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Personal Statement for Criminology Tips: With Helpful Examples

In this article, we discuss how to write a personal statement for criminology with helpful examples.

One student dreams of being an FBI officer and the other is fascinated by designing surveys. What do they have in common? Criminology will help both of them land their dream jobs. Read on for our top tips for writing a personal statement for criminology.

Table of contents, what is a personal statement for criminology, what should you consider when writing a personal statement for criminology, how to write an effective personal statement for criminology.

  • Example 1 – A focus on academic achievement
  • Example 2 – A focus on a professional goal

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

It’s a short essay that applicants of criminology programs submit when they apply for specific criminology courses at colleges or universities.

It helps applicants show their preparedness and convince the selection committee of their suitability to undertake the program.

The personal statement should include details of the applicant’s skills and strengths, motivations, career aspirations, and ability to contribute to the institute. It shows how the applicant stands out from other contenders.

1. Qualifications

To study criminology for an undergraduate (4-year) degree, applicants should generally have achieved a good GPA in High School and may be required to attend an admissions interview.

Furthermore, applicants may be asked to have achieved good grades in certain subjects such as psychology, sociology, and law. Finally, some courses may require applicants to have specific work experience or to have completed certain courses before they can be accepted and being able to use a computer is essential.

In order to ensure that applicants are well-prepared for a degree in criminology, they may also be expected to demonstrate knowledge of wider research, current affairs, and social, organizational, or global issues.

2. Motivation and interest in Criminology

It is important to consider motivation when writing a personal statement for criminology to show why you are interested in the field and what you plan to do with your degree.

Motivation can be personal, such as wanting to help people or make a difference in society, or professional, such as wanting to use your skills and experience to advance your career. You must be motivated to pursue this field to the best of your ability and use the knowledge you gain to benefit both yourself and society.

Motivation can include a commitment to research, a desire to solve problems, and a willingness to take on difficult tasks.

‘When people think of fighting crime it’s natural that they might think of police officers and the FBI, but I believe that without skilled researchers gathering and interpreting data policing will remain reactive rather than proactive.’

3. Life Experiences that relate to criminology

These could include:

  • Family situations that involve law enforcement or the judiciary system. How have these experiences shaped your life and motivated you to pursue a criminology degree?

‘Being the eldest daughter of two police officers has taught me how to balance life, a part-time job, volunteering and schoolwork. I have been taking college courses at our local community college while finishing up high school in order to accelerate my degree and I gained a great deal of knowledge from my social work college-level classes’

  • Personality traits that are suited to the intended career. Have you always been fascinated by the work of the police and the FBI?
  • Do you have a relative or family friend that worked in law enforcement, social services or in the courts that you want to emulate?
  • Talking about how psychology has had a direct impact on your life, such as having counselling sessions for anxiety and how this has given you the desire to work with people that have been affected by crime.

4. Background knowledge of criminology

It’s important to show an understanding of some elements of criminology. These could include some criminological research and theories or having an awareness of contemporary crime prevention strategies.

‘As part of our High School Psychology course, we studied critical analyses of crime studies, which involves looking at the various aspects of a crime such as the social and economic factors that lead to it and the use theoretical frameworks to understand the underlying causes and effects of criminal behavior.’

Being familiar with laws and criminal justice systems in your state, and an understanding of the ethical considerations applicable to criminology will be valuable to you.

During the application process, it is important to demonstrate that you have the following skills:

  • written and verbal communication skills,
  • critical reading and writing skills,
  • technology and analysis skills,
  • research and problem-solving skills,
  • understanding of social, organizational and global issues,
  • an awareness of current affairs on both a local and a global perspective.

Enhanced communication skills such as clarifying, listening and offering advice as well as the ability to gather and assess data and other information will help your application.

6. Experience

Think about your experiences in jobs, work experience, work placements, apprenticeships and any other relevant education or professional background.

Additionally, one should reflect on any current or past work in the criminal justice field, such as working in youth corrections.

Furthermore, it is important to consider any personal experiences that may have influenced the decision to pursue criminology, such as volunteering with victims or exposure to the criminal justice system.

Step 1: Talk about your qualifications

Discuss how your qualifications or current GPA specifically prepares you for a criminology degree.

Mention any other qualifications, volunteering positions or work experience you have that may be relevant.

Step 2: Explain why you chose criminology.

Show the reader your enthusiasm and knowledge of the field by providing evidence of your passion for the subject. This could include discussing your experience with law enforcement or the judicial system or providing examples of research on crime and criminal justice topics.

‘My biggest dream is to be an FBI agent and with that goal in mind I am committed to studying the field of criminology, to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of criminal justice, law, and psychology.’

Your personal statement should include stories that highlight your experiences and explain how these contributed to your choice of a career in criminology. Make sure to connect your experiences and goals by emphasizing how they have helped shape your path.

Step 3: Share your knowledge of criminology and solving crime.

Show an intellectual interest in which authors, modules, theorists, and debates have interested you, and how they could help you with your criminology degree.

Demonstrate your knowledge of criminology by discussing the topics you’ve researched on your own. This could include specific theories, current events, or other relevant topics.

Step 5: Show your initiative and drive

Showing initiative and drive is important. You can do this by writing about your academic achievements, your extra-curricular activities, and any relevant work experience to show the review committee the level of commitment and dedication you have towards your chosen career path.

You should also include details of any wider research or current affairs you are interested in. This could include discussing how you understand local law enforcement and crime concerns and how they can be integrated into a larger global perspective, or mentioning articles or books you have read about your chosen field of study.

Step 6: Proofread and edit your personal statement before submitting it

Accuracy in grammar and spelling is of utmost importance when writing a personal statement for criminology. Good written communication skills are essential for this field of study, as they are necessary for understanding, interpreting and critically analyzing any given data.

These communication skills also have a direct impact on the overall impression of a written statement, as a document full of errors can create a negative impression and make it appear as though the author is sloppy or not careful enough. In addition, as criminology is a field that requires much research and problem solving, attention to detail is critical for any successful analysis.

Examples from winning personal statements for Criminology

Example 1 – a focus on academic achievement.

Being the eldest daughter of two police officers has taught me how to balance life, a part time job, volunteering and schoolwork. With a 4.0 GPA, I have been taking college courses at our local community college while finishing up high school in order to accelerate my degree and I gained a great deal of knowledge from my social work college classes. I was also fortunate enough to learn about the law, criminal justice system, and how the court process works when my sister obtained an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Chelmhurst College – she jokes that I spent more time reading her notes and textbooks than she did! I am committed to a career in criminal justice research and have already volunteered on two projects undertaken by the state office, working on collating survey data relating to local crime.

My ambition has always been to work in Criminology, and I am confident in my ability to remain dedicated and professional. My academic and professional achievements have set me up to be an ideal student for a degree in Criminology. When people think of fighting crime it’s natural that they might think of police officers and the FBI, but I believe that without skilled researchers gathering and interpreting data policing will remain reactive rather than proactive. I want to be a big part of better understanding and lowering crime rates in my state through well-designed research projects that connect with the citizens we are working hard to protect.

Example 2 – a focus on a professional goal

My biggest dream is to be an FBI agent and with that goal in mind I am committed to studying the field of criminology, to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of criminal justice, law, and psychology. As part of our High School Psychology course, we studied critical analyses of crime studies, which involves looking at the various aspects of a crime such as the social and economic factors that lead to it and the use of theoretical frameworks to understand the underlying causes and effects of criminal behaviour. I was fascinated by the process of researching and analyzing data from crime statistics, identifying patterns, and coming to logical conclusions.

Working on interviews and other investigative techniques to gain insights into criminal mindsets and motivations will, I hope, make me a better FBI officer in the future and develop my sense of compassion for people trapped in challenging situations, as both the victims and perpetrators of crime. I have strong communication skills and am a team player, which I believe will fit well with the ethos of Milwaukee College.

Some of these questions were already covered in this blog post but I will still list them here (because not everyone carefully reads every paragraph) so here’s the TL;DR version.

What is Criminology?

Criminology is the scientific study of crime, including its causes, consequences, and control. It examines the legal and social aspects of crime, as well as the social, economic, and political factors that influence it.

It also looks into the various theories and approaches used to explain criminal behaviour and the effectiveness of various strategies used to control it. Furthermore, it considers the ethical issues related to criminal justice, such as the rights of victims and offenders, and the impact of crime on society.

By studying criminology, students can gain a better understanding of the criminal justice system, the causes of crime, and the ways in which it can be prevented and controlled.

What kind of career can be achieved with a Criminology degree?

With a degree in criminology, a wide range of career aspirations can be achieved.

  • Law enforcement, such as a police officer, detective, or federal agent;
  • Corrections, such as a probation officer or correctional officer;
  • Social work, such as a case manager or community outreach worker;
  • Criminal justice research, such as a crime analyst or research assistant;
  • Victim advocacy, such as a victim advocate or crisis counsellor.
  • Forensic psychology, forensic accounting, and cybercrime.

What traits are needed to be successful in Criminology?

Criminology is an exciting and challenging field which requires a range of skills and qualities to be successful. These include:

  • Dedication: Being dedicated to the study of criminology and its related fields, and having a strong commitment to learning.
  • Reliability: Being dependable and able to complete tasks accurately and efficiently.
  • Concentration: Having the ability to focus intently and pay attention to detail.
  • Professionalism: Being able to ethically and responsibly handle sensitive matters.
  • Adaptability: Being able to adjust to changing environments and quickly respond to issues as they arise.
  • Compassion: Being able to empathize with others, understand their views and opinions, and provide necessary assistance.

What kind of research should I do to write a personal statement for Criminology?

  • Review the Course Overview and Requirements: Research the topics that will be covered in the course, such as criminal law, criminal justice, criminology theories, and research methods.
  • Identify Your Interests: Think about why you are interested in Criminology and what experiences or skills you can bring to the course. Consider your past experiences, such as volunteering in a criminal justice organization or working in a related field, and any research or writing you have done on criminology topics.
  • Collect Evidence: Collect evidence to support your personal statement. This could include academic qualifications, recommendations, and any other evidence that shows your commitment to the field of Criminology.
  • Brainstorm and Outline: Create an outline of your personal statement. Brainstorm ideas and develop a strong thesis statement that outlines why you would be a good fit for the course and why you are passionate about Criminology.
  • Write and Edit: Once you have outlined your personal statement, it’s time to write and edit. Make sure to review your statement for grammar, spelling, and clarity and get feedback.

What should a Criminology personal statement include?

A Criminology personal statement should include information about the applicant’s interest in and knowledge of the field of Criminology, as well as their skills, experiences, and achievements in relation to the subject. It should also include their future ambitions and plans for contributing to society through their study of Criminology. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate their ability to research, their ability to work with others, and their readiness for the degree course.

In order to make their personal statement unique, applicants should start the essay with a personal experience, carefully curate the most relevant points, use storytelling instead of making formal statements, use simple language, and personalize the essay.

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Criminology & criminal justice personal statement example.

People should be aware of the law and the consequences for those prepared to break it, however, the law is still broken. I find reasons for this very interesting. Originally, I believed them to purely cognitive; but after further research from my readings and attending conferences, I quickly found that this was not the case. I want to investigate how Government enforces the law with overcrowded prisons and rising costs to the taxpayer, causing people to become more laxed when following the rules. I am fascinated by current criminal trends and the availability of drugs, observing the effects they have on society as a whole.

During the summer holidays I attended a most interesting and inspiring “Insight into Crime” conference at The University of -. I was able to speak to a reformed prisoner, who gave me his own reasons for his offending. I also had the opportunity to look at the work of CSI (forensics), along with being able to analyse and discuss a mock up crime scene, through a variety of different activities. I also had a taste of university life, staying the night in halls.

I have a long standing ambition to serve as a police officer, and completed a very enjoyable and interesting two weeks’ work experience placement with the police. I experienced working with PCs, patrolling the area and attending call outs, showing me how challenging, but rewarding police work is. I had the opportunity to undertake in the administrative work in various different departments I had previously not been aware of and saw the importance of their work. This experience helped improve my communication skills and confidence when dealing with members of the public.

At A2 level I study business studies, geography, and philosophy and ethics. I also studied psychology at AS level. I thoroughly enjoy all my subjects and apply myself fully to them, cultivating the analytical and evaluative skills they demand. Outside the classroom, I have been on geographical field trips to -, - and -, collecting and analysing my own data. I successfully took part in Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme where I was able to undertake in various activities and gaining skills such as stamina and team work. I particularly enjoyed the paired reading scheme where I helped 8 year old children to read. I am also a member of my local church choir and am actively engaged in church youth activities. I enjoy acting and have taken part in many productions, including a performance at the -, as well as taking an interest back stage, painting and designing the set for numerous school productions, a passion I hope to continue at university.

At my last school I was Chairman of the School Council. This position demanded good leadership qualities and organisational and communication skills, including taking regular meetings and liaising with staff and students, often using my own initiative when needed. I am currently a House Prefect which requires me to help the tutor on duty in the running of the boarding house. I was also a part of the Army Cadets at -, where I developed my skills in activities as diverse as first aid, shooting and map reading. This experience also taught me valuable lessons in self discipline, a skill I have been able to apply to my A level studies. I have also been a member of the school Rounders, Netball and Hockey teams, as well as attending tennis club, keeping me involved in school life as well as maintaining my physical fitness. In my spare time I like to relax by going to the gym regularly, pottery and cooking.

I am fully committed to studying Criminology at degree level. I consider myself an outgoing, cheerful, industrious, intelligent and friendly person who has much to contribute to the wider life of the university, and would relish at the opportunity to continue my academic studies at the highest possible level.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by tea for application in 2009.

tea's Comments

This PS isn't perfect but did get me provisional offers into all five unis less than two weeks after submitting my application. Since I have now graduated I may as well make it available to help others.

This personal statement is unrated

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A Guide to Writing A Criminology Personal Statement

Table of Contents

If you are interested in criminology, it’s about time you pursue your dream. Take a step by applying for a career course in any reputable institution. Sending out your application is not enough. You need to include a compelling personal statement. The criminology degree personal statement examples below is an excellent guide.

A personal statement allows you to market your skills and highlight your qualifications. If you have no idea how to write a personal statement, you’ll find some good samples in this article that will guide you. 

What Is A Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a document that expresses your reason for wanting to study criminology and describes any relevant experience or skills you have. Writing a personal criminology statement can be pretty tricky, but you must include all the relevant information about yourself.

In your statement, highlight your academic achievements and experience in the field of criminology. Explain your interest and motivation in studying criminology and detail what you’ll do after graduation.

Criminology Degree Personal Statement Examples

woman wearing academic cap and dress selective focus photography

I am interested in studying criminology as it is a fascinating field that combines elements of psychology, sociology, and law. I want to gain an in-depth understanding of criminal behavior and the factors that contribute to it to help reduce crime rates. My previous academic achievements demonstrate my ability to engage with complex theoretical concepts. Studying Criminology at university will equip me with the skills needed to pursue a career in this area. Through volunteering work experience, I have gained knowledge of how the criminal justice system operates, which has further cemented my interest in this topic.

My name is Megan Skye, and I am interested in studying criminology. I first became aware of this field when I was working as a psychiatric nurse and saw the link between mental health and crime. Since then, I have become increasingly fascinated by why people commit crimes and what can be done to prevent them.

I know that criminology is a necessary discipline, not just for understanding crime but also for developing effective strategies to tackle it. This is something that inspires me to continue learning about it. In my current role as an A&E nurse, I frequently see the consequences of crime on individuals. So I am keen to learn more about how we can address this issue from a wider perspective.

I got interested in criminology through the media. This was because of the broadcast messages about crimes that happened all over the world. I was displeased that people could go to any length to commit certain crimes.

Is there a reason why they derive pleasure from committing crimes? Are there people who are born criminals? How can we reduce the rate of crime in society? As these questions filled my mind, I took an interest in certain crime stories. I once volunteered in my community. And that experience equipped me to communicate with the public and criminology requires one to be good with the public. I have leadership skills that will make me successful in this field.

When I was younger, I loved watching detective shows on TV. The mystery and puzzle-solving always appealed to me. And as I got older, I began to see the criminal justice system in a new light. Seeing how crimes are investigated and criminals brought to justice has sparked my interest in criminology. A field that combines psychology, law, sociology, and investigative skills. 

Obtaining a Criminology degree will allow me to understand crime from all angles; its causes, effects on society and potential prevention methods. I would also like to gain practical experience through work placements with Police forces or similar organizations involved in crime prevention/investigation. This course of study is the perfect next step for me: it is both stimulating intellectually and offers plenty of scope for personal growth.

When I was younger, I wanted to be a police officer. However, over time I realized that I was more interested in why people commit crimes than in catching criminals. This led me to enroll in an online criminology and criminal justice course. 

I have enjoyed learning about crime and the criminal justice system. My favorite module so Far has been juvenile delinquency, which looked at why young people break the law. In addition to my studies, I also work as a volunteer with young offenders trying to help them stay away from crime. 

Studying for a criminology degree will equip me with the skills needed to pursue a career in this field. Ultimately, I hope to work within law enforcement or social work, helping offenders in rehabilitation.

I have always been interested in how societies work and why people commit crimes. This interest led me to study criminology at university, where I developed an understanding of the complexities behind criminal behavior. The course has given me a strong foundation in the theories and methods used by researchers in this field. I am keen to continue my studies and further develop my knowledge of criminology, aiming to become a researcher one day.

My fascination in criminology was born from my exposure to new ideas and contrasting ideologies surrounding crime and justice. After spending time immersed in this field, I am drawn to the notion that there is no single approach to tackling criminal activity. It is a complex issue requiring multifaceted solutions.

My current aim is to pursue a master’s degree in criminology. This is to develop a further understanding of both classical theories about crime and recent advancements within the discipline. Ultimately, I hope to play a role in shaping future policymaking around issues such as law enforcement, rehabilitation, and victim support services. This is while maintaining close collaboration with academics who are leaders within this field. In addition, working alongside those on the frontline will give me invaluable insight into how these policies impact those directly affected by crime daily.

A personal statement is a document in which you describe your reasons for wanting to study criminology and highlight your academic and professional qualifications. A criminology personal statement also shows off your knowledge of the criminal justice system and why you are interested in studying it.

When writing your statement, highlight any relevant experience or skills that could make you a valuable asset to any criminology program. With a well-written personal statement, you can achieve your career goal just like you desire.

The criminology degree personal statement examplesabove were generated using Hey INK . Why not try it out?

A Guide to Writing A Criminology Personal Statement

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE Criminology and Forensics Studies Personal Statement

Criminology and forensics studies personal statement.

Lewis F. Korns simply stated, ‘Crime is as much a condition as an intention’. This quote resonates with me as everyone is influenced by oversimplified perspectives of crime. The complexity of crime and the criminals who commit them is what draws me to Criminology. In my opinion, crime is something which is constantly influenced by many factors such as the law, socio-economics, socialisation and geographical location. Each of these being one piece of a complex puzzle.

The A-Levels I am studying are Anthropology , Philosophy & Ethics and ICT. These subjects complement this field of study and enable me to have an eclectic and diverse understanding of crime from various perspectives. Anthropology consists of the study of humans and cultures and has allowed me to identify both differences and similarities between different cultures, for example, polygamy is viewed as a crime in western culture but is the norm in some cultures. Conversely, Philosophy & Ethics has enabled me to identify and differentiate between what is considered to be moral and immoral. It has also enabled me to gain an understanding of religious beliefs, theories and their approach as well as their different perspectives on crime.

Studying ethics in particular has allowed me to explore moral dilemmas and the ethical implications that lead people to commit criminal offences. This suggests that the law and criminality are not black and white and I find this reality interesting. Good people have potential to do bad things when put in particular situations. Also, studying ICT has allowed me to enhance my skills in statistical analysis and information formatting which will prove useful when undertaking research as part of a Criminology degree. Moreover, it gives me insight into internet crime which is rising rapidly in a society that is currently undergoing a technological revolution.

From a young age, I have had a keen interest in reading crime novels by authors such as James Patterson. To gain more insight into the legalities of criminal justice system, I have spent some time at The Old Bailey Court, where I sat through hearings and legal proceedings. This encouraged me to try and understand how this process operates, and this is how I discovered my interest in criminology. Furthermore, through sitting in a public trial I managed to identify the various job roles that influenced the final verdict. This was interesting as it highlighted potential career paths I could follow.

Outside of academic learning, I am an active member in the school community. As a Prefect, I am responsible for organising events. This has given me the opportunity to listen to other people’s opinions. This has also helped me to become a more conscientious worker. My part-time job has allowed me to gain confidence in myself whilst working as an individual and also as a crucial team member. From this I have developed skills such as decision making, critical thinking and working under pressure. These are all skills I believe to be necessary for successfully completing a degree.

Recently in my local area, there has been an increase in the crime rate. I attended a talk held by the Metropolitan Police about how crime can be prevented through the use of devices such as CCTV; this has aided my Extended Project where I am assessing how the development of technology has impacted on the human right of privacy. This has been helpful in developing my written communication skills while also linking it to my personal interest in human rights. To do this research, I made contact with my local MP Boris Johnson who discussed with me via letter his views of CCTV and human rights. In addition, my chosen topic will be relevant to my future career plans as I want to become a crime scene investigator in the police force

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Introduction to Criminology

(2 reviews)

introduction for personal statement criminology

Shereen Hassan, Surrey, British Columbia

Dan Lett, Surrey, British Columbia

Leah Ballantyne, Pukatawagan, Manitoba

Copyright Year: 2023

ISBN 13: 9781989864647

Publisher: Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Language: English

Formats Available

Conditions of use.

Attribution

Learn more about reviews.

Reviewed by Nicole Hansen-Rayes, Adjunct Instructor of Psychology, City Colleges of Chicago on 6/9/23

This book is authored from a Canadian perspective that brings a very diverse, equitable, and inclusionary (DEI)-centered strategy. The contributors also state their cultural background with reference to their ancestors and this is crucial to our... read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

This book is authored from a Canadian perspective that brings a very diverse, equitable, and inclusionary (DEI)-centered strategy. The contributors also state their cultural background with reference to their ancestors and this is crucial to our on-going conversations about race. ethnicity, the history of slavery and oppression, and social justice.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

Of course, there are some cultural difference between American and United Kingdom use and spelling of English terms.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

There is a good historical view of colonialism and slavery that speaks to the mass incarceration and social justice issues that still permeate today.

Clarity rating: 4

American students will need some help identifying different theoretical approaches and which are more dominant in the U.S. criminal justice system.

Consistency rating: 5

The layout of this textbook is easy to navigate, topics are current and relevant, and it is summarized quite well.

Modularity rating: 5

Chapters are clear and succinct as well as short in length, which. is preferred.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The chapter of contents for the text are as follows: 1. What is Crime? 2. Typologies and Patterns of Crime 3. Media and Crime 4. Race and Crime 5. Methods and Counting Crime 6. Biological Influences on Criminal Behaviour 7. Psychological Theories of Crime 8. Sociological Theories of Crime 9. Learning Theories 10. Critical Criminology 11. Feminist Criminology 12. Cultural Criminology 13. Green Criminology 14. Victimology 15. Crimes of the Powerful 16. Environmental Criminology 17. Restorative, Transformative Justice

Interface rating: 5

The ebook reads very smoothly with easy transition from one page to the next.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

None that I could see upon eternal review.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The section listed as "Colonialism as a Crime" is very vital to our discussions of criminology and it is so important to have BIPOC voices represented here. I think this text does that in a very thorough and thought-provoking way.

I'm currently reading deeper into this textbook and an interested in using it in my own criminology courses. There is even a foreword note about OER in the textbook as it speaks to providing equity for marginalized students!!!

Reviewed by Jeff Bry, Sociology Faculty, Minnesota State Community and Technical College on 5/25/23

The text is very thorough, covering much of the discipline of criminology. The chapters are short and concise, which is a positive for students. Faculty may need to supplement the text with ancillary resources to provide thorough coverage of each... read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The text is very thorough, covering much of the discipline of criminology. The chapters are short and concise, which is a positive for students. Faculty may need to supplement the text with ancillary resources to provide thorough coverage of each of the chapters.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

The material is well-written, concise, also appears to be quite accurate. One bias may be a sociological orientation to the material, which may suit some faculty quite well. There may also be a conflict orientation inclination to the material.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

The material is quite relevant, although the early chapters definitely examine the Canadian legal and criminal justice systems. This may be problematic to American faculty, as there will need to be amendments to make this text fit the American system. There is much overlap, but my thought is the early chapters of the text would be difficult to use "as is" for American faculty.

Clarity rating: 5

The text is well-written; it is also presented in a straight-forward, easy to read manner. There is good use of the appropriate terms/jargon, also a good use of examples regarding the concepts.

The textbook is written by multiple authors, but the voice seems fairly consistent throughout the text. The transitions between chapters and authors is fairly seamless, the voice and perspective of the chapters is consistent.

The textbook is concise and easy to use. There may be need for the faculty to supplement the text, as there is certainly room to grow in terms of analysis/discussion of the material. The framework is there however, it would appear to be well suited to build upon by the individual faculty.

The textbook is well organized and has a good flow. The voice is consistent, even though there are contributions from various authors. There may be chapters faculty may choose to omit or expand upon, but the organization and structure is very good.

Interface rating: 3

This textbook may be better suited to be in a format such as Pressbooks, as reading the text as a PDF or online may be cumbersome for students. That being said, this is a substantial textbook, which may be best suited as a PDF or online resource. In my opinion, reading the text as a PDF was a bit difficult.

The use of grammar, sentence structure etc. was very good. The text is well-written, concise and very "clean."

The cultural context is very positive. The text uses diverse examples, it also is very inclusive in use of terms and the language used. There is a concentration on Canadian culture and social problems, especially early in the text. This should not be problematic to faculty, although may require some minor adjustments.

This is a well-written, thorough criminology textbook. The addition of ancillary resources, specifically amendments to better fit the American justice system would definitely benefit American faculty. I am excited to incorporate this textbook!

Table of Contents

  • Licensing Info
  • Accessibility Statement
  • For Students: How to Use this Book
  • Acknowledgments
  • Introduction
  • 1. What is Crime?
  • 2. Typologies and Patterns of Crime
  • 3. Media and Crime
  • 4. Race and Crime
  • 5. Methods and Counting Crime
  • 6. Biological Influences on Criminal Behaviour
  • 7. Psychological Theories of Crime
  • 8. Sociological Theories of Crime
  • 9. Learning Theories
  • 10. Critical Criminology
  • 11. Feminist Criminology
  • 12. Cultural Criminology
  • 13. Green Criminology
  • 14. Victimology
  • 15. Crimes of the Powerful
  • 16. Environmental Criminology
  • 17. Restorative, Transformative Justice
  • Contributors

Ancillary Material

About the book.

Although this open education resource (OER) is written with the needs and abilities of first-year undergraduate criminology students in mind, it is designed to be flexible. As a whole, the OER is amply broad to serve as the main textbook for an introductory course, yet each chapter is deep enough to be useful as a supplement for subject-area courses; authors use plain and accessible language as much as possible, but introduce more advanced, technical concepts where appropriate; the text gives due attention to the historical “canon” of mainstream criminological thought, but it also challenges many of these ideas by exploring alternative, critical, and marginalized perspectives. After all, criminology is more than just the study of crime and criminal law; it is an examination of the ways human societies construct, contest, and defend ideas about right and wrong, the meaning of justice, the purpose and power of laws, and the practical methods of responding to broken rules and of mending relationships.

Special thanks to Leah Ballantyne, LLB LLM, a Cree lawyer from the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation in Pukatawagan, Manitoba, who provided expert Indigenous consultation/editing for this textbook.

About the Contributors

Dr. Shereen Hassan — I have been a faculty member of the Criminology department at Kwantlen Polytechnic University since 2004.  I studied at Simon Fraser University, where I earned by PhD in 2010. But I did not enter SFU with the intention of pursuing a career in criminology or criminal justice. In fact, it was during my first-year experience enrolled in courses in the social sciences where topics like human rights and social justice were introduced, and this is when I developed a keen interest in this field of study. It was also my experience being racially profiled while travelling across the U.S./Canada border, which occurred for the first time during my 2nd year at SFU, that really lead to my decision to pursue my degrees in criminology.  As it turns out, flying while Arab has proven to be quite challenging.  I expand on these experiences in the vignette at the start of the Race and Racism chapter of this textbook, and I touch on these experiences at the start of each term with my students, as I feel stories and lived experience are valuable ways to make these issues relevant in the classroom.

I grew up in a low-income family in Port Coquitlam, B.C., not far from the Pickton farm.  I was one of the only 3 people of colour in my elementary school (my brother was one of them).  I always felt like I had to fight to get through challenges in life, and have not been afforded the privileges that many of my classmates enjoyed.  Developing a text that was easily accessible to students trying to pave their own path, some with very little support and resources, was really a dream come true for me.  While my own experiences of racism and marginalization differ significantly from the experiences of Indigenous peoples of Canada, my background has certainly heightened my sensitivity around these complex issues and my appreciation for the need for culturally sensitive and trauma-informed approaches to teaching and learning.

Dan Lett , Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Leah Ballantyne , LLB LLM is from the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation in Pukatawagan, Manitoba.  The community is signatory to Treaty 6 in the northern boreal forest.  Leah is the first and only member of her community to become a lawyer and she follows a long line of both elected and hereditary leadership from her Nation.

Leah graduated from UBC faculty of law in 2005 and earned her Masters-in-law (LLM) in international law and governance in 2017 as class valedictorian at the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Law.  Leah is a member of the law societies of both Manitoba and British Columbia.

Ms. Ballantyne serves grassroots leaders, Chiefs and other First Nation-led organizations in upholding treaty and inherent rights. Currently, Leah provides her time to the Lower Fraser Fishery Alliance for the RELAW project – “Revitalizing Indigenous Land, Air and Water.” LFFA RELAW produced a legal synthesis report aimed at Indigenous law-based fish habitat restoration strategies for the Lower Fraser.  The work is created in collaboration with the RELAW team of Relawyers at the West Coast Environmental Law Foundation.  Leah also provides her expertise to a C-92 Child Welfare Law reform project, and recently to residential site school reclamation and memorialization work.  She is currently an active board member with the First Nation Health Authority and the Canadian Mountain Network.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has hired Leah to edit this textbook to ensure that culturally appropriate and safe language is used when involving Indigenous peoples and pedagogy.

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Learn How to Write Personal Statement for Criminology

  • December 1, 2023
  • One Comment

Are you looking to get admission for a criminology course at a renowned university with a remarkable criminology personal statement? Struggling with the challenge of writing an impeccable university personal statement for criminology that can reserve you a seat for the course at your favourite university?

Let our experienced professionals help you with that. We can create top-notch and incredible university personal statements for criminology just as you would love even better than sample university personal statements for criminology.

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Introduction to Personal Statements

The personal statement is among the most decisive documents when students’ applications for higher study programs are shortlisted. It should be the most personalized version of your explanation to the academic committee about your interest in a certain program and how your background aligns with that interest. The selection panel may also choose to use the information in the personal statement during your face-to-face interview. The clarity, originality, and readability of the personal statement are important factors that determine its overall appeal.

Importance of a Criminology Personal Statement

When applying for a criminology program at a college or university, your application should include a personal statement specifically tailored for criminology. It holds significant importance for institutions to verify your credentials and for you to showcase your uniqueness and passion for the field.

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A means to demonstrate your unique background

Your university personal statement for criminology allows you to showcase your uniqueness based on your experiences, qualifications, perspectives, and motivations.

A medium to show your alignment with goals

Through your criminology degree personal statement, you can demonstrate how closely your backgrounds, experiences, and skills align with your goals in the field.

A platform to showcase your skills

The personal statement is the sole document where you can showcase your skills with examples. It allows you to explain how your skills will benefit your career in criminology.

An impression maker

By effectively using your criminology masters personal statement, you can turn it into the best impression maker about yourself for the selection committee.

A pathway for a face-to-face interview

A well-crafted personal statement for university criminology will influence the selection committee to frame questions based on it. It will also help improve your performance during the interview.

How to write a strong personal statement for criminology?

Writing a university personal statement for criminology is no joke. It has to have a unique personality and focus, and tell the story of the student in the perfect of ways. In a nutshell, it must impress the admission committee. Although it’s a tough job for most students to carry out, having adequate support and insights in the field can help students immensely. What we do when we are to write a university personal statement for criminology is to take the unique experiences, aspirations, and learnings of the candidate and make it a comprehensible story. It would be easier for the university to relate to the person’s ambition to study criminology this way.

However, with the following tips, you can do all that yourself, too:

  • Decide what you want to include in the statement in advance
  • Learn all the statement guidelines from the university of your choice
  • Choose a format that helps you narrate everything you want
  • Use an optimistic and confident tone of voice throughout the SOP
  • Explain what your career aspirations and goals are in criminology
  • Talk about how the course will help you achieve your career goals

There is no doubt that these tips to write university personal statements for criminology are conspicuously simple. Well, that’s because most students fail to stick to the basics. With these tips you won’t have to look for sample criminology personal statements.

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Understanding the Domain of Criminology

Criminology is a field of study that explores the causes and consequences of criminal behaviour and suggests ways to prevent it. As criminal behaviours can occur in different contexts and areas of human life and interactions, numerous sub-fields exist within this subject for better understanding of this concept and providing targeted solutions. Whichever criminology field you opt for your studies, it is important to make the best criminology personal statement that suits it.

Key Specializations Within The Domain of Criminology

Some of the major specializations in criminology are:

Criminal Justice

Criminal justice is a major specialization in criminology. In this, the focus is given to the administration of justice and the different components around it such as law enforcement, judiciary, etc. Our example criminology personal statement on this will give you a better understanding of how to approach your personal statement writing for this.

Criminal Psychology

Criminal psychology examines the various psychological factors that lead one to perpetuate a crime. Mental disorders, forensic areas, specific motivations for the crime, personality traits of the offender etc are discussed in this. You must have a convincingly written personal statement for criminology and forensic science to show your passion for this specialization while applying.

Criminal Law

Criminal law is the study of legal systems and principles pertaining to a crime and the punishment that it entails. The course will provide you with an in-depth understanding of legal frameworks, criminal codes, and how laws must be applied in the specific context of a crime. An appropriately written personal statement law and criminology will help you with the admission process.

Environmental Criminology

Environmental criminology looks at the connection between crime and the physical environment. Factors like urban design, situations, spatial patterns etc influence crime. Refer to our criminology personal statement example on environmental specialization.

In this segment of criminology, you will learn about punishment and rehabilitation of offenders as well as cover laws and principles regarding prisons, probation, parole and more. Reach us for a personal statement example criminology with a specialization in penology.

Sociology of Crime

In the sociology of crime, you will approach crime as a social phenomenon and try to understand how it affects society. A concentrated criminology university personal statement that explains your understanding of these social factors and how you can make a good professional in this field is a must for a thorough application.

Victimology

In victimology, you will learn about the victims of a crime and the diverse social, physical or mental experiences they undergo. The program will prepare you to provide adequate victim support, and skills to understand the trauma and the significant roles that victims have in the criminal justice system. Review our criminology masters personal statement examples focusing on this specialisation to get a thorough understanding before writing it.

Forensic criminology

Forensic criminology is a criminology specialization that helps understand forensic science methodologies in investigating crimes. Your forensic science and criminology personal statement must show how you developed your interest in this field.

Essential Ingredients for Drafting an Impactful Criminology Personal Statement

If you are planning to write a criminology psychology personal statement, make sure that it is comprehensive by ensuring the following key ingredients.

essential ingredients for writing sopconsultants for writing personal statement for criminology

Introduction

Start your personal statement with a strong introduction that specifically talks about the program that you are applying to and how you came to the decision for the same.

Write about your academic and professional background, experiences and any other relevant areas that make you suitable for the criminology program.

Here provide convincing reasons to show your motivation for criminology. It is important to keep the specialisation in mind while writing this, for instance, personal statement criminology and psychology.

Skills and strengths

List some of the relevant skills and strengths you have which will make you more successful and competent in the field of criminology. Additionally, speak about your extracurricular skills that will make you a more suitable candidate who can excel in the program as well as contribute to the institute.

Speak about your future goals after completing your course in criminology. Show how the skills and experience you have from the course will benefit your career. Check out our criminology personal statement template to see how this area must be approached.

End your personal statement with a conclusion that clearly briefs the whole content in one or two sentences and totally agrees with everything you explained.

Criminology Personal Statement Guide on Structure and Formatting

Your personal statement for criminology must accompany an accepted structure and formatting. consulting a professional Personal statement writer can reduce rejection risks,  Here are some important points to keep in mind.

Structure :

Divide your personal statement into equal-sized paragraphs consisting of an introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion. The number of body paragraphs depends on how many points you address – academic background, experience, motivation, goals, skills and strengths etc.

Formatting :

Use a recognised style guide while formatting your personal statement on criminology. You can use the following input:

What Sets SOP Consultants Apart in Making Personal Statement Criminology And Sociology?

Every student who wants to get admission to a criminology course in a venerated university would need an excellent personal statement for admission. However, not everyone has the creative inclinations and focus to write a compelling personal statement for criminology at a university.

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Incredibly Trained and Qualified Team

In our constant efforts to deliver the best university personal statements for criminology for our clients, we have developed an exceptional team with us. The team has been developed after a variety of assessments and vetting processes. We also provide them with adequate training from time to time to keep them up-to-date.

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One of the major reasons that we have become a reliable name in the field to write university personal statements for criminology is our quality. We have developed this name by employing a bevy of global quality assurance systems in our project execution process unfailingly.

Customized Personal Statements for All

Over the course of our professional experience that spans a decade, we have never met students who want the same support service from us. Therefore, we have always made it a point to understand the needs of the students individually and deliver them with personalized plans that match their visions perfectly.

Value-Adding and Economical Solution

No matter where you want to study the criminology course, we can create a highly economical personal statement for criminology in any university. We have worked with students who have different budgetary constraints. Hence, we create tailor-made packages for them to add maximum value to their investments with us.

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Our team believes that it is not enough to write the best criminology personal statement for university admission for our students. Hence, we create the most conclusive user-experience for our clients with each of our projects. In order to do that we have a trained and experienced customer care team, as well.

Personal Statement Samples and Formats

We have a variety of criminology personal statement samples and formats that our students can choose from. As we have developed many samples and formats in PDF for personal statements in criminology. This helps us meet all the expectations of the students about the formats, as well.

We are confident that each of these elements has played a huge role in making us one of the most trusted brands for writing criminology university personal statements. This is what makes us such a successful partner for you.

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Five Simple Writing Tips for A Compelling Personal Statement for Criminology

Here are five simple tips that will help you come up with an impressive personal statement just like the law and criminology personal statement examples we share in this blog.

Bring a personal touch : Try to bring a personal touch to your personal statement. This will help the selection committee to relate to your narrative more easily and from a human angle.

Make it concise: Avoid writing too much of anything. Write only what is necessary and required to make a point clear and easily conveyed to the reader.

Solidify your motivation : Explain your motivation in a realistic way ensuring that it sounds genuine and strong. Showing a strong motivation is very important.

Validate your skills : Whatever skills or experience you want to include in your university criminology personal statement, make sure that it is substantiated with evidence.

Make it accurate: Go over your personal statement carefully at least three to four times and ensure that there are no mistakes in it.

Common Mistakes That Will Undermine Your Personal Statement for Criminology

Having an idea about what mistakes lead to rejection or less appreciation of a personal statement is important in the writing process. Here are five common mistakes to steer clear of in order to produce a strong document like our personal statement criminology examples.

Plagiarized content: If your personal statement contains sentences copied from any other sources, remember that it can be easily detected and can even lead to outright rejection of your application.

Irrelevant info: Do not dwell on any information that is does not make any sense in the specific context of your criminology application. Write only points that will make your application stronger.

Errors in writing: Spelling errors, grammar mistakes, poor sentence construction styles etc will undermine the reading experience and make the selection committee develop a negative impression.

Repetitions: Repetition of points may be regarded as your lack of focus or inability to articulate your points strongly or even as lack of sufficient skills and experiences to highlight in your personal statement.

Non-alignment with standards: If your personal statement is not in alignment with the specific guidelines from the institution or the generally accepted standard in its absence, it will affect its quality.

Examples of Strong Personal Statements for Criminology

Here are a few university personal statement examples criminology to help you understand how to approach its writing when applying for different specializations.

If you are looking for a specific example that is not listed here, feel free to get in touch with us for your personalized assistance.

  • Example 1: A student who is interested in criminology because they want to help victims of crime.
  • Example 2: A student who is interested in criminology because they want to understand the causes of crime and develop solutions to prevent it.
  • Example 3 : A student who is interested in criminology because they want to pursue a career in law enforcement or criminal justice.

Hire Criminology Personal Statement Writing Help for University

The potential for a career in criminology is beyond measure, and there are plenty of students who want to build a career in the same. However, the first barrier that you must overcome to realize your dream is writing a personal statement for criminology to get admission in a renowned university.

However, that’s a tricky thing. But our professional team can help you with everything you need to write personal statements for criminology.

With our team to help you, you can surely write statements that are

Every project that we get to work for students wanting to study criminology is a unique one. Hence, we work with the clients with various questions and questionnaires to understand what their goals and passions are. We then leverage the insights to craft an effective personal statement for the students that can help them with the admission.

And we are always ready to deliver criminology personal statements for university PDF as they need even better than the sample criminology personal statements.

You can get all the details that you need from our support desk. Contact us.

  • Highly creative and unique
  • Student-centric and personalized
  • Based on the students’ visions
  • Focused on the students’ goals
  • Reviewed with multiple paid tools

How to Submit Your Personal Statement for Criminology?

The submission procedure for a personal statement varies depending on which institute you are applying to. For instance, if you are trying to submit your criminology personal statement UCAS, you will be required to follow the specific UCAS guidelines. Below given is the general approach to personal statement submission online. 

  • Visit your institute’s website and log in to your account.
  • If you don’t have an account, sign up for an account and fulfil all other application requirements before moving to submit your personal statement.
  • Locate the application menu on your account dashboard.
  • In the application options, navigate to the personal statement section. Read the specific instructions about the personal statement submission.
  • Upload your personal statement for criminology and submit it. You should receive a notification once the submission has been successfully completed.

We hope you had a great learning experience by reading this blog on how to draft a criminology personal statement. As you may have gathered from the blog, it is important to create a strong and personalized personal statement for a successful criminology application and to secure admission. If you think there are any further areas that we could cover to improve your understanding, we are happy to do so. Just leave your recommendations in the comments. Feel free to share this blog with your friends or in the criminology personal statement student rooms and support them in their writing as well.

Vasuki Ram

Vasuki Ram, senior writer and the founder of SOP Consultants is a B-tech Graduate who used to work in an MNC. Starting from 2013, she along with her team has assisted more than 10,000 students. Shift in her career was drastic. Read full story here.

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introduction for personal statement criminology

Criminology Personal Statement: A Guide to Success

Entering the world of criminology is exciting and has a real impact on society. Whether you’re a student considering criminology or a professional looking to dive into this field, your criminology personal statement is a big deal during the application process. This article is all about making this statement strong and exploring the important things that can make your application stand out. Let’s break down how to make your criminology personal statement compelling and increase your chances in the competitive process.

The Art of Introduction

The opening lines of your criminology personal statement serve as the gateway to capturing the reader’s attention. In this section, we discuss the importance of a strong introduction and provide tips on crafting one. 

Crafting a strong introduction for your criminology personal statement is vital. Here are some tips to help you create an impactful intro:

  • Start with a compelling narrative or story to grab attention.
  • Consider sharing a quote from a notable criminologist or a thought-provoking statistic.
  • Keep the introduction brief, focusing on key points.
  •  Convey your enthusiasm for criminology.
  • Aim for brevity while ensuring your opening lines resonate with enthusiasm.
  • Highlight a pivotal moment that sparked your interest in the field.
  • Connect your personal experiences to the broader context of criminology.
  • Make your introduction relatable and engaging for the reader.
  • Set the tone for the rest of your statement by showcasing your genuine interest.

Creating an introduction that includes these elements serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it makes your personal statement interesting, capturing the reader’s attention from the start. Secondly, it establishes a strong base for the rest of your story, ensuring a cohesive and well-structured narrative. Remember, brevity is key, so ensure each sentence contributes meaningfully to your overall message.

Show Academic Background in Criminology Personal Statement

Your academic journey forms the foundation of your criminology personal statement. In presenting your academic background within your criminology personal statement, provide a clear and concise overview of your educational journey.

Begin by outlining your academic qualifications, such as your high school diploma or relevant degrees. Subsequently, delve into specific criminology-related courses you have completed.

Highlight any academic achievements, honors, awards, or distinctions you have received. In addition, demonstrate your commitment to excellence in your studies. If applicable, discuss any research projects you have undertaken, especially those that pertain to the field of criminology. This showcases your practical engagement with the subject matter.

Furthermore, show your love for criminology by discussing specific areas that really interest you academically. Explain why these particular parts of the field grab your attention. Be sure to keep this section concise, focusing on key points that align with the overarching theme of your personal statement.

Lastly, connect your academic background to your aspirations in criminology. Show how your educational experiences have prepared you for future studies or work within the field. Illustrate the seamless link between your academic journey and your ambitions in the realm of criminology. This method guarantees that your academic path is presented clearly and persuasively, enhancing the overall effectiveness of your Criminology Personal Statement.

Skills in Criminology Personal Statement

Criminology is a multidisciplinary field that values a diverse set of skills. Let’s talk about how you can smartly describe the hands-on experiences and skills you gained from internships, jobs, or volunteer work. This part helps you show your special strengths like critical thinking, research skills, and good communication. It guides you in demonstrating what makes you unique and skilled.

Effectively highlighting skills and experiences in your Criminology Personal Statement requires a strategic approach. First, focus on relevance—emphasize skills directly related to criminology, such as research, critical thinking, and communication. If you need assistance crafting your academic work, our partner ghostwriter seminararbeit offers professional writing services to help articulate your ideas clearly. Provide specific examples from academic, work, or volunteer experiences to illustrate your proficiency.

Point out any hands-on experience you got, such as internships or volunteering in criminology settings. Explain how these experiences have sharpened your skills. Explicitly connect your skills to criminological competencies; for instance, showcase how strong analytical skills can be applied to crime data analysis or policy evaluation. 

Don’t forget soft skills—including teamwork, leadership, and adaptability. These skills are valuable in criminology, especially when collaborating in diverse teams or adapting to dynamic situations. Moreover, mention academic successes that show you’re good at criminology subjects, such as high grades or completing tough projects successfully.

Express your passion for criminology through experiences, showing genuine interest and dedication to understanding and addressing criminal justice issues. Use strong action verbs and, whenever possible, quantify achievements for specificity and credibility. Balancing your skill display is essential. It helps provide context, showing why you’re an ideal candidate for studying or working in criminology.

Demonstrating Passion and Understanding

Admissions people like students who do great in school and truly enjoy criminology. Now, let’s chat about how you can prove you’re super into criminology by talking about the essential stuff like theories, ideas, and social problems. Here are some easy tips to help you out:

Showcase Your Knowledge:  Demonstrate your understanding of criminological theories, concepts, and key issues. Discuss specific theories or studies that have inspired your interest in the field.

Relate Personal Experiences:  Connect your personal experiences to your passion for criminology. Share any relevant experiences, such as internships, volunteer work, or coursework, that have fueled your interest and shaped your perspective.

Highlight Relevant Skills:  Emphasize the skills you’ve developed that are crucial in criminology, such as critical thinking, research, and problem-solving. Provide examples of how you’ve applied these skills in different contexts.

Address Challenges:  If you’ve overcome challenges related to your interest in criminology, briefly discuss them. Admissions committees appreciate resilience and determination, so highlight how these challenges have strengthened your commitment to the field.

Connect to Societal Issues:  Illustrate how your passion for criminology extends beyond personal interest to a broader societal context. Discuss your awareness of current issues and your desire to contribute to solutions.

At NRA Educations , we’re here to assist students in crafting their personal criminology statements. We understand that expressing your passion for criminology is crucial, and we provide support to help you shine in your application. Whether it’s highlighting your knowledge of key theories, discussing personal experiences, or aligning your goals with the field, we’re committed to helping you present the best version of yourself in your criminology statement. Let us guide you toward creating a compelling narrative that reflects your genuine interest and co mmitment to the study of criminology. Book a free consultation today!

Crafting a compelling criminology personal statement requires a thoughtful blend of personal reflection, academic prowess, and a vision for the future. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, prospective criminology students and professionals can navigate the intricate process of creating a personal statement that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of admissions committees and employers, setting the stage for a successful journey into the captivating field of criminology.

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Home › University › How To Write A Personal Statement? 10 Tips + Student Questions Answered › How To Start A Personal Statement: Tips & Examples

How To Start A Personal Statement: Tips & Examples

  • Published January 20, 2023

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Table of Contents

We’re regularly asked the question “ how to start a personal statement ”? It’s a challenging task for anybody but worry not as we’re here to help guide you through the process. 

The introduction is the first thing the admissions committee will read. That’s why the first sentence of a personal statement should be a catchy, attention-grabbing hook or story that grabs the reader’s attention and sets up the main point of your essay.

A lacklustre introduction may lose your readers’ interest, preventing them from reading the rest of your personal statement!

But don’t worry, this article will guide you on writing a personal statement introduction, a few examples of opening sentences and how to captivate the admissions tutors. Without further ado, let’s get started.

Top Tip: Leave Your Introduction For Last

You know what they say, the hardest thing to do is  start . So skip the introduction for now and focus on the main body of your personal statement. If you’re not sure what your main content should be, read out how to write a personal statement guide.

After nailing down the main points, you’ll have a concrete idea of how your introduction can captivate the reader and stay relevant to the bulk of the writing. Go ahead and work on the rest of your personal statement.

Come back when you’re finished! And if you’re worried about your conclusion then check out our advice on  personal statement conclusions .

2. Cut To The Chase

You only have  4,000 characters  to sell yourself as an ideal student candidate. Make each character and paragraph count! That means forget about flowery words and directionless statements. When you start your personal statement, explain your motivations for choosing your course in one or two sentences.

Although you will discuss this in-depth in the main body of content, capturing your reader’s attention with a quick overview of why you’re enthusiastic about your chosen course is crucial. That’s why capturing the reader’s attention by jumping straight to the point is key to starting a personal statement.

how to write a personal statement introductions

3. Be Specific

Never give vague details when expressing why you want to pursue your course. “I always wanted to be an engineer since I was a kid,” or “I want to become a doctor because I enjoy science” isn’t advised. 

On that note, if you’re applying to medicine refer to our guide on  how to write a medical personal statement . We suggest being more specific than that, and you can include your academic achievements too. Here are a few suggestions that may help you:

  • You witnessed an inspirational figure in your life solve a massive problem with a specific skill set (doctor, engineer, etc.)
  • While you were at a charity event, you encountered a problem that kept people in deprivation. By pursuing this course, you’re a part of the solution.
  • You’re good at, and you enjoy a specific skill set. The course you’re eyeing puts great emphasis on this particular skill.
  • There was a moment in your life when you succeeded in solving a problem. You felt significant by doing so, and you want to keep doing that for the rest of your life (teaching poor children how to read)
  • You watched a movie or read a book that ignited your passion for the course. After doing volunteer work or part-time employment related to your course, you’re determined to pursue it.

Craft a sentence or two that encapsulates the core of your “why.” Do this, and your reader will want to read more!

4. Demonstrate Knowledge In Your Chosen Course

An essential element of starting a personal statement is to express why you’re enthusiastic about taking your chosen course. You need to demonstrate that you’re aware of what you’re getting yourself into in the process. Answer any of these prompt questions for inspiration:

  • What do you find interesting about the course?
  • How do you believe the course will help you achieve your goals?
  • How will you use your chosen course to contribute to society?
  • What hurdles do you expect to encounter, and how will you handle them?

Decide which of these questions fits best into the main content of your  personal statement . Write your answer in a sentence or two, weave them into your application essay and think about the help you received from your tutors in the past.

5. Ditch The “Since I Was A Child” Line

We’re often asked  what not to put in a personal statement  and “Since I was a child” is a cliche statement that gets thrown around haphazardly. How many students have said this at least once in their personal statements?

Recalling your childhood passions is a weak “why” for pursuing your course. Why? Because the admissions committee is looking for a relevant and up-to-date reason.

When you were little, you had zero knowledge and little enthusiasm to become successful in your field. You had no idea what skillsets you needed or what other options were available to you.

But if you were to cite a recent event in your life that supports your determination to pursue your course, that screams “educated choice” right there. And  that  is what the admission committee is looking for after reading hundreds, if not thousands of introductions.

6. Brainstorm Several Versions Of Your Opening Lines

The desire to get it right the first time paralyses you from starting. So permit yourself to write freely. Write as many versions of your opening lines as possible.

Don’t worry about the grammar, spelling, or character count just yet. Type everything that goes off the top of your head. When you’re done, take a look at your list.

Cross out the ones you dislike, and encircle the ones you think have potential. Then start piecing the puzzle pieces together to check out if the intro lines fit with the rest of your personal statement. 

If you’ve found three potential opening statements, try reading them aloud together with the rest of your personal statement. Do they flow seamlessly into one another? Make the necessary adjustments. Play around with it until you feel you’ve hit the spot.

7. Make Your Opening Statement Error Free

Your opening statement is your hook line. Spelling or grammatical errors at the start discourage your reader from reading further. If you have errors at the beginning, you’ll most likely have them in your main content!

So make sure your English is simple, flawless, and straightforward. Run your personal statement through a tool like Grammarly to weed out most of the errors.

The Hemingway app is also a helpful tool for checking for passive voice and other writing problems. Take advantage of writing assistant tools, especially if you’re a non-native English writer.

8. Read Examples Of Personal Statements

Read as many personal statement examples as you can. Any that captivated you, keep them in your notes. Figure out  why  these statements stood out to you compared to the others. What elements can you place in  your  personal statement?

When reading personal statements that put you off, find out why. What characteristics do they have that elicit a negative reaction from you? List them down, and make sure you avoid them.

After this exercise, you should have a few more ideas about your personal statement introduction.

9. Ask For Feedback

Never underestimate what feedback can give you. Ask your family, friends, and acquaintances about your opening statement. Does your personality shine through? Is it straight to the point? Does it flow smoothly with the main content of your personal statement?

Listen to what they have to say. Jot down important points. You’ll need their feedback to get a second opinion on whether it works for you or not.

10. Give Yourself Time

Your chosen career depends on your college education. And a first crucial step is to convince the admission committee you’re worth accepting into your university. You have to give your personal statement your best shot. Give yourself enough time to brainstorm and think everything over.

You can’t finish a complete,  well-written personal statement  in a week. Much less overnight!

So make sure you set aside enough time to put your best foot forward. After finishing a complete draft of your personal statement, put it down. Forget about it for a few days. Then come back and reread it.

With a fresh set of eyes, you’ll notice details you may not have seen before! Revise as much as you need.

Do I Need To Write An Introduction For A Personal Statement?

Yes, we recommend writing an introduction for your personal statement as it provides context to the rest of your writing. The introduction is an opportunity to make a good first impression and capture the university admissions officer’s attention.

What is a good opening sentence for a personal statement?

Here are some examples of a good opening sentence for a captivating introduction. Note how it ties into the university degree almost straight away with first-hand experience:

  • “Growing up in a small town with limited resources sparked my curiosity and drive to pursue higher education and make a positive impact in my community.”
  • “From a young age, I have been fascinated by the intricacies of the human mind and the power of psychology to improve people’s lives.”
  • “As a first-generation college student, I am determined to break barriers and pave the way for future generations through a career in law.”
  • “My passion for sustainable design was ignited by a volunteer trip to a developing country, where I witnessed the devastating effects of environmental degradation firsthand.”
  • “A chance encounter with a blind person and their guide dog inspired me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, with the goal of improving the lives of animals and their human companions.”

Please do NOT use these in your personal statements, use these to guide you on how you want to start your personal statement.

Can You Open Your Personal Statement With A Quote?

It is a risky move to open your personal statement with a quote and can come across as clichéd or insincere to the university admission officers. However, there are rare occasions when it can work, just make sure the quote relates to your degree and experience you’re writing about.

Get Ready To Write Your Personal Statement

How does one start a captivating personal statement? Take the time to think about what makes an effective introduction.

Read examples of personal statements from other students to glean ideas for how yours might stand out. Once you have read through some good ones, they should be more than just two or three!–look closely at what elements made them so successful. 

Then try applying those same principles on how to start a personal statement! Don’t forget to bookmark this post for future reference.

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7. Psychological Theories of Crime

7.1 Individual Psychology

Dr. Jennifer Mervyn and Stacy Ashton, M.A.

The earliest and most persistent explanations of criminal behaviour locate the flaw in the individual. From the “original sin” in Christian theology to antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) , the concept of bad people doing bad things has been a universal starting place for our approach to criminality (American Psychological Association, 2013).

The key question stemming from this approach is: What differentiates individuals who commit crimes from those who do not? Many psychological theories of criminal behaviour focus on identifying personality traits, characteristics, and developmental pathways believed to be shared by people who commit crime. Some theories focus on the temperament and personality people are born with (nature), while others focus on how life experiences shape people’s behaviours and attitudes (nurture).

Research on children has consistently found stable differences over the first three years of life across activity level, distractibility, adaptability, sensitivity and quality of mood. Tang et al. (2020) found that behavioural inhibition in infancy predicts shyness and introversion in adults thirty years later, suggesting that early temperament persists through the life span. Two temperaments associated with criminal behaviour are: 1) high sensation-seeking combined with low self-control, which leads to impulsive risk-taking and 2) negative emotionality, which leads to increased hostility and, if combined with callous emotional traits, increased cruelty (Delisi & Vaughn, 2014; Bonta & Andrews, 2017). Of these aspects of temperament, low self-control and impulsivity have received the most research attention and are considered major contributing factors in violent crime (Garofalo et al., 2018; Gilbert & Daffern, 2010; Kuin, et al., 2015; Gottfredson & Hirshi, 1990).

Researchers have long engaged in classifying humans into different categories of personality to predict differences in individual behaviour. The Myers-Brigg personality type indicator, rooted in the work of Carl Jung, divides people along four continuums: introversion or extraversion (E/I), sensing or intuition (S/N), thinking or feeling (T/F), and judging or perceiving (J/P), resulting in 16 main personality types (Myers, 1962). This theory suggests that differences in behaviour are largely due to basic differences in the ways individuals perceive and judge the world around them.

Another common current personality measure is the five-factor model of higher-order traits: extraversion, neuroticism, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness (Costa & McCrae, 1992). Research applying the five-factor model to antisocial behaviour has typically found that antisocial behaviour is associated with lower agreeableness (less altruism, tender-mindedness, compliance and straightforwardness) and lower conscientiousness (less self-discipline, deliberation and dutifulness) (Jones et al., 2011). Overall, the core of the “nature” focus is the assumption that people behave consistently across time and situations, and this consistency allows us to predict future behaviour, including criminal behaviour (McCrae et al., 2000).

Theorists that focus on “nurture” argue that personality develops in response to childhood experiences. Sigmund Freud’s (1901, 1924, 1940, collected in Freud, 2012) psychodynamic approach was one of the first theories to chart the development of personality through childhood. Freud proposed five stages of psychosexual development: oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital. During each stage, sexual energy (libido) is expressed, and the reaction of parental figures determines whether the stage resolves successfully or not. If stages resolve positively, the resulting adult is able to “love, work, and play.” If developmental stages do not resolve successfully, the result is an adult who is likely to violate ethical and moral standards.

Erik Erikson’s psychosocial developmental theory extended Freud’s theory of psychosexual development throughout the lifespan. At each stage of life, individuals face developmental challenges on the road to self-actualisation . Early stages of childhood development determine whether a child will trust or mistrust the world around them, develop autonomy or shame in their own abilities, and perceive themselves as “good” by being rewarded for their initiative or “bad” for failing to live up to the expectations of parental figures. Later stages focus on identity, intimacy, productivity, and satisfaction with life (Erikson, 1950).

Erikson’s work informs Lawrence Kohlberg’s theory of moral development (Kohlberg & Hersh, 1977). Kohlberg asked people of various ages about their views on right and wrong in moral dilemmas and found that people’s reasons for deciding right versus wrong followed a predictable path, as shown in Table 7.5.

Kohlberg theorised that criminals would be more likely to show pre-conventional moral thinking. Research on criminal offenders has linked pre-conventional moral thinking to higher rates of recidivism, though, notably, research of this sort would not include criminals who had escaped the law (van Vugt et al., 2011). Watch Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development  for more detail on Kohlberg’s theory and its three stages (each with two sub-stages) and a discussion of the famous Heinz dilemma.

Under “nurture” explanations of behaviour, parenting (usually mothering) is a major early shaping factor on the development of personality and morality. Two dimensions appear particularly important: support and control (Hoeve et al., 2009; Maccoby & Martin, 1983).

Baumrind (1991) created a typology of parenting styles differentiated by support and control, as shown in Table 7.6.

Research indicates that an authoritative style fosters higher levels of self-control, which is a protective factor against criminal behaviour. Rejecting-neglecting parenting is most linked to  violent behaviour (Maccoby & Martin, 1983; Steinberg et al., 1994; Chung et al., 2006).

Parental monitoring, which can be supportive or controlling, has also been linked to criminal outcomes. Recent research indicates that harsh control (physical/verbal punishment and intrusiveness), low warmth and low monitoring are particularly related to criminal and violent behaviour (Pinquart, 2017; Odgers et al., 2012).

Research supports the view that parenting involving warmth, active parental monitoring and consistent rules/expectations may protect against violent behaviour in youth (Fosco et al., 2012). Discipline that emphasises positive reinforcement over punishment appears to be the most effective (Halgunseth et al., 2013; Surjadi et al., 2013).

Although parents clearly influence their children, children also influence their parents. Gerald Patterson (1995) developed coercion theory to describe an escalation pattern of parents and children negatively influencing each other. If a parent gives in to escalating demands from their child, the child learns that they will get what they want if they intensify their anger and resistance; therefore, the child will use this tactic the next time they want something. If the parent increases their hostility in response, they effectively increase the level of demand their child must reach to succeed, thereby feeding a coercive cycle. Children also learn that coercive actions are effective in achieving one’s goals and may emulate this behaviour with others. Children engaged in frequent coercive interactions with their parents are more likely to have aggressive and oppositional behaviour (Patterson et al., 1992; Shaw et al., 1994; Shaw et al., 1998).

One challenge in parenting research is establishing unbiased ratings of parent and child behaviour (Pinquart, 2017). When rating themselves, parents will often respond in a socially desirable way, intentionally or not. Similarly, children’s behaviour ratings are potentially biased, depending on who is rating them. When ratings are given by researchers, it usually involves artificial settings that affect the behaviour of both parents and children. Finally, research on parenting relies on correlation because experiments cannot ethically expose children to different kinds of parenting. Correlation cannot determine causality ; it can only identify a relationship between two variables, but it can not determine which variable caused which or whether a third variable influenced both.

Attachment theory (Bowlby, 1982) focuses on the quality of a child’s early connection to their primary caregiver and how it affects adult emotional and relationship functioning. Bowlby’s attachment theory posits that early caregivers must provide security: infants are completely dependent on their caregivers and must feel protected and trust they can rely on their caregiver to meet their needs. When that trust is strained or broken, a child forms a dysfunctional attachment towards their parents. Instead of security, they experience ambivalence, fear, or anger towards their caregiver, which leads to clingy preoccupation or dismissive rejection of caregivers. Early disrupted attachments translate into an inability to trust and rely on others in adult intimate relationships and may contribute to violence in intimate relationships (Dutton, 2007). Insecure attachments also affect how positively or negatively we view others, which can increase or decrease the likelihood of offending against others.

an aspect of personality concerned with emotional dispositions and reactions and their speed and intensity; the term often is used to refer to the prevailing mood or mood pattern of a person.

the characteristic sets of behaviours, cognitions, and emotional patterns patterns that evolve from biological and environmental factors. While there is no generally agreed upon definition of personality, most theories focus on motivation and psychological interactions with the environment one is surrounded by.

fulfillment of one’s full human potential.

A statistical relationship between variables, not necessarily causal.

when one variable is said to cause a specific effect, the two variables must at least be correlated, the cause must precede the effect, and other possible explanations must be eliminated.

A psychological , evolutionary and ethological theory concerning relationships between humans . The most important tenet is that young children need to develop a relationship with at least one primary caregiver for normal social and emotional development. The theory was formulated by psychiatrist and psychoanalyst John Bowlby .

Introduction to Criminology Copyright © 2023 by Dr. Jennifer Mervyn and Stacy Ashton, M.A. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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  1. Crimonology Personal Statement Examples

    Criminology Personal Statement Example 10. I have always been interested in the human mind. I have always wanted to know how it works, what triggers a certain behaviour, how people think and why do they do the things they do. What always struck me most about the human mind, was its complexity...

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  3. Personal Statement for Criminology Tips: With Helpful Examples

    A Criminology personal statement should include information about the applicant's interest in and knowledge of the field of Criminology, as well as their skills, experiences, and achievements in relation to the subject. It should also include their future ambitions and plans for contributing to society through their study of Criminology.

  4. 6 criminology personal statement examples for applications

    Example 1: entry-level criminology personal statement. Here's an example of a personal statement for someone who's applying for an undergraduate degree in criminology: I'm a highly motivated student seeking entrance to Rose and Thorn University's Undergraduate Degree in Criminology. I was a model student in secondary school.

  5. Criminology & Criminal Justice Personal Statement Example

    I am fully committed to studying Criminology at degree level. I consider myself an outgoing, cheerful, industrious, intelligent and friendly person who has much to contribute to the wider life of the university, and would relish at the opportunity to continue my academic studies at the highest possible level. This personal statement was written ...

  6. A Guide to Writing A Criminology Personal Statement

    A personal statement is a document that expresses your reason for wanting to study criminology and describes any relevant experience or skills you have. Writing a personal criminology statement can be pretty tricky, but you must include all the relevant information about yourself. In your statement, highlight your academic achievements and ...

  7. How to write a personal statement for Criminology

    Passion. I want to see an interest in and passion for Criminology that is gained from real life, not just fictional television programmes. Tell me why you want to study Criminology, what you hope to be doing in the future and especially why you want to come to USW to study it.

  8. Criminology and Forensics Personal Statement

    Criminology and Forensics Studies Personal Statement. Lewis F. Korns simply stated, 'Crime is as much a condition as an intention'. This quote resonates with me as everyone is influenced by oversimplified perspectives of crime. The complexity of crime and the criminals who commit them is what draws me to Criminology.

  9. How to Write a Personal Statement for a Criminology Degree

    Many schools that offer a criminology degree, either a Bachelor's or a Master's degree, will require you to submit a personal statement with your application materials. Your personal statement is an opportunity to explain what led you to this career path and how the program will help you achieve ...

  10. Criminology degree personal statement example (1b)

    This is a real personal statement written by a student for their university application. It might help you decide what to include in your own. There are lots more examples in our collection of sample personal statements. I wish to study Criminology because I intend to make my career in the Prison Service. When I leave university, I will apply ...

  11. Criminology Personal Statement Example for UCAS Application

    A criminology personal statement is a part of your UCAS application and is sent to all of the criminology courses you are applying to. The goal is to convince the admission staff that you are the perfect candidate to study Criminology, and it should be very personal. Write about your interests, college, your apprenticeship, your motivations ...

  12. Introduction to Criminology

    Although this open education resource (OER) is written with the needs and abilities of first-year undergraduate criminology students in mind, it is designed to be flexible. As a whole, the OER is amply broad to serve as the main textbook for an introductory course, yet each chapter is deep enough to be useful as a supplement for subject-area courses; authors use plain and accessible language ...

  13. Criminology Personal Statement Examples

    Penology. In this segment of criminology, you will learn about punishment and rehabilitation of offenders as well as cover laws and principles regarding prisons, probation, parole and more. Reach us for a personal statement example criminology with a specialization in penology. Sociology of Crime.

  14. Criminology Personal Statement: A Guide to Success

    Criminology Personal Statement: A Guide to Success ... Enquire Now

  15. Criminology Personal Statement Writing Tips With Examples

    5. Personal statement Master', 2 pages, 24 hours. I dreamed of getting a master's degree, and I needed to write a personal statement for an additional study program. Fortunately, for a small fee, the writers of this site helped me. I saved time on preparing other essential documents and do not regret what I did.

  16. How To Start A Personal Statement: Tips & Examples

    4. Demonstrate Knowledge In Your Chosen Course. An essential element of starting a personal statement is to express why you're enthusiastic about taking your chosen course. You need to demonstrate that you're aware of what you're getting yourself into in the process.

  17. Forensic Psychology Masters Personal Statement Sample

    This is an example personal statement for a Masters degree application in Forensic Psychology. See our guide for advice on writing your own postgraduate personal statement. Since completing my Bachelors degree in Psychology, I have been determined to further develop my knowledge of human behaviour and motivation, and to find an application for ...

  18. 7.1 Individual Psychology

    Two temperaments associated with criminal behaviour are: 1) high sensation-seeking combined with low self-control, which leads to impulsive risk-taking and 2) negative emotionality, which leads to increased hostility and, if combined with callous emotional traits, increased cruelty (Delisi & Vaughn, 2014; Bonta & Andrews, 2017).

  19. Personal Statement:Law with Criminology 1

    Personal Statement:Law with Criminology 1. Social development within the country is based around the well-structured judicial system; however, this fundamental principle is not true for all countries and therefore permits shocking injustices to be carried out on the most vulnerable members of a society.

  20. How to start a personal statement: The attention grabber

    Top tips on how to write your statement opener. We spoke to admissions tutors at unis and colleges - read on for their tips. 1. Don't begin with the overkill opening. Try not to overthink the opening sentence. You need to engage the reader with your relevant thoughts and ideas, but not go overboard. Tutors said: 'The opening is your chance ...