Uncover truths with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology



Fresh out of Polytechnic, there are many Degree programmes available for you to pursue.

But if you are the curious sort who likes deductive reasoning and understanding human psychology, how about considering a Degree in Criminology?

This field is shaping up to be especially important as in the first half of 2018 alone, local crime rates rose by over 500 cases, a significant 3.2% increase from the same period last year.

Here are some reasons why a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology offers both a fulfilling career that tests your skills and an enriching opportunity to contribute to society.

1. Meting out strong and fair justice

From 1997 to 2002, Chong Seah Wee, a customer service officer at HSBC’s Tanglin Branch bank, abused his position to misappropriate over $10 million from his clients, squandering the dirty money on 4D lottery bets to winning millions more with Singapore Pools.

His laundering operation was on borrowed time however, the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) was informed of his suspicious winnings in 2001 and conducted a thorough investigation.

Despite grappling with the initial possibility that Chong was just that lucky, the CAD team’s ingenious deductions and cunning interrogation techniques eventually secured the confession.

On May 10th 2002, Chong was finally sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for fraud of $12.6 million to fuel his gambling addiction, closing one of the biggest bank fraud cases of the decade.

As a Criminologist, part of your work encompasses the development of crime prevention and detection methodologies in order to uncover new angles to solve crimes.

 2. Help make the world a safer place

Just last year, the Law and Order Index ranked Singapore as the world’s safest city for the fifth year running. Despite that, the recent rise in crime suggests that we cannot be complacent even in the world’s safest city.

Choosing a Degree in Criminology offers you a plethora of career opportunities, all of which give you the chance to apply your knowledge and skills to better contribute to society and protect people from crime.

3. Understanding criminals and related social issues leading to crime

The link between social problems and criminal behavior is a deep-seated one. Criminal psychology is a dedicated field of study, providing insight into understanding the motivations of criminals and their rationale for targeting certain groups and individuals.

4. Taking an in-depth look into crime and the law

Devious criminals know the law as well as hard-boiled law enforcement, and exploit the law and its legal loopholes for criminal purposes. Here is an example of how one such loophole in the CPF system allowed a man to withdraw his CPF money prematurely, and how the CAD swiftly brought him to justice.

Criminology will provide you with an in-depth look into the intricacies of the law from the perspective of such criminals, “know thine enemy” after all.

 

What is Criminology?

It is a varied, multi-disciplinary field of study combining criminal psychology, history of crime, the social issues and causes of crime and research on how to prevent it.

 

Benefits of being a Criminologist

Criminology comprises the study of human psychology along with the criminal methods used to subvert the law. However as these factors are ever changing, a fresh perspective can assist in pioneering new investigation methods, uncovering hidden links between the social fabric and criminal behavior and bringing the most elusive villains to justice.

 

A wide range of Career Options available

There are several career paths available besides as a Criminologist, here are some of the other opportunities available:

  • Police officer
  • Forensic science technician
  • Corrections officer
  • Insurance fraud investigator
  • Probation and community control officer
  • Private investigator
  • Loss-prevention specialist

Gain insight into the world of Criminology with Murdoch University

Are you passionate about delivering justice? Or finding the truth?

Murdoch University offers full-time and part-time Double Major Degrees with Criminology as one of the Majors.

These programmes will equip you with the latest arts and sciences of Criminology and its relevant applications in the workforce.