Criminology
Find out how to use the skills gained from studying Criminology to understand and contribute to improving the criminal justice system.
Criminology students analyse types of crime and the factors affecting criminal behaviour such as peer group, poverty, behavioural or psychological influences. They examine crime in the context of history, culture and location and also study how effective we are as a country in relation to our rehabilitation practices and systems.
Roles and career pathways
Criminology graduates gain strong skills in research, analysis, and communication that can be used in roles as probation officers, policy analysts, intelligence analysts, researchers, community workers, coordinators, case managers, communications advisers, project coordinators, and training facilitators.
For careers in policy advice, intelligence, and research some study at postgraduate level can be valuable. To become a practising criminologist, a PhD is generally required. Complementary study in Psychology, Law, or other social science areas can help broaden your employment options. Some Criminology graduates apply to the Royal New Zealand Police College where they train to become police officers. New Zealand Police also have non-sworn support roles as communicators, analysts, and advisers. Some graduates move into youth work and mentoring roles (further study may be required for this). Criminology graduates with undergraduate degrees or seeking a first role may work initially in administration or coordination, or in junior adviser or trainee analyst roles.
Where Criminology graduates work
Criminology intersects with areas of law, media studies, policy, policing, psychology, and social sciences and graduates work across these diverse areas. This may include working for government organisations involved in youth support, justice, or surveillance and security or working for not-for-profit organisations involved with advocacy, education, rehabilitation, or victim support.
Criminology graduates have worked in organisations including:
- ACC
- Ara Poutama—Department of Corrections
- IDEA Services
- Ministry of Justice
- New Zealand Customs Service
- New Zealand Police
Graduate career stories
Amber Gant
Amber drew on skills gained from Criminology and Psychology studies as well as work experience while studying to gain an exciting role with NZ Police.
Ellie McKenzie
Critical thinking, writing, and public speaking skills Ellie developed in Criminology studies serve her in daily life and in her work as a consultant.
Darcey McNaught
The ability to demonstrate critical thinking and writing skills in a part-time role meant Darcey was able to pivot into a career path in risk services.
Rayna Tuina Tuunaifo Phillips
Rayna applies knowledge and skills gained from Criminology and Psychology studies to strengthen her practice, research, and tautua with Pasifika communities.
Jamie Wehipeihana
Jamie brings skills honed from Anthropology and Criminology studies along with public sector work experience back to her community as an education researcher.
Build relevant skills and experience
Part-time work and volunteering during study, especially in areas such as offender rehabilitation, mental health, justice, or youth work can help you to learn more about these sectors and develop valuable connections and experience. Part-time work in an entry-level customer service or administration role at a justice-related organisation or government department is also helpful.
The WFHSS Internship course run by the Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences helps develop leadership skills and practical workplace experience. Programmes such as Wellington Plus and the Wellington International Leadership Programme (WILP) offer opportunities to gain diverse volunteer and leadership experience.
Make career connections
Making connections with individuals and groups during your degree can help you learn more about career opportunities. The Criminology Collective is a hub of interesting information and is administered by staff at the Institute of Criminology at Victoria University of Wellington. The Alumni as Mentors programme for final-year students also helps enhance your connections and employability while studying.