Career Path
Crime Reporter: Specializes in reporting on criminal cases, leveraging criminal psychology insights to provide in-depth analysis.
Investigative Journalist: Focuses on uncovering hidden truths in criminal activities, often collaborating with forensic experts.
Forensic Psychology Consultant: Advises media outlets on the psychological aspects of criminal behavior for accurate reporting.
Media Analyst: Evaluates public perception of crime-related news, using psychological principles to guide editorial decisions.
Legal Affairs Correspondent: Reports on legal proceedings, integrating criminal psychology to explain judicial outcomes.
Why this course?
A Postgraduate Certificate in Criminal Psychology is increasingly significant for journalists in today’s market, particularly in the UK, where crime reporting demands a deeper understanding of psychological principles. With 87% of UK journalists reporting that crime stories are among the most-read content, according to a 2023 survey by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), this qualification equips professionals with the skills to analyze criminal behavior, interpret data, and present stories with accuracy and sensitivity. Furthermore, 62% of UK newsrooms now prioritize hiring journalists with specialized knowledge in criminal psychology, as it enhances credibility and audience engagement.
The chart below illustrates the growing demand for journalists with criminal psychology expertise in the UK over the past five years:
| Year |
Demand (%) |
| 2018 |
45 |
| 2019 |
52 |
| 2020 |
58 |
| 2021 |
63 |
| 2022 |
70 |
| 2023 |
87 |
This qualification not only enhances journalistic skills but also aligns with the
UK media industry’s shift toward data-driven and psychologically informed reporting. As crime rates and public interest in criminal justice continue to rise, journalists with a
Postgraduate Certificate in Criminal Psychology are better positioned to meet industry demands and deliver impactful stories.
Who should apply?
| Audience Profile |
Why This Course is Ideal |
Relevant UK Statistics |
| Journalists covering crime, justice, or social issues |
Gain a deeper understanding of criminal psychology to enhance reporting accuracy and ethical storytelling. Learn to interpret offender behaviour and legal processes with confidence. |
Over 5.8 million crimes were recorded in England and Wales in 2022/23, highlighting the need for informed crime reporting. |
| Freelance Writers specialising in true crime or investigative journalism |
Develop skills to craft compelling narratives rooted in psychological insights, making your work stand out in a competitive market. |
Freelance journalists make up 25% of the UK journalism workforce, with true crime content seeing a 30% increase in audience engagement over the past two years. |
| Media Professionals seeking to transition into crime-related reporting |
Equip yourself with specialised knowledge to pivot your career into high-demand areas like crime journalism or documentary production. |
Crime documentaries are among the top 3 most-watched genres on UK streaming platforms, with a 40% year-on-year growth in viewership. |
| Early-Career Journalists aiming to build expertise in criminal psychology |
Stand out in the job market with a unique qualification that combines journalism and psychology, opening doors to niche roles in media. |
Entry-level journalism roles in the UK have seen a 15% increase in demand for candidates with specialised knowledge in crime or psychology. |
.webp)
