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:
- Police officer
- Police detective
- Crime scene investigator / technician
- Probation officer
- Prison / corrections officer
- Victim liaison officer
- Criminal intelligence analyst
- Criminologist
But first…
What is criminology?
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?
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
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
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