How to become a forensic psychologist

Forensic psychology is where human behaviour meets the justice system. As a forensic psychologist, you’ll apply psychological expertise to help solve crimes, assess both victims and offenders involved in legal proceedings and support rehabilitation in the community. If you’re curious about criminal behaviour and want to play a vital role in public safety, a career in forensic psychology could be for you.

With a Master of Psychology (Forensic) from UNSW, you’ll be prepared for professional registration and a career in forensic mental health or broader legal and correctional settings. You’ll build advanced knowledge through coursework, research and supervised placements across courts, correctional services and community programs.

UNSW offers world-class expertise in forensic mental health, criminology and legal research – drawing on the strength of being the #1 in Sydney for law and legal studies, and the #2 psychology school in Australia (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026).

In this guide, we’ll explore what a forensic psychologist does and the skills, qualifications and steps you’ll need to become a forensic psychologist in Australia.

Not sure what a forensic psychologist does? The answer depends on where they work. Forensic psychologists operate across a wide range of settings – from prisons and courts to police departments, child protection services and community programs.

Day to day, a forensic psychologist’s responsibilities could include:

• Conducting psychological assessments for individuals involved in legal proceedings
• Writing expert reports for use in court
• Delivering therapy and behavioural programs to offenders in correctional settings
• Providing evidence or recommendations in court and tribunal hearings
• Supporting police investigations through offender profiling and interview strategies
• Assessing trauma, parental capacity or best-interest considerations in family law cases
• Developing intervention programs to reduce the risk of reoffending
• Contributing to research, policy reform or program evaluation in public sector roles.

Some forensic psychologists specialise in clinical work with high-risk individuals. Others focus on systemic change through policy, research and community safety initiatives.

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

The difference between a forensic psychologist and a criminal psychologist comes down to how and where they apply their knowledge. Forensic psychologists are more involved in legal processes, while criminal psychologists focus on the behavioural science behind crime.

Forensic psychology is the application of psychological expertise in legal contexts. Forensic psychologists work directly with courts, legal professionals and correctional services to assess individuals, prepare expert reports and inform legal decisions.

Criminal psychology focuses on understanding criminal behaviour – exploring why people offend, developing behavioural profiles and supporting investigations through psychological research. Check out our full guide on how to become a criminal psychologist.

What are the must-have skills of a forensic psychologist?

To succeed in forensic psychology, you’ll need strong analytical skills, emotional intelligence and a deep understanding of human behaviour and the law. Forensic psychologists often work with people who are vulnerable, distressed or at risk – so empathy, resilience and strong communication skills are essential. You'll develop these skills through your study and real-world experience.

The skills you’ll need to be a forensic psychologist will also depend on your area of specialisation. For example, psychologists working in prisons often focus on behaviour programs and risk management. Those in child protection or family court settings draw on developmental assessment and trauma-informed care.

At UNSW, the Master of Psychology (Forensic) includes a professional practice component, where you’ll complete at least 1,000 supervised practicum hours. This includes placements at the UNSW Forensic Psychology Clinic and two forensic fieldwork settings. This hands-on experience ensures you graduate with the real-world forensic psychologist skills employers value.

Here are some of the core skills and qualities of a good forensic psychologist:

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

Your pathway to becoming a forensic psychologist starts with an APAC‑accredited psychology qualification from a leading university. Most students begin with an undergraduate degree that builds core knowledge in psychological science.

At UNSW, your options include the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), Bachelor of Psychological Science, or Bachelor of Science (Psychology). If you’ve studied in another field, the Graduate Diploma of Psychology provides an alternative entry point into the psychology sequence.

To progress toward registration, you’ll then complete postgraduate training such as the Master of Psychology (Forensic) or Master of Psychology (Clinical). Both programs meet the postgraduate study requirements for General Registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.

All practising psychologists must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia. Some students also choose research pathways or undertake clinical or counselling training before moving into forensic work.

Whether you’re starting fresh after high school or already have a degree, there are flexible pathways to becoming a forensic psychologist in Australia. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan your journey.

What your career as a forensic psychologist could look like

A career in forensic psychology can take many different paths – from working directly with individuals in the justice system to shaping policy that improves community outcomes. As you gain experience, you might specialise in clinical assessment, legal reporting, rehabilitation, or investigative support. You may even move between these areas as your interests evolve.

There’s growing demand across Australia for professionals who can apply psychological expertise to legal, corrective and public safety settings. Graduates of UNSW’s Master of Psychology (Forensic) are well equipped to take on diverse roles in courts, corrections, policing, child protection, and more.

Here are some of the key sectors forensic psychologists work in and what those roles involve:

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

At UNSW, you’ll gain the academic and practical skills to thrive as a forensic psychologist – backed by two of Australia’s top-ranked faculties. UNSW’s School of Psychology is ranked #2 in Australia and #26 globally, while UNSW Law is ranked #1 in Sydney and #13 globally (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026).

You’ll learn from experts who are leaders in forensic mental health, social science and neuropsychology – many of whom are Fellows of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences. UNSW’s strong research culture and industry partnerships mean you’ll graduate with both cutting-edge knowledge and valuable connections.

You’ll also have access to advanced teaching labs and research facilities, including EEG, TMS and eye-tracking technology. This equipment will enable you to design, run and analyse psychological studies as part of your training.