Learn about what criminology can lead to as we break down eight jobs you can do with a criminology degree.
Updated: 22 Oct 2026
Criminology is a mix of psychology and sociology, applied to the examination of crime and the patterns of crime. You'll explore why people offend, crime prevention and how the media shape our understanding of crime when studying a criminology degree.
Should any of these be your dream jobs, you'll want to start researching criminology courses right away – luckily, you can check out and compare loads of criminology courses right here on Whatuni!
There's a wide range of jobs available to criminology graduates. Many graduates work in the criminal justice sector but the skills you learn during your degree will open doors to lots of different employment opportunities. Some popular options for criminology graduates include further study (for example a masters course, or a law conversion course), social work such as counselling, and of course the most obvious option: joining the public services such as the police force.
We've compiled a list of eight jobs that criminology graduates often progress to, though this is by no means an exhaustive list as criminology graduates have gone on to work in a wide variety of different industries and many employers will consider graduates regardless of the subject of their degree! Check out eight of the most popular jobs for criminology graduates here:
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What you'll do: Criminologists collect and analyse both qualitative and quantitative data on criminal activity. They work with police forces and government policy-makers, sharing their insights on crime prevention and criminal profiling.
How it uses your degree: Everything you learn in your degree will prepare you for every aspect of this job.
Why you’ll love it: You'll get to apply what you've learnt directly to your job. Your favourite parts of a criminology degree will be incorporated into your day-to-day responsibilities.
How much you might earn: Starter salaries begin at around £24,000, with top salaries around £48,000.
What you'll do: Police officers work with local communities to keep people safe, deter crime and keep the peace. They also conduct investigations, interview suspects and gather evidence.
How it uses your degree: You'll use your understanding of criminal profiling to identify criminals and help with prevention.
Why you’ll love it: The pride of helping others and keeping your local area safe will make your job feel meaningful and rewarding.
How much you might earn: Police constable salaries begin at around £33,000 and rise up to £46,000 at the top end. They are dependent on area so if you live in a more expensive area like London, you can expect a higher salary. The pay scale goes up as you rise through the job ranks, with inspectors earning an average of £58,000.
What you'll do: Detectives work in many different areas, from criminal investigation departments (CID) to fraud, cyber or drugs squads. They manage investigations and police officers in gathering evidence.
How it uses your degree: Much like a police officer, this job uses your knowledge and understanding of why crime's committed to helping profile offenders and catch the culprits.
Why you’ll love it: You'll be making a significant difference in crime prevention and contributing towards the understanding of why crime occurs.
How much you might earn: Salaries for detectives are on a similar level as police officers. The average starting salary for a detective is £31,000. Expect to earn around £50,000 on the top end.
What you'll do: Probation officers work closely with offenders and ex-prisoners, reintroducing them into society and helping to prevent reoffending. You’ll also work closely with prison services, the police and government or community agencies.
How it uses your degree: You’ll need to have a solid understanding of why an individual commits a crime and be able to empathise with them to help with rehabilitation.
Why you’ll love it: You’ll get first-hand insight into why criminals commit crimes and how they are rehabilitated. You’ll also have the chance to make a real impact on people’s lives.
How much you might earn: Salaries start from around £28,000 and can increase up to £41,000.
What you'll do: Scene of crime officers or crime scene investigators (CSI) collect forensic and photographic evidence from crime scenes.
How it uses your degree: This job is ideal for those who've done a joint honours degree that includes forensic science, however, even if you just studied criminology you can still move into this field by doing further studies or on the job training.
Why you’ll love it: You'll love this job if you're a problem-solver. Knowing you’ve had a hand in catching criminals and making the world a safer place will feel great.
How much you might earn: Salaries start at around £24,000, though this varies depending on where you are working and can increase up to £29,000.
What you'll do: Prison officers are responsible for supervising offenders, including those who are dangerous and/or vulnerable in prison. You’ll be in direct contact with prisoners and will assist rehabilitation.
How it uses your degree: You'll use your understanding of why people behave the way they do in order to help with their rehabilitation.
Why you’ll love it: You’ll get the chance to help offenders change their lives around which will give you an immense sense of achievement.
How much you might earn: Salaries start at £34,000, with extra weighting if you live in London or the southeast.
What you'll do: Help vulnerable people going through difficult times. You’ll provide mental health support, support with drug or alcohol abuse or support with the homeless. You'll help them get the medical, financial and housing support they need.
How it uses your degree: You'll use the sociological and psychological aspects of your degree, building on your knowledge and empathy with people from different backgrounds.
Why you’ll love it: You’ll be making a real difference in people’s lives by helping them when they need it most.
How much you might earn: Starter salaries are around £32,000. This will depend on where you're located and whether you work for a government agency or a charity. Salaries can rise to £48,000 with experience.
What you'll do: Teach future criminology students what you yourself learnt.
How it uses your degree: You’ll be using everything you learn in your degree and more, through further study/ongoing research into the field.
Why you’ll love it: Working with new students, seeing how they interpret and question the world around us will challenge and inspire you on a daily basis.
How much you might earn: Salaries can differ depending on location and institution but expect to be earning around £37,000 to start, with raises of up to around £50,000 if you become a senior lecturer.
These are just some of the career opportunities open to you if you do a degree in criminology. A criminology degree will teach you problem-solving skills, research skills, written and oral communication skills, meaning there are plenty more career paths you can take.
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