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 Communication and Thought
PSY100 Introduction to Psychology A
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology B
Developing and Graduate courses (14) 168 units
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 (6) 72 units
CRM101 Introduction to Criminology
CRM102 Understanding Crime
CRM103 Punishment and Corrections
CRM105 Policing
JST101 Justice and the Australian Legal System
SCS110 Australian Society: How does(n't) it work? - An Introduction to Sociology
Developing and Graduate courses (5) 60 units
CRM204 Applied Crime Prevention
CRM205 Criminal Law
CRM206 Professional Development
CRM304 Professional Ethics and Integrity Management
CRM308 Diversity, Crime and Justice
Elective courses (4) 48 units
Select 4 discipline elective courses (48 units) from:
CRM201 Criminal Profiling & Intelligence
JST202 International Justice and Human Rights
CRM203 Homicide, Investigations & Forensic Science
CRM302 Youth Justice & Restorative Justice
CRM305 Professional Placement
CRM307 Crime Research Methods
CRM309 Working with Victims and Offenders
CRM310 Introduction to Cyber Crime
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.