Dakshina shares how MSc Applied Forensic Psychology with Placement at Bath delivered both the academic and practical experience she was looking for and prepared her for her role working in the NHS.

She talks about how the hands-on experience, expert-led teaching, and assessment subjects prepared her for the career pathway she had always aspired to - giving her both the confidence and the practical skills to transition seamlessly into professional practice.

I always knew I wanted to be a forensic psychologist

I completed my undergraduate studies in psychology at the University of Delhi, India. From early on, I knew I wanted to become a forensic psychologist, but the question was where.

The course I wanted to study wasn’t available in India, so I had to look abroad. By chance, I came across MSc Applied Forensic Psychology at Bath, which had just launched.

The combination of a placement and the counselling component stood out to me - these elements are less common but crucial in my opinion. They provide an edge in a highly competitive job market, ensuring strong practical experience alongside academic learning.

With the university’s strong rankings and the appeal of Bath itself, my decision was quite easy to make.

I researched scholarships, applied for, and was successful in two - one academic and one for leadership. This funding really helped me, and I arrived in the UK feeling ready to immerse myself in the course.

A placement that changed everything

I was drawn to the course due to the fantastic year-long placement opportunity.

Being so new to the system, I had no idea what would best suit me and my future career. My course director made a few suggestions based on some of my interests and the past experience that I had shared.

Another part of the jigsaw that really helped was approaching a lecturer after class one day. As it turned out, he was the clinical lead of the offender personality disorder community service. He liked the initiative I had taken and liked my participation in class. This, along with my course director's suggestion for this placement, paved the way for my work experience in the service.

I could do most of my work remotely, focusing on research into service improvements. I loved taking the initiative, and my contributions were recognised. By the end of the placement, they encouraged me to apply for a trainee role with them after graduation.

Having this placement experience was invaluable. Many employers require at least 12 months of experience, so this opportunity gave me just what I needed to feel more confident about my career.

Learning from experts in the field

One of the most powerful aspects of the course was the diversity of guest lecturers.

Experts from various areas of forensic psychology - women’s services, young offenders, sexual offenders, and personality disorders - delivered talks that gave us a real-world perspective. These lectures provided a broad view of the field and helped me understand what to expect in different forensic psychology careers.

We also took part in role-playing exercises, a challenging but valuable part of our training. At first, it’s daunting to perform in front of experienced psychologists, but these sessions sharpened our ability to think on our feet, listen effectively, and analyse complex situations. Receiving feedback in this space helped me grow professionally and become more confident in my skills.

Assessments with purpose

Our assessments had clear real-world application which is a great strength of this particular course structure. One of the most challenging yet rewarding assignments was writing court reports. The structure and clarity required were vastly different from essay writing, but these exercises prepared us for forensic work in the field.

Another key skill we developed was writing concisely; brevity does not come naturally to me! In forensic psychology, the ability to convey complex information clearly and succinctly is crucial. We learned how to make an impact in under 300 words - a skill that has been invaluable in my professional life.

Life beyond academia

Whilst I really focused hard on my course and put my social life very much second place, my cohort was particularly good at organising social activities, and I joined a few societies. I swam at the University’s Sports Training Village, which was great for both mental and physical well-being.

To support myself, I worked part-time at a restaurant in the city. It was a busy job, but it helped me save up to travel and explore Europe.

Coming from a bustling city like Delhi, Bath itself was a quieter and more ideal place to study; the relaxing and green surroundings were good for keeping me focused on my studies. Walking up the hill to campus each morning became part of my daily routine - it was steep but energising, and the stunning views made it worth it.

The lasting impact of the course

The placement experience was instrumental in helping me understand the structural systems within forensic psychology. The course strengthened my research skills, which are foundational for any career in the field. Bath is particularly well known for its research focus as an institution and as statistical analysis was a key part of our training this gives you a lot of confidence.

Now, I’ve moved to Bristol and work for an NHS trust working with a secure forensic mental health service. My work involves assessing and managing risk in individuals with complex psychological needs.

A professional in training

This might sound obvious, but my biggest piece of advice is to take your master’s seriously! It’s such a unique and valuable experience. It’s a time to refine your expertise and gain confidence in your abilities. At this level, you’re more than just a student - you’re a professional in training.

Be the person who asks questions, stays curious, and makes the most of every opportunity. It’s this mindset that will set you apart in the field of forensic psychology.