Bachelor of Criminology and Justice
Develop a strong understanding of Australia’s criminal justice system, including law enforcement, crime policy, the courts, and custodial and community corrections. Explore the motivations and consequences of criminal behaviour, along with questions of social justice, ethics and law reform.
In this program you will:
- Understand legal institutions and processes, and examine fair and effective methods of crime prevention
- Learn how to research crime-related issues and develop problem-solving skills
- Choose from specialist courses in criminal profiling, cybercrime, international justice, youth justice, homicide and forensic science, and more
- Have the chance to complete a professional placement in your final year
Location
CRICOS code
Entry threshold
ATAR/RankDuration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2025 fees (A$)
CSP Annual feeQTAC code
Start
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
Career opportunities
- Community corrections officer
- Criminal justice policy officer
- Criminologist/crime researcher
- Custodial corrections officer
- Police or law enforcement officer
- Security/intelligence analyst
- Youth justice officer
- Start
-
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Total courses
- 24
- Total units
- 288
- Duration
- 3 years 3 years
- CRICOS code
- 059490A
- UniSC program code
- AR325
- Program coordinator
Introductory courses (7) 84 units
CRM101 Introduction to Criminology
CRM102 Understanding Crime
CRM103 Punishment and Corrections
CRM105 Policing
JST101 Justice and the Australian Legal System
SCS101 Foundations of Human Behaviour
SCS110 Australian Society: How does(n't) it work? - An Introduction to Sociology
Developing and Graduate courses (6) 72 units
CRM204 Applied Crime Prevention
CRM205 Criminal Law
CRM206 Professional Development
CRM304 Professional Ethics and Integrity Management
CRM308 Diversity, Crime and Justice
SCS225 Social Research
Discipline Elective courses (5) 60 units
Select five (5) discipline electives from:
CRM201 Criminal Profiling & Intelligence
CRM203 Homicide, Investigations & Forensic Science
CRM302 Youth Justice & Restorative Justice
CRM305 Professional Placement
CRM307 Crime Research Methods
CRM309 Working with Victims and Offenders
CRM310 Introduction to Cyber Crime
JST202 International Justice and Human Rights
NB. CRM307 is a recommended course for students wishing to enrol in the Bachelor of Criminology and Justice (Honours) program.
Elective courses (6) 72 units
Select 6 elective courses (72 units) from the undergraduate elective course options including discipline electives listed above. Of these electives, 3 (36 units) must be developing or graduate level (200/300 coded) courses.
Please Note: Some courses in this program are offered online. Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.
This study sequence reflects the current program structure. Continuing students must follow their commencing structure, which can be found in the previous student handbooks.
Explore the likely peer cohort in the student profile data
No admissions data available
In UniSC admitted new student{{ studentProfile.model.allStudents > 1 || studentProfile.model.allStudents[0] === '<' ? 's' : '' }} at the {{ studentProfile.getLocationByCode() }} campus
| Applicant background | No. of students | % of all students |
|---|---|---|
Notes
<5 - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than five students.
Adjusted ATARs are a calculation of a student's ATAR + eligible adjustment factors and are used to determine admission. The raw ATAR is the student's rank before any adjustments are applied.
Entry requirements
For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.
Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.
Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.
If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.
English language requirements
You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).
Minimum entry threshold
Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.
| Location | ATAR/Rank |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 50.00 |
| Moreton Bay | 50.00 |
| Online | 50.00 |
- Recommended prior study
- English
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses (120 units)
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specifed
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your UniSC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.
Refer to Criminology and Justice - Inherent Academic Requirements
UniSC strongly supports the rights of all people to pursue studies. The University embraces diversity and endeavours to accommodate all students.
What are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs)?
The IARs of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.
Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.
UniSC is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in their program.
Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the IAR.
Consideration is given to a student's cultural and religious background/beliefs, which may impact on participation in their program or course. For further information contact Student Support.
Why are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) important?
IARs ensure the academic integrity of a program is maintained and preserves the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.
How does this affect you?
To successfully complete a program at UniSC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements.
If you are applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them.
If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a UniSC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the requirements.
Headstart Program - Years 10 to 12
The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.
Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12
The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at UniSC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.
Prior study or work experience
If you:
- have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
- have a TAFE/VET qualification
- have relevant work experience, or
- have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)
You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.
Tertiary Preparation Pathway
If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.
If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.
It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.
Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS)
You may be eligible for direct entry into a UniSC degree based on your potential to succeed, under UniSC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.
High-school leavers completing year 12 are not eligible, and must apply through QTAC.
- CSP estimate
- A$16,320 - 2024 Fees
- Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
- A$25,000
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.
If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.
Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:
- meet the citizenship and residency requirements
- complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
- meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.
International fee-paying places
Annual tuition fees are based on 2025 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.
Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).
All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).
Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some applicants may be eligible to apply direct to UniSC if they meet certain criteria.
Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.
No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.
Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.
Need help with submitting your application?
UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.
Any questions? Contact us.
QTAC code
| Location | QTAC code |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 011181 |
| Moreton Bay | 014281 |
| Online | 015013 |
Student story
“I combined my study of Psychology with Criminology because I have a desire to help people and am interested in the way the human mind operates, particularly what drives criminal behaviour. “A key highlight of my time at UniSC was being selected to complete a student placement with the Queensland Police Service’s Intelligence and Covert Services Command."
Need advice on what to study or how to apply?
Our Student Central team can help.
Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.