So, you’ve got a criminology degree…
You know your rehabilitation from your retribution, and you can debate the causes of crime, but knowing exactly what criminology jobs are open to you now that you’ve graduated? That can be a little harder to decipher.
To help you figure out your next move, here’s everything you need to know about criminology graduate jobs (and how to get started):
What is criminology?
Criminology is the scientific study of crime and criminals.
It looks at why people commit crimes, the impact on victims and society, and how the criminal justice system responds. Careers in criminology are rarely one-dimensional, and combine sociology, psychology, and law.
Criminology job opportunities
If you’re looking for jobs involving criminology that relate directly to your degree, these roles are the most common places to start:
Youth Worker
What they do: Act as mentors and guides for young people, typically aged 11 to 25. Their goal is to help young people reach their full potential and improve their social, personal, and emotional development. This is a vital role in preventing youth crime and supporting those who might be at risk of offending.
Salary expectations: Starting salaries typically sit between £23,000 and £30,000, rising with experience.
How to get there: To become a Youth Worker, you’ll usually need a degree validated by the National Youth Agency (NYA). However, apprenticeships are available in more entry-level roles, such as Youth Support Worker, which could be a great way to work your way up whilst gaining experience on the job.
Probation Officer
What they do: Work closely with offenders, monitoring their behaviour and overseeing their rehabilitation back into society. Typical duties include everything from conducting regular meetings to assess an individual’s progress, through to completing risk assessments to protect against reoffending.
Salary expectations: Trainees on the Professional Qualification in Probation (PQIP) programme get paid while they train. Once qualified, salaries for Probation Officers generally start around £35,000.
How to get there: You’ll need to complete specialised training to become a Probation Officer, which will generally require at least a QCF Level 5 qualification (such as a degree) that includes modules in the criminal justice system. If you aren’t currently qualified, don’t panic – the PQIP is a fully funded training route.
View all Probation Officer jobs
How to become a Probation Officer
Criminologist
What they do: Study criminal behaviour to determine why crimes have been committed and, crucially, what can be done to reduce the risk of people reoffending. Aside from the psychological side of the role, Criminologists are also very analytical, working with vast data sets to spot patterns and trends which could be used to help improve the justice system.
Salary expectations: Criminologist pay varies wildly depending on whether you work in academia, research, or policy. Salaries often start around £25,000 for research assistants but can rise significantly for senior lecturers or lead consultants.
How to get there: A degree in Criminology is a prerequisite, and many employers will also look for some form of postgraduate qualification. As criminologist job opportunities are extremely competitive, networking is vital. Gaining membership with the British Society of Criminology is a great way to increase your contacts.
Prison Officer
What they do: Supervise, train, and rehabilitate prisoners. They’re responsible for each inmate’s welfare, carrying out regular security checks to ensure a safe, healthy, and secure environment – and helping to support those who are particularly vulnerable.
Salary expectations: Current figures show starting salaries ranging from £33,746 to £44,474 depending on location and hours worked (figures include unsocial hours allowance).
How to get there: You don’t necessarily need a degree to become a Prison Officer, as employers place precedence on work experience and personal qualities like resilience. If you don’t have much experience, taking on voluntary positions in the community could help your application stand out.
How to become a Prison Officer
Forensic Scientist
What they do: Use scientific analysis to assess evidence found at crime scenes. Although they tend to get more hands-on than those working purely in criminology, their extra psychological training can often help Criminologists transition their skills to forensics.
Salary expectations: Starting salaries are typically around £20,000 to £25,000, but experienced scientists can earn £45,000 or more.
How to get there: Many roles require a forensic science degree, but it is possible to enter with a criminology degree if you have relevant scientific A Levels or postgraduate qualifications. You might start in an entry-level position – as a Forensic Lab Support Assistant, for example – and work your way up.
View all forensic science jobs
How to become a Forensic Scientist
Police Officer
What they do: Work on the front line to maintain law and order, investigate crimes, and support victims. It’s a challenging, fast-paced role where no two days are the same.
Salary expectations: Starting salaries for police constables generally sit between £23,556 and £28,551, depending on the entry route and force.
How to get there: There are several entry routes, including the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) and the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP), which is perfect for those with a non-policing degree like Criminology.
How to become a Police Officer
Civil Service Administrator
What they do: Keep the machinery of government running smoothly. You might handle sensitive data, manage public enquiries, or help draft policy on criminal justice. Your work helps shape the way the state responds to crime and supports those affected by it.
Salary expectations: Starting salaries are typically around £23,000, with opportunities to increase as you climb the ladder.
How to get there: A degree in any subject, including criminology, is a strong starting point. Many roles offer structured training schemes, and volunteering or internships in local government can boost your application.
View all Civil Service Administrator jobs
Community Development Worker
What they do: Bring people together to solve problems and make neighbourhoods safer, healthier, and happier. You might work on initiatives to reduce youth offending, improve housing, or boost access to local education and support services.
Salary expectations: You’ll usually start around £21,000, with experienced workers earning up to £35,000 or more.
How to get there: A criminology degree is a strong advantage, but experience in community projects, charities, or volunteering will really make your application stand out.
View all Community Development Worker jobs
Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)
What they do: Visit crime scenes, collect evidence (think fingerprints and fibres), and work closely with police and forensic scientists to build a case.
Salary expectations: Salaries usually start at around £20,000, but can rise to £35,000 with experience and specialisation.
How to get there: Most CSIs have a degree in criminology, forensic science, or a related field. Good communication skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure are a must.
View all Crime Scene Investigator jobs
Detective
What they do: Investigate serious and complex crimes, from burglaries to murders. You’ll gather evidence, interview suspects, write detailed reports, and often appear in court.
Salary expectations: Detective salaries vary by force and region but typically range from £25,000 up to £43,000 depending on rank and experience.
How to get there: Many detectives begin as Police Constables before specialising, but some forces offer direct entry schemes for graduates with a degree such as criminology.
Border Force Officer
What they do: Keep the UK’s borders secure and crime-free. From checking travel documents to investigating illegal activity, you’ll be at the front line of national security.
Salary expectations: Salaries typically start at around £25,750 and can climb above £35,000 for experienced officers or those working in specialist roles.
How to get there: A criminology degree demonstrates strong analytical and communication skills. Recruitment usually involves an assessment process, including tests of judgement and decision-making.
View all Border Force Officer jobs
Intelligence Analyst
What they do: Piece together information from all kinds of sources – such as CCTV, financial records, interviews, social media – to spot trends, anticipate risks, and help law enforcement get ahead of crime.
Salary expectations: Starting salaries sit at about £25,000, rising to £40,000 or more for experienced analysts or supervisory roles.
How to get there: Most employers look for a degree in criminology or a related subject, plus strong IT and analytical skills. Internships or entry-level roles in policing or security can help you get a foot in the door.
View all Intelligence Analyst jobs
Policy Officer
What they do: Create, review, and recommend policies for organisations including government departments, think tanks, and charities. If you thrive on debate and research, and want to influence how society tackles criminal and social issues, this is the job for you.
Salary expectations: Entry-level Policy Officers can expect to earn around £26,000 to £32,000, with the potential to earn more with seniority and experience.
How to get there: A criminology degree is highly relevant. Gaining experience through internships, voluntary work, or joining professional associations like the Policy Institute can be a big plus.
Highest paying criminology jobs
If you’re looking for criminology salaries at the top end of the scale, look towards senior leadership roles within the police (like Superintendent), specialised Intelligence Analyst roles, or senior policy advisors for the government. Private security consulting and forensic psychology (with further study) also offer high earning potential.
Entry level criminology jobs
Struggling to walk straight into a specialist role? Look for entry level criminology jobs like:
- Prison Support Officer
- Court Administrative Assistant
- Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)
- Youth Support Worker
- Witness Care Officer
Jobs associated with criminal justice
If you want to cast your net wider, there are plenty of jobs associated with criminal justice where your skills will be highly valued. These include:
Social Worker
What they do: Support individuals and families facing challenges, helping them access resources, improve their well-being, and navigate difficult situations. Social work often overlaps with the justice system, especially when working with vulnerable families or juvenile offenders.
Salary expectations: £30,000+ once qualified.
How to get there: Get a degree in social work, often followed by a postgraduate qualification and relevant work experience.
Data Analyst / Intelligence Analyst
What they do: Spot trends, flag suspicious patterns, and provide actionable insights that help law enforcement agencies prevent and solve crimes faster.
Salary expectations: £25,000 – £40,000.
How to get there: Start with a degree in criminology, maths, or a related field. Experience with data analysis tools or coding is a bonus.
Adult Guidance Worker
What they do: Help adults identify skills and explore career changes, including those leaving prison or making a fresh start after trouble with the law. You’ll need adaptability, empathy, and knowledge of the criminal justice system.
Salary expectations: £23,000 – £35,000.
How to get there: You’ll typically need a degree in guidance, counselling, or a relevant subject, plus some real-world experience.
View all Adult Guidance Worker jobs
Barrister
What they do: Play a key role in the justice system, advising and representing clients in court. With a criminology degree, you’ll have great background knowledge, especially if you specialise in criminal law.
Salary expectations: £30,000 – £90,000+ depending on location and experience.
How to get there: You’ll need to complete a law conversion course after your criminology degree, then pass the Bar course and secure a pupillage.
Charity Officer
What they do: Work with charities that tackle the root causes of crime, support victims, or help ex-offenders re-enter society. This role combines criminological insight with practical help.
Salary expectations: £19,000 – £30,000 for entry-level, rising with experience.
How to get there: Most roles require a relevant degree and experience, often gained through volunteering or internships.
Counsellor
What they do: Work with vulnerable individuals and offenders, supporting rehabilitation and reducing reoffending through guidance and therapy.
Salary expectations: £22,000 – £40,000.
How to get there: You’ll need a counselling qualification (degree or diploma) plus practical experience. A background in criminology can be a real plus.
Housing Manager/Officer
What they do: Tackle antisocial behaviour, help vulnerable tenants, and support people impacted by crime or with criminal records.
Salary expectations: £24,000 – £40,000.
How to get there: A degree in housing, social work, or criminology is useful. Experience with local government or social care helps too.
Local Government Officer
What they do: Support community safety, partnership working, and local crime prevention initiatives – these roles often tie in closely with housing and social care.
Salary expectations: £20,000 – £40,000+ depending on department and level.
How to get there: Many start with a degree relevant to the role, plus experience in community work or administration.
View all Local Government Officer jobs
Political Risk Analyst
What they do: Assess how global politics and events could impact crime, law enforcement, and security, both in the UK and abroad. You’ll track current events, predict changes, and help organisations make smart decisions.
Salary expectations: Starting salaries usually range from £27,000 to £40,000, with higher pay for those in private sector or specialist consultancy roles.
How to get there: Analytical skills are key. A criminology degree forms a strong foundation, and postgraduate qualifications in international relations or risk analysis can open more doors.
View all Political Risk Analyst jobs
Social Researcher
What they do: Design and deliver research that shapes public understanding of crime and justice. The work might involve creating surveys, conducting interviews, analysing data, and presenting recommendations to government, charities, or think tanks.
Salary expectations: Salaries start at around £25,000 but can rise to £40,000 or more for senior researchers.
How to get there: Most roles ask for a relevant degree, plus strong research and writing skills. Gaining experience in research projects at university, or working as a research assistant, can give you an advantage.
View all Social Researcher jobs
Civil Service Administrator
What they do: Work within the Ministry of Justice or HM Courts & Tribunals Service, keeping the wheels of justice turning from behind the scenes.
Salary expectations: £22,000 – £28,000.
How to get there: Apply for entry-level civil service positions, ideally with a degree in criminology, law, or public administration. Good organisational and communication skills are essential too.
View all Civil Service Administrator jobs
Common criminology career paths
Careers within criminology are anything but one-size-fits-all. You might start as a PCSO, get inspired by the legal challenges, and decide to retrain as a paralegal. Or maybe you begin in youth work, discover a passion for shaping communities, and find yourself in policy making.
Here are some common job progressions you’ll see in the field:
- Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) → Police Officer → Detective
- Prison Officer → Probation Officer → Criminal Justice Manager
- Youth Worker → Policy Officer → Local Government Advisor
- Crime Scene Investigator → Intelligence Analyst → Detective
- Victim Support Worker → Social Worker → Charity Manager
- Research Assistant → Social Researcher → Policy Analyst
Common sectors you could work in include:
- The Police: Frontline or civilian support.
- HM Prison and Probation Service: Rehabilitation and security.
- Local Government: Community safety and policy.
- Charities: Victim support and penal reform.
- Research: Universities and think tanks.
Do I need a degree to work in criminology?
For most specific criminology job opportunities, employers will expect you to have some level of qualification. This generally means a degree (and may even mean a Masters for roles like Forensic Psychologist).
However, jobs within criminal justice are modernising. Entry-level positions like Prison Officer or Police Officer now have apprenticeship routes that don’t require you to hold a degree beforehand—though you often earn one while training.
If you don’t have a degree, roles like Witness Service Volunteer or Administrative Assistant in a legal firm are great starting points to gain experience and work your way up.
How to get work experience in criminology
Finding relevant work experience is a vital way to stand out to recruiters for criminology degree jobs. Here’s how you can do it:
- Volunteering: Start by looking for a voluntary position within your local community. Ideally, one that has some relevance to your chosen field, such as Victim Support or local youth groups.
- Job shadowing: Try getting in touch with local civil service organisations to offer your services. Even if you’re just able to take a tour of the facility, it’s a great way to get your foot in the door.
- Prison visiting: Schemes exist where you can visit prisoners to provide social contact, which demonstrates immense emotional intelligence and resilience.
- Internships: Keep an eye out for criminology internships within the Civil Service or large charities.
Work experience placements: What you need to know
Work experience letter template
Criminology skills to utilise
To work in jobs involving criminology, you’ll need an in-depth understanding of human behaviour and psychology, as well as an excellent grasp of ethics.
Here are a few of the key skills needed to work in criminology:
- Evaluating evidence
- Data interpretation
- Analytical thinking
- Problem solving
- Research skills
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Decision making skills
- Honesty and integrity
Frequently asked questions
Is criminology a good degree?
Absolutely. It demonstrates critical thinking, analytical capability, and emotional intelligence. Even if you don’t go into a direct crime role, these skills are highly transferrable to HR, recruitment, and social research.
What is the difference between criminology and criminal justice?
Criminology is the study of crime (causes, effects, psychology). Criminal Justice is the study of the system (policing, courts, prisons). Jobs involving criminology often overlap with both.
Can I work in the FBI with a criminology degree?
If you’re a UK citizen, you’re looking at MI5 or MI6 rather than the FBI. Intelligence agencies do recruit graduates with analytical degrees, but the vetting process is strict!
Still searching for your perfect position? View all criminology jobs now.
