Criminology, the study of crime and its causes, opens up a world of intrigue and possibilities. Learning in this field will give you a profound understanding of criminal behaviour, forensic science, and the intricate workings of the criminal justice system.
Aspiring criminologists explore the psychology behind criminal actions, analyse crime patterns, and contribute to crafting effective crime prevention strategies. That knowledge is a first step to a whole range of exciting career paths. From becoming a detective solving real-life mysteries to working in cybersecurity, from influencing criminal policies as a legal consultant to shaping rehabilitation programs, criminology offers many routes to career growth.
The impact you could make
- Learn the skills to create crime prevention strategies, influence law enforcement strategies, and improve community safety measures.
- Advocate for criminal justice reform by shaping policies that look at the root cause of criminal behaviour.
- Contribute to a safer and more just society.
What you could study
- Criminal justice
- Race and society
- Policing
- Restorative justice
- Prisons, punishment, and rehabilitation
- Forensics
- Organised crime
Study options
Options to study in this field include:
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“I love biopsychology and cognition, and radical criminology as I was able to learn about green criminology which I am very passionate about. [Also] social and developmental psychology as I knew little about this and I’ve learnt why people do things."
Second year psychology and criminology student, University of Westminster, London
Example assignment
“My favourite assignment has to be the essay for the psychological explanations of criminal behaviour as it was interesting to research the different reasons an individual may commit a criminal offence.”
Second year criminology and sociology student, Aberystwyth University
Subjects it's useful to have studied first
Some criminology courses or apprenticeships will have requirements for previous qualifications in certain subjects. Entry requirements vary, so always check with the provider.
Law
Psychology
Sociology
Statistics
Science
Hard skills you'll develop
- Statistical analysis
- Interpreting data sets to draw meaningful conclusions
- Understanding of forensic techniques and technology
- Legal research methods
Soft skills you'll develop
- Critical thinking skills
- Empathy and cultural awareness
- Evaluation of complex situations, theories, and evidence
- Collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders
Careers: Where it can take you
Find out more about your career prospects from studying criminology. The following information is based on a typical police officer (sergeant and below) role.
Average salary
£44,161
Up to £56,141
Available jobs
138,574 vacancies in the past year
2.52% growth over next eight years
Career options
Public services
Law and legal services
What is a… professional crime novel consultant?
If you've mastered the art of unravelling criminal mysteries through your criminology studies, you could put that expertise to use in an unconventional way. Imagine being the go-to consultant for crime novelists, helping them inject realism into their plots, advising on criminal psychology, and ensuring crime scenes are described accurately. It's the perfect blend of detective work and literary flair, where your knowledge of criminology becomes the key to creating the next gripping bestseller.
Find your ideal career
Take our careers quiz to find your ideal job matched to your personality type. Getting in: Entry requirements
Find out more about what you'll need to study criminology at university or as an apprentice.
Average requirements for undergraduate degrees
Entry requirements differ between university and course, but this should give you a guide to what is usually expected from criminology applicants.
Uni entry requirements
A levels
CCC
Scottish Highers
BBBB
Vocational
BTEC MMM
Alternatives
Other Level 3/Level 6 qualifications may be accepted
Law and legal studies apprenticeships
Check out our industry guide to help you decide if a law and legal apprenticeship might be the right choice for you. Other subjects you may be interested in
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Law
- Policing
- Politics
Considering an apprenticeship?
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Deadline
Apprenticeships don't follow the same deadlines as applying to uni, the deadline is down to the employer. -
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Where to apply
You apply directly through the employer. -
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No limits!
You're not restricted to one apprenticeship application; you can do as many as you like. -
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Apply to university and apprenticeships
There's nothing stopping you applying to university through UCAS, while also applying for apprenticeship vacancies. -
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Find out more
Read our guide to protective services, and law and legal studies.
Apprenticeship vacancies
Check out live apprenticeship vacancies in law and legal studies. Explore further
Go deeper into topics around criminology with the following.
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BBC Radio 4 Thinking Allowed
A podcast exploring many of the common themes faced by society.
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Podcast: code: SEVERE
A series revealing previously untold stories of terrorist attacks from the files of UK Counter Terrorism Police. -
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Netflix true crime documentaries
Hear from experts in criminology who have helped solve some of the world’s most shocking crimes.
Chat to a current criminology student
Chat to a current criminology student student using UniBuddy.
Some conversation starters for you:
- Ask which modules they really enjoyed.
- Find out how easy it was for them to make friends on their course.
- Do they have any tips on your personal statement?
- Did they do anything to prep for uni before they went?
- Are there books, podcasts or YouTube channels they would recommend?
Want to find out what studying criminology is like?
Chat to a criminology student using UniBuddy.
77% of students
studying criminology would recommend the subject to others
(UCAS subject guide survey 2023)
Application advice
Label
Skills, experiences and interests to mention
Skills, experiences and interests to mention
- What piqued your interest in criminology? Was it a local crime issue or legal case?
- Do you love watching real crime documentaries to understand how experts solve crimes and catch perpetrators? A brief mention will show your passion for the subject.
- Have you been in any clubs like a debate team or criminal justice club? Or any club that encourages discussion on legal and ethical issues?
- Are there any books or articles you've read that influenced your interest in criminology? This demonstrates initiative and a proactive approach to learning.
- If you've had any work experience in law enforcement, legal settings, or organisations dealing with social justice, talk about the tasks you performed, the challenges you faced, and the insights gained.
