Understand crime from a social perspective
Learn about the social causes and consequences of crime and disadvantage in this double degree. You’ll be taught about how sociological influences can impact offending and gain a deep understanding of Australia’s criminal justice system, including areas of law enforcement, crime policy, the court system and custodial and community corrections.
- 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: Subject to external accreditation for USC Moreton Bay campus offering.
- Campus note: Subject to external accreditation for USC Moreton Bay campus offering.
Learn about the social causes and consequences of crime and disadvantage in this double degree. You’ll be taught about how sociological influences can impact offending and gain a deep understanding of Australia’s criminal justice system, including areas of law enforcement, crime policy, the court system and custodial and community corrections.
In this program you will:
- Learn about social inequality and how to make a difference in the legal system
- Complete two field placements where you’ll learn practical skills
- Research crime-related issues and develop problem solving skills
- Have the opportunity to complete a professional placement in your final year
- Choose from specialist courses in criminal profiling and intelligence, youth justice and restorative justice, homicide, forensic science and more
Career opportunities
- Mental health
- Social research
- Policy development and analysis
- Organisational management
- Community development and education
- Government agencies
- Community agencies
- Private practice
- Crime and justice research and policy
- Youth advocacy and at-risk youth support
- Crime victim support services
- Offender transition-from-prison programs
Accreditation
The social work component of the program is fully accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers, and prepares professionals to work with individuals, families, groups and communities.
Program structure
Introductory courses (12) 144 units
COU176 Disability: Culture, Community and Change
COU180 Gender and Culture
CRM101 Group Processes and Practice
CRM102 Introductory Counselling Skills
CRM103 Introduction to Criminology
CRM105 Understanding Crime
JST101 Punishment and Corrections
SCS101 Policing
SCS110 Justice and the Australian Legal System
SCS130 Foundations of Human Behaviour
SWK100 Australian Society: How does(n't) it work? - An Introduction to Sociology
SWK172 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
Developing courses (10) 120 units
CRM204 Introduction to Social Work Practice Theories
CRM205 Introduction to Social Work and Human Services
CRM206 Applied Crime Prevention
SCS225 Criminal Law
SWK200 Professional Development
SWK202 Social Research
SWK251 Organisations: Communication Skills for Practice
SWK277 Mental Health and Wellbeing
SWK278 Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
SWK286 Working With Children, Youth and Families
Graduate courses (10) 168 units
CRM304 Ethics, Law and the Helping Professions
CRM308 Disability: Culture, Community and Change
CRM309 Professional Ethics and Integrity Management
SWK300 Diversity, Crime and Justice(36 units)
SWK302 Working with Victims and Offenders
SWK304 Social Work Field Education 1
SWK306 Community Development and Social Action
SWK400 Transition to Social Work Practice(36 units)
SWK401 Direct Practice Processes
SWK407 Social Work Field Education 2
Discipline elective courses (4) 48 units
Select 4 discipline elective courses (48 units) from:
CRM201 Critical Social Policy Analysis
JST202 Context Responsive Social Work Practice
CRM203 Criminal Profiling & Intelligence
CRM302 International Justice and Human Rights
CRM305 Homicide, Investigations & Forensic Science
CRM307 Youth Justice & Restorative Justice
CRM310 Professional Placement
Note: CRM307 is a recommended course for students wishing to enrol in the Bachelor of Criminology and Justice
(Honours) program.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 480
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 480 units as outlined in the Program Structure
In order to commence field education placement you must:
- Hold a valid Blue Card, throughout the duration of your program, which is issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG). You should allow 12 weeks for CCYPCG to issue the card. Note: students who do not possess a valid Blue Card will be unable to complete the field education component of their program and will be unable to meet graduation requirements
- Have a National Criminal History check (by Queensland Police Service or other state/territory authority)
- Travel to attend field education placements
- Please note, while all endeavours will be made to place students in a given semester, this is not guaranteed and students may need to enrol at a later time should a position in an agency be unavailable in the preferred semester
Program notes
- For Sippy Downs students some courses in this program will be taught at the Sunshine Coast Heath Institute
- 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
- Most courses are valued at 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 which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC 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.