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 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.
- Campus note: 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 (4) 48 units
COR109 Science Research Methods
PSY100 Introductory Bioscience
PSY101 Public Relations: Contemporary Perspectives
PSY102 Environment and Health
Developing and Graduate courses (14) 168 units
PSY200 Human Anatomy
PSY201 Introduction to Management
PSY202 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
PSY203 An Introduction to Australian and Comparative Politics
PSY204 Health Practicum
PSY205 Workplace Learning I
PSY300 Workplace Learning II
PSY301 Human Physiology
PSY302 Introduction to Prosthetic and Orthotic Practice
PSY303 Functional Anatomy
PSY304 Motor Control and Learning
PSY305 Health Practicum
PSY306 Workplace Learning I
PSY307 Workplace Learning II
Criminology courses
Introductory courses (6) 72 units
CRM101 Communication and Thought
CRM102 Introduction to Psychology A
CRM103 Introduction to Psychology B
CRM105 Current Directions in Psychology
JST101 Research Methods in Psychology A
SCS110 Research Methods in Psychology B
Developing and Graduate courses (5) 60 units
CRM202 Physiological Psychology
CRM204 Introduction to Human Development
CRM301 Social Psychology
CRM304 Motivation and Emotion
LGL201 Advanced Methods in 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 Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology
JST202 Intercultural and Indigenous Psychologies
CRM203 Personality and Assessment
CRM302 Human Associative Learning
CRM303 Abnormal Psychology
CRM305 Psychology of Health and Wellbeing
CRM307 Adult Development and Ageing
SCS225 Introduction to Criminology
SWK286 Understanding Crime
SCS295 Punishment and Corrections
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)