What does a criminologist do?
A criminologist is responsible for analysing crimes and coming up with ways to stop them happening in future. The field of criminology is relatively new, having been developed throughout the 19th and 20th centuries as an extension of sociology.
A criminologist’s role is to understand what offenders do and why they do it, using both reactive and preventative approaches. Criminology as a field offers many different job opportunities, from research roles to becoming a policy adviser for the police. It may also involve crime scene investigation or social work, such as rehabilitating criminals and helping to reintegrate them with society.
With so many avenues available, a criminologist career suits a range of applicants. You may wish to apply your data analytics skills to research, or you may have strong people skills that lend themselves to social work. Whatever your talents, criminology is a worthy and rewarding career that makes a marked impact on society.
What qualifications do you need to become a criminologist?
You can progress through a career in criminology by starting with a graduate training scheme or through professional qualifications. Generally, senior roles in criminology require a degree in fields such as criminology, criminal justice and psychology, law, or sociology.
However, you can build up your skill set with a CACHE approved qualification. Many of these are Level 3 A Level equivalents and offer specific skill sets relative to the job you’d like to pursue. For example, you might consider an A-Level Law home study course, or something more niche such as a Crime Scene Investigation Level 3.
If you already have a degree in a relevant field such as sociology or criminology, you could also apply for a postgraduate course. Wherever possible, you should try to build up your work experience alongside your studies, such as volunteering. This may help to fill any gaps in a CV where a university degree is missing.
At Oxbridge, we can help you to build up your qualifications from English and Maths through to A-Levels and Advanced Diplomas.
What personality do you need to be a criminologist?
As criminology offers so many job opportunities, the ‘soft skills’ you need will vary. For example, if yours is a research role, you will need to be analytical, shrewd and inquisitive. If you’re going into a teaching role, such as a university lecturer, you should be confident, articulate and empathetic.
Social roles require patience, courage and a thick skin. In a criminology career, you may be placed into uncomfortable situations, whether that’s visiting a crime scene or speaking with offenders. This takes strength and professionalism, while you may also have to be sensitive to those going through rehabilitation.
What personality do you need to be a criminologist?
As criminology offers so many job opportunities, the ‘soft skills’ you need will vary. For example, if yours is a research role, you will need to be analytical, shrewd and inquisitive. If you’re going into a teaching role, such as a university lecturer, you should be confident, articulate and empathetic.
Social roles require patience, courage and a thick skin. In a criminology career, you may be placed into uncomfortable situations, whether that’s visiting a crime scene or speaking with offenders. This takes strength and professionalism, while you may also have to be sensitive to those going through rehabilitation.
What are the benefits of becoming a criminologist?
Working in criminology is immensely rewarding. Your contributions can help to prevent crimes and reintegrate those who have lost touch with society. You may also be able to advise the police and help them to keep more people safe.
Criminologist work may involve solving crimes, helping to bring families to justice. It is an extremely varied role and allows you to apply your critical thinking skills, as well as give something back to the community.
Criminology allows you to build both your personal skills and academic knowledge. You’ll gain insights into the work of the police, forensic science, and human psychology. The skills you build may vary depending on the role you choose long-term, but you can always be assured you’re making a difference.
How much does a criminologist make?
A criminologist can make significantly more than the UK average salary, depending on the role and level of experience. As a starting salary, you should expect an entry level wage of around £23,000. This can increase significantly up to £36,000 as you progress.
How much does a criminologist earn?
£36000,000
experienced
£31000,000
established
£23000,000
beginner/apprentice
What are the career opportunities for criminology?
Criminology offers a huge range of career opportunities. With the right qualifications, you can build your skill set and work experience in many fields, from crime scene investigation to social work.
Crime scene investigator
As a crime scene investigator, your role is to protect a crime scene and collect evidence. You’ll need strong analytical skills, which are essential to help solve crimes.
Data scientist
While not always directly linked with crimes, a data scientist role is ideal for those with a keen eye for finding trends and patterns. These are transferable skills, which can be applied to a range of industries.
Forensic scientist
A forensic scientist role will involve lab work that helps to analyse evidence and solve crimes. This offers fantastic learning opportunities and is hugely rewarding, as it can help families to find justice.
Policy officer
A policy officer can identify and monitor policy issues, such as advising police on how to deal with offenders. This will require a mixture of both analytical and ‘soft’ skills such as empathy, helping to look after the most vulnerable in society.
Researcher
A criminologist or social researcher can help to prevent crimes by identifying patterns. They may be required to speak to offenders directly or analyse data, which can then be used to help with police work.
Solicitor
Qualifications in criminology may help to advance a legal career, starting off as a paralegal before moving into certain areas of law, such as criminal defence.
Social worker
Some roles in criminology will deal with reintegrating offenders back into society. You may also work with victims’ families, or even those close to the offender, to protect and help them move on with their lives. This is a hugely rewarding role ideal for somebody with a thick skin and empathetic nature.
University lecturer
As a university lecturer in criminology, your day-to-day role could vary enormously. You could be teaching students on anything from criminal behaviour to forensic analysis.
Start your career in criminology with courses from Oxbridge
If you’re interested in entering into the varied, exciting world of criminology, take the first step with Oxbridge. We offer a vast selection of courses from Criminology to Forensic Psychology, averaging six months of study on your own terms.