What is criminology: an introduction to the field
By Sarah VercoePublished on
New to criminology? Learn what the field studies, why crime happens, what criminologists do and how this knowledge can shape policing, policy, justice and prevention.
What is criminology?
If you’re looking for a simple criminology definition, here it is: criminology is the study of crime, including why it happens and how society responds to it.
Criminology explores questions like why crime happens in different communities, what influences offending behaviour and which approaches are may help prevent it.
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It brings together ideas from psychology, sociology, law and public policy to understand crime from different perspectives, including how crime and justice operate within Australian communities.
This means looking beyond individual offences to the social, economic and cultural factors that can shape both criminal behaviour and justice systems.
What does criminology involve?
Criminology looks at crime from multiple angles, including why it happens, who it affects and how society responds. It uses research, theory and evidence to explore criminal behaviour and the factors that shape crime and justice.
A criminologist is someone who studies these questions. They may analyse patterns in offending and victimisation, examine how criminal justice systems respond to crime, and explore ways to improve prevention, policy and community responses.
Read more about what a criminologist does in our dedicated guide.
Understanding why crime happens
One of the biggest questions in criminology is ‘why do people commit crime?’ Criminologists use different theories to explore this question. Some focus on individual biological or psychological factors, while others look at social relationships, inequality or the environments in which crime occurs.
Studying victims and victimisation
Criminology extends beyond people who commit crimes. It also examines the experiences of victims and the wider impact of crime on communities. This includes exploring why some people and communities may be more vulnerable to harm, how victims experience the justice system and how responses to harm could be improved.
Examining criminal justice systems
Criminology also explores how the criminal justice system works, including policing, courts, sentencing and corrections. It examines how decisions are made, whether responses to crime are effective and how issues like fairness and accountability are addressed.
Researching crime and using evidence
Criminologists use crime statistics, victim surveys and research to identify patterns and build a clearer picture of how crime affects different people and communities.
Exploring crime prevention and policy
Understanding why crime happens is only part of criminology. The field also examines what may help to prevent crime and improve responses, from policing and sentencing through to rehabilitation. This evidence can also inform crime and justice policy.
Why is criminology important?
Crime affects individuals, families and communities, but the reasons behind it can be complex to understand. Criminology helps us look beyond the news headlines and common assumptions using research and evidence to challenge assumptions, understand patterns of harm and assess how society responds to crime.
Informing better decisions
Criminological research can help governments, organisations and communities to make evidence-based decisions. By examining prevention, rehabilitation and factors linked to reoffending, criminology can inform approaches to crime and justice.
Improving justice responses
A big part of the field is understanding how different parts of the justice system work, from policing and courts to corrections and rehabilitation. Research in this field can highlight what’s working, where improvements are needed, and how responses to crime can be more effective and fair.
Understanding and supporting communities
Research into crime and victimisation can show where people face a greater risk of harm and which prevention or support strategies may help. This can be particularly valuable for communities that experience higher levels of disadvantage or contact with the justice system.
Where can criminology take you?
Studying criminology can build skills in research, critical thinking and analysing complex social issues. These skills can be relevant across criminal justice, government, policy, community services, victim support and research.
Depending on your interests, you might explore work as a criminologist or community development worker, or pursue opportunities in policy, research and victim support. Criminology can also be relevant to careers in policing and corrections.
Some roles in Australia, including policing or corrections, may have separate entry, training or eligibility requirements. Check the requirements for any career you’re considering.
Explore criminology jobs and career pathways in Australia to see how different roles can connect to criminology study.
How can you get started in criminology?
There are several ways to begin exploring criminology, whether you’re considering it as an area of study or interested in how crime, justice and society intersect.
It’s common to start with a single criminology subject, which gives you the opportunity to learn about theories, research methods and the issues that shape the field before deciding if you'd like to move into a qualification. But it will depend on your goals and interests.
Not sure which study path makes sense for you? Start with these links and resources:
- Criminology courses – Get a clearer picture of the criminology qualifications, short courses and subjects that are out there.
- Entry requirements into criminology – Understand which courses you're eligible to study.
- Pathways into a criminology degree – See what other routes into criminology may be available if you don’t meet the standard entry requirements for your preferred degree.
- Is a criminology degree worth it in Australia? – Weigh up the pros and cons of a qualification in this field.
Explore your study options through us
If criminology has sparked your interest, the next step is to browse your course choices.
Compare online criminology courses from Australian universities through us, or use Help Me Choose to find a study option that fits your goals.
About the author
Sarah Vercoe
Contributor
Sarah Vercoe is a Queensland-based writer bringing lifestyle, education, and human-interest stories to life for national publications and non-profits. When she’s not writing, she’s lost in a book with her cat by her side.
FAQs about criminology
Is criminology a science?
Yes, criminology is considered a social science because it uses research methods to study crime, criminal behaviour, and how societies respond to crime. This can include analysing crime data, conducting surveys and using evidence to better understand patterns and causes of crime.
Does criminology focus only on violent crime?
No, violent crime is not the only focus of criminology. The field also explores areas like property crime, fraud, cybercrime, drug offences, organised crime and crimes that may be less visible or reported, such as family violence, financial crime and environmental crime.
Does criminology explore cybercrime and emerging forms of crime?
As technology and society change, criminology continues to examine new types of offending and new challenges for justice systems. Areas such as cybercrime, online fraud, digital evidence and crime prevention in online spaces are becoming increasingly important areas of research.
