A criminology degree can open the door to a bunch of amazing career opportunities. Careers in criminology combine academic knowledge with practical application.

Criminology is the study of crime, criminal behavior, and societal responses to crime. It gives graduates critical thinking, research, and analytical skills.

There is a myth that people with a criminology degree can only work in the criminal justice system, but that’s not true at all! This is why we’ve put this article together to explore various careers in criminology, along with the qualifications, responsibilities, and growth potential that go with each.

1. Lawyer

A criminology degree can prepare you for a career as a lawyer in the UK, as you’ll have a background in both law and criminology.  This degree provides a lot of knowledge regarding the criminal justice system, along with other transferable skills.

If you want to become a lawyer with a criminology degree, you can get an LLB law degree with a criminology, it is a degree program that prepares students for careers in the criminal justice system or legal systems.

Understanding the sociological aspect of crime will help you as a lawyer in their pursuit of justice. A degree in criminology would help you to interview witnesses, present evidence in court, and negotiate with criminals.

2. Social Services

Community and social workers in the UK help people and communities improve their quality of life. They do this by addressing local issues.

Community workers collaborate closely with people, families, and groups to create plans that look after the people’s needs in areas like housing, health, and employment.

There are two different paths you can take if you want to work in social work with a criminology degree.

a.Social worker

Social workers address social issues that contribute to crime, supporting individuals and families in need. A criminology degree can be very helpful, though a social work qualification is typically required.

b. Youth Worker

If you want to have a career in criminology as a youth worker, you’re responsibilities will include supporting at-risk young people to prevent involvement in crime and promote positive outcomes.

You might need some additional training in youth or social services, other than that a criminology degree is perfect for this career path.

3. Criminologist

This one might seem like an obvious option, but it needs to be discussed if we are talking about careers in criminology. Criminologists can work in many different roles, including the police, law enforcement, the justice system, correctional facilities, probation services, or local or national government

Entry-level criminologists in the UK can expect to earn around £23,000 per year which can increase to around £36,000 per year.

4. Policy and Consultancy

Criminology graduates can also work in roles in consultancy or in government, influencing crime prevention and justice policies. There are many different careers in criminology in consultancy that you can pursue, such as;

a. Crime Analyst

Crime analysts use data to identify patterns and help law enforcement allocate resources effectively. To be a crime analyst, you’ll need a criminology degree with training in data analysis. This job will include analyzing crime trends, creating reports, and supporting strategic decisions.

b.Policy Advisor

Policy advisors work on making laws and strategies to reduce crime and improve justice systems. A career as a policy advisor will include researching issues, drafting proposals, and consulting with stakeholders.

If you do well in this role there is a high chance of getting senior roles in government or consultancy firms.

5. Forensic psychologist

You can’t discuss careers in criminology without discussing forensic psychologists. Forensic psychologists interview suspects and convicted criminals in order to understand the reasons behind their behaviors. Along with this, they are also responsible for determining the motive, and whether or not a suspect is mentally fit to stand trial. The estimated salary is reported to be £40,000 to £43,100 per year.

A criminology degree would be super helpful to forensic psychologists helping them interact with criminals and suspects more effectively.

6.  Research and Academia

If you are looking for a career in criminology that explores the theoretical aspects of criminology, then academia is the place for you.

You can be a lecturer or a professor. You’ll need a master’s or doctoral degree in criminology or a related discipline if you want to go down the teaching route. Your responsibilities will include the usual, delivering lectures, supervising student research, and contributing to academic publications.

If you want to be in the academic field but you don’t particularly want to teach then you can explore other options such as;

a. Criminology Researcher

Criminology researchers study crime trends, prevention strategies, and criminal justice policies. You’ll need a postgraduate degree in criminology or a related field. If you’re interested in this field you can opt for various options of employment, such as positions in universities, think tanks, or government research agencies

Your Responsibilities will include conducting studies, publishing findings, and advising policymakers.

Who employs Criminology graduates?

Careers in criminology are super diverse with employers that you would not expect!

So let’s round it up by discussing which employers are always on the lookout for individuals with a criminology degree.

Examples of employers looking for graduates with Criminology skills:

• National Crime Agency
• Local government
• Social work
• HM Revenue and Customs
• UK police force
• HM Prison & Probation Service
• MI5
• Charities working with offenders or victims of crimes

Conclusion

A career in criminology offers many opportunities across public, private, and academic sectors. Whether you’re passionate about law enforcement, rehabilitation, research, or policymaking, this degree equips you with the skills and knowledge to have a career in criminology and have a meaningful impact.  By getting additional qualifications and gaining practical experience, you can unlock fulfilling and diverse career paths in the dynamic field of criminology. For more information, contact Enrollmate, today!