Intrigued by crime and why it happens? Passionate about playing a role to prevent it? This program gives you the skills to help the world understand the nature and causes of crime and an opportunity to play a role in preventing it.
You will take a 360 degree view of the criminal justice system, its institutions, and how it all fits together. This will involve understanding legal institutions and processes, developing problem solving skills in crime-related issues, and examining fair and effective methods of crime prevention.
Formerly the Bachelor of Justice and Legal Studies, if you commenced in this program please refer to your Previous Student Handbook
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
You will take a 360 degree view of the criminal justice system, its institutions, and how it all fits together. This will involve understanding legal institutions and processes, developing problem solving skills in crime-related issues, and examining fair and effective methods of crime prevention.
The program builds knowledge of the role of the justice system and examines policies impacting on the police, the courts, and corrections. You will develop strong analytical skills and be given grounding in relevant ethical issues.
Career opportunities
You can find employment pathways in police and law enforcement, private and public security and intelligence agencies, legal administration, child safety, crime prevention organisations, advocacy and the courts, paralegal, and criminal and social justice agencies in Australia and overseas.
Program structure
Note: This program will be offered from Semester 1, 2015. This program structure is a guide only and may change subject to the final approval process. This program was formerly the Bachelor of Justice and Legal Studies. If you commenced in the Bachelor of Justice and Legal Studies please refer to the previous student handbooks.
Introductory courses (8)
COR109 Honours Research Methods, Design and Confirmation
CRM101 Law Honours Thesis
JST101 Introduction to the Creative Industries
CRM102 Introduction to Media and Communication Industries
CRM103 Playing with Words : an Introduction to Creative Writing Craft
CRM104 Communication and Thought
CRM105 Introduction to Screenwriting: The Art of Visual Storytelling
PLUS select 1 courses from:
PSY100 Editing for the Communications Professional
SCS110 Paperback Hero
Advanced courses (12)
CRM201 Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults
CRM202 Creative Writing for the Illustrated Book
CRM203 Novel Ideas
CRM301 Creativity and Literature
CRM302 Writing Your Novel
CRM303 Creative Writing and Editing for e-Publication
CRM304 Professional Creative Writing Practice A: The Industry
JST202 Professional Creative Writing Practice B: Industry Engagement
LGL201 Communication and Thought
LGL202 Introduction to Criminology
SCS225 Justice and the Australian Legal System
PLUS select 1 courses from:
CRM305 Understanding Crime
CRM306 Punishment and Corrections
Elective courses (4)
Select 4 elective courses, 2 must be advanced level (200/300 coded) courses.
Up to 4 electives may be from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering)
Total units: 288
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 8 required introductory level (100 coded) courses.
- Complete 12 required advanced level (200/300 coded) courses.
- Complete 4 elective courses, 2 must be advanced level (200/300 coded) courses.
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses, including the core course.
- Register any selected Majors or Minors with your Faculty.
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
- The electives can be used to complete an additional minor.
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Faculty Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan.