Criminologist

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.

Your university careers service can help you find opportunities.

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

OtherRoutes

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.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• knowledge of sociology and anthropology for understanding society and culture
• excellent written communication skills
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• analytical thinking skills
• maths knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• persistence and determination
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of English language
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• active listening skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• an interest and knowledge of history
• knowledge of philosophy and religion
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

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

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

Location : You could work in an office, in a prison or visit sites.
Environment : Your working environment may be emotionally demanding and you may spend nights away from home.

Salary:

Starter : £23,500
Experienced : £36,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is 9am to 5pm

Career Path:

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.