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 Concrete Structures and Technology
PSY100 Design of Water Supply Systems
PSY101 Communication and Thought
PSY102 Introduction to Psychology A
Developing and Graduate courses (14) 168 units
PSY200 Introduction to Psychology B
PSY201 Current Directions in Psychology
PSY202 Research Methods in Psychology A
PSY203 Research Methods in Psychology B
PSY204 Physiological Psychology
PSY205 Introduction to Human Development
PSY300 Social Psychology
PSY301 Motivation and Emotion
PSY302 Advanced Methods in Psychology
PSY303 Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology
PSY304 Intercultural and Indigenous Psychologies
PSY305 Personality and Assessment
PSY306 Human Associative Learning
PSY307 Abnormal Psychology
Criminology courses
Introductory courses (6) 72 units
CRM101 Psychology of Health and Wellbeing
CRM102 Adult Development and Ageing
CRM103 Introduction to Criminology
CRM105 Understanding Crime
JST101 Punishment and Corrections
SCS110 Policing
Developing and Graduate courses (5) 60 units
CRM202 Justice and the Australian Legal System
CRM204 Australian Society: How does(n't) it work? - An Introduction to Sociology
CRM301 Diversity, Crime and Justice
CRM304 Applied Crime Prevention
LGL201 Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice
Elective courses (3) 36 units
Select 3 elective courses (36 units) from the undergraduate elective course options.
Suggested electives include:
CRM201 Professional Ethics and Integrity Management
JST202 Criminal Law: An Introduction
CRM203 Criminal Profiling
CRM302 International Justice and Human Rights
CRM303 Homicide
CRM305 Youth Justice
CRM307 Restorative Justice and Mediation
SCS225 Professional Placement
SWK286 Crime Research Methods
SCS295 Social Research
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.