographic profiles

• Interviewing suspects, victims or offenders

• Providing expert testimony in court

• Counselling individuals involved in the justice system

• Preparing reports for police, courts or correctional agencies

At UNSW, you’ll get real insight into what criminal psychologists do through hands-on learning. You’ll take part in placements across both the mental health and justice systems – visiting courts and correctional facilities. You will work alongside professionals in mental health organisations and complete a research project that tackles real-world issues in the field. 

Criminal psychologist vs criminologist​: What’s the difference?

Not sure what the difference is between a criminal psychologist and a criminologist? While both roles focus on understanding criminal behaviour, they do so from different perspectives.

The key difference between a criminal psychologist and a criminologist is that criminal psychologists are trained clinicians who assess individuals and explore the psychological factors behind crime. In contrast, criminologists study broader patterns in criminal behaviour, often working in research, policy or social analysis roles.

Here’s a quick guide to the differences between a criminal psychologist and a criminologist:

What are the skills needed to be a criminal psychologist?

The skills required to become a criminal psychologist can vary depending on your area of specialisation. For example, psychologists working in police settings often focus on behavioural analysis and investigative interviewing, while those in corrections may prioritise risk assessment and treatment planning.

Regardless of where they work, all criminal psychologists need to communicate clearly, act ethically, manage sensitive information and build trust with people in complex situations. These skills are developed gradually through study, placements and real-world experience.

Here are some of the essential criminal psychologist skills:

What qualifications do you need to be a criminal psychologist​?

To work as a psychologist in Australia, you need to follow an APAC-accredited pathway. This begins with an undergraduate degree in psychology, such as the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) or Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice/Psychology (Honours). From there, aspiring criminal psychologists typically complete a postgraduate qualification, such as a Master of Psychology (Clinical) or Master of Psychology (Forensic), which includes specialised training in criminal behaviour.

Postgraduate study must be paired with supervised practice to qualify for general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. This hands-on experience ensures you’re ready to work in high-stakes environments like courts, prisons and investigative settings. 

Steps to become a criminal psychologist

There’s no single path to becoming a criminal psychologist, but most follow a series of steps that combine academic study with supervised training. Whether you're starting fresh or switching careers, the pathway can be tailored to suit your background.

Undergraduate pathway to becoming a criminal psychologist 

1. Begin with an APAC-accredited psychology degree, such as a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) or Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice/Psychology (Honours).

2. Apply for a Master of Psychology with a forensic or criminal specialisation.

3. Undertake supervised placements in forensic or criminal justice settings.

4. Work towards general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.

Postgraduate pathway to becoming a criminal psychologist 

1. Complete an accredited bridging course or a Graduate Diploma in Psychology.
2. Apply for a postgraduate clinical or forensic psychology program with a criminal focus.
3. Complete supervised practice and industry placements in relevant settings.
4. Work towards general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.

How long does it take to become a criminal psychologist?

It typically takes six to eight years to become a fully registered criminal psychologist in Australia. This includes undergraduate study, honours, postgraduate training and supervised practice. The exact timeframe depends on your study mode, whether you take a bridging pathway, and if you choose to complete clinical training before specialising in criminal psychology. 

What your career path as a criminal psychologist could look like

The career options for criminal psychologists vary widely, offering a range of upward and lateral moves to keep your work life interesting. Here’s an idea of where your career might take you.

Can international students study to be criminal psychologists in Australia?

Yes, international students are welcome to study psychology in Australia, including pathways to becoming a criminal psychologist. To be eligible, you’ll need to meet academic entry requirements, hold a valid student and working visa and demonstrate English language proficiency.

It’s important to choose an APAC-accredited psychology program, as this ensures your qualifications can be recognised for registration in Australia. Keep in mind that supervised practice requirements may vary depending on your home country, so it’s a good idea to check local registration rules if you plan to work overseas after graduating.

How much do criminal psychologists get paid​?

Psychology is a growing field in Australia, with job growth projected at 13.3% over the next five years (Seek, 2025). Criminal psychologist salaries vary depending on your experience, location and the setting you work in.

The average annual salary for psychologists in Australia ranges from $100,000 to $115,000, with opportunities to earn more as you progress into senior specialist or consultancy roles. Related careers also offer strong earning potential. Investigators earn between $95,000 and $115,000, correctional officers between $80,000 and $85,000, and intelligence analysts between $90,000 and $105,000.

With a qualification from UNSW, you’ll graduate with a competitive edge. UNSW graduates earn the highest median salaries among Go8 universities (QILT, 2023), and the university is consistently ranked #1 in Australia for employability (QS World University Rankings, 2025) and #1 for career outcomes (AFR Best Universities Ranking, 2024).

Salary data from Seek, 2025

How UNSW will prepare you for your future as a criminal psychologist

At UNSW, you’ll graduate with the knowledge, skills and confidence to thrive as a criminal psychologist. Our programs combine academic expertise with real-world experience, giving you a strong foundation in both psychology and the criminal justice system. You’ll learn from leading researchers and build practical skills through industry-linked training.

If you're ready to turn your curiosity into a career that makes a real difference, explore our psychology and criminology degrees today.