Criminology is the study of crime and criminals. It’s fascinating! You learn why people do bad things. You also learn how crime hurts everyone. And you find out ways to stop it. A criminology degree helps you understand the police, courts, and jails. You also learn why people break the rules. This can lead to many jobs. You could work in law enforcement. You could help make new laws. Or you could help people who did bad things get better. You could even work in secret intelligence!
Jobs Where You Can Use Criminology Directly
Criminologist/Lecturer
Criminologists are like detectives for the whole country. They study information about crimes. Then, they use what they find to help the government make better laws and rules. It’s a cool job! But to do it, you usually need to go to school for a bit longer after your first degree.
Police Officer
If you want to be a police officer, your criminology degree will help you get the job! You understand why people do bad things. This will make you a better officer. You can apply to be a police officer right away. Or, look for special programs just for people with degrees.
Scene of Crime Officer
Do you like those TV shows where they solve mysteries at crime scenes? Then this job might be perfect for you! Scene of crime officers go to where the crime happened. They look for clues and help the police figure out who did it. Your criminology degree will teach you what to look for and how to understand it.
Probation Officer
A probation officer helps people who’ve broken the law. They make sure these people follow rules and stay out of trouble. The officer checks in with them, and helps them find jobs or housing. Also, connects them to support programs. They want to help them become better citizens.
Border Force Officer/Prison Officer
These jobs keep our country safe. They’re very important! Border Force officers protect our borders. They make sure only the right people come in. Prison officers work inside jails. They watch over the people there. They also help them get better. A criminology degree is helpful for these jobs. It helps you understand these complex roles. You’ll also learn about the people you’ll work with.
Read more on other career choices: https://www.futurelearn.com/info/blog/10-jobs-you-can-do-with-a-criminology-degree
Central & Local Government
The government needs people with brains and a passion for justice, and that’s where you come in! They have many jobs. They analyze crime data and develop new policies. Some graduate programs, like the Civil Service Fast Stream, can speed up your civil service career.
Intelligence Services
Have you ever wanted to be a secret agent? These are the real groups that keep our country safe from bad guys. They need smart people, who can figure things out, solve problems, and think fast. Studying criminology will help you learn all those things!
Jobs Where Criminology Gives You an Edge
Social Worker/Community Worker/Youth Worker
These jobs are all about helping people who are facing challenges in their lives. You might be working with families, young people, or entire communities. A criminology degree helps you understand why people struggle. This will help you support them effectively. Some roles may need more qualifications. But, your degree is a great starting point.
Counsellor/Psychologist
These roles involve helping people who are struggling with their mental health. If you’re keen on criminal behaviour, consider forensic or prison psychology. You need more training to be a qualified counsellor or psychologist. But, your criminology degree gives a solid foundation.
Other Jobs You Can Do
A criminology degree isn’t just about specific criminology jobs. It also gives you many transferable skills that employers value. These include:
- Analyzing information and solving problems
- Communicating clearly both in writing and verbally
- Thinking critically and evaluating different perspectives
- Conducting research and gathering evidence
With these skills, you could work in business, marketing, media, IT, and more. The possibilities are endless!
The Bottom Line
With this degree, you have choices. This degree opens up many career paths. A career in law enforcement is one option. Another is helping people who have made mistakes get back on track. You could also be involved in shaping policies and creating new rules. For those seeking excitement, there’s even the possibility of undercover work! In addition to these career options, you’ll gain valuable skills. Research skills will help you find and evaluate information. Analytical skills will enable you to think critically and solve problems. And you’ll learn how to talk to people well.
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