Address criminal behaviour through understanding 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.
- * In addition to being able to study all courses at Sippy Downs, students may choose to complete some first-year psychology courses at Gympie. Only first-year psychology courses are offered at Gympie. The remainder of the degree is completed at Sippy Downs. International students can study at the Sippy Downs campus only.
- * In addition to being able to study all courses at Sippy Downs, students may choose to complete some first-year psychology courses at Gympie. Only first-year psychology courses are offered at Gympie. The remainder of the degree is completed at Sippy Downs. International students can study at the Sippy Downs campus only.
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 (3)
COR109 Communication and Thought
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology B
PSY102 Current Directions in Psychology
Advanced courses (14)
PSY200 Research Methods in Psychology A
PSY201 Research Methods in Psychology B
PSY202 Physiological Psychology
PSY203 Introduction to Human Development
PSY204 Social Psychology
PSY205 Motivation and Emotion
PSY300 Advanced Methods in Psychology
PSY301 Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology
PSY302 Intercultural and Indigenous Psychologies
PSY303 Personality and Assessment
PSY304 Human Associative Learning
PSY305 Abnormal Psychology
PSY306 Psychology of Health and Wellbeing
PSY307 Adult Development and Ageing
Criminology courses
Introductory courses (7)
CRM101 Introduction to Criminology
CRM102 Understanding Crime
CRM103 Punishment and Corrections
CRM105 Policing
JST101 Justice and the Australian Legal System
PSY100 Introduction to Psychology A
SCS110 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
Advanced courses (6)
CRM202 Minorities and Criminal Justice
CRM204 Applied Crime Prevention
CRM301 Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice
CRM304 Professional Ethics and Integrity Management
LGL201 Criminal Law: An Introduction
SCS225 Social Research
Elective courses (2)
Select 2 elective courses from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Suggested electives include:
CRM201 Criminal Profiling
JST202 International Justice and Human Rights
LGL202 Family Law: Legal Frameworks and Issues
CRM203 Homicide
CRM302 Youth Justice
CRM303 Restorative Justice and Mediation
CRM305 Professional Placement
CRM306 Research Project
SCS286 Disability: Culture, Community and Change
SCS295 Gender and Culture
Note: 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:
- Complete 3 introductory level (100 coded) required psychology courses including COR109
- Complete 14 advanced level (200/300/400 coded) required psychology courses
- Complete 7 required introductory level (100 coded) criminology courses
- Complete 6 required advanced level (200/300 coded) criminology courses
- Complete 2 elective courses
- Complete no more than 15 introductory level (100 coded) courses in total, including the core course
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses)
- 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 Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues
- When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan