What can I do with a Criminology degree?
These pages look at career areas related to Criminology, or which offer ways of using the skills gained by studying the subject. Since Criminology can only be studied as a Joint Honours degree at Kent, you may also wish to look at the pages relevant to the other half of your degree:
- Social Policy www.kent.ac.uk/careers/SocialPolicyWeb.htm
- Sociology www.kent.ac.uk/careers/Sociology.htm
- Law www.kent.ac.uk/careers/law.htm
- What do Criminology graduates do in broad terms?
- Destinations of University of Kent Criminology graduates
- Using your degree and your skills in a career
- Employers and careers related to Criminology
- Some employers in areas directly related to your degree
- Jobs where the degree is useful
- Skills gained from studying Criminology
- Useful links
What do Criminology graduates do in broad terms?
Nationally, destinations of Criminology graduates are classed with other social scientists. These statistics suggest that almost two-thirds enter employment upon graduating with the majority of the remaining third continuing into postgraduate study.
Destinations of University of Kent Criminology graduates
2008 Destinations
Crim/Soc Pol |
Courts Service |
Court Clerk |
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Crim/Soc Pol |
Surrey Police |
Crime Management Unit Officer |
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Crim/Soc Pol |
Kent Police |
Police Officer |
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Crim/Soc Pol |
The Leap |
Community Worker |
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Crim/Soc Pol |
Youth Justice Board |
Strategy Support Officer |
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Crim/Soc Pol |
Maidstone Borough Council |
Performance Monitor |
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Crim/Soc Pol |
Roehampton University |
PGCE Primary |
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Crim/Soc Pol |
Ealing Hospital NHS Trust |
Clinical Audit Assistant |
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Crim/Soc Pol |
The Valuation Office |
Admin Assistant |
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Crim/Soc Pol |
The Royal Bank of Scotland |
Ass't Corporate Documentation Manager |
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Crim/Soc Pol |
Royal Bank of Scotland |
Business Relationship Manager |
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Crim/Sociology |
Canterbury Christ Church University |
BSc Mental Health |
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Crim/Sociology |
College of Law, London |
Graduate Diploma in Law |
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Crim/Sociology |
NHS Princess of Wales Hospital |
Admin Assistant |
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Crim/Sociology |
Royal Berks NHS Trust/East London Univ. |
Ward Clerk/Pg Diploma in Psychology |
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Crim/Sociology |
Kent Police |
Crime Reduction Clerk |
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Crim/Sociology |
Volkshochschule Chemnitz |
Dozent |
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Crim/Sociology |
Gala Coral Group |
Manager's Assistant |
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Crim/Sociology |
Canterbury College |
Student Activities Assistant |
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Crim/Sociology |
Home Service Property Repairs |
Claims Adviser |
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Crim/Sociology |
Metropolitan Police |
Police Officer |
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Crim/Sociology |
Kent Police |
Police Officer |
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Crim/Sociology |
RAF |
RAF Officer |
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Crim/Sociology |
Surrey County Council |
Employment Support Officer |
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Crim/Sociology |
Minster College |
Learning Mentor |
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Crim/Sociology |
National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy |
Residential Support Worker |
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Crim/Sociology |
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Restaurant Manager |
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Law & Criminology |
Further Study |
City Law School |
Bar Vocational Course |
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Law & Criminology |
Further Study |
BPP London |
Bar Vocational Course |
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Law & Criminology |
Further Study |
City University Law School |
Bar Vocational Course |
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Law & Criminology |
Further Study |
College of Law, Guildford |
Legal Practice Course |
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Law & Criminology |
Further Study |
University of Kent |
LLM |
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Law & Criminology |
Employed PT |
Guildford College of Law |
Legal Practice Course |
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Law & Criminology |
Employed PT |
Canterbury City Council |
Assistant Council Tax Billing Officer |
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Law & Criminology |
Employed FT |
Hesling Henriques |
Paralegal |
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Law & Criminology |
Employed FT |
Metropolitan Police |
Police Officer |
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Law & Criminology |
Employed FT |
Eastern & Coastal Kent PCT NHS |
Operations Manager |
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Law & Criminology |
Employed FT |
Suffolk Constabulary |
Case Assistant |
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Law & Criminology |
Employed FT |
Mediterranean Direct Ltd |
Manager |
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2007 Destinations
Crim/Soc Pol |
Surrey Police |
Admin Support Officer |
Crim/Soc Pol |
Kent County Council |
Office Administrator & Research Assistant |
Crim/Soc Pol |
D & P Recruitment |
Administrator/Resourcer |
Crim/Soc Pol |
New Appointments Group |
Recruitment Consultant |
Crim/Soc Pol |
Concorde Solutions |
Planning & Design |
Crim/Soc Pol |
02 UK |
Sales Consultant |
Crim/Soc Pol |
University of Kent |
MA Criminology |
Crim/Soc Pol |
University of Nottingham |
MA Criminology |
Crim/Soc Pol |
Unemployed |
3 graduates |
Crim/Soc Pol |
Unknown |
9 graduates |
Crim/Sociology |
Sable & Co. |
Admin Assistant |
Crim/Sociology |
Abbey School |
Graduate Teacher Programme |
Crim/Sociology |
HM Young Offenders Institution |
Prison Officer |
Crim/Sociology |
Medway Youth Offending Team |
YISP Support Assistant |
Crim/Sociology |
Foreign Office |
Admin Officer |
Crim/Sociology |
Canterbury City Council |
Parking Services Officer |
Crim/Sociology |
Orbital Marketing |
Client Account Executive |
Crim/Sociology |
Grylls & Reade |
Press Officer |
Crim/Sociology |
Deepstore Ltd |
Sales Administrator |
Crim/Sociology |
AGP Properties |
Project Manager |
Crim/Sociology |
Coutts |
Account Manager |
Crim/Sociology |
RBS |
Account Opening Team Member |
Crim/Sociology |
Natwest |
Cashier |
Crim/Sociology |
Lloyds TSB |
Customer Assistant |
Crim/Sociology |
Somerfield |
Graduate Trainee Manager |
Crim/Sociology |
Kier Affordable Homes |
Admin Assistant |
Crim/Sociology |
Caterham Cars Ltd |
Buyer/CIPS Qual. |
Crim/Sociology |
Boots |
Sales Assistant |
Crim/Sociology |
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A Level |
Crim/Sociology |
Law School, London |
Graduate Diploma in Law |
Crim/Sociology |
University of Kent |
MA International Conflict Analysis |
Crim/Sociology |
Canterbury Christ Church |
PGCE Primary |
Crim/Sociology |
Travelling |
2 graduates |
Crim/Sociology |
Unknown |
12 graduates |
Law & Criminology |
Buckmore Park |
Sales Assistant |
Law & Criminology |
Help the Aged |
Team Leader - Call Centre |
Law & Criminology |
Metropolitan Police |
Police Officer |
Law & Criminology |
University of the Arts |
Facilities Management |
Law & Criminology |
Morgan McKinley |
Recruitment Consultant |
Law & Criminology |
unknown |
Temp. Administrator |
Law & Criminology |
Deloitte |
Case Administrator |
Law & Criminology |
unknown |
Legal Assistant |
Law & Criminology |
Thorne Segar |
Paralegal |
Law & Criminology |
A Quote |
Insurance Broker |
Law & Criminology |
Group Lotus plc |
Licensing Assistant |
Law & Criminology |
BPP Law School |
MA Law |
Law & Criminology |
Oxford Brookes University |
PGCE Primary |
Law & Criminology |
Travelling |
2 graduates |
Law & Criminology |
Unemployed |
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Law & Criminology |
Unknown |
5 graduates |
Ways of using your degree and your skills in a career
- Work with data: research; analysis; investigation; information; problem-solving
- Work with people: helping; advising; managing; persuading; negotiating
- Work with ideas: planning; communicating; initiating; creating
Many careers will combine elements from each category
Employers and careers related to Criminology
Probation Officers
Each year, probation officers supervise around 225,000 offenders. They make assessments to advise courts, manage and enforce community orders, and work with prisoners during and after sentencing. Probation officers interact with offenders, victims, police and prison colleagues on a regular basis. They also work closely with local authorities, housing departments and a range of independent and voluntary sector partners.
For more information, see the Prospects Occupational Profile at www.prospects.ac.uk/links/probofficer
Connexions Personal Adviser
This role operates across a range of agencies e.g. Education, Health, Youth Work, Social welfare and Criminal justice. The support provided may range from basic information, advice and guidance, to vulnerable young people requiring more substantial one to one support. For more information, see www.connexions.gov.uk and www.prospects.ac.uk/links/personaladviser
Prison governor
Prison Governors are responsible for managing the safe and effective operation of prisons in both the public and private sectors. They have overall responsibility for the management of a team that includes prison officers, duty governors and other staff, ensure that prisons operate within the requirements of the Prison Service and also oversee the development and rehabilitation of prisoners - before and after trials, and following conviction. See here for details of the NOHS Graduate programme.
Home Office research manager
Rachel Tuffin began her career in the Home Office as a Research Officer and is now a G7 Research Programme Manager in the Policing and Reducing Crime Unit. She leads a team of staff, supporting them to carry out and commission projects for a programme of research on Effective Police Management. This involves taking a close look at issues such as leadership, police culture and the recruitment and retention of police officers who reflect the community they serve.
In addition to liaising with stakeholders to agree priorities for the programme, she monitors the business plan, reviewing performance and developing ideas to overcome barriers to delivering research projects. “Sometimes it feels like you're doing 100 different things at once", she says. "It can be quite demanding but I enjoy developing a good relationship with my policy colleagues and I'm gaining a broader understanding of how our work can help the Home Office to deliver. It's a fascinating and rewarding career." For more information, see www.homeoffice.gov.uk
Case Review Manager, Criminal Cases Review Commission
After taking a Psychology degree, Beth took a Masters degree in Criminology at the University of Leicester . She was writing up a PhD in Criminal Justice when she joined the Commission in March 2002.
Is there a typical day?
Not really. You can spend a high proportion of your time reading the core documents surrounding a case either scanned onto our computer systems or as hard copies. Depending on what stage a case is at you may be issuing a section 17 to request documents from the Court of Appeal, the CPS, the Courts or perhaps Social Services. You could be Investigating particular issues raised by applicants, deciding whether or not an issue is relevant to the case, whether it opens up new evidence.
What is your favourite aspect of the job?
I like the variety. Every case is so different; you don't know what you will be working on next. I also derive satisfaction from being trusted to get on with cases. It gives you enormous confidence.
How valuable is the experience you're gaining?
As a first job, this is an excellent stepping stone. You have to want to learn. Most CRMs do and can acquire a wealth of knowledge of the criminal justice system. The caseworking skills you learn are also immensely valuable. www.ccrc.gov.uk/careers/careers_45.htm
Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation
The investigation side to accountancy. Often disputes arise where the measure of loss requires an expert accountant. Disputes range within areas such as:
- Fraud investigation
- Professional Negligence
- Personal and Medical Injury
- Asset Tracing
- Matrimonial
- Dispute Resolution
- Share Valuation
- Expert Witness
Forensic accountants work closely with their instructing party, usually the legal profession, insurers and regulatory and prosecuting bodies, to prepare and deliver a report covering detailed requirements for the Court. Depending on the instruction, the report can be used as advice for the instructing party of as expert evidence in a Court of Law.
The 'Big Four', top 20, most mid-tier firms and niche practices all have a dedicated Forensic Accounting Department. You can find links to a number of these at www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/accountancy.htm
Police Officer
All police officers must complete a two-year probationary period, after which there is a wide variety of career opportunities available. There is training and support available to help you move through the ranks into a senior position within the force. All police officers are able to apply for a wide variety of career opportunities with specialist units, including the criminal investigation department (CID), fraud squad, drugs squad, fire arms, child protection unit, traffic, mounted branches, dog handlers, underwater search units, river police and air support. www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/Police.htm
Criminal Intelligence Analyst
Criminal Intelligence Analysts work within police forces, producing analytical reports and disseminating information to help officers in the field to fight serious and organised crime. They undertake research and analytical work targeting criminals and identifying crime trends. They provide and disseminate accurate intelligence, identifying links between suspected offenders and committed crimes, to operational police officers to assist in the arrest of offenders and the prevention of crime.
Other Crime Fighting Career Opportunities
The modern police & criminal justice sector offers many front line crime fighting operational roles for which you do not need to be a serving police officer. These roles are at the heart of crime detection, investigation and law enforcement, working alongside the serving officers. These civilian crime fighting vacancies will allow you work at the heart of the police resolving crimes, serving the public whilst developing your skills.
- Civilian investigators. Working alongside serving officers building cases by gathering evidence via interviews, telephonic research etc.
- Hi tech crime investigators. Focused on computer related crime and crimes where computers have been used.
- Crime scenes investigator. Forensic science related discipline. Involves attending and examining scenes of crimes and gathering forensic evidence.
- Custody assistant. Assisting custody officers in the detention of prisoners/detainees within the integrated custody environment. Escorting and facilitating prisoner welfare.
- Crime analyst. Providing analytical support focussing on the strategic aims of crime intelligence and incidents identifying patterns and trends.
- Case Builders. Both the Police & the Crown Prosecution Service require paralegal support in case management and initial preparation of prosecutions. They offer some of the best training and entry level positions for legal professionals. www.bluelinecareers.co.uk
MI5 Intelligence Officer
Typically, you would start by assessing or investigating threats to national security; over your career, you could also be involved in personnel, finance, management or operational work, ranging from implementing policies to dealing with agents. You would have your own areas of responsibility but you would also be working as part of a wider team of people from a range of backgrounds. See www.mi5careers.gov.uk and www.kent.ac.uk/careers/workin/intelligence.htm
Some employers in areas directly related to your degree
Some career areas open to all graduates where your degree could be useful
Skills gained from studying Criminology
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USEFUL LINKS
GENERAL INFORMATION
- CrimLinks www.crimlinks.com - links to resources in criminal justice and criminology in the UK and around the world
- The Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science www.jdi.ucl.ac.uk/index.php at University College London includes details of job vacancies and training opportunities and a comprehensive links section
- The Centre for Crime and Justice Studies www.crimeandjustice.org.uk/ a charity which informs and educates about all aspects of crime and the criminal justice system. The site has many useful links.
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
- Civil Service Fast Stream www.faststream.gov.uk the Civil Service's accelerated development programme for graduates
- Connexions www.connexions.gov.uk recruits Personal Advisers to provide guidance and support to young people aged 13-19
- Ministry of Justice www.justice.gov.uk/
- The Court Service www.courtservice.gov.uk
- Criminal Records Bureau www.crb.gov.uk
- Crown Prosecution Service www.cps.gov.uk/working/index.html
- HM Revenue & Customs www.hmrc.gov.uk
- The Home Office www.homeoffice.gov.uk
- Northern Ireland: the Criminal Justice System Northern Ireland website www.cjsni.gov.uk gives quick access to the police, prison, probation and courts services in Northern Ireland
INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES
- Information on the UK 's national intelligence machinery can be found at www.archive.official-documents.co.uk/document/caboff/nim/0114301808.pdf
- GCHQ www.gchq.gov.uk Government Communications Headquarters - recruits technicians, mathematicians, linguists and fast-track management trainees to monitor and interpret information affecting national security.
- Serious Organised Crime Agency www.soca.gov.uk
- The Security Service ("MI5") www.mi5.gov.uk - the UK 's security intelligence agency.
- The Secret Intelligence Service ("MI6") www.mi6.gov.uk - operates worldwide to collect secret foreign intelligence.
POLICE, PRISON AND PROBATION SERVICES
- Police www.policecouldyou.co.uk General information on police recruitment in England & Wales , including the High Potential Development Scheme. Also see www.police.uk - links to police forces web pages.
- Police-jobs.co.uk www.police-jobs.co.uk jobsite for serving and former police officers, civilian police staff and criminal justice sector practitioners. Temporary, contract and permanent investigation and law enforcement jobs.
- G4S Policing Solutions www.policingsolutions.co.uk provides police jobs and skills to UK Police Forces, Local Authorities, Regulatory bodies and Government Departments.
- HM Prison Service ( England & Wales ) www.hmprisonservice.gov.uk
- National Probation Service ( England & Wales ) www.probation.homeoffice.gov.uk
PRIVATE INVESTIGATION AND SECURITY
- Academy of Professional Investigation www.pi-academy.com
- Focus www.focusgroup.uk.com - fraud management and criminal investigation
- Group 4 Securicor www.g4s.com/uk
- International Professional Security Association www.ipsa.org.uk
- Nationwide Investigations Group www.nig.co.uk
- World Association of Professional Investigators www.wapi.com
OTHER CAREER AREAS
- Housing: The Chartered Institute of Housing www.cih.org
- Law: 'I Want to Work In … Law' www.kent.ac.uk/careers/siteslaw.htm
- Social Work: The Department of Health's social work and social care website www.socialworkcareers.co.uk has information on social work careers and training
ACADEMIC & PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND FURTHER STUDY
- British Society of Criminology www.britsoccrim.org site includes advice on criminology as a career and listings of postgraduate courses
- Criminal Justice Profiles www.criminaljusticeprofiles.org
- European Society of Criminology www.esc-eurocrim.org
- American Society of Criminology www.asc41.com
- International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts www.ialeia.org
- Intute Social Sciences www.intute.ac.uk/socialsciences research, training and development opportunities for social science researchers
- The Social Research Association www.the-sra.org.uk includes many useful links to public and private sector research organisations, also think-tanks
- The Criminal Justice Degree, College and Career Blog http://criminaljusticeonlineblog.com free research tool for college students, and those considering career or academic options related to the Criminal Justice field. Features 2,100 colleges, universities and schools offering programs in criminal justice and also career information.
VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
- Catch 22 www.catch-22.org.uk - national charity working with “young people in difficult situations”
- The Howard League for Penal Reform www.howardleague.org
- NACRO - crime reduction charity www.nacro.org.uk
- National Association of Official Prison Visitors www.naopv. com
- SOVA www.sova.org.uk works to strengthen communities by involving local volunteers in promoting social inclusion and reducing crime
- Victim Support www.victimsupport.org.uk
- Youth Offender Panels www.yjb.gov.uk/YouthOffenderPanels recruit volunteers to work alongside Youth Offending Team members to consider the best course of action for young offenders
Last fully updated 2011