Criminologist
35AI USED FOR35%moving to80%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSD
STARTING PAY£25,000 - £30,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
Skip to main content
CAREERMASH (EN)FROM SOCIAL SCIENCES →
Criminologist
Criminologists study why crime happens and how to prevent it. They look at crime data, interview people, and work with police and governments to understand what causes crime and how to make communities safer.
THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years
AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI is already used for some of this job, but the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior CriminologistIn this entry-level role, you will assist in research projects, collect data, and support senior criminologists in their analyses. This position is ideal for recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in the field.£25,000 - £30,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level CriminologistAt this stage, you will lead research projects, manage data collection efforts, and begin to specialise in areas such as juvenile justice or cybercrime. Your insights will directly influence policy recommendations.£35,000 - £45,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Criminologist/Head of ResearchIn a senior role, you will oversee large-scale research initiatives, mentor junior staff, and represent your organisation in high-level discussions with government and community leaders. Your expertise will shape national policies and practices.£50,000+
The degree route
Real courses in this career's subject, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Politics and International RelationsThe London School of Economics and Political Science · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£35,000 median
🎓International Relations and Social AnthropologyUniversity of St Andrews · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
🎓Human, Social, and Political SciencesUniversity of Cambridge · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£31,000 median
🎓International RelationsThe University of Leeds · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,000 median
🎓International Relations and Middle East StudiesUniversity of St Andrews · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,000 median
🎓Politics and International RelationsThe University of Surrey · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£29,000 median
All Social Sciences courses as cards →
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.
Recommended UK degrees
Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.
Politics and International RelationsThe London School of Economics and Political Science · DegreeInternational Relations and Social AnthropologyUniversity of St Andrews · DegreeHuman, Social, and Political SciencesUniversity of Cambridge · DegreeInternational RelationsThe University of Leeds · DegreeInternational Relations and Middle East StudiesUniversity of St Andrews · DegreePolitics and International RelationsThe University of Surrey · Degree