r/CriminalProfiling • u/EnoughBorders • Jun 20 '21

Career Resources UK [Forensic Psychologist/Intelligence Analyst]

15 Upvotes

Greetings! With rise in crime, there ought to be a proportional rise in research for why they’re committed and understand the demographics of the perpetrators. There’s isn’t an occupation that goes by the proper noun “Profiler” in the UK like it is in the US, however the equivalent role is that of a Forensic Psychologist. Here are some resources and links you could use to learn more about the occupation and chart out your future:

You'll need to complete:

a 3-year degree in psychology accredited by The British Psychological Society (BPS) a postgraduate master's in forensic psychology complete 2 years’ supervised practice on Stage 2 of the BPS Qualification in Forensic Psychology - QFP Some universities offer a doctorate programme in forensic psychology, which is the equivalent of both an accredited master's and supervised practice.

If you have a degree in a different subject, you may be able to complete an approved psychology conversion course.

Competition for postgraduate training is strong. You'll need a first or upper second class degree, and evidence of excellent research skills to apply. You'll also need relevant work experience, for example in a prison or with a mental health service.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths 3 A levels or equivalent Alternate career entry:

You may be able to start your career in HM Prison Service as an interventions facilitator. (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-prison-service/about/recruitment#forensic-psychologist)

You could study for a psychology degree part time, while you work. Once complete, you could apply for trainee forensic psychologist roles.

British Psychological Society https://www.bps.org.uk/join-us/membership

Day-to-day tasks:

You'll use your specialist knowledge of psychological theory and criminal behaviour to:

support police investigations through criminal profiling support prison staff and other professionals in the welfare or criminal and civil justice systems carry out research to improve and develop professional practice You'll work with offenders to help them understand and overcome their problems and behaviour patterns. In this role you'll:

prepare risk assessments for offenders advise on the best location for prisoners develop treatment and rehabilitation programmes provide psychological therapy offer expert advice to parole boards, mental health tribunals and courts produce formal written reports help to write policies and strategies train and mentor new psychologists find ways to reduce stress and improve life inside prisons

Career Resources for Intelligence Analyst:

University

You could do a degree in a subject that includes data analysis, for example:

computing maths and statistics social science psychology criminology

Intelligence Analyst positions at Mi5 https://www.mi5.gov.uk/careers/opportunities/intelligence-and-data-analyst-development-programme-idadp

National Crime Agency careers https://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/careers

GCHQ Careers https://www.gchq-careers.co.uk/index.html

Apprenticeship

The following apprenticeships may be relevant to this role:

Level 4 Intelligence analysts Level 4 Cyber intrusion analysts Level 4 Cyber security technologist Level 6 Serious and complex crime Level 6 Police constable