personal statement for studying criminology

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Personal Statement for Criminology Tips: With Helpful Examples

In this article, we discuss how to write a personal statement for criminology with helpful examples.

One student dreams of being an FBI officer and the other is fascinated by designing surveys. What do they have in common? Criminology will help both of them land their dream jobs. Read on for our top tips for writing a personal statement for criminology.

Table of contents, what is a personal statement for criminology, what should you consider when writing a personal statement for criminology, how to write an effective personal statement for criminology.

• Example 1 – A focus on academic achievement
• Example 2 – A focus on a professional goal

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

It’s a short essay that applicants of criminology programs submit when they apply for specific criminology courses at colleges or universities.

It helps applicants show their preparedness and convince the selection committee of their suitability to undertake the program.

The personal statement should include details of the applicant’s skills and strengths, motivations, career aspirations, and ability to contribute to the institute. It shows how the applicant stands out from other contenders.

1. Qualifications

To study criminology for an undergraduate (4-year) degree, applicants should generally have achieved a good GPA in High School and may be required to attend an admissions interview.

Furthermore, applicants may be asked to have achieved good grades in certain subjects such as psychology, sociology, and law. Finally, some courses may require applicants to have specific work experience or to have completed certain courses before they can be accepted and being able to use a computer is essential.

In order to ensure that applicants are well-prepared for a degree in criminology, they may also be expected to demonstrate knowledge of wider research, current affairs, and social, organizational, or global issues.

2. Motivation and interest in Criminology

It is important to consider motivation when writing a personal statement for criminology to show why you are interested in the field and what you plan to do with your degree.

Motivation can be personal, such as wanting to help people or make a difference in society, or professional, such as wanting to use your skills and experience to advance your career. You must be motivated to pursue this field to the best of your ability and use the knowledge you gain to benefit both yourself and society.

Motivation can include a commitment to research, a desire to solve problems, and a willingness to take on difficult tasks.

‘When people think of fighting crime it’s natural that they might think of police officers and the FBI, but I believe that without skilled researchers gathering and interpreting data policing will remain reactive rather than proactive.’

3. Life Experiences that relate to criminology

These could include:

• Family situations that involve law enforcement or the judiciary system. How have these experiences shaped your life and motivated you to pursue a criminology degree?

‘Being the eldest daughter of two police officers has taught me how to balance life, a part-time job, volunteering and schoolwork. I have been taking college courses at our local community college while finishing up high school in order to accelerate my degree and I gained a great deal of knowledge from my social work college-level classes’

• Personality traits that are suited to the intended career. Have you always been fascinated by the work of the police and the FBI?
• Do you have a relative or family friend that worked in law enforcement, social services or in the courts that you want to emulate?
• Talking about how psychology has had a direct impact on your life, such as having counselling sessions for anxiety and how this has given you the desire to work with people that have been affected by crime.

4. Background knowledge of criminology

It’s important to show an understanding of some elements of criminology. These could include some criminological research and theories or having an awareness of contemporary crime prevention strategies.

‘As part of our High School Psychology course, we studied critical analyses of crime studies, which involves looking at the various aspects of a crime such as the social and economic factors that lead to it and the use theoretical frameworks to understand the underlying causes and effects of criminal behavior.’

Being familiar with laws and criminal justice systems in your state, and an understanding of the ethical considerations applicable to criminology will be valuable to you.

During the application process, it is important to demonstrate that you have the following skills:

• written and verbal communication skills,
• critical reading and writing skills,
• technology and analysis skills,
• research and problem-solving skills,
• understanding of social, organizational and global issues,
• an awareness of current affairs on both a local and a global perspective.

Enhanced communication skills such as clarifying, listening and offering advice as well as the ability to gather and assess data and other information will help your application.

6. Experience

Think about your experiences in jobs, work experience, work placements, apprenticeships and any other relevant education or professional background.

Additionally, one should reflect on any current or past work in the criminal justice field, such as working in youth corrections.

Furthermore, it is important to consider any personal experiences that may have influenced the decision to pursue criminology, such as volunteering with victims or exposure to the criminal justice system.

Step 1: Talk about your qualifications

Discuss how your qualifications or current GPA specifically prepares you for a criminology degree.

Mention any other qualifications, volunteering positions or work experience you have that may be relevant.

Step 2: Explain why you chose criminology.

Show the reader your enthusiasm and knowledge of the field by providing evidence of your passion for the subject. This could include discussing your experience with law enforcement or the judicial system or providing examples of research on crime and criminal justice topics.

‘My biggest dream is to be an FBI agent and with that goal in mind I am committed to studying the field of criminology, to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of criminal justice, law, and psychology.’

Your personal statement should include stories that highlight your experiences and explain how these contributed to your choice of a career in criminology. Make sure to connect your experiences and goals by emphasizing how they have helped shape your path.

Step 3: Share your knowledge of criminology and solving crime.

Show an intellectual interest in which authors, modules, theorists, and debates have interested you, and how they could help you with your criminology degree.

Demonstrate your knowledge of criminology by discussing the topics you’ve researched on your own. This could include specific theories, current events, or other relevant topics.

Step 5: Show your initiative and drive

Showing initiative and drive is important. You can do this by writing about your academic achievements, your extra-curricular activities, and any relevant work experience to show the review committee the level of commitment and dedication you have towards your chosen career path.

You should also include details of any wider research or current affairs you are interested in. This could include discussing how you understand local law enforcement and crime concerns and how they can be integrated into a larger global perspective, or mentioning articles or books you have read about your chosen field of study.

Step 6: Proofread and edit your personal statement before submitting it

Accuracy in grammar and spelling is of utmost importance when writing a personal statement for criminology. Good written communication skills are essential for this field of study, as they are necessary for understanding, interpreting and critically analyzing any given data.

These communication skills also have a direct impact on the overall impression of a written statement, as a document full of errors can create a negative impression and make it appear as though the author is sloppy or not careful enough. In addition, as criminology is a field that requires much research and problem solving, attention to detail is critical for any successful analysis.

Examples from winning personal statements for Criminology

Example 1 – a focus on academic achievement.

Being the eldest daughter of two police officers has taught me how to balance life, a part time job, volunteering and schoolwork. With a 4.0 GPA, I have been taking college courses at our local community college while finishing up high school in order to accelerate my degree and I gained a great deal of knowledge from my social work college classes. I was also fortunate enough to learn about the law, criminal justice system, and how the court process works when my sister obtained an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Chelmhurst College – she jokes that I spent more time reading her notes and textbooks than she did! I am committed to a career in criminal justice research and have already volunteered on two projects undertaken by the state office, working on collating survey data relating to local crime.

My ambition has always been to work in Criminology, and I am confident in my ability to remain dedicated and professional. My academic and professional achievements have set me up to be an ideal student for a degree in Criminology. When people think of fighting crime it’s natural that they might think of police officers and the FBI, but I believe that without skilled researchers gathering and interpreting data policing will remain reactive rather than proactive. I want to be a big part of better understanding and lowering crime rates in my state through well-designed research projects that connect with the citizens we are working hard to protect.

Example 2 – a focus on a professional goal

My biggest dream is to be an FBI agent and with that goal in mind I am committed to studying the field of criminology, to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of criminal justice, law, and psychology. As part of our High School Psychology course, we studied critical analyses of crime studies, which involves looking at the various aspects of a crime such as the social and economic factors that lead to it and the use of theoretical frameworks to understand the underlying causes and effects of criminal behaviour. I was fascinated by the process of researching and analyzing data from crime statistics, identifying patterns, and coming to logical conclusions.

Working on interviews and other investigative techniques to gain insights into criminal mindsets and motivations will, I hope, make me a better FBI officer in the future and develop my sense of compassion for people trapped in challenging situations, as both the victims and perpetrators of crime. I have strong communication skills and am a team player, which I believe will fit well with the ethos of Milwaukee College.

Some of these questions were already covered in this blog post but I will still list them here (because not everyone carefully reads every paragraph) so here’s the TL;DR version.

What is Criminology?

Criminology is the scientific study of crime, including its causes, consequences, and control. It examines the legal and social aspects of crime, as well as the social, economic, and political factors that influence it.

It also looks into the various theories and approaches used to explain criminal behaviour and the effectiveness of various strategies used to control it. Furthermore, it considers the ethical issues related to criminal justice, such as the rights of victims and offenders, and the impact of crime on society.

By studying criminology, students can gain a better understanding of the criminal justice system, the causes of crime, and the ways in which it can be prevented and controlled.

What kind of career can be achieved with a Criminology degree?

With a degree in criminology, a wide range of career aspirations can be achieved.

• Law enforcement, such as a police officer, detective, or federal agent;
• Corrections, such as a probation officer or correctional officer;
• Social work, such as a case manager or community outreach worker;
• Criminal justice research, such as a crime analyst or research assistant;
• Victim advocacy, such as a victim advocate or crisis counsellor.
• Forensic psychology, forensic accounting, and cybercrime.

What traits are needed to be successful in Criminology?

Criminology is an exciting and challenging field which requires a range of skills and qualities to be successful. These include:

• Dedication: Being dedicated to the study of criminology and its related fields, and having a strong commitment to learning.
• Reliability: Being dependable and able to complete tasks accurately and efficiently.
• Concentration: Having the ability to focus intently and pay attention to detail.
• Professionalism: Being able to ethically and responsibly handle sensitive matters.
• Adaptability: Being able to adjust to changing environments and quickly respond to issues as they arise.
• Compassion: Being able to empathize with others, understand their views and opinions, and provide necessary assistance.

What kind of research should I do to write a personal statement for Criminology?

• Review the Course Overview and Requirements: Research the topics that will be covered in the course, such as criminal law, criminal justice, criminology theories, and research methods.
• Identify Your Interests: Think about why you are interested in Criminology and what experiences or skills you can bring to the course. Consider your past experiences, such as volunteering in a criminal justice organization or working in a related field, and any research or writing you have done on criminology topics.
• Collect Evidence: Collect evidence to support your personal statement. This could include academic qualifications, recommendations, and any other evidence that shows your commitment to the field of Criminology.
• Brainstorm and Outline: Create an outline of your personal statement. Brainstorm ideas and develop a strong thesis statement that outlines why you would be a good fit for the course and why you are passionate about Criminology.
• Write and Edit: Once you have outlined your personal statement, it’s time to write and edit. Make sure to review your statement for grammar, spelling, and clarity and get feedback.

What should a Criminology personal statement include?

A Criminology personal statement should include information about the applicant’s interest in and knowledge of the field of Criminology, as well as their skills, experiences, and achievements in relation to the subject. It should also include their future ambitions and plans for contributing to society through their study of Criminology. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate their ability to research, their ability to work with others, and their readiness for the degree course.

In order to make their personal statement unique, applicants should start the essay with a personal experience, carefully curate the most relevant points, use storytelling instead of making formal statements, use simple language, and personalize the essay.

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Criminology Personal Statement Examples

• 1 Personal Statement Example Links
• 2 Career Opportunities
• 3 UK Admission Requirements
• 4 UK Earnings Potential For Criminologists
• 5 Similar Courses in UK
• 6 UK Curriculum
• 7 Alumni Network

Personal Statement Example Links

• Personal Statement Example 1
• Personal Statement Example 2
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• Personal Statement Example 5

Are you considering a career in criminology? Writing a personal statement for a criminology course can be a daunting task. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of personal statement examples and a course overview.

Criminology is a field of study that examines the causes of crime and the way society responds to it. It is an interdisciplinary field that draws on sociology, psychology, law, and other social sciences to understand why people commit crimes and how to prevent them.

A criminology course typically covers topics such as criminal law, criminal justice, criminology theories, and research methods. Students learn about the history and development of criminology, the different types of crime, and the impact of crime on society. They also explore the various approaches to crime prevention and criminal justice.

When writing a personal statement for a criminology course, it is important to demonstrate your interest in the field and your commitment to learning. You should also explain why you are a good fit for the course. For example, you could mention your past experiences, such as volunteering in a criminal justice organization or working in a related field. You could also highlight any research or writing you have done on criminology topics.

Finally, you should explain why you are passionate about criminology and why you want to pursue a career in the field. Most importantly, show some personality and eagerness of getting a criminology course.

Career Opportunities

A degree in criminology can open the door to a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates can pursue careers in law enforcement, corrections, social work, criminal justice research, and victim advocacy.

Law Enforcement: Graduates with a degree in criminology can pursue a career in law enforcement. This could include a career as a police officer, detective, or federal agent.

Corrections: Graduates can pursue a career in corrections, such as a probation officer or correctional officer.

Social Work: Graduates can pursue a career in social work, such as a case manager or community outreach worker.

Criminal Justice Research: Graduates can pursue a career in criminal justice research, such as a crime analyst or research assistant.

Victim Advocacy: Graduates can pursue a career in victim advocacy, such as a victim advocate or crisis counselor.

Other Industries and Sectors: Graduates can also pursue careers in other industries and sectors, such as private security, homeland security, and private investigation.

Overall, a degree in criminology can open the door to a wide range of career opportunities in law enforcement, corrections, social work, criminal justice research, and victim advocacy. Graduates can also pursue careers in other industries and sectors, such as private security, homeland security, and private investigation.

UK Admission Requirements

In order to be accepted into a criminology course at a UK university, applicants must generally have achieved a minimum of a 2:1 in their undergraduate degree. This is the same as most other courses in the social sciences, and is the same entry criteria for many other courses in the UK.

In addition to the academic requirements, applicants may also be asked to submit a personal statement and may be required to attend an admissions interview. This is to ensure that applicants have the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in the course.

In terms of prerequisites, applicants may be asked to demonstrate knowledge of certain topics such as psychology, sociology, and law. This is to ensure that applicants have a basic understanding of the subject matter before they begin the course.

Finally, some courses may require applicants to have specific work experience or to have completed certain courses before they can be accepted. This is to ensure that applicants have the necessary background knowledge and experience to be successful in the course.

UK Earnings Potential For Criminologists

The average earnings for someone with a degree in criminology can vary greatly depending on the job they obtain and the level of experience they have. According to the National Careers Service, the median salary for a probation officer in the UK is £23,000 to £29,000 per year. Other roles such as police officers, forensic scientists, and prison officers have salaries ranging from £20,000 to £40,000 per year.

In terms of trends in the job market, the demand for criminology professionals is expected to increase in the coming years due to an aging population and the need for more crime prevention initiatives. Additionally, technology is playing an increasingly important role in crime investigation and prevention, leading to an increased demand for professionals with knowledge of the field.

Overall, the average earnings for someone with a degree in criminology can range from £20,000 to £40,000 per year, depending on the job they obtain and the level of experience they have.

Similar Courses in UK

Other university courses related to Criminology include Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, and Law.

Forensic Science is the application of scientific methods to the investigation of crime. It involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of evidence to help solve crimes. It is a highly specialized field that requires a deep understanding of chemistry, biology, and other sciences. The key difference between Forensic Science and Criminology is that Forensic Science focuses on the scientific aspects of crime, while Criminology focuses on the social aspects.

Criminal Justice is the study of the criminal justice system, including the roles of law enforcement, courts, and corrections. It examines the causes of crime, the impact of criminal behavior, and the effectiveness of criminal justice policies. The key difference between Criminal Justice and Criminology is that Criminal Justice focuses on the legal aspects of crime, while Criminology focuses on the social aspects.

Law is the study of legal systems , including the interpretation and application of laws. It examines the structure of the legal system, the principles of legal reasoning, and the impact of legal decisions. The key difference between Law and Criminology is that Law focuses on the legal aspects of crime, while Criminology focuses on the social aspects.

UK Curriculum

The key topics and modules covered in a Criminology course will vary depending on the university and the course structure. Generally, the course will cover a range of topics related to crime, criminal justice, and the criminal justice system. These topics may include:

• Crime and Society: This module will explore the relationship between crime, society, and culture. It will examine the causes of crime, the impact of crime on individuals and communities, and the different responses to crime.
• Criminological Theory: This module will explore the theories of crime and criminal behaviour. It will examine the different theories of crime causation and the implications of these theories for criminal justice policy and practice.
• Criminal Law: This module will explore the legal framework governing crime and criminal justice. It will examine the different types of offences, the elements of a criminal offence, and the defences available to an accused.
• Criminal Justice Process: This module will explore the criminal justice system, from the investigation of a crime to the sentencing of an offender. It will examine the roles of the police, prosecutors, defence lawyers, and judges in the criminal justice process.
• Research Methods: This module will explore the research methods used in criminology. It will examine different types of research designs, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques.

In addition to these core modules, some Criminology courses may also include modules on topics such as policing, corrections, and crime prevention.

Alumni Network

One notable alumni from the course of Criminology is Dr. Roberta Iversen. Dr. Iversen is a professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of South Carolina. She is a leading expert in the field of criminal justice and has authored numerous books, articles, and reports on the topic. She has also been a consultant for the United Nations, the World Bank, and the US Department of Justice.

Dr. Iversen is an active member of the criminology and criminal justice community, regularly speaking at conferences and workshops. She is also a member of the American Society of Criminology and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. She is currently working on a project to develop a global database of criminal justice research and data.

Alumni events and networking opportunities are available through the University of South Carolina’s Alumni Association. These events include lectures, workshops, and networking events with other alumni, faculty, and staff. Additionally, the Alumni Association offers a variety of online resources, such as job postings, professional development opportunities, and mentoring programs.

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A Guide to Writing A Criminology Personal Statement

Table of Contents

If you are interested in criminology, it’s about time you pursue your dream. Take a step by applying for a career course in any reputable institution. Sending out your application is not enough. You need to include a compelling personal statement. The criminology degree personal statement examples below is an excellent guide.

A personal statement allows you to market your skills and highlight your qualifications. If you have no idea how to write a personal statement, you’ll find some good samples in this article that will guide you. 

What Is A Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a document that expresses your reason for wanting to study criminology and describes any relevant experience or skills you have. Writing a personal criminology statement can be pretty tricky, but you must include all the relevant information about yourself.

In your statement, highlight your academic achievements and experience in the field of criminology. Explain your interest and motivation in studying criminology and detail what you’ll do after graduation.

Criminology Degree Personal Statement Examples

I am interested in studying criminology as it is a fascinating field that combines elements of psychology, sociology, and law. I want to gain an in-depth understanding of criminal behavior and the factors that contribute to it to help reduce crime rates. My previous academic achievements demonstrate my ability to engage with complex theoretical concepts. Studying Criminology at university will equip me with the skills needed to pursue a career in this area. Through volunteering work experience, I have gained knowledge of how the criminal justice system operates, which has further cemented my interest in this topic.

My name is Megan Skye, and I am interested in studying criminology. I first became aware of this field when I was working as a psychiatric nurse and saw the link between mental health and crime. Since then, I have become increasingly fascinated by why people commit crimes and what can be done to prevent them.

I know that criminology is a necessary discipline, not just for understanding crime but also for developing effective strategies to tackle it. This is something that inspires me to continue learning about it. In my current role as an A&E nurse, I frequently see the consequences of crime on individuals. So I am keen to learn more about how we can address this issue from a wider perspective.

I got interested in criminology through the media. This was because of the broadcast messages about crimes that happened all over the world. I was displeased that people could go to any length to commit certain crimes.

Is there a reason why they derive pleasure from committing crimes? Are there people who are born criminals? How can we reduce the rate of crime in society? As these questions filled my mind, I took an interest in certain crime stories. I once volunteered in my community. And that experience equipped me to communicate with the public and criminology requires one to be good with the public. I have leadership skills that will make me successful in this field.

When I was younger, I loved watching detective shows on TV. The mystery and puzzle-solving always appealed to me. And as I got older, I began to see the criminal justice system in a new light. Seeing how crimes are investigated and criminals brought to justice has sparked my interest in criminology. A field that combines psychology, law, sociology, and investigative skills. 

Obtaining a Criminology degree will allow me to understand crime from all angles; its causes, effects on society and potential prevention methods. I would also like to gain practical experience through work placements with Police forces or similar organizations involved in crime prevention/investigation. This course of study is the perfect next step for me: it is both stimulating intellectually and offers plenty of scope for personal growth.

When I was younger, I wanted to be a police officer. However, over time I realized that I was more interested in why people commit crimes than in catching criminals. This led me to enroll in an online criminology and criminal justice course. 

I have enjoyed learning about crime and the criminal justice system. My favorite module so Far has been juvenile delinquency, which looked at why young people break the law. In addition to my studies, I also work as a volunteer with young offenders trying to help them stay away from crime. 

Studying for a criminology degree will equip me with the skills needed to pursue a career in this field. Ultimately, I hope to work within law enforcement or social work, helping offenders in rehabilitation.

I have always been interested in how societies work and why people commit crimes. This interest led me to study criminology at university, where I developed an understanding of the complexities behind criminal behavior. The course has given me a strong foundation in the theories and methods used by researchers in this field. I am keen to continue my studies and further develop my knowledge of criminology, aiming to become a researcher one day.

My fascination in criminology was born from my exposure to new ideas and contrasting ideologies surrounding crime and justice. After spending time immersed in this field, I am drawn to the notion that there is no single approach to tackling criminal activity. It is a complex issue requiring multifaceted solutions.

My current aim is to pursue a master’s degree in criminology. This is to develop a further understanding of both classical theories about crime and recent advancements within the discipline. Ultimately, I hope to play a role in shaping future policymaking around issues such as law enforcement, rehabilitation, and victim support services. This is while maintaining close collaboration with academics who are leaders within this field. In addition, working alongside those on the frontline will give me invaluable insight into how these policies impact those directly affected by crime daily.

A personal statement is a document in which you describe your reasons for wanting to study criminology and highlight your academic and professional qualifications. A criminology personal statement also shows off your knowledge of the criminal justice system and why you are interested in studying it.

When writing your statement, highlight any relevant experience or skills that could make you a valuable asset to any criminology program. With a well-written personal statement, you can achieve your career goal just like you desire.

The criminology degree personal statement examplesabove were generated using Hey INK . Why not try it out?

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Criminology Personal Statement Example

Writing a Criminology personal statement and don’t know how to start? You can use our Criminology personal statement example as an inspiration and guide to perfect your own when applying through UCAS .

In my experience, I have always been able to tell when people are lying and find out the truth. Reading about forensic psychologists in prisons and discovering Criminology, I became convinced that my talents could be best utilized as a Forensic Psychologist within the criminal justice system.

In order to fulfill my ambition and become a prison service psychologist, I intend to study Criminology at the Masters’s level. Besides History and German, I also studied Film and Sociology at A-Level. The linguistic skills I acquired at school will be valuable when I discuss psychological issues with prisoners. Due to its proximity to Criminology, Sociology was my favourite subject. Throughout the course, I learned about societal attitudes toward criminals and punishment methods that I can apply to my degree.

Throughout my studies, I have held a variety of jobs. As a waitress at a very popular restaurant venue, I developed excellent teamwork skills and learned how to keep a level head under pressure. With three jobs and my studies, I have managed to juggle my time at London South Bank. Over the course of nearly two years, I worked at the O2 centre as a customer service representative.

Additionally, I used my German language skills as a German Market Researcher for MPeurope, conducting numerous telephone interviews with consumers each day to meet research goals. I learned how to convey complex information in a clear and confident manner, a skill that will be useful when I present and give seminars about the degree.

It has required exceptional time management and organizational skills to juggle three jobs and study. Many events at school were organized by me as a result of my teachers recognizing my organizational skills early on. As a student, I enjoyed playing competitive basketball at school, and I hope to join the university’s female basketball team.

To improve my knowledge of Criminology outside of school and the workplace, I enjoy reading books on the subject. Having read the Oxford Handbook of Criminology religiously, I became convinced that I wanted to work in prisons after reading the chapters prisons. Roger Matthews’ book Doing Time, an Introduction to the Sociology of Imprisonment, and Michel Foucault’s Discipline and Punish have taught me about changing attitudes toward punishment in Europe over the past three centuries.

Travelling with friends to new places and learning about new cultures is also one of my favourite things to do. I know how enriching it is to be part of a multicultural environment. On the course, I hope to befriend people of many different backgrounds and organise trips abroad with them.

For, I feel duty-bound to take advantage of every opportunity university life will offer me since I am the first member of my family to go to university and have chances that were not available to my parents. I feel ready and prepared to complete my studies and start my career as a psychologist within the prison service.

Criminology Personal Statement

A criminology personal statement is a part of your UCAS application and is sent to all of the criminology courses you are applying to. The goal is to convince the admission staff that you are the perfect candidate to study Criminology, and it should be very personal. Write about your interests, college, your apprenticeship, your motivations, and the reason you want to study Criminology at university.

Recommended reading:

• How to Write a Personal Statement That Stands Out
• How to Write a Personal Statement for a PhD
• UCAS Personal Statement: A Writing Guide And Tips For Success
• Tips for Writing a Personal Statement for the University
• UCAS Reference Letter: Ultimate Writing Guide

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Criminology Personal Statement Example

Sample statement.

Why is Robin Hood seen as a hero of the people and not as a common thief? Why were the French resistance fighters seen as heroes, while the Islamic insurgents in Iraq are seen as terrorists? Is it acceptable to use deadly force to protect your home? When does profiting from others stop being a business and start to be a criminal conspiracy? These are just a few of the questions that illustrate how complicated it is to even define a crime, let alone to study it. And it is this fascinating level of debate that draws me to criminology.

I watched the summer riots of 2011 with great interest, not only because of the intriguing demonstration of ‘mob mentality’, but because of all the theories and counter theories that appeared in the aftermath, as academics and psychologists attempted to explain and justify these clearly criminal actions. The same year, similar uprisings across the Arab world were saluted as cries for freedom against out of touch and oppressive governments, yet in the UK they were condemned as criminal and barbaric acts. This fascinated me and made me want to learn much more about criminology and the study of crime.

I grew up on a council estate and went to a rough comprehensive school, so I have a good understanding of the desperation that drives many people to crime. Yet I have also experienced crime that was motivated purely by greed and a lust for power. Again, the difference is of great interest to me, as was the response by the authorities, who sometimes appreciated the difference, yet often did not, treating all criminals the same, regardless of their motivation.

This interest drove me to study sociology and psychology at A-level. These were not easy choices for me and I have had to show real determination and dedication to pursue these subjects. However, I am passionate about these studies and have thoroughly enjoyed the insights they have given me into the behaviour and motivations of those around me. I have particularly enjoyed the study of group behaviour and how people are led by their peers and the media to believe ideas, and act in ways, which they would never do alone.

To gain some insight into the role of government in controlling criminal behaviour, I recently made contact with my local MP. She kindly spent time explaining the roles of the Home Secretary and the Home Office in creating policies and managing the criminal justice system. I hope to be her guest in the next few months at Westminster as the new Criminal Justice Bill is debated in the house.

Unsurprisingly, I am a huge fan of both crime fiction and TV crime shows, with Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes amongst my favourites. I enjoy their cases not just as ‘who done it’s’ but also in trying to understand why the crime was committed in the first place.

At this point, I do not know which area of criminology I would like to build my career in, and I look forward to studying the subject in depth on this course to fine tune my interests and aspirations. 

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Sociology and Criminology

Understanding dignity from within.

Dignity is something people may think little about until they lose it. Dignity can be lost in many ways, perhaps because our body fails us due to illness or old age, people in power humiliate us, or we lose income and can’t pay our bills. Lost dignity is keenly felt. What does dignity mean for different people? How do we reestablish dignity after losing it? When does dignity matter most? Professors Steven Hitlin and Matthew Andersson help us understand dignity and what they learned writing their new book, “ The Science of Dignity: Measuring Personhood and Well-Being in the United States ” from Oxford University Press.

Steve Hitlin joined our department in 2005, when it was called the Department of Sociology. (We are now the Department of Sociology and Criminology at the University of Iowa.) Steve is perhaps best known for establishing the sociology of morality as an important research area. Matt Anderson is an associate professor at Baylor University who studies health across the life course. He earned a PhD in sociology from our department in 2014 and recently gave the annual Rhys Lecture that honors graduates from our department who have gone on to notable careers.

When asked why they decided to write a book about dignity, Steve and Matt have a two-part answer. (They are professors after all.) Their first reason was practical. Theories and analyses of dignity are hard to publish in a series of academic articles. So they figured, “Why not a book?” The second part is only partly practical. They are established in their careers and had the time to devote to a project they felt passionately about, but they also found book writing to be a way to think deeply about dignity and, in the process, discover approaches that open new avenues of research.

They found that theories of dignity from various fields in the humanities and social sciences often lump together what determines dignity with what dignity is or might be. Their next step was to establish specific causes of identity and then follow them to their logical conclusion, the essence of identity itself. Dignity, it turns out, is profoundly tied to personhood. That is, how we feel about ourselves as valuable individuals worthy of respect.

Steve and Matt took the direct approach to studying dignity by asking people for their personal feelings about it, about whether their “lives lack dignity,” and whether they are “treated with dignity.” They then created a way to measure dignity using a variety of well-validated techniques from sociology, psychology, and economics. Using these tools, they show that dignity is unequal among people in society and how that matters for their health and wellbeing.

Writing the book spurred the growth of their theory of dignity. They are currently addressing the way that personal feelings about dignity cross over between work life and home life. Gender makes a difference in the way people feel about dignity at work and home. Their model proposes six key factors to explain how dignity varies and its relationship to health and wellbeing. They call it the 3R, 3M model for the factors of respect, relationships, and resources coupled with mastery, mattering, and meaning.

Professors Hitlin and Andersson see their theory becoming increasingly useful to explain issues ranging from the effects of physical disability on emotional wellbeing to developments in social media such as cancel culture.

NOTICE: The University of Iowa Center for Advancement is an operational name for the State University of Iowa Foundation, an independent, Iowa nonprofit corporation organized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, publicly supported charitable entity working to advance the University of Iowa. Please review its full disclosure statement.

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Outstanding Graduate Student: Larissa Rodriguez, Criminal Justice and Criminology from the School of Public Affairs

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Larissa Rodriguez has been selected as the 2024 Outstanding Graduate Student of Criminal Justice and Criminology from the School of Public Affairs. A first-generation college graduate, Larissa came to SDSU having previously earned her bachelor’s degree from Fresno State. 

Larissa’s academic journey is a testament to her resilience and commitment to effecting change in the criminal justice system. 

Reflecting on her capstone project, Larissa said, “We studied the restorative-justice-based program Circles of Support & Accountability (COSA) San Diego and how well the program has implemented/accomplished its mission. COSA focuses on reintegrating high-risk individuals convicted of sex offenses through community circles and reintegration support. We conducted several observations of COSA Circles and interviewed COSA’s Core Members to evaluate their reintegration process via the support provided by COSA.”

Larissa’s academic and professional experiences have profoundly shaped her career aspirations. She aims to work directly with both victims and offenders, assisting them in overcoming the traumatic effects of crime. “During my undergrad I received a Victim Services Certificate which has influenced my career goals thus far. As a criminal justice and criminology major, I hope to work directly with both the victims and the offenders to assist them in overcoming the traumatic effects of crimes they may have experienced/committed,” Larissa said.

Kimberly Villegas, a cohort member, remarked, "Larissa exemplifies remarkable kindness and a consistent willingness to assist others in need. Within a group dynamic, she emerges as a responsible leader, holding both herself and others accountable. However, it is her unwavering perseverance that stands out most, enabling her to successfully manage her personal life, a demanding capstone project, and other course work to earn her degree, Larissa is a strong force that undoubtedly deserves such a recognition.”

Despite facing challenges when transitioning to SDSU, Larissa found support in the community. To incoming students, she advises, “Don’t be afraid to be yourself and ask questions. The staff of the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts has shown nothing but kindness and support throughout my journey. Reach out to your professors and cohort and make as many connections as possible.”

As she prepares to graduate, Larissa’s message to her peers is clear: “I wish that everyone finds success regardless of their background and circumstances. I hope they can make a positive impact on our Criminal Justice system and empower others to lead and make the changes our system needs.”

Outstanding Student: Ryan Kehl, School of Journalism and Media Studies

Ryan Kehl's journey through San Diego State University's Journalism and Media Studies program has been marked by resilience, dedication, and a passion for storytelling.

More From Outstanding Student

• Outstanding Student Michael Edison Cartas: School of Music and Dance
• Outstanding Graduate Student: Justine Murray, School of Public Affairs
• Outstanding Graduate Student: Robin North, School of Art and Design
• Outstanding Graduate Student: Brianna Pham, School of Communication

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Criminology personal statement example 15.

The study of criminology appeals to me as it allows opportunities to gain a deeper insight into the origins and societal factors affecting why a person would execute a crime. One area in particular that fascinates me is the motives of a person, and what pursues someone to commit a crime. What drives a human being to kill? The nature vs. nurture debate of why people commit crime sparks my interest, is it the internal workings of a person that provokes them to perpetrate an act of crime or the circumstances of which they were raised and live within? This interest has been carried forward into a fascination with true crime books such as 'Ted Bundy:

Conversations with a Killer' by Stephen G. Michaud & Hugh Aynesworth and 'Talking with Serial Killers' by Christopher Berry-Dee which both look deeper into individuals and the reasons that caused them to kill. Many themes within criminology can be related to my psychology A-Level course and can be transferred into my higher studies. Topics such as Social Influence can explain why crime is committed due to the pressure of others as well as psychopathology which relates to the inner workings of a person and the psychological aspect to it.

One case that gripped my attention was the case of Ted Bundy, a man that charmed his way into the hearts of women to later murder them in cold blood and the way he was proved to be the serial killer he is. Specifically, how interviews from the third person revealed his true psychopathic self along with the forensics, such as the bite marks and the credibility surrounding the evidence, that were used to convict him of murder in the first degree. Many questions surround this case for me. Was it his uneasy childhood? A significant event that occurred in his life? Or was he born evil? A question that highlights everything about crime and the understanding of crime itself. Through both academic and voluntary experiences I have acquired many transferable skills that can be applied to higher education.

I have gained organisation and time management skills from a wide range of areas such as coursework in both history and geography as well as that of researching topics in great detail and making valid judgements of interpretations. These subjects have also allowed for an increase in confidence for critical analysis and thinking skills which has helped with the development of essay writing for both present and future use. Team work and communication have also been picked up through my involvement in volunteering opportunities in open evenings and a party for the students from a special educational needs school. With all factors considered I think I am suitable to study criminology because of my extensive interests that have spilled over into both my academic and personal time as well as the skills gained through my subjects and time at sixth form.

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Author's Comments

Applied to 5 different universities(although withdraw from one to confirm my firm choice) with the target grades BBB, got offers from all of them.

University of Portsmouth - offered BBB University of Winchester - offered unconditional Bristol, University of West England - offered BBB Solent University - offered unconditional

Note about Statement- I felt i did not have enough experience in life to properly write the statement as teachers had told me doing things such as DoE and working would look good on the statement. However, in my opinion those things do not matter as much as having a passion for the subject as well as researching and reading around it to show your interest. Good luck on your application!!

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PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE Law with Criminology Personal Statement

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Law at University of Brighton offers a rich and dynamic education that prepares students for real-world legal practices and a variety of career paths. Learn more.

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Law with Criminology Personal Statement

Learning about the intricacies of the legal system intrigues me, as its absence would result in the breakdown of society. In addition, I want to understand the complexity of human behaviour. Everyone acts in a different manner and this makes humans unique. Being able to appreciate this and use this empathy to form an argument is essential in being able to sway someone into seeing your perspective. As a psychology student, the topic of criminology is an area I am especially curious about. I am fascinated by the different perspectives surrounding why people commit the crimes they do, particularly the nature-nurture debate. I have enjoyed the debate on the influence of genetic versus environmental factors in the development of criminality.

My Psychology A Level requires me to be analytical and to be able to engage with different points of views. It has developed my thinking skills and made me realise that data must be looked at thoroughly in order to form a strong argument. English Literature requires me to take into account other people's interpretation of texts. This, in turn, allows me to explore other aspects I have not considered before. The practise of presenting to a group in English Literature has improved my communication skills. I have had to confidently discuss concepts such as the presentation of Othello, challenging the audience to see beyond Shakespeare's use of literary device, such as foil. Patience is needed when working out the solution to a problem. At times Maths can be very challenging, but this has enabled me to step out of my comfort zone. I am confident in asking for help and acting upon advice. This will be important when I continue my studies as it is vital to be able to develop an array of strategies to resolve issues and ensure I reach my potential.

Completing a MOOC in Corporate Lawyers and Ethics in Society has developed my thoroughness during work. For instance, when making a decision, one must consider minor and major factors that would impact the end result. The most interesting part of this course was what it taught me on the morality of lawyers. Day-to-day they are constantly faced with issues that impact their own consciences. This enlightened me as to how tough law is and that there is never a right answer. Completing this course alongside my A Levels has also developed my time management skills.

Once a week, I travel to Eastbourne for my Chinese lessons so that I am able to communicate with my family members in China, Malaysia, Singapore as well as the United Kingdom. Being able to speak three languages enables me to have more connections with people when I travel back to Asia. I have often found myself having to translate for others that have a language barrier and are unable to say the things that they want; my translating for them allows them to say and understand what the thoughts are of the other person.

For the past five years, I have helped in my parents' take-away shop, often running it myself, which has taught me the importance of responsibility. I have to make sure customers are happy through reading their facial expressions and body language and deal with difficult customers in order to play my part in a team. There are often conflicts that come up which need to be resolved in a calm and quick manner. I have adapted quick thinking skills to resolve such problems so that both parties are happy. In my free time I like to read. The Lost Soul by Rosie Goodwin fuelled my love for law, but also opened my eyes to all the different areas in law. This book has given me an insight of how many illegal activities go unnoticed and how children are vulnerable to exploitation. This made me aware of how corrupt society may be and how its untrue presentation needs to be challenged. Studying Law with Criminology would allow me to widen my education and I would love to learn more about how our society is built up from these rules that hold everyone together.

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