law-justice

How to Become a Criminologist in Australia

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Do you love listening to true crime podcasts and watching every whodunit series on Netflix? Are you interested in delving into new fields like cybercrime and identity theft? Do you follow trends and issues in crime and criminal justice? If you answered yes to any of these questions, a career in criminology could be a great fit for you!

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about criminology as a profession, including how to become a criminologist, what skills are required, the typical salary a criminologist earns, and much more. Let’s dive in by exploring what criminology is and what a criminologist does.

Bachelor of criminology

 

What is CRIMINOLOGY?

Criminology is a dynamic and impactful field that delves into the complexities of crime, its causes, and its consequences. Criminology involves examining patterns and trends of crimes and developing strategies for crime prevention. As a profession, criminology has seen significant recent growth in Australia, reflecting an increasing focus on evidence-based practices in law enforcement and criminal justice.

What is THE ROLE OF a CRIMINOLOGIST?

Criminologists in Australia work with law enforcement, government agencies, and academic institutions, focusing on analysing crime patterns rather than solving individual cases. Their role involves gathering and analysing crime data, studying the psychological and sociological aspects of criminal behaviour, and collaborating with law enforcement to develop strategies for crime prevention.

Criminologists also conduct research that can influence legal policies and societal responses to crime. Their work requires a deep understanding of human behaviour, social dynamics, and legal systems, positioning them as an essential part of the criminal justice system.

Now that we’ve examined the core of criminology and what a criminologist does, keep reading to explore how to become a criminologist. 

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How to become a CRIMINOLOGIST in Australia

Becoming a criminologist in Australia typically begins with a bachelor’s degree in criminology, criminal justice, or related fields like law, psychology, or sociology. After all, criminology is an interdisciplinary field – it explores the social aspects of crime and deviance by integrating sociology, psychology, law, and more. It examines crime causes, justice practices, victimisation, social control, and alternatives to punishment, including forensic practices and Indigenous justice.

At ACAP, we offer three undergraduate criminology degrees that can help you become a criminologist.

First up is the Bachelor of Psychological Science and Criminology. This three-year degree teaches you how to become a criminologist by equipping you with valuable knowledge of societal factors that influence crime. There is an applied focus on subjects such as biology, learning and cognition; research methodology; psychopathology; law and the legal system; and theoretical and applied criminology.

This course is available to domestic students looking to study on-campus in Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, as well as those looking to study criminology online. This course is also available to international students at our Melbourne campus.

Our second undergraduate criminology degree is the Bachelor of Criminology and Justice. Available to both domestic and international students on-campus in Melbourne (or online for domestic students only), this course offers deep insights into human behaviour and explores the impact of the justice system on future actions, helping you understand the criminal justice system and its connection to the community.

Over three years of study, you’ll explore units in criminal psychology; crime prevention; law enforcement; and corrections and justice-related issues.

Comprising the first two trimesters of our Bachelor of Criminology and Justice, the Associate Degree of Criminal Justice explores criminal behaviour, crime prevention and social control, as well as in-depth coverage of criminal justice systems. This degree can be completed in as little as one year and four months and is available to both domestic and international students on campus in Melbourne (or online for domestic students only).

Upon graduating, you can look forward to dynamic career options, including Youth Justice Worker, Case Manager, Corrections Officer, Court Registrar, or Law Enforcement Officer.

Unsure which degree pathway is right for you? Contact our Course Advisors today for support with navigating your options and securing the qualification that will help you become a criminologist in a setting that meets your career goals.

Now that we’ve covered how to become a criminologist in Australia, let’s explore the skills, career paths and salaries of a typical criminology professional. 

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Frequently asked questions about HOW TO BECOME A CRIMINOLOGIST

WHAT SKILLS ARE NEEDED FOR A CRIMINOLOGIST?

Criminology is an excellent career choice if you’re a detail-oriented person with strong problem-solving skills and an interest in understanding human behaviour.

Success in criminology requires a unique blend of technical knowledge, analytical skills, and personal attributes. Criminologists must be adept at understanding complex social and psychological factors that influence criminal behaviour. They also need the ability to analyse data and interpret research findings effectively.

  • Analytical Skills: One of the most critical skills for a criminologist is the ability to analyse and interpret data. This includes understanding crime statistics, recognising patterns in criminal behaviour, and using this information to make recommendations.  
  • Research Skills: Criminologists must be proficient in conducting both qualitative and quantitative research. This involves designing studies, collecting data. and analysing results to draw conclusions that can influence policy and practice. 
  • Critical Thinking: Criminologists must evaluate complex situations, consider various factors, and develop solutions that are both effective and ethically sound. 
  • Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills are vital, as criminologists often need to present their findings to a range of audiences, including law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and the public.  
  • Empathy and Ethical Judgement: Working in criminology often involves dealing with sensitive issues and vulnerable populations. Criminologists must have the ability to work with empathy, ensuring their research and recommendations respect the rights and dignity of all individuals involved. 
  • Attention to Detail: Whether analysing crime scenes, reviewing case studies, or interpreting data, attention to detail is crucial. Small oversights can lead to significant errors in judgement or conclusions, so precision is key in this role. 

WHAT ARE THE CAREER PATHS FOR CRIMINOLOGY DEGREES?

The career path for criminologists in Australia is varied and rewarding. For example, criminologists can explore issues like drug policy, human rights, violence, organised crime, and Indigenous incarceration. Additionally, they gain insight into key criminal justice institutions, including the police, law courts, and prisons, and their effects on society.

Entry-level positions often include roles such as research assistants, policy analysts, or crime prevention officers. These positions provide valuable experience and insight into the workings of the criminal justice system and are often the first step towards more advanced roles.

As criminologists gain experience and develop their expertise, they may progress to roles such as senior researchers, criminal profilers, or forensic specialists. Those with a passion for academia may pursue a career in teaching or research at university level, contributing to the development of future criminologists and the expansion of knowledge in the field.

Criminologists can find opportunities across a range of sectors. From working in investigative services as part of the federal police, to being on the frontline of criminal justice as a court reporter, a criminology degree could take you in any number of directions.

In government, criminologists may work with departments such as the Australian Institute of Criminology, contributing to national crime prevention strategies and policies. In law enforcement, criminologists play a key role in developing and implementing evidence-based practices, helping to reduce crime rates and improve community safety.

The private sector also offers opportunities, particularly in areas such as security consulting, risk management, and corporate investigations. Non-profit organisations may employ criminologists to work on issues such as prison reform, restorative justice, or victim support services. 

HOW MUCH DO CRIMINOLOGISTS EARN IN AUSTRALIA?

The salary of a criminologist in Australia can vary, depending on factors such as education, experience, and the specific sector of employment. According to PayScale, the average salary for a criminologist in 2024 in Australia is $62,701. Entry-level positions may start at about $50,000, while more experienced criminologists, or those in specialised roles, can earn upwards of $100,000 annually. Criminologists working in government agencies or metropolitan areas may earn higher salaries compared with those in regional locations or non-profit organisations.

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the demand for criminologists is expected to grow steadily over the coming years, driven by the need for more sophisticated approaches to crime prevention and an evolving understanding of criminal behaviour.

Growth in the industry looks positive, with steady demand expected over the coming years. Seek Australia reports that jobs in criminology are set to increase by 18.9 per cent over the next five years. The growing emphasis on evidence-based policing, criminal justice reform, and crime prevention strategies is likely to drive continued demand for skilled criminologists.

Additionally, the expanding field of cybercrime and the increasing focus on national security are creating new opportunities for criminologists with expertise in these areas. The field of criminology is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay informed about the latest research, trends, and developments to keep your knowledge and skills up to date. 

WHAT ATAR DO YOU NEED FOR CRIMINOLOGY?

At ACAP, you don’t need an ATAR to study any of our courses, removing a potential barrier for you to become a criminologist in Australia. We recommend reviewing our full admissions criteria to ensure you meet our eligibility requirements.

IS CRIMINOLOGY IN DEMAND?

While you’re exploring criminology as a career path and researching how to become a criminologist, you might be wondering whether criminology is in demand.

The answer is a resounding yes! With a projected national job growth of 18.9 per cent through to 2026 (Labour Market Insights), human behaviour experts like criminologists are in high demand with a positive career outlook on the horizon.

READY TO BECOME A CRIMINOLOGIST?

Your journey starts at ACAP! Uniquely human-centred in our approach, ACAP delivers real-world insights into criminology and sets you up for success with a holistic overview of the profession.

When you choose to study an undergraduate criminology course with us, we ensure you’ll graduate with the practical, applicable knowledge and skills that employers are looking for.

Begin your journey to become a criminologist today by applying now!

Unsure which pathway is best for you? Have questions to ask us before you apply? Book a call with one of our Course Advisors who can help you pick the pathway that best suits your needs. 

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