What can you do with a Masters degree in Criminology?

Career paths available with Criminology and Criminal Justice degree | Opportunities for Criminology degree holder

By Forest Delaney

The science of crime and criminality on an individual, social, and natural level is covered in criminology masters programmes, as are the major themes, problems, and political arguments surrounding social and criminal justice.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the central ideas and theories in criminology, criminology masters courses combine a variety of subjects, such as psychology, law, history, and sociology. Criminology tutors deliver expert online tutoring to students who seek to excel in the subject, and those who feel they would benefit from some support.

Students will gain highly transferable skills during their master’s level programme, including analytical, research, problem-solving, and communication skills, all of which are in high demand for various roles. People with a degree in criminology can choose from a wide range of job options in this field. Expert online criminology tutoring can help students achieve the results they require to be able to have the career they want.

Continue reading to learn about some typical and less typical careers you can pursue with a master’s in criminology.

Typical careers in Criminology

Prison officer | Work as a Prison officer with a criminology degree

Prison officers are in charge of keeping prisoners safe and under control while also fostering positive relationships with them to aid in their rehabilitation. This is not a career for the weak of heart, but it can be very rewarding and is very fast-paced and varied. Prison officers must be able to understand criminal behavior and potentially dangerous situations.

Prison officers have strong judgement, negotiation, and assertiveness skills. They are a crucial component of the criminal justice system. These are all skills you will have learned while earning your criminology master’s degree. They also need to work well in a team and be proficient communicators with people from all walks of life.

Police officer | Criminology jobs for working in criminal justice department as a police officer

To lower the overall level of crime, police officers are responsible for maintaining law and order in their neighbourhood. To effectively interact with the general public, police officers must have excellent communication skills. They also need to be capable of critical thinking, problem-solving, and physical fitness, most of which you will have developed while pursuing your criminology degree.

Police officers will respond to public calls, conduct preliminary investigations, gather information, take statements, and speak with witnesses, victims, and suspects. Patrolling community areas, stopping vehicles for traffic violations, and keeping written crime reports and paperwork are daily responsibilities.

Detective | Criminology related job options as a detective

Detectives handle complicated investigations involving serious assaults, domestic violence, fraud, break-ins, robberies, and crimes involving knives and firearms. Detectives examine the available data, speak with witnesses, and look for clues to help them solve crimes. In addition to various other tasks, they execute search warrants, make arrests, search people and places, and undertake evidence at crime scenes.

You must undergo a rigorous training programme to acquire the specialised abilities, information, and techniques also be required for the detective role.

Criminologist | Choose Criminology as a profession with a Criminology degree

As you might anticipate, having a degree in criminology qualifies you for a career as a criminologist. Criminologists use data analysis to identify the causes of crimes and suggest ways to prevent them from happening again. The goal of criminologists is to comprehend both criminal behaviour and how society as a whole responses to crime when crime is detected.

Criminologists must have creative problem-solving abilities, a natural aptitude for math, computer science, and statistics, and superior observational, research, and speaking skills.

Probation officer | Be a Probation officer having criminology related work experience

Officers on probation work with offenders before, during, and after sentencing. As part of a field team, they frequently supervise offenders in the community, prepare court reports, interview the offenders and witnesses before sentencing, and lead specialised groups to help to set the offenders change their attitudes and behaviours.

In addition to your criminology degree, you will need to complete the Graduate Diploma in Community Justice and Level 5 Diploma in Probation Practice to qualify for this position in the UK. You will have the organisation, problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills necessary to work as a probation officer, thanks to your criminology degree.

Forensic scientist | Entry requirements for a forensic scientist job

Evidence for use in court must be prepared by forensic scientists. These scientists may conduct DNA profiling and blood grouping, attend crime scenes, examine fluid and tissue samples for traces of drugs and poisons, classify and arrange evidence, and attend crime scenes. It may be necessary for such scientists to testify in court using any evidence they find.

Because the job requires these scientists to rule out alternate explanations before drawing conclusions, they must be highly organised, detail-oriented, and possess strong critical thinking skills. While still meeting any deadlines, they must approach the task of analysing the evidence logically and objectively.

Before becoming a forensic scientist, you will need to gain experience in both forensic science and forensic psychology. Different jobs available can be very competitive, so your degree alone is likely insufficient. Both coursework and on-the-job training will help you learn.

Crime Scene investigator | Help in crime scene investigations as an investigator

In contrast to forensic scientists, crime scene investigators are tasked with inspecting the crime scene and gathering the data required to be sent to those scientists for analysis. This includes taking photographs and gathering tangible evidence.

Like them, crime scene investigators must have a keen eye for detail because a single piece of evidence that is missing could be essential to the case. To effectively communicate with victims, witnesses, and investigators, they must also have strong written and verbal skills. They should be well-versed in criminal psychology and the field of criminal justice and excellent at conducting criminal investigations.

Less typical Criminology careers

Court reporter | Court Reporter having criminology as degree subject

Court reporters also referred to as stenographers, have the responsibility of writing down what is said in court and creating official transcripts of the proceedings. They keep an eye on the equipment used to record the court proceedings and read through the transcripts to fix any errors.

In order to ensure that the transcript accurately reflects what was said in court, court reporting requires a keen interest in law as well as a thorough understanding of the language of the case (for example, English).

Forensic accountants | Forensic accountant post for criminology graduates

Investigators of financial crimes like fraud, misconduct, and financial misrepresentation are forensic accountants. Additionally, financial accountants will create accounting reports and analytical information for court presentations.

Such accountants need to approach their work methodically, with great attention to detail, and with excellent numerical skills. Although this can frequently be covered by a private firm, and you will be able to study for your exams while working, you will need a strong interest to criminology or criminal justice and a willingness to pursue your accountancy exams.

Legal roles – paralegal | Criminology related career paths as a paralegal

There are several positions that are open to criminology students who have a keen interest in criminal law but do not require a law degree. Therefore, they are employable without a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree within criminology or area of study of criminal justice. Research is done by paralegals, who also draught legal documents and summarise and edit depositions. They also perform administrative duties, speak with clients and witnesses, and give clients quotes.

To work as a paralegal, you may need to have additional qualifications depending on where you work, but in general, you need good communication skills (verbal and written), logic and problem-solving skills, and computer and technology skills.

Social workers | Work with criminology related organisations as a social worker

Even though a social worker may not immediately come to mind when considering graduate careers after earning a master’s degree in criminology, the skills and knowledge you gained during your criminology offers you the position as a social worker. You will gain a solid understanding of human psychology as well as the capacity for critical thought, good practical and analytical skills, and effective written and verbal communication.

Social workers can work with vulnerable individuals and their families, as well as organisations that are related to criminology, in an effort to better their lives. They can evaluate clients’ circumstances by social resesearch to ascertain their objectives and offer specialised relationships to support and protect these people from harm. They assist these clients in coping with the difficult changes occurring in their lives and continually check in with clients to see if their situation has improved.

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