Understand the psychology of crime.
Interested in the psychology of crime? This double degree gives you an in-depth understanding of the motivations and consequences of criminal behaviour, as well as 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.
Interested in the psychology of crime? This double degree gives you an in-depth understanding of the motivations and consequences of criminal behaviour, as well as crime-related applications of psychology. You'll examine the professional practice of psychology and develop an understanding of the scientific basis of psychological research.
In this degree you will:
- Learn about human behaviour, including cognitive, social, perceptual, physiological, intercultural, Indigenous and abnormal psychologies
- 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 and intelligence, youth justice and restorative justice, homicide and forensic science, and more
Accreditation
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
- Law enforcement
- Crime victim support services
- Intelligence
- Custodial corrections officer
- Community corrections officer
- Criminologist/crime researcher
- Security/intelligence analyst
- Probation and parole officer
- Criminal justice policy officer
- Child safety officer
- Criminal justice advocate
- Human resource manager
- Youth support officer
- Disability support officer
- Customs and border protection officer
Program structure
Psychology courses
Introductory courses (3) 36 units
COR109 Exercise in Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Health
PSY100 Workplace Learning I
PSY101 Workplace Learning II
Developing and Graduate courses (14) 168 units
PSY200 Microbiology
PSY201 Medical Biochemistry
PSY202 Functional Anatomy
PSY203 Biomechanics I
PSY204 Exercise Physiology I
PSY205 Introduction to Sports Medicine
PSY300 Exercise in Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Health
PSY301 Communication and Thought
PSY302 Group Processes and Practice
PSY303 Introductory Counselling Skills
PSY304 Foundations of Human Behaviour
PSY305 Australian Society: How does(n't) it work? - An Introduction to Sociology
PSY306 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
PSY307 Introduction to Social Work Practice Theories
Criminology courses
Introductory courses (6) 72 units
CRM101 Introduction to Social Work and Human Services
CRM102 Social Justice, Welfare and the State
CRM103 Organisational and Legal Contexts for Practice
CRM105 Human Services Placement 1
JST101 Mental Health and Wellbeing
SCS110 Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Developing and Graduate courses (5) 60 units
CRM204 Working With Children, Youth and Families
CRM205 Ethical Practice in the Helping Professions
CRM206 Disability: Culture, Community and Change
CRM304 Community Development and Social Action
CRM308 Human Services Placement 2
Elective courses (4) 48 units
Select 4 discipline elective courses (48 units) from:
CRM201 Direct Practice Processes
JST202 Context Responsive Social Work Practice
CRM203 Communication and Thought
CRM302 Introduction to Psychology A
CRM305 Introduction to Psychology B
CRM307 Research Methods in Psychology A
CRM309 Research Methods in Psychology B
CRM310 Physiological Psychology
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.