What’s studying criminology really like?

Now graduated with a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws, majoring in criminology, Mariam first experienced the subject as an elective within her degree. But not long after studying the elective, Mariam soon realised there’s a whole lot more to the field than investigating crime scenes.

‘Perceptions of the study of criminology and criminal justice are skewed by crime TV shows and movies which [dramatise] issues addressed in criminology,’ Mariam says.

‘I did not expect there to be so many different issues relating to crime and criminal justice, so it was great to learn about issues that I had never really considered in my understanding of the criminal justice system, such as how the media influences an outsider's perception of crime.’

For Trent, criminology had been a long-standing interest since high school before he pursued a Bachelor of Criminology at Deakin.

‘I chose criminology due to my interest in social justice and criminality, which have been interests of mine since I was younger and just exiting high school. This course stood out as an option that would set me up for a career moving forward,’ Trent says.

After completing his degree, Trent found work as a post-release case manager helping former prisoners reintegrate into society.

‘I acquired my current role through sending an essay I had written for a unit at Deakin in regard to over-incarceration. This was connected to my resume and cover letter, and I believe was instrumental in helping me get the role.’

Of his role, Trent says he has been surprised by the reality of what it’s really like to work with his clients in the prison system.

‘I have found myself surprised by the clients themselves and the amount that they had been failed by our systems in the past; their stories aren’t represented truthfully on TV. Learning their actual stories and talking to them has been so valuable and it surprised me that such gaps existed in our system,’ Trent says.

‘Many of the theoretical and research skills that I acquired through my degree are used every day. My ability to write reports and file notes as well as documents that are taken to the court or police have all been improved from what I’ve learned at Deakin.’

If you’re interested in criminology and want to know more before choosing a study pathway, Mariam suggests speaking to current students or graduates, and taking a look at the criminology units on offer on the Deakin website.

Depending on your area of interest, you can complete a Bachelor of Criminology on its own, or combine the subject with a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Cyber Security, Bachelor of Forensic Science, Bachelor of Laws or Bachelor of Psychological Science.

‘It is really important to understand what the course will entail. Having a look through the Deakin website at the different criminology units offered is so helpful, as they provide summaries of how the unit will be taught and what main areas will be addressed,’ Mariam advises.

But no matter which study pathway you choose, a career in criminology is sure to be an exciting, challenging, and varied one.

‘When I started at Deakin, I was a kid who had lofty ideals of changing the world but had no idea or where or how to start. I hoped to become a professional who is compassionate and knowledgeable, someone who people came to for advice or assistance,’ Trent says.

‘Deakin helped ground these ideals without making me feel silly for having them in the first place. My current role has those ideals baked into the job as I case manage people released from prison and am now a part of a pilot program to address previously unmet needs for men released from prison.

‘I am unsure where my career will go from here, but I am excited for the journey.’

Ready to learn more about what drives criminal behaviour? Explore study options to pursue a career in criminology.