CourseFinder logo – Australia’s leading course comparison site

How to Become a Criminologist: Australian Careers in Criminology

0 Course

On this page

What is a Criminologist?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Criminologist?

A criminologist studies crime, its causes, and how society responds to it. They work with police, government bodies, and research groups to help shape crime policy and improve public safety.

Day to day, criminologists do research, study crime data, and check how the justice system performs. They track trends in criminal behaviour, compile statistics, and look at how social factors drive crime rates. Their findings help policymakers and law enforcement build better plans for prevention and action.

Criminologists can focus on areas such as cybercrime, youth justice, domestic violence, or victim support. This lets them build a career around what they care about most. They can work in a government agency, research centre, university, or community group.

A career in criminology is both challenging and rewarding. By making sense of criminal behaviour and pushing for better policy, criminologists help build safer, fairer communities.

Icon

Career snapshots For Criminologists

Criminologists in Australia work across government agencies, law enforcement, research bodies, universities, and community groups. The role combines research, data analysis, and policy work.

  • Average salary: around $62,854 per year (PayScale, 2026)
  • Salary range: $51,000 to $100,000 plus, depending on experience and setting
  • Work type: mostly full-time; part-time and contract roles available in research and not-for-profit sectors
  • Key employers: Australian Institute of Criminology, state and federal government agencies, police services, corrective services, universities, and community groups
  • Qualifications: minimum bachelor degree in criminology, law, psychology, or social science; postgraduate study often needed for senior roles
  • Professional body: Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology (ANZSOC)

What will I do?

Criminologists study the causes and patterns of crime and use their findings to improve justice policy and community safety. They work across government, research bodies, and law enforcement. They provide analysis and advice that shapes how Australia prevents and responds to crime.

  • Research criminal behaviour: study the causes, effects, and social context of crime.
  • Evaluate justice system methods: assess how well current practices in law enforcement and the courts work.
  • Analyse crime trends: use data to spot shifts in crime rates and types over time.
  • Brief policymakers: share findings with government and agencies to support better law and policy decisions.
  • Develop crime prevention strategies: design programs to reduce offending and improve community safety.
  • Compile crime statistics: gather and report data that informs resource planning and public safety priorities.
  • Investigate criminal motivations: research the social, psychological, and economic factors that drive offending.
  • Work with law enforcement: partner with police and agencies to improve crime investigation and prevention.
  • Prepare research reports: share findings through reports, papers, and public presentations.
  • Advise on rehabilitation: help design programs that support offenders to reintegrate into society.

What skills do I need?

Criminologists need strong research skills and the ability to think clearly. They gather data from many sources, study it carefully, and use it to explain crime patterns. Clear communication is also key. Criminologists must share their findings in plain language with policymakers and the public.

Critical thinking helps criminologists assess the justice system and spot what works. They also need good people skills to work across teams and agencies. A background in psychology, sociology, or social work helps them understand why people offend. It also helps them see how communities respond to crime.

Skills/attributes

  • Analytical thinking
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Data analysis
  • Knowledge of legal and justice systems
  • Understanding of human behaviour
  • Report writing
  • Problem-solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Empathy and interpersonal skills
  • Ethical judgement
  • Time management
  • Ability to work independently and in teams
  • Adaptability

CourseFinder makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!

Related Careers

About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.