Your future

Students start their career in Forensic Psychology at Maastricht University and then spread out all over the world.

On this digital map you can find out more about the career paths of some of our alumni

Open the world map

• Graduated: 2019
• First job after FP: Assistant forensic psychologist at the Dutch Institute for Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology (NIFP)
• Currently: Therapist at De Waag, an outpatient forensic clinic

"Ever since graduation, I have always felt like the master’s program provided the ideal launching platform for a career within forensic psychology. You get acquainted with research on anything from eyewitness testimony to risk assessment, learn to take a critical look at current practices, and develop practical skills during therapy labs and internships. I particularly appreciate being able to do so alongside students from all parts of the world, exchanging stories from our native countries and developing lasting friendships all the while. These experiences have helped me to become the forensic psychologist I am today and I am very thankful for that.” 

• Graduated: 2019

• First job after FP: Research assistant at Psychologische Hochschule Berlin (PHB)

• Current job: PhD candidate at Freie Universität Berlin and doctoral scholarship holder from the Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes, research assistant at PHB 

I still think very fondly of my time in the forensic psychology master’s program. Whilst the workload was certainly challenging, I gained invaluable knowledge that I still use and benefit from to this day. I specifically enjoyed the program’s balance between providing theoretical knowledge as well as opportunities for practical application and experiences. This equipped me with the necessary skills to continue growing both in- and outside of academia. Additionally, I am still inspired by the support of both fellow students and staff offered within the program. The master’s degree has opened many doors for me and I am incredibly grateful for these opportunities.

• Graduated: 2018
• First and current job after FP: Junior Teaching Fellow / Educational Officer at University College Maastricht (inter alia for courses in Psychology, Neuroscience, Philosophy of Science and Research Methods)
• Currently in the application process to work within the field of Child Protection Services and trauma-informed early preventive care as well as writing evidence-based children’s books on topics such as kindness and compassion.

“The master’s programme gave me a fantastic overview of a myriad of topics related to the field of forensic psychology. I especially appreciated the 2-year long programme for having substantial time for theoretical course load in the first year, which was fuelled by lectures from diverse mental health care and legal professionals, excursions to forensic institutes, as well as practicals in which we were challenged to apply our therapeutic knowledge and skills. Personally, I was especially fascinated by courses related to therapeutic interventions (Schema Therapy) and those dealing with young offenders and early preventive efforts. Subsequently, I was particularly font of the opportunity to complete a year-long internship abroad. During my time at the Child Behavior Research Clinic in Sydney, Australia I had the chance to combine both my research and clinical interests within the field of developmental psychology.

As I learn best in the interaction with others the combination of PBL-based education at UM and applied internships abroad enabled me best to find my personal, holistic stance within the field of psychology.

Overall, my time in Maastricht (where I have lived for almost 10 years) has been a turbulent mixture of diverse experiences: here I have been faced with substantial stress and pressure while also being enabled to grow through these hurdles, to be inspired and to find my inner peace. May you also be happy within this beautiful city that I have called home for such a long time.’

• Graduated: 2015
• First job after FP: Research Assistant, Provincial Health Services Authority
• Currently: PhD student in forensic psychology and law at Simon Fraser University

"I had a unique experience and look back fondly at my time in Maastricht. UM was pretty challenging, the course load was heavy and the work that was asked of us was high level. That being said, I loved my time there. Every course, every semester, I could see growth in my academic writing, my understanding of the international forensic landscape and what I wanted for my future in the field of forensic mental health. The module-based learning approach together with the tutorials of the Master in Forensic Psychology helped me with long-term retention of the material. I have noticed that I remember important names, research traditions or papers from our UM tutorials in classes now, which enables me to contribute in a more meaningful way in my current programme.

The doctoral programme at Simon Fraser University is a notoriously arduous one, but the structure and demands at UM have prepared me perfectly. Staff at UM were very supportive, they really rallied around our cohort and made us feel like our accomplishments were theirs as well. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable with connections worldwide. There was also a richness in real world experience; we visited a criminal proceeding in the international  criminal court of the Hague, we explored a TBS centre, I was able to review materials about a recent internment case, etc., etc. The list is very long! Through Dr. de Ruiter I got introduced to the International Association of Forensic Mental Health Services (www.iafmhs.org), an organisation I have been a student affiliate with since 2014 with 3 years (and counting) on the student board. At IAFMHS, I have made connections with peers that have led to collaborations and friendships that have lasted for a few years now. Once you are “in”, you are really in. I feel like the cohorts of the Master in Forensic Psychology form a little family, with lots of cross-cohort contact at conferences or our online group. You see people asking about articles, posting job offers, and helping each other get practicum placements across different cohorts. Dr. de Ruiter is like our den mother, she remains supportive of our trajectories way beyond our time in her programme. I have recommended the programme time and time again and will continue to do so."

• Graduated: 2016
• First job after FP: Therapist at the Dutch national suicide prevention centre (113 Suicide Prevention)
• Currently: still doing that part-time and part-time researcher in psychopathy at Florida State University.

"I look back on my time at UM with fond memories. Both my bachelor's programme Master in Forensic Psychology proved challenging and certainly gave me the proverbial 'run for my money'. Owing to the Problem-based Learning system, I learned the value of critical thinking and collaborative discussions. It taught me to never accept anything as fact until someone can convincingly make a case in its favor. The Master in Forensic Psychology also gave me the opportunity to work together with like-minded and ambitious students, many of which I now still regard as some of the brightest people I've ever had the pleasure of calling my peers."

• Graduated: 2016
• Currently: obtaining my Doctorate in clinical psychology at Queens University Belfast with a specialist placement in forensic psychology

"I look back at my years in the Master in Forensic Psychology at Maastricht University with so much fondness, and truly believe it is one of the best experiences I have had, both in terms of what I learned, the experiences I accrued and the friendships I formed while I was there. The Master in Forensic Psychology was challenging and I had to work hard, but it was very invigorating as I thrived in the stimulating environment with classmates and staff that always kept discussions about forensic psychological issues going. We were taught by some of the best forensic psychologists in the field, who challenged our thinking and also supported us to reach our potentials. I really learned the value of critical thinking and the importance of continuing to update our knowledge of the field. The Master in Forensic Psychology at UM is exactly how I think an excellent course should be. I am certain that this Master made it possible for me to get accepted into the doctoral program in clinical psychology at Queens University Belfast, and the experiences I gained through this course made it possible for me to specialise my placement and dissertation in forensic psychology."

• Graduated: 2014
• First job after FP: Human Services Coordinator, South Carolina, Department of Mental Health, Sexually Violent Predator Treatment programme
• Currently: PhD Candidate in Psychology at Lancaster University

"I fondly look back at my time in the Master in Forensic Psychology, and now I only wish it had lasted longer!  It was a big decision to study abroad, especially a discipline as impactful and sensitive as forensic psychology. One of the first questions I asked myself is: Will my practitioner credentials be transferable to the USA? In the end, I chose not to let this affect my decision to attend, as forensic psychology is a rapidly b udding field and consequently, I perceived the scientific rigor, expertise of professors, and training opportunities offered to be more important to my professional development than having absolute certainty of a career path in my home country. The courses on ethics, sex offenders, young offenders, and the therapy skills labs were most beneficial to my continued success as a clinician and researcher. Understanding theoretical underpinnings, historical and cultural context, and answering the "why?" question (i.e., ethical/legal considerations, why people offend, why use a certain therapy) is greatly emphasized in this program. In the end, attending was an invaluable experience and the right decision for me, as it opened doors to clinical opportunities at home and research opportunities all over the world."

• Forensic Psychology Graduate 2012.

• First job after FP: Treatment coordinator in De Vaart (secure residential youth care institution of Horizon Youth Care and Education).

• Currently: Consultant at JSO, Gouda and PhD student at University of Amsterdam (“Repression in residential youth care institutions”).

"During my bachelor’s program, I seriously considered quitting and studying Criminology instead. However, I heard the Master’s programme in Forensic Psychology was about to start and luckily I got into the programme. Because it is a two-year programme, I felt well prepared when I started my clinical and research internship at the forensic psychiatric institution De Rooyse Wissel in Venray in 2011. The most important thing I learned was to always use evidence-based instruments next to your clinical experience, and always try to work with colleagues to share your ideas and learn from each other."

• Fast facts: Forensic Psychology Graduate 2016.
• First job after FP: Lead Psychologist at the Ministry of Emergency Control of Russia.
• Currently: PhD student, Department of Psychiatry, the University of Oxford, Oxford, UK

"The Master's programme gave me a lot in terms of knowledge and skills. The professors and tutors inspired us, the students, to think critically and systematically. The most important thing that I learned there is how to evaluate scientific evidence and apply it to practical matters at hand. I learned to base my professional decisions on evidence and to communicate them to non-psychologists.

This programme is known by many lead academics and practitioners in the field, so it really boosts your employability and gives you the tools to further advance your career.

P.S. And you will make a lot of friends."

During my Master's training, I completed an internship at the Child Development Institute (Toronto, Canada), a mental health agency mainly for young children with behavioral difficulties. For that reason, my first work position after graduation, which took place in my home country (Macao S.A.R.), was a Project Coordinator in a social service institution for children with developmental disorders and behavioral difficulties. After two years of practicing in the field, I decided to change my job, and worked at the Faculty of Education, University of Macau, as a researcher and project manager, which allows me to utilize all the research knowledge and experiences that I have gained during my Master's training. Indeed, the most precious thing I found in the Master's programme was that it really gives you opportunities to get familiar with both practical experiences and academic research, and to create the linkage between the two in order to make research outputs more valuable. I genuinely enjoyed my study in Maastricht!

• Graduated: 2019
• First job after FP: Senior Content Analyst - Hotline.ie
• Current job: Assistant Psychologist

Unfortunately, in Ireland there are limited opportunities when it comes to pursuing further education in forensic psychology. Yet, across mainland Europe Maastricht stood out as a perfect blend of intensive education, independent learning, and extensive connections to some of the most respected institutions, researchers, and universities across the world. Without question, I have very fond memories, particularly the friends I made, the different blends of cultures in our cohort, and the wonderful mentors and researchers I was fortunate enough to work alongside. I could not recommend the programme more to anybody hoping to begin a career in forensic psychology.

• Current position: PhD student and part time associate lecturer at the university of Central Lancashire.

The beauty of the Master in Forensic Psychology at Maastricht University was threefold. First, it facilitates the practice and finetuning a fundamental research skill – independent work with academic sources aimed at a succinct synthesis of their main arguments. Second, the wide range of courses addressing topics from cognitive biases to therapy skills allows to familiarise oneself with fundamental concepts from a variety of domains within psychology and consequently find a genuine interest in one of them. Lastly, in addition to theory the programme includes a number of workshops that teach highly sought-after skills and provides an opportunity for internships.

Consequently, my experience at Maastricht was amazing from every perspective. In terms of future career, it prepared me for both academia and clinical positions and helped to establish high work ethics. Meanwhile, in terms of social life it was the time to meet new people from arounds the globe and learn about different cultures.  Importantly, studying at the Forensic Psychology programme also allows to you to observe how your skills in different areas improve with every new class.

• Graduated: 2017
• Currently: Articling student at the Ministry of the Attorney General, Crown Attorney’s office in Ottawa (Criminal Prosecution); Completing my J.D./L.L.B. and becoming licensed as a lawyer.

The FP programme was challenging, but it was an amazing experience that allowed me to push my own limits. I met amazing peers that went on to have outstanding careers. I was also introduced to a very invested faculty of academics and practitioners who provided invaluable support throughout the programme and beyond. The first year of the FP was taught through Problem-Based Learning and sourced from up-to-date research that gave us a very thorough academic understanding of the forensic field. In the second year of the FP, our academic knowledge was complemented by a research and clinical internship that crystallized our learnings through practice. In the course of my internships, I had the opportunity to work closely with talented attorneys and this exposure lead me to law school. As of 2021, I have graduated with a JD and am continuing my career in criminal law, where my forensic experience is praised and gives me great insight into my work.

Although the masters was challenging, the engaging content, camaraderie within my cohort, and support from faculty mentors, helped me gain academic proficiency and enjoy the experience. The clinical and research skills I developed during my internship year, and the knowledge from my first-year courses, helped me move to India and work in the underserved field of forensic psychology. My job consisted of clinically assessing incarcerated men on death row, many of whom experienced mental health difficulties ignored by the criminal justice system. Applying all I learned, within the culture of my home country, was a challenging and rewarding experience.

• First job after obtaining the master's degree: Research and clinical associate for the Mental Health and Criminal Justice team at Project 39A, National Law University, Delhi. 
• Current job: Doctoral student in Clinical-Community Psychology at Georgia State University (GSU), and Presidential Fellow at the Transcultural Violence Initiative at GSU.

• Graduated: 2019
• First and current job after FP: Research Associate at the University of Central Lancashire, UK for the QR-GCRF funded project assessing personal responses of the Sri Lankan Military first responders, post exposure to crisis situations including the COVID-19 global pandemic. Visiting Lecturer at multiple state and private universities for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in psychology. Consultant at the Psychosocial Division, National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), Sri Lanka.

The FP master programme to me was like a walk in the park, but it was a theme park with adventure rides. It was overwhelming at times but nevertheless rewarding. The self-learning and holistic approach of the science practitioner model in the FP programme truly prepared me for the real-world workforce. This FP programme taught me how to navigate the stress, workload, and work-life balance awaiting my post-graduate career growth.

First job after FP: Assistant Psychologist within the NHS, England.
Currently: Doctorate Clinical Psychology Trainee at the University of Hertfordshire, England.

The Forensic Master was an incredible experience and not only formed my unique knowledge of offending populations, but also gave me a crucial understanding into the coalescence between international law, mental health, and forensic psychology. I was supported and encouraged throughout the program to network globally, and the masters equipped me with the confidence and skill to complete my internship at a high secure psychiatric hospital in England. 

The international makeup of my cohort also fine-tuned my ability to holding in mind different cultural aspects of human nature and methods to collaborate compassionately to achieve a common goal. While the course was immensely challenging and not for the faint of heart, I would not hesitate in recommending it to those who wish to pursue this specialty and transform their prospects to open doors both within their country of origin and internationally.