What is Criminology?

Over the past year I’ve had lots of students ask about this course (often spotted as an Arts option for those who have a yen for the Sciences ). Perhaps shows like CSI have created an modern awareness of this age old girls of work & study. I decided to dig a little deeper. whatuni.com say Criminology is a really fascinating subject, delving in to the reasons why crime is committed and how society can take steps to prevent it.

, where students will explore questions such as: Why do people commit crimes?

How should we punish offenders? How does the media shape our understanding of crime?

Careers Portal suggest career prospects might be in the criminal justice world, with potential careers in the Gardai, security services, data analytics, probation, the prison service and research institutes. Typically, Criminologists collect data on criminal activity - both quantitative (stats) and qualitative (interviewing and profiling individuals) - and then analyse it.

So if you are an enterprising, investigative type; with a strong command of English - this might well be up your street. There are CAO courses available, as well as PLC options, leading into this specialism.

Does work with police forces and government policy and law-makers appeal to you? Would you enjoy sharing insights and helping develop actions plans for preventing crime or highlighting existing/potential criminals.of crime?