Criminologist
Criminologists look at the reasons why people commit crimes and find ways to reduce re-offending.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a criminologist, 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 court sentences
- speak to offenders and ex-offenders in prisons and probation services
- attend conferences and present research findings
- teach students at college or university
Working 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 and 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.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of sociology and anthropology for understanding society and culture
- analytical thinking skills
- excellent written communication skills
- maths knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to understand people’s reactions
- excellent verbal communication skills
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks
- pass security checks
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a graduate training scheme
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's 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.
Your university careers service can help you find opportunities.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
More Information
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 higher, in criminology or social sciences, to apply.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the British Society of Criminology for professional development, networking opportunities, latest news and events.
Further information
You can find out more about working in crime and justice from GOV.UK.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.