# What can you do with a Criminology degree?

> Source: https://coursetojob.co.uk/courses/criminology/ — updated 2026-09-25. Published by CourseToJob (independent; not affiliated with UCAS, HESA or GOV.UK).

**Quick answer:** A Criminology degree commonly leads to roles such as probation services officer, intelligence researcher (entry) and victim support worker. DfE does not publish a separate Criminology row in its subject-level earnings data, so we do not show a salary figure for it.

Criminology studies crime, justice institutions, and evidence. It is not police training by itself. Official figures appear when an extract is loaded.

## What jobs can you get with a Criminology degree?

- **Probation services officer**: Supervises people on orders or licences under a qualified officer’s framework. Skills often asked for: risk tools, appointments, enforcement notes.
- **Intelligence researcher (entry)**. Skills often asked for: open-source notes, spreadsheets, briefings.
- **Victim support worker**. Skills often asked for: listening, signposting, safeguarding.
- **Prison officer**. Skills often asked for: regime, dynamic security, incident reports.

## How much do Criminology graduates earn?

DfE's subject-level LEO data has no separate Criminology row, so CourseToJob publishes no salary figure for it.

## Is Criminology the right degree for you?

You may enjoy it if:
- You want to study crime statistically and sociologically.
- You like reading inspection reports and case law summaries.
- You can separate media narratives from evidence.

It may not suit you if:
- You expected a guaranteed police or forensic scientist post.
- You wanted a purely practical scene-of-crime course.
- You dislike theory and research methods.

## Interview questions for Criminology graduate roles

Probation, prison, intelligence-research and victim-support interviews usually test judgement, recording, and how you stay professional with distressed or hostile people. These prompts are editorial illustrations, not a service’s actual questions.

- Someone on your caseload misses an appointment. What do you record, and what do you do? (What it tests: Enforcement versus support, and that you do not invent a home visit you did not make.)
- A victim asks you to keep something ‘off the record’. How do you answer? (What it tests: Limits of confidentiality and how you still treat them with respect.)
- You are asked to summarise a long file in ten bullets. How do you choose? (What it tests: Risk, history, and what a colleague needs tomorrow.)
- A colleague’s joke about a case feels wrong. What do you do? (What it tests: Culture and reporting — not joining in to fit in.)
- Why might two similar offences need different responses? (What it tests: Context, risk, and the person — without pretending you set the sentence.)

## Frequently asked questions

### What jobs can you do with a Criminology degree?

Common starting roles include probation services officer, intelligence researcher (entry), victim support worker and prison officer. These are examples, not guaranteed jobs: your experience, location and further training matter.

### How much do Criminology graduates earn in the UK?

DfE's subject-level LEO data does not include a separate Criminology row, so CourseToJob does not publish a Criminology salary figure. Check related subjects and individual job adverts, and treat any single salary figure with caution.

### Can international students study Criminology in the UK?

Yes, most UK universities accept international applicants, but entry requirements, recognised qualifications, English-language evidence and overseas tuition fees depend on the university and programme. Check the university course page and international admissions team, then check visa requirements on GOV.UK.


Apply for undergraduate courses on UCAS: https://www.ucas.com/explore/search/courses?query=Criminology