Why study criminology?

Studying criminology is a path to a meaningful career. Degrees in the subject offer insight into the social, personal and political aspects of crime – and that can take you a long way. With a deeper understanding of criminal behaviour, you could be a positive force. First, though, you might want to know more about the subject. Read on as we explain criminology, how you can study it and where it can lead.

What is criminology?

Criminology is the study of crime and criminal behaviour. It considers how and why crime occurs, as well as ways to prevent it. This is done with scientific analysis of criminality at every level, from the individual to the societal.

The subject is multifaceted. It draws from numerous fields including psychology, sociology, history, anthropology and law. This is what gives it such a broad view of the causes of crime and ways to reduce it.

Explore universities in the UK where you can study for a degree in criminology:

• Anglia Ruskin University
• Manchester Metropolitan University
• University of Nottingham 
• University of Plymouth
• University of Roehampton

What do you study on a criminology degree?

As it is such an interdisciplinary subject, degrees in criminology cover a wide range of topics and ideas. The ones you cover will depend on where you study, but there are some core areas that you will explore.

These include:

• Criminal behaviour
• Criminal psychology
• The legal context of crime
• The historical context of crime
• The sociological context of crime
• Social policy
• Crime prevention
• Quantitative research and analysis
• Qualitative research and analysis

This is not an exhaustive list. As you progress through your criminology degree, you will encounter more specific topics that may be of particular interest to you. This could be helpful in your final year or if you progress to postgraduate level, as they could provide a topic for your dissertation or thesis.

Consider these institutions where you can study criminology in Canada:

• University of Alberta
• Carleton University
• University of New Brunswick
• Western University
• York University

What are the entry requirements for studying criminology?

Entry requirements for criminology degrees vary across institutions and study levels.

At undergraduate level, they differ widely. The following table shows this with the required A-level and International Baccalaureate results at three universities in the UK.

Universities also accept many other qualifications from around the world. You can find out what grades their criminology courses require from yours by looking at their full details.

At postgraduate level, you will usually need to have a university-level qualification. Typically, this will be an undergraduate degree, but you may also be able to gain admission with a postgraduate diploma.

In the UK, universities most often look for a 2:1 undergraduate degree (also known as an upper second class degree). However, some ask for a first class degree, while others will accept a 2:2. It will be an advantage if you have already studied criminology or a related discipline, or have relevant work experience.

You may also need to prove your English language ability. This can be done with the result of an approved test.

Requirements vary, but most undergraduate courses need an IELTS score of at least 6.0, with many asking for 6.5. At postgraduate level, 6.5 is most common, but some courses will accept 6.0. For students taking a different English test, the required scores are equivalent.

If you don't quite meet the English language requirements, don't lose hope. You may be able to gain admission by taking a pre-sessional English course.

Find out more about these universities offering criminology courses in the USA:

• DePaul University
• George Washington University
• University of Memphis
• University of North Carolina – Wilmington
• University of Texas – Arlington

Are there criminology specialisations?

Studying criminology can open doors to several areas of specialisation. If you find them interesting, you may even be able to study one as part of a joint degree, or as an individual programme. This is most often the case at postgraduate level.

Some examples of criminology specialisations include:

• Criminal justice
• Criminal law
• Forensic psychology
• Forensic science
• Human rights
• Policing
• Social policy

By focusing on a particular area of criminology, you could set up a clear path to your future profession. You can find out more about doing this with our article on matching your studies with your career.

What can I do with a criminology degree?

There is a lot you can do with a criminology degree. Jobs that are highly relevant to the subject include:

• Crime scene investigator
• Criminologist
• Detective
• Police officer
• Prison officer
• Probation officer

Additionally, there are many other roles that benefit from what you learn on a criminology course. Ones often entered by graduates of the subject include:

• Counsellor
• Researcher
• Risk analyst
• Social worker
• Youth worker

Beyond this, a criminology degree can open doors to many other areas of employment. Importantly, the subject helps you develop some of the most in-demand skills in the hiring landscape.

These include:

• Analytical skills
• Communication
• Creativity
• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Research skills

The data around what graduates do after a criminology degree frames this positive picture. In the UK, 86 per cent are in employment or further study 15 months after completing their course.

Now that you know more about studying criminology, you might like to explore some related subjects. Try our guides to forensic science, forensic psychology and the different law specialisations. Alternatively, you can start looking for courses now with our simple search tool.