How to become a criminologist

Make a positive difference in society through crime prevention.

If you've ever been intrigued by the inner workings of the criminal justice system, or if you're passionate about making a difference in society, then a career as a criminologist in Australia could be the perfect fit for you.

A pin board tracking and connecting all the evidence of a crime.

Steps to becoming a criminologist

To qualify as a criminologist, you must complete a related tertiary qualification.

Explore criminology degrees

3 RMIT criminology students work together to solve a case in class.

Bachelor of Criminal Justice

With close links with criminal justice agencies built into this degree, you’ll explore how criminal justice systems work to serve individuals and the community through law enforcement, policy, practice, and reform.

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Bachelor of Criminology and Psychology

In this degree you will develop an understanding of the psychology of crime, be able to conduct forensic interviews and provide case management for offenders, victims, and clients with complex needs. You’ll learn key communication, risk assessment, behavioural analysis and research skills and gain a strong understanding of psychological theories and practice.

Master of Justice and Criminology

With a strong vocational focus, this master’s degree provides you with the advanced skills and knowledge to effectively perform as a justice professional.

Explore RMIT's justice courses

Complete relevant police checks

To work as a criminologist, you will need to complete a police check and/or a working with children check, depending on your employer and the role.

What does a criminologist do?

As a criminologist, your role is like that of a detective, but instead of solving individual crimes, you'll be solving the puzzle of crime itself. You'll dive into the details of various offences, gathering data and creating profiles to better understand the patterns and trends. You'll also take a critical look at the criminal justice system, evaluating its methods and effectiveness. Your ultimate goal is to understand the root causes of criminal behaviour and find ways to address and, hopefully, eradicate it.

What skills do you need to become a successful criminologist?

To work as a criminologist, you'll need a blend of hard and soft skills. On one hand, you'll need to be a sharp thinker, with strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving abilities to dissect complex crime data and trends. On the other hand, you'll also need to be empathetic and caring. Understanding people and their actions is at the heart of criminology, and it requires a genuine interest in and compassion for others.

4 black binders compiling "Court Docs", "Witness Statement", "Physical Evidence", and "Physical Evidence, Intercept Transcripts".

Where do criminologists work?

Criminologists have a wide range of roles. You may work in the legal sector, helping to shape policies that can prevent and reduce crime. You could be in a research institution, digging into the causes of crime and finding ways to predict and prevent it, or you might work in a community organisation or not-for-profit, working directly with people to help them steer clear of crime. You could also work for a government body like the police or courts, or a private organisation like a bank or insurance firm as a consultant.

How much do criminologists earn?

The median weekly earnings for a criminologist in Australia is $1,758* per week and the median hourly earnings are $48 per hour*.

*Source: www.jobsandskills.gov.au 2023

Learn more about your criminology study options

Whether you're a Year 12 student weighing up your options or thinking about switching careers, RMIT has spent more than 30 years in justice training and provides a comprehensive and industry-focused education that can help you succeed as a criminologist in Australia.

Explore RMIT's justice courses

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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