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If I study Criminology and Psychology at University, what careers are there within the UK Prison Service?

• Hey :) I'm currently researching careers/university courses and was wondering what careers are available within the UK prison service if I study Criminology and Psychology at university. I know it's a long way to look into the future as I am only 16 and currently awaiting my GCSE results, however doing a job related to Criminology and/or Psychology is definitely what I want to do. The courses I'm (hoping!) to study at college (these are pending on the GCSE results I get on thursday) are: AS Level Biology AS Level Law AS Level Psychology AS Level English Literature AS Level Drama and Theatre Studies. I also have a C in AS Level Critical Thinking already, if that helps. And the extra AS level was offered to me due to predicted grades, so I took the opportunity :) I'm trying to look, but most websites only bring up current job offers, none of which really explain to me what careers choices are out there. Thanks in advance for your help! :) - Lorna :)

• Answer:

  Hi- I think you're doing too many AS levels and this will jeopardise your chances of high grades. Unis only want 3 good A levels and having done a 4th AS is also good but 5 is totally unnecessary.( I advise students as part of my job so I know this to be true) After Uni you can specialise in a branch of psychology that would allow you to work with people eg clinical psychology or forensic psychology.Your degree would need to have BPS accreditation though for you to do this- the UCAS website gives details of courses and whether they are accredited. Forensic psychologists work with prisoners on rehabilitation programmes eg anger management. You will not get a specialised job in the prison service without doing a post graduate qualification in a branch of psychology. Check out the British Psychology Society website for details on careers. Of course if you don't want to specialise in psychology you can work for the prison service in a different capacity with either A levels or a degree.You could contact them directly about this.