Introduction
The scientific study of crime, criminal behavior, the criminal justice system, and law enforcement is known as criminology. You’re not the only person wondering, “What can I do with a criminology degree?” Every year, thousands of graduates wonder about this. Thankfully, a degree in criminology provides access to a variety of professions in public policy, academia, social services, law enforcement, and other fields.
Over 100 profession alternatives, possible wages, necessary skills, job market trends, and personal development techniques will all be covered in this extensive reference. For students, recent grads, or those wishing to change careers and maximize their criminology credentials, this Google-friendly article is ideal.
Table of Contents
- What Is Criminology?
- Why Study Criminology?
- Skills Gained from a Criminology Degree
- Is Criminology a Good Degree in 2025?
- Top Industries Hiring Criminology Graduates
- Jobs Directly Related to Criminology
- Jobs Where a Criminology Degree Is Useful
- Emerging Careers for Criminology Graduates
- Criminology Degree Salary Expectations UK
- Criminology Career Pathways in the UK
- Criminology in the Private Sector
- Roles in Government and Civil Service
- Academia and Research Opportunities
- Legal Sector Jobs with a Criminology Background
- Social Work and Rehabilitation Careers
- Prison and Probation Services
- International Opportunities with a Criminology Degree
- Criminology and Cybercrime Careers
- Psychology and Mental Health Crossovers
- Law Enforcement and Policing Jobs
- Forensic Science and Investigation Careers
- Victim Support and Community Services
- Policy and Legislative Roles
- Freelancing and Consultancy in Criminology
- How to Stand Out in the Criminology Job Market
- Best Postgraduate Options After a Criminology Degree
- Criminology Certifications and Online Courses
- Remote and Hybrid Jobs in Criminology
- Building Your CV and Interview Tips
- Final Thoughts and Next Steps
1. What Is Criminology?
The study of crime’s causes, consequences, and prevention is the focus of the multidisciplinary field of criminology. It incorporates ideas from political science, anthropology, psychology, sociology, and law.
2. Why Study Criminology?
- Strong demand across public and private sectors
- Critical thinking and analytical skills development
- Opportunities for real-world impact
- Wide career options beyond policing
3. Skills Gained from a Criminology Degree
- Data analysis and research
- Legal and ethical reasoning
- Communication and report writing
- Interviewing and investigative skills
- Conflict resolution and negotiation
4. Is Criminology a Good Degree in 2025?
Absolutely. With rising concerns about crime, cybersecurity, domestic violence, human trafficking, and rehabilitation, criminology graduates are more valuable than ever.
5. Top Industries Hiring Criminology Graduates
- Law enforcement
- Government & policy
- Nonprofits and NGOs
- Legal services
- Education and research
- Private security and consulting
6. Jobs Directly Related to Criminology
- Police Officer
- Probation Officer
- Criminal Investigator
- Prison Officer
- Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)
- Youth Offending Team Officer
- Criminologist (Research)
- Victim Support Specialist
7. Jobs Where a Criminology Degree Is Useful
- Social Worker
- Community Development Officer
- Court Clerk
- Housing Officer
- Immigration Officer
- Intelligence Analyst
- Policy Advisor
- Charity Worker (Justice sector)
8. Emerging Careers for Criminology Graduates
- Cybercrime Analyst
- Digital Forensics Specialist
- Human Trafficking Investigator
- AI & Crime Prevention Consultant
- Crime Data Analyst
9. Criminology Degree Salary Expectations UK
| Job Title | Average Salary |
| Police Officer | £28,000–£45,000 |
| Probation Officer | £30,000–£37,000 |
| Intelligence Analyst | £35,000–£50,000 |
| Cybercrime Analyst | £40,000–£65,000 |
| Forensic Psychologist | £42,000–£60,000 |
10. Criminology Career Pathways in the UK
Many careers in criminology begin with internships, volunteering, or graduate trainee programmes. After gaining experience, professionals can progress to leadership, specialist, or advisory roles.
11. Criminology in the Private Sector
- Private investigation firms
- Corporate security
- Risk analysis
- Compliance and fraud detection
- Insurance investigations
12. Roles in Government and Civil Service
- Civil Servant (Home Office, Ministry of Justice)
- Crime Policy Advisor
- Border Force Agent
- Criminal Justice Analyst
13. Academia and Research Opportunities
- University Lecturer
- Research Assistant
- Criminology PhD programmes
- Think Tanks (e.g., The Howard League)
14. Legal Sector Jobs with a Criminology Background
- Legal Executive
- Criminal Law Paralegal
- Court Liaison Officer
- Litigation Support Assistant
15. Social Work and Rehabilitation Careers
- Rehabilitation Support Worker
- Drug & Alcohol Support Worker
- Youth Mentor
- Domestic Abuse Caseworker
16. Prison and Probation Services
- HM Prison Service roles
- Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs)
- Offender Management
- Restorative Justice Facilitator
17. International Opportunities
- UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)
- International NGOs (e.g., Amnesty, Human Rights Watch)
- EUROPOL or INTERPOL
18. Criminology and Cybercrime Careers
- Digital Crime Investigator
- Online Fraud Analyst
- Ethical Hacker (with further training)
- Information Security Analyst
19. Psychology and Mental Health Crossovers
- Forensic Psychology Assistant
- Behavioural Analyst
- Mental Health Caseworker
- Crisis Response Team Member
20. Law Enforcement and Policing Jobs
- Specialist Roles (e.g., firearms, K9 units)
- National Crime Agency Officer
- Counter-Terrorism Unit
21. Forensic Science and Investigation Careers
- Forensic Toxicologist
- Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO)
- Evidence Technician
22. Victim Support and Community Services
- Sexual Violence Support Worker
- Anti-social Behaviour Officer
- Community Safety Officer
23. Policy and Legislative Roles
- Justice Policy Advisor
- Legal Reform Consultant
- Public Affairs Analyst
24. Freelancing and Consultancy
- Freelance Crime Writer
- Criminal Justice Consultant
- Expert Witness in Trials
25. Standing Out in the Job Market
- Gain volunteer experience
- Take online certifications
- Network through LinkedIn and career fairs
- Build a criminology-focused portfolio
26. Best Postgraduate Options
- MSc Criminology
- MSc Forensic Psychology
- MSc Counterterrorism
- MA Criminal Justice Policy
- Law Conversion (GDL)
27. Criminology Certifications & Courses
- Restorative Justice Certificate
- Digital Crime & Cybersecurity
- Domestic Violence Awareness
- Victimology Short Courses
28. Remote and Hybrid Jobs
- Crime Data Analysis
- Policy Writing
- Online Court Reporting
29. CV and Interview Tips
- Focus on analytical and ethical skills
- Use STAR method in interviews
- Tailor CVs to job descriptions
30. Final Thoughts
The answer to the question, “What can I do with a criminology degree?” is much more than you might have thought. There is a place for you whether your goal is to support victims, influence legislation, safeguard communities, or unearth buried facts. A criminology degree can serve as the springboard to a fulfilling profession with commitment, further education, and astute preparation.
Read More: Highest Paying Criminology Jobs in UK
