Studying Criminology at UCC: Amelia McGrath Martin

23 Oct 2024

• Final year Criminology student Amelia McGrath Martin explains what it's like to study Criminology at UCC.
• Criminology BA (CK113) combines key topics in the social sciences and law with philosophy, history, cultural studies and languages.

Students on UCC’s Criminology BA degree (CK113) study complex social issues related to conflict, crime, and justice across areas including policing, social work, politics, journalism, media and justice agencies.

Students explore the most pressing issues across modern society, from online hacking and cyber-deviants to policing modern society, trauma and the criminal justice system.

The Criminology BA allows students to broaden their understanding of criminal justice systems by choosing to spend their third year studying at a partner institution abroad. 

Criminology at UCC is a research-driven, interdisciplinary programme. UCC criminology graduates now work in a diverse range of fields, including social justice, education, international aid organisations, public sector, policing and community development.  

Final year UCC criminology student Amelia McGrath Martin shares insights on her journey through criminology:

Criminology is the study of crime, and its impact on victims and society, and the core modules in criminology draw upon the disciplines of sociology, criminology, law and psychology. You also have the option to sample different subjects as well such as philosophy, history, cultural studies and a language.

Try not to mention Criminal minds

On the course, you will study what crime is, why it happens, and who criminals are.
Actually mentioning Criminal Minds to a criminologist makes them wince as it is not an accurate representation of the course, and the reason why many people have the wrong idea of it.

During our first week of the course, we were told that if we thought we would be profiling criminals, then we would be very disappointed. The course is very theory- based, so if you were looking for the fast pace of your favourite crime shows, you won’t find it.

Challenging social issues and viewing society differently 

The idea people have of criminology is often very different to reality. This course is ideal for someone who wants to work in society, and challenge social issues on the basis of an analysis of crime and social deviance.

You will spend a lot of time reading various journal articles and books. However, the theories you learn are actually interesting and you will begin to understand and view society as a whole differently, as you learn different theories on why things are the way they are. Even if you do not remember the theories by name or what they entail, you will look at the make-up of society through a different lens.

Developing key skills 

Criminology has sharpened my critical thinking and research skills. I’ve learned how to analyse crime trends, debate ethical issues and explore solutions for social problems. Now that I am coming to the end of my degree I can definitely say that I feel as though the skills that I have learned throughout my degree will help me with any future career. They have also helped me to look at the world around me from a different perspective in my daily life.

Preparing for the future

UCC offers great career support. I’ve explored job opportunities in criminal justice, social work, and even further postgraduate study. The possibilities are endless!

Right now, I’m focused on possible careers in journalism or law. The main benefit from doing an undergraduate degree in criminology is that the skills you learn are easily transferable to other subject areas and career paths. 

Learn more about Criminology BA at UCC.