Criminology Courses

About Criminology

Criminology examines crime and criminal behaviour and aims to explore the social element of crime and determine the effect it has on individual people, as well as communities at large. Those working in this area use their knowledge to assist with reducing the wider harms of crime and ensuring that communities and individuals are well-positioned to manage broader issues that arise from crime.

How Do You Learn Criminology?

To begin a career in Criminology, you can complete a degree or course that can give you the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in this area. If you want to go into roles where you’re helping those with mental health issues or are working within the justice system, you may need additional qualifications in psychology or law. 

Before you begin your career in this area, you may spend some time gaining work experience, either through course placements or apprenticeships. This will allow you to put your theory into practice and understand how Criminology relates to real-world cases and environments. If you choose to work in a setting where you’re dealing with children or vulnerable adults, you may be subject to Garda vetting.

Career Outcomes from a Criminology Course

A course in criminology will provide individuals with the opportunity to work in many different areas. Below is a list of some of the potential fields someone who has completed a course in criminology in Ireland

• Community Development Worker
• Criminal Psychologist
• Detective
• Garda (Police Officer)
• Gardai liaison officer
• Prison Officer
• Probation Officer
• Social Worker
• Youth Worker

You can choose to specialise in a wider number of areas, such as criminal law, crime prevention and the causes of crime, social work, social justice and human rights and other areas. Criminology can be a useful qualification for those wanting to become a Garda, although the minimum entry requirements don’t specify that a qualification in this area is essential.

How to Study to Become a Criminologist in Ireland

The successful completion of a Criminology programme or course can open up opportunities. If you’re looking to become qualified in Criminology, your best bet is to explore courses and see what works best for you. 

For those looking for Criminology courses in Ireland, finding providers that can offer online or in-person learning options within Ireland or suited to English speakers living in Irish time zones is the best course of action. 

You’ll be able to get one-to-one guidance from lecturers in a time frame that suits you. Courses that are based in Ireland are more likely to have work placements that are located in Ireland, meaning that you can get valuable work experience during your Criminology degree or qualification. 

If you’re studying online, you don’t have to worry about looking for Criminology courses in Dublin, Cork, or in a specific location. However, it can be a good idea to go with an Irish provider, as employers can be more sure of the quality of a course if it’s from a provider based within Ireland. 

Course comparison sites can allow you to search for Irish-based providers and find the course that suits you best. You can find interactive online courses, whether that’s full-time or part-time, or explore in-person, instructor-led courses that can give you the skills you need to begin your career in Criminology. 

Through in-person Criminology classes or online learning, learners can get the new skills needed to start their career in this area.

You can choose courses that include core modules, course content and tutorials that go over the fundamentals of Criminology and leave you with skills that can be used as a springboard to find work or as a precursor to postgraduate and further study. Find out the entry requirements you’ll need to enter the role within the legal system you want to pursue, and then explore higher education courses that align with those requirements. After enrolment, you can find out further details about how you can apply your knowledge in criminology to pursue a career in this area.

Want to start your education journey in Criminology? Browse our list of available courses today for further information and get started in a lifelong career. Access further education and find opportunities today.