The number of students studying criminology has increased in recent years. In a world where the true crime genre has gained mass appeal in popular culture, this may come as no surprise. Thanks to the proliferation of TV shows, podcasts, films and books about criminal cases, it can seem like almost everyone is an ‘armchair detective’.
But there’s much more to this field of study than you can learn about through popular media. In this post, we delve into what criminology is. We’ll examine how it differs from fields like criminal psychology and law and justice. We’ll also take a look at what you can expect if you embark on a criminology course.
What is the meaning of criminology?
Criminology is the scientific study of crime and criminal behaviour. It takes a broad look at different aspects related to criminality. For example, it explores how and why crime happens and the motivations behind criminal activity. It also looks at how the criminal justice system works and the consequences of crime for society. It is a multidisciplinary subject and draws on elements from a range of other fields. When studying this subject, you will deal with economics and statistics. You will also learn about psychology, psychiatry, biology and sociology. And of course, you will study some aspects of law. Through practical and theoretical work, the aim is to better understand crime in order to learn how to prevent it.
What is a diploma in criminology?
A diploma in criminology is a qualification that proves a certain level of education and practical experience in this field.
Like all diplomas, a diploma in criminology is more geared toward specific career paths than a degree course would be. For example, a diploma in criminology could help to advance a career in fields such as:
- law enforcement
- corrections
- public safety
- social work
- security
Diplomas usually involve more practical experience than degree courses. They are also shorter so there is the potential to progress your career in less time.
What do you study in criminology?
The units of study will vary depending on the exact criminology course you choose. Typical modules include:
- Criminal psychology
In this discipline, crime is viewed through the lens of psychology. The focus of criminal psychology is on the thoughts and behaviours of criminals. As part of this module, you may explore different theories around law enforcement and the psychology of the courtroom. You might also examine different ideas around crime prevention. You may even hone in on how to tackle crime in different demographics, such as in young people and socio-economically deprived groups. - Crime prevention
Crime prevention explores various techniques for stopping criminal activity before it occurs. As part of a crime prevention module, you may learn about the various influences that drive crime, such as poverty, adverse childhood experiences and substance abuse. Students are encouraged to scrutinise existing crime prevention measures and strategies. - Courtroom psychology
In this subject, you will learn about how the courtroom operates and its psychological attributes. For example, you may look into how juries can be convinced by witnesses and defendants. You might also learn about the effects of misleading questions and the reliability of eyewitness testimony. - Legal systems
If you enrol on a criminology course, you’re likely to spend some time learning about various legal systems around the world and how they operate. You’ll learn about the roles and significance of different justice system practitioners. You’ll also study the structure of the courts and various legal professions.
Is criminal psychology and criminology the same?
Criminology and criminal psychology are two distinct academic disciplines. Criminal psychology is a subfield of criminology and is studied as part of many criminology diploma programmes.
Put simply, criminal psychology focuses on the ideas and actions of offenders and suspects. This discipline involves the study of primary areas of psychology, such as social, cognitive and developmental psychology. Students explore concepts like nurture vs nature, human aggression and mental disability. They may also examine the relationship between crime and age and gender. Issues such as offender profiling, rehabilitation, police interviews and jury deliberations are also examined through the lens of psychology.
Criminology takes a broader perspective and explores the meaning of crime in society and how it affects us. As touched on previously, this discipline encompasses a variety of other specialties. If you undertake a criminology course, you may also learn about economics, sociology, biology and more. Criminology falls within the field of law and justice. As such, it can involve the study of concepts such as criminal law, civil law, legal terminology, legislation and technical writing as well.
How long is a criminology course?
Criminology diplomas often take around two years to complete.
With the International Careers Institute, however, students have up to three years to complete their studies. On average, our students tend to gain their qualifications in around 24 weeks. Due to the nature of the programme, which is carried out online through distance learning, students can work at a pace that suits their lifestyle.
A student who also has a full-time job, for example, may need more time to finish their course than someone who has fewer commitments. If you’re keen to progress your career and are able to prioritise your studies, you may be able to earn your qualification in even less than 24 weeks. With the International Careers Institute, you are in complete control of your timetable and you can schedule your studies in a way that suits you.
A degree programme in criminology typically takes three to four years to complete.
Find out more about how to enrol on a criminology diploma course today.
