The range of opportunities available to University of Plymouth criminology graduates is broad, and the skill set you will have as a result of your degree will be very appealing to employers. Practical and analytical skills, as well as emotional intelligence, will be nurtured on this inter-disciplinary degree and will in turn offer up ample opportunities to explore different working environments.
Direct links to criminology within the public sector include the criminal justice system and its agencies, local government, policy making and police work, but are not limited to these. Working with people is a key requirement, so working as a PCSO, welfare worker, paralegal or probation support worker are also viable options. Working in the third sector is also ideal for a criminologist, with their understanding of how society works and the challenges to everyday life that crime can have. Charities, non-profit organisations and community incentives are dynamic and rewarding, as well as fertile ground for networking and personal development. Since understanding the elements of criminology will illuminate other skills, you could also consider working in healthcare, law or education. Since specific career paths may be less obvious it is important to use your research skills to explore the range of opportunities and to consider your personal interests, motivations, values and strengths.
Researching your career options
It is important to research and explore these fully so that you can make informed decisions about your future. Keep an open mind and consider the wealth of skills you can offer.
The following websites provide helpful information on options with a career in criminology:
Employment opportunities
Below is a snapshot of what some of University of Plymouth criminology graduates told us they were doing 15 months after graduation. For some, these jobs serve as ‘stepping stones’ to professional posts by providing relevant workplace experience.
- Department Manager
- Software Engineer
- Senior Programme Co-Ordinator
- Service Delivery Consultant for Probation
- Law Enforcement Data Service Code and Practice Developer
- Digital Content Administrator
- Independent Sexual Violence Advisor
- First Hearing Team Officer
- Police Officer
- Prison Custody Officer
- Police Community Support Worker
- Prison Officer
- Prison Family Support Worker
- Probation Services Officer
- Assistant Commercial Officer
- Sales Executive
- Paralegal
Employers
- Atos
- Avon and Somerset Police
- CASS Plus
- College of Policing and Home Office
- DE&S
- Devon and Cornwall Police
- Dorset Devon and Cornwall Community Rehab Company
- Dorset Police
- Dyson
- HM Prison Services
- Metrolpolitan Police
- Patterson Law
- Survivors Trust
- Swansea Women's Aid
- Thames Valley Police
- The Economist Intelligence Unit
- University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
- Watley Weston and Fox Solicitors
- West Midland Police
- Wiltshire Police
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys of 2017/18 and 2018/19. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for 62 UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.