A criminology degree from Lancaster University will prepare you with the knowledge, skills and experience to undertake a variety of roles. Some of these roles you may not even know about until you embark on your degree programme.
What do criminology graduate do?
One of the best aspects of criminology is the broad range of career options it provides. From policy, government and criminal justice agencies to charities and corporations.
Some of our recent graduates have gone on to roles with:
- Criminal justice agencies (the police force, Crown Prosecution Service, HM Prison and Probation Service, the GSL UK)
- The Home Office & Ministry of Justice
- The Department for Health and Social Care
- Local Government
- NHS trusts
- Charities
- Youth offending services
- Legal and Consulting firms
- Banks and financial institutions
Skills Development
Throughout your degree, we will you help you develop the transferable skills required for your future career both through the curriculum, and in the extra-curricular opportunities we offer.
Potential employers will not only value your knowledge of crime and criminal justice in a range of contexts, but also your ability to think critically, carry out research and analyse data. Speaking in public, writing coherently, planning projects, developing arguments, creative decision making, independent working and working effectively in a team are all skills that you will develop in your time at Lancaster.
Making connections
Throughout your time with us, we’ll discuss different career options for you and give you the opportunity to make new connections with potential employers. We’ll introduce you to professionals at NGOs and charities, as well as local criminal justice agencies such as Lancashire Police and HMP Lancaster Farms. We’ll also help you find voluntary work with organisations like Citizens Advice and Lancashire Constabulary’s Special Constables.
Placement year
The University offers students the opportunity to extend their degree to 4 years by undertaking a placement year in which they spend a year working with an organisation or business in a field of their choosing. This could be an organisation related to criminal justice or something entirely outside of the field. The year in industry offer students a fantastic opportunity to develop their practical skills and knowledge of the industry or sector they may wish to work within.
Careers support
A dedicated careers team is on hand to help support the transition into employment. They will support you in identifying your skills set, CV writing, preparing for assessment centres, placement opportunities, applying for jobs, placements, internships, graduate schemes etc. The careers service also run a variety of career events with potential employers from a range sectors.
Access to our careers support doesn’t end with graduation. As a Lancaster University alumni, you’ll retain lifelong access to our prestigious Careers and Employability Service – for free!
Lancaster Award
Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring that you gain a highly reputable degree. We are also dedicated to ensuring that you graduate university with relevant life and work-based skills. At Lancaster University we also offer The Lancaster Award, which gives you the opportunity to complete activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community, and social development. These are fantastic additions to add to your CV.