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Job opportunities

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Jobs in SEEK right now

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5-year projection

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What's it like to be a Criminologist?

Becoming a Criminologist can offer a number of different career options. You may specialise in crime prevention, cybercrime, terrorism, juvenile justice and law enforcement, or you may work in victim support services or offender rehabilitation and reintegration.

Tasks and duties

Conducting research into criminal behaviour.
Evaluating current methods employed by justice systems.
Examining trends in criminal behaviour and crime.
Providing information to government, law enforcement officials and policymakers about crime and the ways in which people are processed by the criminal justice system.
Helping to develop crime policy and preventative strategies.
Compiling potential motivations for criminal actions.
Examining the ways in which certain criminal justice agencies operate, including the law courts, police services, prisons and community-based correction centres.
Compiling crime statistics and developing ways in which crime-solving resources can be most effectively used.

Some Criminologists work in the legal field, ensuring laws keep up with changes in society, while others work in government policy strategy – looking at how society can best deliver safe communities.Alternatively, you may work in the field of psychology – studying the factors that contribute to offending behaviour by individuals.As a Criminologist, you may work for a government agency such as the police force or law courts, or a private institution such as a bank or insurance company. You may also be employed as a consultant.

How to become a Criminologist

To become a Criminologist you will need to complete tertiary qualifications.

Complete a bachelor degree in criminology, criminal justice, justice studies, legal studies or psychology or a related field.
Alternatively, complete post graduate studies in criminology. Sometimes relevant work experience, for example experience as a corrections officer can be a legitimate entry pathway to postgraduate study without having a degree.
Undergo a Police Check or Working with Children Check, depending on your employer and the role.