Criminologist

Job Description:

Criminologists look at the reasons why people commit crimes and find ways to reduce re-offending.

Job Category:

Government & Public Services

See Government & Public Services jobs

What you will do:

In this role you could:

research the reasons why people commit crime
advise policy makers in the justice and policing systems
analyse data from surveys and intelligence to spot trends
work on crime reduction and rehabilitation programmes
recommend ways to improve the effectiveness of punishments
visit prisons and probation services to speak to offenders and ex-offenders
attend conferences and present research findings
teach students at college or university

Skills:

You’ll need:

knowledge of sociology and anthropology for understanding society and culture
knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
maths knowledge
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

As well as:

excellent written communication skills
analytical thinking skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to understand people’s reactions
persistence and determination (drive)
adaptable

Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a graduate training scheme

University
You can do a degree in:

criminology
criminal justice and psychology
sociology
youth justice
law and criminology

You can also do a postgraduate qualification in criminology. Most degree subjects are accepted as entry but relevant work experience can also be taken into account.

It is useful to get experience through internships, volunteering and work placements during your studies. For example, you could work with adults or young people affected by the criminal justice system, or people who are the victims of crime. This can help you explore the options for future research or criminology specialisms.

Other Routes
In the UK, for example, you could apply for a place on the Government Social Research Fast Stream programme to work in the Civil Service.

You’ll need an upper second-class degree or better, in criminology or social sciences, to apply.

You’ll also need to:

pass enhanced background checks
pass security checks

Working Hours and Environment:

You could work in an office, in a prison or visit sites.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding and you may spend nights away from home.

Career Path & Progression:

You could become a senior policy adviser on crime and crime reduction with local or national government, the police or the probation service.

You could also work as a specialist researcher in particular offences, for example online abuse, organised crime or youth offending.

You could have an academic career in a university and become a professor of criminology.

With further training, you might move into social or probation work, a career in law or join the security services.