Am I too old to become a psychologist?

[G3ntlemanJ]

I'm fascinated by forensic psychology and I would love to qualify to work in this field, but I'm 39.

I have a degree in Law so hopefully I could do a psychology conversion course.

Is this a pie in the sky idea or could this be a reality?

Any and all advice/experience welcomed!

TIA.

Definitely not too old and there is a shortage of forensic psychologists in the U.K. I don’t think university admissions people would discriminate against you based on age as, if anything, it would be an advantage, as you would be a better psychologist with more life experience. I applied to do the clinical psychology Masters at a London university as an older adult and the admissions person who interviewed me didn’t think it was an issue.

The issue is really one of resources. All professional practice psychology post grad courses are very competitive - expect to have a few years relevant experience and maybe spend at least a couple more years after that to gain a place on a doctoral course.
I'm a chartered psychologist but not in forensics. I think there is an "on the job" doctoral route for assistant forensic psychologists working in the field who have a masters( prison service for example) and a doctoral training route.
Have a look at the BPS website for details of training routes. The doctoral training universities will let you know how competitive their courses are at the moment.
careers.bps.org.uk/area/forensic/how-do-i-become-one

I wouldn't have thought so. The state expects you to work for another thirty years. Take a wild over estimation of ten years study/placements, you would still have at least twenty years left. Then factor in the niggling feeling of regret if you don't at least try. And finally, it is a fascinating and still developing field.

Why every not?

My uncle was a psychologist and later on a lecturer and he said that they preferred older students who had some life experience.

@PixellatedPixie any shortage is probably directly linked to a shortage of funded training places. Relatively easy to get a job when you're qualified but not so easy to get qualified. And subsequent workload can therefore be an issue.

In your position, I'd start collecting experience now. Can you shadow a forensic in your current role? Apply to a university for your GBR conversion course that runs postgraduate professional training and make use of that university's career services, join open lectures, tailor your MSc research etc.
Follow the forensic training courses on Twitter and take a look at anything they share. Check out MOOCs on offer. By the time you get an interview you want to be able to show that you know what they do and what they want. Good luck

Thank you so much everyone, great input.

I'm currently a freelance copywriter so nothing I can gain experience from here!

I'll read into it more deeply and work out what my options might be.