What can you do with a criminology degree?

Criminology is one of the most widely misunderstood degrees. People associate it purely with policing or forensic investigation - and they're not wrong -  but the reality is much broader.

A criminology and criminal justice degree explores why crime happens, how societies respond to it, and how justice systems can be improved. It sits at the intersection of law, psychology, sociology and public policy. That means graduates develop skills that apply across a wide range of careers.

If you’re interested in understanding social issues, improving justice systems, or working directly with communities, criminology can open several meaningful career paths.

What is criminology?

Criminology is the study of crime, its causes, its impacts, and the ways societies attempt to prevent and respond to it.

Criminologists examine questions such as:

• Why do people commit crime?

• How effective are prisons and rehabilitation programmes?

• How do poverty, inequality and mental health influence crime rates?

• What policies actually make communities safer?

These questions are not purely theoretical. They shape policing strategies, government policy, sentencing decisions and community programmes across the UK. Studying criminology equips students with the analytical tools to understand these issues and contribute to solutions.

What do you study in a criminology degree?

A criminology degree covers far more than the study of crime itself. Students explore the social, psychological and political factors that shape criminal behaviour and justice systems.

Typical areas of study include:

• Criminal justice systems and institutions

• Policing and surveillance

• Youth justice and youth offending

• Domestic and gender-based violence

• Organised crime and terrorism

• Inequality, race and justice

• Rehabilitation and restorative justice

Alongside subject knowledge, students develop valuable transferable skills, including:

• Critical thinking and evidence analysis

• Research and data interpretation

• Policy analysis

• Communication and report writing

These skills are highly valued by employers across both the public and voluntary sectors.

Careers you can pursue with a criminology degree

A criminology and criminal justice degree can lead to careers across the justice system, government, charities and social services.

Criminal justice roles

Many graduates pursue careers directly within the justice system, including roles such as:

• Police officer

• Probation officer

• Prison officer

• Custody manager

• Court services roles

These careers involve working at the frontline of the justice system, supporting public safety and rehabilitation.

Youth and community work

Criminology graduates are well placed to work with organisations focused on crime prevention and youth support. Roles can include:

• Youth offending team officer

• Community outreach worker

• Mentoring programme coordinator

• Crime prevention officer

These roles focus on early intervention and supporting young people who may be at risk of entering the criminal justice system.

Social work and support services

Many graduates move into social care or support services, particularly roles supporting people affected by crime or leaving custody. Careers in this area may include:

• Social worker (with further training)

• Rehabilitation support worker

• Victim support officer

• Resettlement officer for people leaving prison

Policy, research and advocacy

Some graduates focus on influencing policy and reform. Government departments, charities and research organisations regularly recruit criminology graduates to analyse data, develop policy and contribute to social change.

Typical employers include:

• The Home Office

• The Ministry of Justice

• Think tanks and research institutes

• Criminal justice charities and NGOs

Law

A criminology degree can also provide a pathway into the legal profession Many graduates go on to complete a law conversion course before training to become a solicitor or barrister.

What do criminology graduates earn?

Salaries vary depending on the sector and role. Typical starting salaries include:

• Probation officer: around £27,000–£30,000

• Police officer: typically £28,000+ starting salary, rising with experience

• Policy or research roles: around £25,000–£32,000

Legal careers generally involve higher earning potential once qualified.

For many graduates, however, the appeal of criminology careers lies not only in salary but in the opportunity to contribute to safer and fairer communities.

Is criminology the right degree for you?

Criminology is well suited to students who are curious about society and interested in addressing complex social problems.

You may enjoy the subject if you:

• Like analysing social issues and policy

• Are interested in justice, fairness and equality

• Want to understand the causes of crime rather than just its outcomes

• Are motivated by work that has real social impact

The subject encourages critical thinking and challenges assumptions about crime, punishment and rehabilitation.

Study criminology at the University of East London

The BA (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of East London is designed to prepare students for careers across the justice sector.

The course focuses on real-world issues shaping criminal justice today and benefits from strong links with employers across London. Students graduate with both the academic knowledge and practical understanding needed to pursue careers in policing, probation, youth justice, policy and research.

If you're interested in building a career that contributes to safer and more just communities, studying criminology at UEL is a strong place to start.