Understand the psychology of crime.
Designed to prepare you for a career in psychology and criminology, this double degree explores the psychological dimensions of crime and crime-related applications of psychology. You'll examine the professional practice of psychology and develop an understanding of the scientific basis of psychological research.
- 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.
- Campus note: In addition to being able to study all courses at USC Sunshine Coast, students may choose to complete some first-year psychology courses at USC Gympie. Only first-year psychology courses are offered at USC Gympie. The remainder of the degree is completed at USC Sunshine Coast. International students can study at USC Sunshine Coast only.
- Subject to external accreditation for USC Moreton Bay campus offering.
- Campus note: In addition to being able to study all courses at USC Sunshine Coast, students may choose to complete some first-year psychology courses at USC Gympie. Only first-year psychology courses are offered at USC Gympie. The remainder of the degree is completed at USC Sunshine Coast. International students can study at USC Sunshine Coast only.
- Subject to external accreditation for USC Moreton Bay campus offering.
Designed to prepare you for a career in psychology and criminology, this double degree explores the psychological dimensions of crime and crime-related applications of psychology. You'll examine the professional practice of psychology and develop an understanding of the scientific basis of psychological research.
You will learn from award-winning psychology staff and have the opportunity to participate in paid research assistant work in your second or third year of study. As a part of the Criminology component, you'll become prepared for real world challenges through guest lectures and opportunities for practical learning.
Earning two qualifications upon completion, graduates gain a competitive advantage in employment areas such as prisons and community correction and in offender management programs. There is also greater scope for employment in organisations in addressing issues such as integrity testing and workplace misconduct prevention.
This course is designed to meet the national accreditation requirements adopted by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). You can complete further study to become a registered psychologist, clinical psychologist or pursue an academic career.
Career opportunities
Employment destinations include crime and justice research and policy work; counselling / support work; human resource management; youth support; disabilities support; policing (state, federal, specialist); security practice and management; safety; intelligence; customs and border protection; child protection; crime victim support services; community conferencing; consumer protection; ombudsman and anti-corruption agencies; regulatory investigations, and many others.
Program structure
Psychology courses
Introductory courses (4) 48 units
COR109 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
PSY100 Soil Properties, Processes and Rehabilitation
PSY101 Introduction to Weather and Climate
PSY102 Statistics with Teeth: Understanding Ecological Data
Developing and Graduate courses (14) 168 units
PSY200 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics
PSY201 Plant Diversity and Ecology
PSY202 An Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Technology
PSY203 Hydrology and Geomorphology
PSY204 Coastal Geomorphology
PSY205 K'gari-Fraser Island Field Studies
PSY300 Special Field Studies Topic
PSY301 Special Research Project
PSY302 Workplace Learning I
PSY303 Restoration Ecology
PSY304 Population Ecology and Genetics
PSY305 Business Law and Ethics
PSY306 The Writer and the Law
PSY307 Planning and Environmental Law
Criminology courses
Introductory courses (6) 72 units
CRM101 Criminal Law: An Introduction
CRM102 Family Law: Legal Frameworks and Issues
CRM103 Communication and Thought
CRM105 Introduction to Psychology A
JST101 Introduction to Psychology B
SCS110 Current Directions in Psychology
Developing and Graduate courses (5) 60 units
CRM202 Research Methods in Psychology A
CRM204 Research Methods in Psychology B
CRM301 Physiological Psychology
CRM304 Introduction to Human Development
LGL201 Social Psychology
Elective courses (3) 36 units
Select 3 elective courses (36 units) from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Suggested electives include:
CRM201 Motivation and Emotion
JST202 Advanced Methods in Psychology
CRM203 Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology
CRM302 Intercultural and Indigenous Psychologies
CRM303 Personality and Assessment
CRM305 Human Associative Learning
CRM307 Abnormal Psychology
SCS225 Psychology of Health and Wellbeing
SWK286 Adult Development and Ageing
SCS295 Introduction to Criminology
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 384
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 384 units as outlined in the Program Structure
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 specified
- 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 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.
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Apply for your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)