What A Levels Do I Need to Be a Criminologist?

Studying criminology can be a fascinating journey. Students will dive into interesting areas like crime, criminal behaviour, and the workings of the justice system. 

Criminology graduates have a wide variety of possible career paths, including criminologists, forensic analysts, policy advisers, social workers, and law enforcement officers. The field of criminology continues to grow, providing many exciting career opportunities.

Having a strong educational foundation is needed to ensure success in this field. It’s important to choose the right A Level subjects to ensure you are ready for university study and your future career. Choosing A Levels that align with criminology helps you develop critical thinking skills, analytical abilities and a deeper understanding of social sciences, which are necessary for a successful criminology career. 

Essential A Levels for Criminology

A Level Psychology

Understanding human behaviour is a critical skill for a criminologist. A Level Psychology covers critical topics like the cognitive process, social influences, and emotional responses that lay a solid foundation for analysing criminal actions from a psychological perspective. These topics are helpful for criminologists who need to develop offender profiles, understand victim impact, and design rehabilitation programs.

A Level Sociology

In criminology, it is necessary to have an understanding of societal structures, relationships, and institutions that influence human behaviour and crime. A Level Sociology equips students with the tools needed to analyse societal issues, inequality, and how they impact the social climate on communities. Aspiring criminologists can gain insights into how social factors can contribute to crime.

A Level Law

Law is a key part of criminology. A Level Law gives students a picture of the legal framework and how it works inside the criminal justice system. Students will learn the fundamental principles of law, which include criminal law, civil law, and human rights. Having a good grasp of the law is imperative for the criminologist and helps them understand legal procedures, how crimes are classified, and individual rights. It is also helpful when navigating the complex legal system.

Optional A Levels for a Criminology Career

A Level English 

A characteristic of a successful criminologist is being able to communicate effectively. A Level English subjects help students to develop exceptional written and verbal communication skills. 

This subject helps criminology students develop critical thinking skills and enhances their ability to analyse texts, evidence, and arguments. It’s also helpful for developing writing and presenting skills, as well as understanding criminological and legal literature.

A Level Maths

Having mathematical skills can be very helpful to the criminologist. A Level Maths can help students to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills while providing an understanding of statistical analysis.  

A Level Biology

Studying biology provides insights into physiological and genetic factors that can influence human behaviour, including predisposition to crime and aggression. A Level Biology provides the student with a foundational understanding of human actions from a biological aspect. This is particularly useful in forensic science. It can also be helpful for understanding how drugs and toxins impact the human body, which is relevant in criminal investigations.

Best A Level Combinations for Criminologists

The best A Level combination for criminologists is Psychology, Sociology, and English. This combination is strong and will make your application stand out.

Most universities do not have specific A Level subject requirements for entry. However, students should have a strong foundation in social sciences, analytical thinking, and humanities. Choosing A level or equivalent subjects like sociology, psychology, and law can be very beneficial.

Another great A Level combination is Psychology, Sociology, and Biology. This combination provides valuable insights into the forensic and biological aspects of criminology and related techniques. This is a great combination for students who are interested in having a comprehensive understanding of both the scientific and social aspects of a crime.

Requirements for Top UK Universities

University of Cambridge A Level Requirements 

The University of Cambridge doesn’t have specific A level requirements for entry. However, most applicants study three or four A Levels. Applicants should also have a strong background in law or the social sciences.

University of Bath A Level Requirements

The University of Bath usually offers a Criminology degree to applicants who have AAB in three A Levels. If applicants have more than three A Levels, their best three grades will be considered. Sometimes, the university will make alternative offers for students who have extra studies in maths.

University of Glasgow A Level Requirements 

A Level entry requirements for the University of Glasgow include grades that vary by course.  The university may require A*AA-BBB. Students will need to demonstrate numeracy and literacy. Some preference is given to applicants with work experience.

How to Choose Your A Level Subject for Criminology

Focus on Social Sciences

Criminology relies heavily on psychological and sociological theories; focusing your A Level choice on these subjects is highly encouraged. You may start with sociology and psychology and then add essay classes and maths to create a well-rounded academic profile.

University Requirements

Once you know which universities you’ll be applying to, you can check to see what their specific A Level requirements are. It’s also worth your time to see if they cater to specific areas. Knowing what they prefer can help you choose the right A Level subjects.

Personal Strengths

Most universities don’t require specific A Level subjects for program entry. This gives you the opportunity to choose subjects that reflect your personal strengths. If your communication skills are stellar, focus on A Level essay subjects. If you are stronger in maths, this is your opportunity to shine. Choosing the subjects you are stronger in helps you build a great-looking academic portfolio.

Alternative Pathways for Law

Sandwich Year

Some universities offer students the option of taking a sandwich year. Taking this extra year will, of course, add a year to the 3-year program. But, the placement year gives students the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in the criminology field.

Joint Honours

Many students choose to study criminology as a joining honours degree. Studying two subjects to completion at the university level can be challenging. But those who study two subjects can combine criminology with another related degree, such as Law or Anthropology, and open up a wide range of career possibilities to select from.

What Happens If I Don’t Choose These Subjects?

If you do not choose the A Level subjects recommended here, you can still achieve success. One of the biggest things on your side if you pick a career in criminology is that universities do not have specific A Level requirements for entry. This gives you the freedom to decide on any A Levels that you feel can exemplify your strengths. However, even though universities do not have specific requirements, it doesn’t mean they don’t have general preferences for candidates entering their criminology programs. 

You may want to pick at least one more challenging course to appeal to the university of your choice. You can still select classes you find less challenging. But you are not locked into any specific subjects.

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