Are you considering a career in Forensic Psychology?
Forensic Psychology is an engaging, important subject and working in this area means contributing to a dynamic, relevant area of science. Not only is the human mind a fascinating, complex field to explore, but you will be helping people on a daily basis by understanding criminology and using this to work within the legal system.
The study of forensic psychology is closely linked to the social sciences and the study of law; both involve the study of human minds and functions, especially those which impact people’s behaviours. While psychology looks at the individual, the social sciences focus on society, or groups within society as a whole. Who doesn’t want to know the complex array of reasons as to why a person behaves the way they do?
A course in forensic psychology presents you with interesting study challenges which will sharpen your skills professionally and personally.
Areas of Study within Forensic Psychology
If you want to focus your studies, topics you might want to cover include:
- Criminal psychology
- Social behavior
- Abnormal behavior
- Cognitive psychology
- Perception
- Drugs and psychopharmacology
- Law
- Criminal justice
It doesn’t matter which specialization you choose, each presents its own benefits and challenges.
Why Study Forensic Psychology?
A career in this area is rewarding, well paid, and always in-demand. Here are a few of the main benefits in taking a course in this field.
- Improve your communication skills
When you study in this field, you will have explored how human communication works – and not just the nuts and bolts, but the entire system as a whole. You will not only understand what someone is really saying, but can give an educated guess as to why. You will be able to better grasp personal communication skills and increase the effectiveness of your interpersonal communication. This understanding will help you in avoiding miscommunications and make the most of your personal interactions.
- Understand others
Psychology is an avenue for you to understand other people, their thinking and actions. You will be able to better comprehend the emotions which drive people’s actions. This, in turn, makes it easier to have empathy and patience towards negative or aggressive behaviours. These are invaluable skills in any working environment, even if you end up going down the research route.
- Deal with conflicts head on
A background in forensic psychology can help you to better understand dangerous or negative human behaviors and the factors which influence them. The moment you recognize patterns with regards how people react to various situations, the emotional processes and what triggers various actions, you will be able to solve conflict as it arises. This is helpful in both a professional and personal capacity.
- The World is Your Oyster
When it comes to practicing forensic psychology as a profession, no matter what your chosen field, you will be compensated well. It’s not every profession where you can make a living doing the things you are passionate about. When you graduate with a qualification, and with the right work experience, you’ll be able to avail of job opportunities not just in Ireland but also in the whole world. You could end up in healthcare, journalism, academia, research or even tech and finance in a coaching capacity.
- Freedom and Flexibility
One major advantage of studying this field is that you can have flexibility and freedom in your career. You can pick the hours that suit your own lifestyle, you can travel if you wish, or open your own business. Psychology helps you to build a platform for your own personal development and growth, and you can build this around your own goals.
- Make a Real Difference in the World
Whether it’s helping school children who are suffering, giving solace to victims os a crime, or helping put a dangerous criminal behind bars, you’ll be working towards genuinely making the world a better place.
If this is an avenue you would like to explore, search www.Postgrad.ie for a list of related postgraduate courses now.
