6 answers
Jessica
Student
Johannesburg South, Gauteng, South Africa
2
Questions
Updated
2658 views
Is my goal of studying Forensic Psychology a flop?
Recently, I went to a career counselor, and he recommended that I consider studying Forensic Psychology. However, in my country, there is no degree specifically in Forensic Psychology, so to come close to it, I have to complete multiple degrees in Law and Psychology over 9 years. I've considered applying internationally to the US because they have specific courses in Forensic Psychology that we don't have access to in South Africa, with a similar duration, but it will be pretty much useless in my own country. I have no idea what to do and would appreciate any help or advice!
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6 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
724
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Jessica,
Forensic psychology is an awesome career interest, but there is no need to specialize in your undergraduate years.
To become a clinical/counseling psychologist in South Africa you need to obtain a masters degree. The path would be bachelors -> Honours -> Masters. You can get your bachelors in psychology (3 years) at a number of universities in South Africa. Getting admitted into an Honours program (year 4) is a bit of a bottle neck, as there are many more students in bachelors programs than will be admitted into Honours. You need the Honours degree before you can apply for masters. Don't let that distract you though. Just work to maintain good marks and start working with your lecturers early. Masters programs can be taught (course-based) or research-based or a mixture of courses and practical work (research project or internships). Check out the structure at different universities.
During your undergraduate studies you'll get a broad education in psychology and an overview of different specializations. The earliest students start to specialize is during the Honours year as there is usually project work. In your masters, you can specialize through your choice of project. Check out which universities have lecturers who work in forensic psychology and aim to work with them. Also look for opportunities like internships within the criminal justice system. Before you can practice as a psychologist, you need to register as a Clinical Psychologist or a Counseling Psychologist with the HPCSA.
There are also some training courses or postgraduate programs that you could attend. Some of these courses might be under Health Sciences, Criminal Justice or Neuroscience etc.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://eaplstudent.com/south-africa/
https://forensic-psychologist.co.za/how-to-become-a-forensic-psychologist/
https://www.wits.ac.za/course-finder/postgraduate/health/bhschons-forensic-sciences/
https://behavmed.ukzn.ac.za/forensic-psychology-training/
https://www.up.ac.za/media/shared/87/0_0_2024_Updates/2024-2025_Studying_Psychology_aug2024_final.zp254400.pdf
Forensic psychology is an awesome career interest, but there is no need to specialize in your undergraduate years.
To become a clinical/counseling psychologist in South Africa you need to obtain a masters degree. The path would be bachelors -> Honours -> Masters. You can get your bachelors in psychology (3 years) at a number of universities in South Africa. Getting admitted into an Honours program (year 4) is a bit of a bottle neck, as there are many more students in bachelors programs than will be admitted into Honours. You need the Honours degree before you can apply for masters. Don't let that distract you though. Just work to maintain good marks and start working with your lecturers early. Masters programs can be taught (course-based) or research-based or a mixture of courses and practical work (research project or internships). Check out the structure at different universities.
During your undergraduate studies you'll get a broad education in psychology and an overview of different specializations. The earliest students start to specialize is during the Honours year as there is usually project work. In your masters, you can specialize through your choice of project. Check out which universities have lecturers who work in forensic psychology and aim to work with them. Also look for opportunities like internships within the criminal justice system. Before you can practice as a psychologist, you need to register as a Clinical Psychologist or a Counseling Psychologist with the HPCSA.
There are also some training courses or postgraduate programs that you could attend. Some of these courses might be under Health Sciences, Criminal Justice or Neuroscience etc.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Michelle M.
Actress
2635
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Jessica !
You have nothing to worry about and if you really want to be a Psychologist, you can and do NOT have to take any Law Major. I will be happy to reorient you and you can see that this career is possible if it's what you really want to do and is stronger than someone "suggesting" to be a Psychologist.
First, for some detailed insight. Psychology is the Career and forensics is the type of clients or patient, therefore. you need to major in what would prepare you to be a Psychologist. You'll be able to work with all populations with this degree. So for your Bachelors, you'd major in Psychology and for your Masters Degree, you'd major in Clinical Psychology or General Psychology depending on what your University offers. It is very limiting to focus on one population as a Psychologist as you will need to be able to work with all people and all issues. The Psychology Major will prepare you for that. You will also be able to assess, analyze and report on criminal clients with a Psychology academic path. You will inevitably have single courses in Abnormal Psychology, the Criminal Mind and other electives that your University may offer. There are also practicums, internships and volunteer work to obtain experience with various populations.
You'll have to want to work with any patient or client. The only thing you'd do connected to forensics as a Psychologist would be to interview and assess the client, write a report and provide the report to the police station or court. Sometimes you might be called on to be an expert witness in court. In the meantime, you need a steady paycheck so you will obtain a job or jobs as a Psychologist. I suggest exploring this beyond the information I have provided.
During your time at University as a Psychology Major, you will have supplemental resources that will familiarize you with the legal guidelines and laws connected to providing psychological services. You do not need to study, major in or know government or criminal law - that's what the lawyers, judges and police officers do. You would only be expected to analyze and assess the client.
Make sure that you know what being a Psychologist is all about and that you are sure you want to dedicate yourself to the academic path and career before you choose it as a major. If you have a strong interest in human behavior, good analytical skills to begin with, an unbiased mindset and lots of patience and can be very flexible with your work, you most likely would be a good candidate for a Psychology Major.
This really isn't an appropriate career to Shadow because the sessions psychologists have with their patients are private, but you can watch some videos on You Tube. Do a search for "what it is like being a psychologist". There are also numerous documentaries about behavioral health on You Tube also that you can watch and most times, psychologists or psychiatrists are in those films. To learn even more, you can borrow books at the Library or online on what it's like to be a Psychologist.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
You have nothing to worry about and if you really want to be a Psychologist, you can and do NOT have to take any Law Major. I will be happy to reorient you and you can see that this career is possible if it's what you really want to do and is stronger than someone "suggesting" to be a Psychologist.
First, for some detailed insight. Psychology is the Career and forensics is the type of clients or patient, therefore. you need to major in what would prepare you to be a Psychologist. You'll be able to work with all populations with this degree. So for your Bachelors, you'd major in Psychology and for your Masters Degree, you'd major in Clinical Psychology or General Psychology depending on what your University offers. It is very limiting to focus on one population as a Psychologist as you will need to be able to work with all people and all issues. The Psychology Major will prepare you for that. You will also be able to assess, analyze and report on criminal clients with a Psychology academic path. You will inevitably have single courses in Abnormal Psychology, the Criminal Mind and other electives that your University may offer. There are also practicums, internships and volunteer work to obtain experience with various populations.
You'll have to want to work with any patient or client. The only thing you'd do connected to forensics as a Psychologist would be to interview and assess the client, write a report and provide the report to the police station or court. Sometimes you might be called on to be an expert witness in court. In the meantime, you need a steady paycheck so you will obtain a job or jobs as a Psychologist. I suggest exploring this beyond the information I have provided.
During your time at University as a Psychology Major, you will have supplemental resources that will familiarize you with the legal guidelines and laws connected to providing psychological services. You do not need to study, major in or know government or criminal law - that's what the lawyers, judges and police officers do. You would only be expected to analyze and assess the client.
Make sure that you know what being a Psychologist is all about and that you are sure you want to dedicate yourself to the academic path and career before you choose it as a major. If you have a strong interest in human behavior, good analytical skills to begin with, an unbiased mindset and lots of patience and can be very flexible with your work, you most likely would be a good candidate for a Psychology Major.
This really isn't an appropriate career to Shadow because the sessions psychologists have with their patients are private, but you can watch some videos on You Tube. Do a search for "what it is like being a psychologist". There are also numerous documentaries about behavioral health on You Tube also that you can watch and most times, psychologists or psychiatrists are in those films. To learn even more, you can borrow books at the Library or online on what it's like to be a Psychologist.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Thank you so much! You have given me a lot to think about, so I really appreciate your suggestions and response!!
Jessica
You're very welcome, Jessica !
Michelle M.
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
194
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Jessica, check out the website of Dr. Gerard Labuschagne. He is a forensic psychologist in South Africa. It may provide useful background for you about one person's path to forensic psychology. When you can't find a specific program within this field, there are usually ways to cobble something together with ongoing training. Even in the US there are few undergraduate programs in forensics unless you are looking at criminal justice related programs. Any combination of psychology, counseling, and criminal justice studies may get you a foot in the door. You can focus your studies and internships on working within this system. I have held positions in forensic work with an MA and no prior experience; for me it involved working with county and federal probation programs. Because your country does not offer an easy path through, it simply makes things more complicated but by no means impossible. Forensic psychology is a valuable field and very niche. Likely most psychology positions within the prison system and with law enforcement require some kind of background. You will always be pursuing ongoing education no matter what degree you end up with. There will always be room for additional achievement. Knowing what you want will guide you in choosing your schools. Do as much networking as possible along the way. Best of luck on your journey!
Thank you so much! I've just checked out Dr Labuschange's website, it's amazing, thank you for suggesting it!
Jessica
Aravind C
32
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Aravind’s Answer
Hi Jessica,
If you're interested in studying abroad, you have many options. South Africa doesn't offer specific Forensic Psychology degrees, but you can start with a BA in Psychology and then complete a master's with HPCSA to become a recognized forensic psychologist. Another option is to look into studying in the USA, where you might find more programs that suit your needs.
If you're interested in studying abroad, you have many options. South Africa doesn't offer specific Forensic Psychology degrees, but you can start with a BA in Psychology and then complete a master's with HPCSA to become a recognized forensic psychologist. Another option is to look into studying in the USA, where you might find more programs that suit your needs.
Thank you, I'll definitely think those options over!
Jessica
Emily Gonzalez
Marriage and Family Therapist
1
Answer
Danville, Illinois
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Hi there! This is really not that uncommon as forensic psychology has grown in popularity over the recent years, but has always kind of existed in some sense. It would make you more marketable than a simple forensic psychology degree, at least in my experience.
I have developed a niche for myself by working as a mental health provider inside of a juvenile detention facility. It has not required anything specific to criminology or forensic science. I specialize in trauma. So if this is an interest of yours, there absolutely are jobs for you even if not called forensic psychology by name. Our detention director has a dual major in criminal justice and psychology.
I have developed a niche for myself by working as a mental health provider inside of a juvenile detention facility. It has not required anything specific to criminology or forensic science. I specialize in trauma. So if this is an interest of yours, there absolutely are jobs for you even if not called forensic psychology by name. Our detention director has a dual major in criminal justice and psychology.
Thank you so much, that makes me feel a lot better! I'll definitely keep my options open, even if I can't be called a "forensic psychologist"!
Jessica
Jasmine Peterson
Sales Support Specialist
5
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Jasmine’s Answer
Your goal of studying Forensic Psychology is truly worthwhile and important.
This field plays a crucial role by connecting psychology with the criminal justice system, and its impact is significant. Whether you want to understand criminal behavior, support victims, improve mental health assessments in courts, or influence policies, your passion is needed.
If you're feeling uncertain or discouraged, let's explore why:
Are you worried about job opportunities?
Does the academic journey feel overwhelming?
Are you facing challenges like financial, emotional, or academic obstacles?
Are others around you making you doubt your goal?
This field plays a crucial role by connecting psychology with the criminal justice system, and its impact is significant. Whether you want to understand criminal behavior, support victims, improve mental health assessments in courts, or influence policies, your passion is needed.
If you're feeling uncertain or discouraged, let's explore why:
Are you worried about job opportunities?
Does the academic journey feel overwhelming?
Are you facing challenges like financial, emotional, or academic obstacles?
Are others around you making you doubt your goal?
Thank you so much, I really appreciate your answer!! I'll definitely use these answers to help me reflect on why I'm feeling the way I am.
Jessica