what can you do with a criminology degree?

What can you do with a criminology degree?

29th July 2024

Are you interested in the subject of criminology? Do topics such as criminal justice and criminal psychology grab your attention? Then perhaps an undergraduate criminology course is for you. But what can you do with a criminology degree once you graduate?

Find out more about these eight jobs you can do with a criminology degree:

  1. Police officer
  2. Police detective
  3. Crime scene investigator / technician
  4. Probation officer
  5. Prison / corrections officer
  6. Victim liaison officer
  7. Criminal intelligence analyst
  8. Criminologist

But first…

What is criminology?

Criminology is the study of crime. It looks at crime from various perspectives including crime prevention, criminal justice, criminal psychology, effects of crime on victims and society, and rehabilitation.

What do you learn on a criminology degree?

On a criminology degree course, students can expect to explore the causes of crime and the effectiveness of punishment, using critical thinking skills to apply it to real-life world and in the context of societal issues.

The topics explored in our online criminology degree include:

  • Criminology contemporary issues
  • Evolution of crime and criminology
  • Criminal justice
  • Policing
  • Cybercrime
  • Violence, gender and victimisation
  • Trafficking and exploitation
  • Youth crime
  • Punishment and rehabilitation
  • Counter terrorism
  • Organised crime
  • Criminal behaviour and investigative psychology

Skills graduates gain from a criminology degree

Furthermore, criminology graduates will gain valuable transferable skills such as:

  • critical thinking and critical analysis
  • problem solving
  • ability to argue and present a case
  • communication skills
  • research skills

What jobs can graduates do with a criminology degree?

Studying a BA in criminology opens many career opportunities. Graduates can consider work with employers within civil service, criminal justice, probation and prison services, youth offending, social/community work, policing and crime prevention. Here are eight jobs criminology graduates could consider:

1.     Police officer

Police officers uphold the law by keeping order, preventing crime, and investigating crimes. A criminology degree provides future police officers with the understanding of crime and criminal psychology. With a BA in criminology, it’s possible to progress onto a Police Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP) or National Graduate Leadership Programme to become a police officer.

More information on how to become a police officer from gov.uk

2. Police detective

Like police officers, the police detective investigates crime. One of the differences is that police detectives investigate more serious or sensitive crimes. Again, there are various routes to becoming a police detective. For those who graduate with criminology degree, they can move onto the Police Detective DHEP.

Here’s more information on what it’s like to be a detective.

3. Crime scene investigator / technician

Crime scene investigators / technicians collect forensic evidence from a crime scene, as well as preserve crime scenes. They may need to provide evidence in court. They work within a wider team, working closely with detectives and forensic scientists to aid investigations and help secure a conviction. Crime scene investigators can apply directly to a job but having a degree in criminology or psychology can be advantageous.

More information on how to become a crime scene investigator from gov.uk

4. Probation officer

A probation officer supervises offenders serving community or prison sentences. Part of their work includes rehabilitation such as supporting ex-offenders to integrate back into society. Typically, this can include accessing rehabilitation programmes and making sure they attend, and help them get work, housing, medical treatment etc. One route to become a probation officer is through a university degree such as criminology, sociology or psychology and then complete PQiP – the Professional Qualification in Probation.

5. Prison officer

Prison officers supervise offenders in prisons and remand centres. They ensure the safety and welfare of prisoners and staff who work there. You don’t need a degree to become a prison officer, you can apply directly or go through an apprenticeship programme. However, criminology graduates that are pursuing a job as a prison officer benefit from a better understanding of criminology including criminal behaviour and criminal justice.

More information on how to become a prison officer from gov.uk

6. Victim liaison officer

As a victim support officer, you would work closely with those directly affected by crime. The job role includes tasks such as providing emotional and practical support throughout investigations and legal proceedings. Again, whilst a victim liaison officer doesn’t necessarily need a degree, a criminology degree provides the necessary understanding of how crime affects society and the criminal justice system to better serve their clients.

7. Criminal intelligence analyst

A criminal intelligence analyst analyses data to help prevent crime, profiling, monitoring behaviour and contribute to investigations. Their area of expertise lies in research and analysis.  They work with police to help inform them of patterns of criminal behaviour. They may provide advice on crime prevention initiatives. They may provide testimony in court. There are various routes to this career choice and the university route is one popular option. A criminology degree provides future intelligence officers with a better understanding of crime, policing, and criminal behaviour.

Find out more about being a criminal intelligence officer

8. Criminologist

Like the intelligence officer, the criminologist’s skills lie in research and analysis of why offenders commit crime, and work with various agencies to inform policy and initiatives. Their work influences areas of criminal justice, correction, rehabilitation, crime prevention and teaching. A BA in criminology provides an overview and understanding of all these topics. With research a prominent part of the job, there are progression opportunities into senior policy adviser roles or specialist researchers and postgraduate or doctorate level education can help advance candidates.

More about criminologist job role

Who is suited to a criminology degree?

Whether you have just finished your A Levels and are looking at undergraduate degree options, or you are already working and looking to switch your profession, a degree in criminology offers an exciting career pathway. It explores fascinating topics around crime and an online criminology degree is a great option for those who want flexibility to study around their other commitments.