Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Careers
Key information
The BA (Criminal Justice) prepares students for a wide variety of careers within the criminal justice sector and beyond. Graduates may opt for careers in policing, the legal profession, the private security industry, courts administration or the prison service, as well as within organisations which work in the prevention of crime and/or the support of victims and communities affected by criminal activity. You may also decide to pursue careers in related areas such as the civil service, research or journalism.
Follow on study
Students who complete the BA (Criminal Justice) have a variety of options for postgraduate study and professional education courses both within the University of Limerick and beyond. Importantly, BA(Criminal Justice) graduates are eligible to complete the School of Law’s LLB (Graduate Entry) programme in one year instead of two.
This programme allows individuals with an undergraduate degree in any discipline to obtain a law degree in two years. However, BA(Criminal Justice) students will have sufficient credits in law to complete the LLB (Graduate Entry) programme in one year, thereby obtaining a law degree in one year after completion of the BA(Criminal Justice). This is an ideal postgraduate option for graduates who wish to pursue a career within the legal profession.
Graduates on the programme may also opt to complete the MA in Criminal Justice and Human Rights offered by the School of Law.
Alternatively, you may decide to choose a career in the legal profession or policing and pursue professional education and training for acceptance into these professions
Student profile
Olivia Barrett
I’ve had an interest in law since the age of 15 but wasn’t sure exactly which course to study. I chose Criminal Justice because of its broadness. Rather than just sticking to the law modules, I was able to study criminology, sociology and psychology too.
In terms of my favourite aspects of the course, I definitely enjoyed criminal law and criminology. You study how the entire system works including prison, rehabilitation and victim impact.
My studies have been extremely beneficial to me, not only in the career possibilities it opens up, but also because my understanding of the law was an asset to me at a time of personal tragedy. It meant that I was able to open connections with embassies and Irish consulates when my cousin passed away overseas. The knowledge I had of the justice system and public administration helped in such a practical way to make sure that our family was able to bring him home as soon as possible.
My co-op work placement was hugely impactful; I was placed with Limerick City Council and I wouldn’t be in the job I’m in now without that experience. I am currently a legal intern at Holmes O’Malley Sexton and hope to be a fully qualified solicitor in a few years. In terms of advice to students- I would say that you need to be organised in terms of assignments and reading. Work hard, persevere and don’t be afraid to ask for support if you need it.
