How to Become a Criminologist in the UK
Criminologists study crime, its causes and how society responds to it - through policing, courts, prisons and prevention. In the UK, people with criminology training work as researchers and analysts in government and charities, in probation and youth justice, as police staff analysts, and as lecturers.
Few jobs are called "criminologist". Most criminology graduates apply what they know in a related role, so it pays to choose a direction early and build experience that employers in that field value.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £24,000 - £30,000
- Mid-career salary
- £35,000 - £50,000
- Senior salary
- £55,000 - £85,000+
- Work environment
- Work is usually split between office-based research, government facilities, and legal environments.
- Time to entry
- 3 - 5 years
- Degree required
- Often expected
- Category
- Education, Science and Research
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report.
What a Criminologist does
Criminologists study the causes, consequences, and prevention of criminal behaviour to improve safety and criminal justice systems.
- Criminal Psychologist - Focuses on the mental states of offenders and provides expert psychological testimony in legal cases.
- Police Policy Advisor - Analyses crime statistics to advise law enforcement agencies on effective prevention and deployment strategies.
- Crime Scene Investigator - Works at crime scenes to collect and document physical evidence for laboratory analysis.
- Cybercriminologist - Analyses the patterns and motivations of those committing digital crimes and online harassment.
How to become a criminologist in the UK
The usual starting point is a degree in criminology or criminology combined with sociology, psychology, law or social policy. Research and policy roles typically want a master's and strong quantitative or qualitative research skills; probation, youth justice and police staff roles value practical experience and have their own training routes. Academic careers require a PhD.
- Study a degree in criminology, or a related subject such as sociology, psychology, law or social policy.
- Pick a direction: research and policy, probation and youth justice, policing, victim support, or academia.
- Get experience through volunteering with victim support services, youth offending teams, prisons or charities.
- Build research skills - statistics, data analysis and interviewing - and take a master's if you want research or policy work.
- Apply for roles such as research officer, crime analyst, probation officer trainee, youth justice worker or policy officer.
- For academic work, complete a PhD and publish research.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminology degree, then research or analyst roles | 3 years + experience | Tuition fee loan | Government, police staff and charity research |
| Probation officer training (PQiP) | Usually 15-21 months | Paid training | Working directly with people on probation |
| Master's in criminology or criminal justice | 1-2 years | Postgraduate fees; postgraduate loan | Policy, research and specialist roles |
| PhD | 3-4 years | Funded studentships available | University lecturing and senior research |
How long it takes
Expect three years for a degree, plus experience or a master's for most research and policy roles. Probation and youth justice routes have their own paid training once you are accepted.
Key skills
- Data Analysis
- Critical Thinking
- Sociological Research
- Report Writing
- Communication Skills
- Ethical Judgement
Criminologist FAQs
How do I become a criminologist in the UK?
Study criminology or a related degree, choose a direction such as research, probation, policing or academia, and build experience through volunteering and research skills. Research and policy roles usually expect a master's; academic careers a PhD.
What jobs can you do with a criminology degree?
Research and crime analyst roles in government and police forces, probation and youth justice, victim support and charity work, policy roles, prison and rehabilitation services, and university teaching and research.
Is criminology a good degree for the police?
It can help you understand the context of policing, but police officer entry has its own routes, including the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship and degree-holder entry. Police staff analyst roles particularly value research and data skills.
Do criminologists need a master's?
Not for every role. Probation, youth justice and many charity roles recruit graduates; government research and specialist policy roles more often look for a master's and strong research methods.
Related careers
Is Criminologist right for you?
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Not sure criminologist is the right career for you? A good career test narrows the field before you spend money retraining.