Last updated on September 18th, 2023 at 06:27 am
Criminology is the scientific study of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. It explores the causes, consequences, prevention, and control of various types of crimes, such as violent crimes, property crimes, white-collar crimes, organized crimes, cybercrimes, and terrorism. Criminology also examines the social, psychological, biological, and legal aspects of crime and criminality.
A Diploma in Criminology is a two-year course that equips students with the relevant knowledge, skills, and attitudes to understand and analyze crime and criminal justice issues in Kenya and beyond.
The course covers topics such as criminological theories, research methods, criminal law, law of evidence, forensic science, crime prevention, correctional services, victimology, security management, and human rights.
A Diploma in Criminology is a suitable course for anyone who wants to pursue a career in the field of criminology and security. It is also a stepping stone for further studies in criminology and related disciplines at the degree level.
Is a Diploma in Criminology Marketable in Kenya?
According to Tuko, a Diploma in Criminology is a marketable course in Kenya. This is because the course is essential for criminal enforcement officers who play a vital role in maintaining law and order in the country.
The course also prepares students for various opportunities in the private security industry and government agencies.
Some of the factors that make a Diploma in Criminology marketable in Kenya are:
- The increasing demand for qualified and competent criminologists and security experts who can deal with the complex and dynamic nature of crime and security challenges in the country.
- The availability of diverse and rewarding careers for criminology graduates in various sectors such as law enforcement, corrections, intelligence, investigations, forensics, security consultancy, research, education, advocacy, and policy making.
- The recognition and accreditation of the course by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), which ensure that the course meets the required standards and quality.
- The flexibility and affordability of the course, which allows students to study at their own pace and convenience through various modes such as full-time, part-time, online, or distance learning.
- The possibility of advancing to higher levels of education such as bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in criminology or related fields after completing the diploma course.
What are the Qualifications and Requirements to earn a Diploma in Criminology in Kenya?
The minimum qualifications and requirements to enroll for a Diploma in Criminology in Kenya are:
- A minimum grade of C- (minus) or equivalent in KCSE or KCE or any other recognized examination body.
- A minimum grade of D- (minus) or equivalent in either English or Kiswahili.
- A minimum grade of D- (minus) or equivalent in either Mathematics/Business Studies/Geography/History/CRE/Computer Studies/Agriculture.
Some institutions may also accept students who have:
- A relevant certificate from an accredited institution or KNEC.
- A relevant diploma from an accredited institution or KNEC.
- A relevant degree from an accredited institution or KNEC.
However, these requirements may vary from one institution to another. Therefore, it is advisable to check with the specific institution before applying for admission.
What is the fee structure for this course?
The fee structure for a Diploma in Criminology may differ depending on the institution offering the course.
Here is a table that shows an estimate of the fees per term or semester for some institutions offering this course:
| Institution | Fees per term/semester (KES) |
|---|---|
| ICS College Mombasa Branch | 12,000 |
| Kenya Institute of Studies in Criminal Justice | 80,000 |
| Beam International Training Centre Nairobi | 12,000 |
| Alupe University College | 29,500 |
| East Africa Institute of Certified Studies | 12,000 |
| Embu College | 29,500 |
| Kenya Institute of Social Sciences | 80,000 |
| Vision Institute of Leadership and Management Studies | 80,000 |
| Cambridge Universal College | 12,000 |
| Kilifi College of Accountancy | 12,000 |
These fees may not include other charges such as application fee, registration fee, examination fee, library fee, or accommodation fee. Therefore, it is advisable to confirm with the specific institution before enrolling for the course.
Also Checkout: Certificate in Criminology course in Kenya requirements and fee structures
How long does it take to study for a Diploma in criminology in Kenya?
The duration of a Diploma in Criminology in Kenya may vary depending on the institution offering the course and the mode of study.
Here is a table that shows an estimate of the duration for some institutions offering this course:
| Institution | Duration |
|---|---|
| ICS College Mombasa Branch | 18 months |
| Kenya Institute of Studies in Criminal Justice | 1 year |
| Beam International Training Centre Nairobi | 1 1/2 years |
| Alupe University College | 2 years |
| East Africa Institute of Certified Studies | 18 months |
| Embu College | 2 years |
| Kenya Institute of Social Sciences | 2 years |
| Vision Institute of Leadership and Management Studies | 1 year |
| Cambridge Universal College | 6 terms |
| Kilifi College of Accountancy | 6 terms |
These durations may not include the time required for project work or industrial attachment. Therefore, it is advisable to confirm with the specific institution before enrolling for the course.
Which Universities and Colleges Offer Diploma in Criminology in Kenya?
There are many universities and colleges that offer Diploma in Criminology in Kenya. Some of them are public institutions while others are private institutions. Some of them are accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) while others are accredited by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA). Some of them offer the course under different names such as Diploma in Criminology and Security Management, Diploma in Criminology and Criminal Justice, or Diploma in Criminology and Forensic Science.
Here is a comprehensive list of some of the universities and colleges offering this course in Kenya, along with their additional requirements apart from the general requirements:
| Institution | Additional Requirements | Exam Body |
|---|---|---|
| ICS College Mombasa Branch | None | None |
| Kenya Institute of Studies in Criminal Justice | None | None |
| Beam International Training Centre Nairobi | None | None |
| Alupe University College | None | None |
| East Africa Institute of Certified Studies | None | None |
| Embu College | None | None |
| Kenya Institute of Social Sciences | None | None |
| Vision Institute of Leadership and Management Studies | None | None |
| Cambridge Universal College | KNEC | KNEC |
| Kilifi College of Accountancy | KNEC | KNEC |
| Delhi College Nairobi | JP-UK | JP-UK |
| Africa Nazarene University | ANU | ANU |
| University of Nairobi | UoN | UoN |
| Egerton University | EU | EU |
| Methodist University | MU | MU |
| Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) | CUEA | CUEA |
| Kibabii University College | KIBU | KIBU |
| University of Embu (UoEm) | UoEm | UoEm |
| Zetech University | ZU | ZU |
| St Paul University | SPU | SPU |
What careers does a Diploma in criminology offer and what jobs are available for each career?
A Diploma in Criminology offers a variety of careers and jobs in the field of criminology and security. Some of these careers and jobs are:
1. Enforcement officer
This is a person who enforces laws and regulations in various organizations such as the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
An enforcement officer is responsible for inspecting, investigating, arresting, prosecuting, and reporting any violations of the laws and regulations in their respective domains.
Some of the jobs available for enforcement officers are customs officer, wildlife officer, traffic officer, environmental officer, forest officer, and standards officer.
2. Correctional officer
This is a person who works in correctional facilities such as prisons, remand homes, probation offices, and community service centers.
A correctional officer is responsible for supervising, rehabilitating, counseling, and educating inmates and offenders.
A correctional officer also ensures the security, safety, and welfare of the inmates and staff in the correctional facilities.
Some of the jobs available for correctional officers are prison officer, probation officer, parole officer, and community service officer.
3. Intelligence officer
This is a person who works in intelligence agencies such as the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
An intelligence officer is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information on matters of national security, crime prevention, and counter-terrorism.
An intelligence officer also conducts covert operations, surveillance, interrogation, and counter-intelligence activities.
Some of the jobs available for intelligence officers are spy, detective, anti-terrorism officer, and military intelligence officer.
4. Forensic officer
This is a person who works in forensic laboratories or crime scenes.
A forensic officer is responsible for examining, identifying, and interpreting physical evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, blood, firearms, drugs, documents, and digital data.
A forensic officer also prepares reports and testifies in court as an expert witness.
Some of the jobs available for forensic officers are forensic scientist, forensic analyst, forensic technician, and crime scene investigator.
5. Security officer
This is a person who works in private security companies or organizations that require security services.
A security officer is responsible for protecting people, property, and information from threats such as theft, vandalism, sabotage, espionage, and terrorism.
A security officer also monitors and controls access to premises, conducts patrols and inspections, responds to emergencies and alarms, and liaises with law enforcement agencies.
Some of the jobs available for security officers are security guard, security supervisor, security manager, and security consultant.
Here is a list some of the careers and jobs for a Diploma in Criminology in Kenya:
| Career | Job |
|---|---|
| Enforcement officer | Customs officer |
| Enforcement officer | Wildlife officer |
| Enforcement officer | Traffic officer |
| Enforcement officer | Environmental officer |
| Enforcement officer | Forest officer |
| Enforcement officer | Standards officer |
| Correctional officer | Prison officer |
| Correctional officer | Probation officer |
| Correctional officer | Parole officer |
| Correctional officer | Community service officer |
| Intelligence officer | Spy |
| Intelligence officer | Detective |
| Intelligence officer | Anti-terrorism officer |
| Intelligence officer | Military intelligence officer |
| Forensic officer | Forensic scientist |
| Forensic officer | Forensic analyst |
| Forensic officer | Forensic technician |
| Forensic officer | Crime scene investigator |
| Security officer | Security guard |
| Security officer | Security supervisor |
| Security officer | Security manager |
| Security officer | Security consultant |
How much can a Diploma in Criminology earn you in Kenya?
The salary of a Diploma in Criminology graduate in Kenya may depend on various factors such as the employer,
The salary of a Diploma in Criminology graduate in Kenya may depend on various factors such as the employer, the level of experience, the sector, and the location.
However, According to mysalaryscale, here is an estimate of the average net salary for a Diploma in Criminology graduate in Kenya per month:
| Employer | Salary (KES) |
|---|---|
| Government | 60,000 – 100,000 |
| Private Security Company | 30,000 – 50,000 |
| Non-Governmental Organization | 40,000 – 80,000 |
| Self-Employed | 20,000 – 40,000 and more |
These salaries may not reflect the actual income of a Diploma in Criminology graduate in Kenya, as they may vary depending on the specific job title, responsibilities, qualifications, and performance. Therefore, it is advisable to do more research and consult with the relevant employers before applying for a job.
Where should you work if you have a Diploma in criminology in Kenya?
If you have a Diploma in Criminology in Kenya, you have a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to where you can work. You can work in various sectors such as:
- Public sector: This is the sector that involves the government and its agencies. You can work as an enforcement officer, a correctional officer, an intelligence officer, or a forensic officer in various government departments such as the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and the Ministry of Health. You can also work as a lecturer, a researcher, or a consultant in public universities and colleges that offer criminology and security courses.
- Private sector: This is the sector that involves private businesses and organizations. You can work as a security officer, a security manager, or a security consultant in various private security companies or organizations that require security services such as banks, hotels, malls, airports, schools, hospitals, and NGOs. You can also work as a private investigator, a private detective, or a forensic expert in various private firms that offer investigation and forensic services.
- Self-employed: This is the sector that involves working for yourself or starting your own business. You can work as a freelance security officer, a freelance security consultant, or a freelance forensic expert. You can also start your own security company, your own investigation firm, or your own forensic laboratory.
The choice of where to work depends on your personal preferences, skills, interests, goals, and opportunities. You should consider factors such as the nature of work, the working environment, the salary, the benefits, the challenges, and the prospects of each option before making your decision.
Conclusion
A Diploma in Criminology is a marketable course in Kenya that offers various careers and jobs in the field of criminology and security.
The course equips students with the relevant knowledge, skills, and attitudes to understand and analyze crime and criminal justice issues in Kenya and beyond.
The course also prepares students for further studies in criminology and related disciplines at the degree level.
To enroll for a Diploma in Criminology in Kenya, you need to meet the minimum qualifications and requirements set by the institution offering the course.
The fee structure and duration of the course may vary depending on the institution and mode of study.
There are many universities and colleges that offer Diploma in Criminology in Kenya under different names and exam bodies.
The salary of a Diploma in Criminology graduate in Kenya may depend on various factors such as the employer, the level of experience, the sector, and the location.
However, the average net salary for a Diploma in Criminology graduate in Kenya per month ranges from 20, 000 to 100, 000 KES.
You can work in various sectors such as public sector, private sector, or self-employed sector depending on your personal preferences, skills, interests, goals, and opportunities.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in criminology and security, a Diploma in Criminology is a suitable course for you. You can apply for admission to any of the institutions offering this course in Kenya and start your journey to becoming a criminologist.