Course Overview
Criminology is the scientific study of crime from a social perspective, including its causes, social impact of crimes, the criminals involved in the crime as well as responses by law enforcement and methods of prevention. It involves analyzing illegal human behaviours and crime prevention methods. Professionals in this field are known as criminologists among other titles. Criminologists deals with determination and analysis of criminal patterns based on psychological, biographical and social factors to aid law enforcement in assessing potential criminals towards criminal justice. The society is characterized by various social problems that emerge at the interface of people with their environments. Some of these social problems include; poverty, crimes, discrimination, marginalization and criminal victimization among others. In solving these social problems, there is need to have an understanding of these challenges.
The Bachelor of Criminology has been developed to address these challenges through a scientific point of view. This programme addresses itself to the understanding and dealing with the impact of social problems that emerge at the interface of people with their environments. The curriculum of the course offers rigorous training in criminology and is centered on scientific study of criminals, crimes and the society’s reaction to both. Further the curriculum is structured to foster the development of student’s life skills such as problem solving, critical thinking and analytical abilities among others which are important in this field. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates will be competent to work in various departments dealing with security and forensic investigations, criminal justice, correctional services among other areas related to this field.
Entry Requirement
For self sponsored students, at least a mean grade of C+ in KCSE. For Government sponsored students, the minimum cut point which is announced annually applies. The students should in addition have good performance in the following cluster; Subject 1 ENG/KIS, Subject 2 MAT A / MAT B or any GROUP II, Subject 3 any GROUP III, Subject 4 a GROUP II or 2nd GROUP III or any GROUP IV or any GROUP V.
Becoming a criminologist
If you enjoy carrying out investigations and analyzing records and are passionate about social & criminal justice, then pursuing this course might be a good choice for you. In addition, you should be prepared to develop skills that can help you grow and succeed in this profession.
Criminologists must have good interpersonal skills and be able to build good working relationships with other people including criminals they are investigating. They also need to have an inquisitive mind and analytical skills to enable them get every detail of any crime that is being investigated. Criminologists must be keen listeners and possess excellent observation skills as the information they gather is very important in solving crimes.
These professionals must also have the flexibility and the ability to adapt quickly to changing environments where they are aiming to collect information. Much of the work done by criminologists involves studies and research activities; this requires these professionals to have excellent research skills. Excellent communication skills both oral and in writing is very important when collecting and presenting the information gathered. Criminologists must also have an understanding of data security and confidentiality issues concerning their work.
Work environment.
Criminologists work in a variety of environments, including field and office among others.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this course may find career opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Areas of employment include; intelligence agencies, law enforcement agencies, anti-corruption and crime/security prevention agencies, colleges and universities, public policy areas, security and forensic investigations, criminal justice, correctional services as well as in private security industries and service provision. Graduates can also use the skills acquired and become entrepreneurs.
You may explore these courses
Bachelor of Law (LL.B)
Bachelor of Science in Computer Security and Forensics
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
Bachelor of Arts in Penology, Correction and Administration
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology & Religion