Criminologist

 

 

 

OFO No: 263205 

Other names for Criminologist:

Criminal Analyst

What is a Criminologist? 

Criminologists study crime. They study the evidence and legal systems to bring accused people to justice. 

Criminologists need to know the law and how criminal justice agencies operate including:

  • The SA courts
  • Police services
  • Prisons
  • Community-based correction centres, etc.

Some Criminologists may specialise in a particular field, for example:

  • Research
  • Victimology
  • Corporate crime
  • Juvenile crime etc

Many people or careers are involved or support Criminologists:

  • Researchers
  • Forensics Criminologists
  • Legal People (Prosecuters, Magistrates, Attorneys, Advocates, Judges, Legal Advisers)
  • Police Officers and Correctional Officers
  • Security Guards, Traffic Officers
  • Social Workers, Psychologists, Religious Leader
  • Teachers, Personnel Officers
  • Managers in the public and private sectors

What does a Criminologist do?

  • analyses and interprets data received from the crime scene
  • provides info about the crime and suggest ways to process the case
  • catalogues information about causes of crime & what crimes are committed
  • reports on crime statistics
  • develops crime-solving techniques
  • develops crime-prevention strategies
  • researches all areas of crime: Offenders, victims, sentences etc
  • keeps up to date with the laws of the land, legal processes etc

Are you . . . ?

  • interested in crime and working in this field?
  • interested in human behaviour?
  • observant and detail orientated?
  • a person with personal integrity? (you do what is right)
  • a person with excellent analytical and statistical abilities?
  • prepared to work long and unusual hours?
  • emotionally strong and stable?
  • dedicated and hard working?
  • a team player?

How do I become a Criminologist? 

There are various ways to enter a career in Criminology and in each one you will need a degree. 

There seems to be 3 are various ways to enter a career in Criminology and in each one you will need a degree. 

(1) A B SocSci is most common, but a BA or BSc in with majors in CRIMINOLOGY will also be accepted 

You can do a Bachelor of Social Science or Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science with relevant majors, for example, Criminology.

  • UNISA

http://www.unisa.ac.za/qualifications/index.asp?link=http://www.unisa.ac.za/qualifications/Qualifications/98681.html

Criminology and Security Science

http://www.unisa.ac.za/default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=165

  • UNIVERSITY of FREE STATE

http://humanities.ufs.ac.za/content.aspx?DCode=162

  • UNIVERSITY of CAPE TOWN

http://www.criminology.uct.ac.za/

  • MONASH

http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/aos/criminology/ug-arts-criminology.html

 

(2) CRIMINAL JUSTICE

  • UNIVERSITY of CAPE TOWN

http://www.criminology.uct.ac.za/

  • MONASH

http://www.monash.ac.za/study/handbooks/aos/criminology-and-criminal-justice/ug-arts-criminology-and-criminal-justice.html

 

(3) CRIMINAL LAW

  • UNIVERSITY of CAPE TOWN

http://www.law.uct.ac.za/courses

  • UNIVERSITY of FREE STATE

http://law.ufs.ac.za/content.aspx?DCode=085

  • UNISA

http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=209

NOTE: Each institution will have their own entry requirements. Please check with your institution of choice. Here is a rough guide:

Compulsory subjects: Mathematics

Recommended subjects: History and Geography

 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Attorney or Bodyguard

Is becoming a Criminologist the right career choice for me?

 

03.02.2015 Posted on Facebook