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Criminologist

Alternative titles for this job include Social science researcher

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

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£38,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

9am to 5pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Criminologist

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's 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

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Other Routes

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 higher, in criminology or social sciences, to apply.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the British Society of Criminology for professional development, networking opportunities, latest news and events.

Further information

You can find out more about working in crime and justice from GOV.UK.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of sociology and anthropology for understanding society and culture
  • analytical thinking skills
  • excellent written communication skills
  • maths knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to understand people’s reactions
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a criminologist, 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 court sentences
  • speak to offenders and ex-offenders in prisons and probation services
  • attend conferences and present research findings
  • teach students at college or university

Working environment

You could work in an office, in a prison or visit sites.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding and you may spend nights away from home.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a Criminologist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Criminology

  • Provider: WEALD SCHOOL, THE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Billingshurst

Criminology

  • Provider: HELENA ROMANES SCHOOL
  • Start date: 03 September 2025
  • Location: Dunmow
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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