The Road to Crime Prevention: Why I Want to Be a Criminology Major

Crime is a complex and pervasive issue that affects societies all around the world. It's a topic that's frequently discussed in conversations, news reports, and security services. As someone who is deeply intrigued by the subject, I want to be a criminology major in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of why crimes occur. My desire is to explore what drives people to commit hate crimes, what motivates acts of manslaughter, and what societal responses exist to address these deviant acts. Through the study of criminology, I hope to better understand why crimes occur and to contribute to the development of effective strategies to prevent them from happening.

Studying Sociology from GCSE to A-levels has provided me with a wealth of knowledge about the functions and key fundamental concepts of society which contributes to crime. For example, in the topic of crime and deviance, a study by Sociologist Stan Cohen, revealed how the media created fictional violent incidents between two subcultures. This was then sensationalised resulting in youths identifying as ‘mods and rockers’ thus creating a ‘moral panic’ in society. This study intrigues me as I personally believe the media is a powerful tool that easily influences the minds of people in society albeit positive or negative. To conclude, this subject has provided me with necessary skills including critical analysis and evaluation of sociological theories that can be utilised in my study of Criminology. These skills have also been developed through my study of Psychology at A-level, which I studied as I wanted to understand the reasoning behind human behaviour. Having studied psychopathology during this course, I have reflected upon how individuals are a product of their genetics interacting with the environment. It is this inquisitive nature of mine that drives me to study Criminology, as I am exceptionally keen to learn the key concepts underpinning criminality and how these are applied to the criminal justice system.

In addition, studying English Literature provided me with ample opportunities to develop my essay writing skills as well as my ability to efficiently pick out key information from large texts to support and criticise my points even in classroom debates.Outside sixth form hours, I volunteered with a charity organisation ‘human appeal’ which involved fundraising and coordinating events, this enabled me to possess key qualities such as confidence and communication skills, working effectively in groups and taking my own initiative when necessary. These important skills are useful when studying criminology where I will be required to work independently or within a group. Alongside, I have worked part time at a local mobile shop which involved interacting with customers and often fixing their devices, I believe here I demonstrated the ability to think logically and solve problems.I recently completed an academic assignment on how genes versus the environment relate to the development of psychopathy for a university access programme. This is relevant to criminology as I included scientific studies on criminals who were suggested to be ‘affection-less psychopaths’. It also enabled me to become suitable for university as I produced a structured analytical argument using essential resources which undoubtedly will prepare me for this course.

Furthermore, to enhance my knowledge during the summer I read Tim Newburn’s 3rd edition journal on Criminology. Newburn provides an in-depth inclusion of a variety of core fundamental concepts and methods which prove to be highly insightful when learning about criminology and the criminal justice system. In my spare time I enjoy socialising with my family and friends as I find it important to maintain such relationships. I also enjoy regularly watching documentaries such as 24 hours in police custody and fictional shows e.g. Hannibal or How to get away with murder.

I believe I have shown that I possess the necessary skills and that upon completion of this degree it will allow me seek employment in the criminal justice system. In the topic of crime and deviance, a notable functionalist called Durkheim claims that crime is a positive function that keeps society in order especially if the crime is heavily publicised by the media.