Understand the nature and causes of crime.
This program gives you a strong understanding of Australia’s criminal justice system, including law enforcement, crime policy, the courts, and custodial and community corrections. Explore the motivations and consequences of criminal behaviour, along with questions of social justice, ethics and law reform.
In this program you will:
- 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 2023 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.
This program gives you a strong understanding of Australia’s criminal justice system, including law enforcement, crime policy, the courts, and custodial and community corrections. Explore the motivations and consequences of criminal behaviour, along with questions of social justice, ethics and law reform.
In this program you will:
- 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, cybercrime, international justice, youth justice, homicide and forensic science, and more
- Have the chance to complete a professional placement in your final year
Career opportunities
- Police or law enforcement officer
- Custodial corrections officer
- Community corrections officer
- Criminologist/crime researcher
- Security/intelligence analyst
- Youth justice officer
- Criminal justice policy officer
Please note:
In 2021, all first-year courses in this degree will be available online. Second-year courses will be offered online from 2022, and third-year courses from 2023. If you wish to study online and are intending to apply for credit for previous studies, please contact Student Central to discuss your options.
Program structure
Introductory courses (7) 84 units
CRM101 Introduction to Criminology
CRM102 Understanding Crime
CRM103 Punishment and Corrections
CRM105 Policing
JST101 Justice and the Australian Legal System
SCS101 Foundations of Human Behaviour
SCS110 Australian Society: How does(n't) it work? - An Introduction to Sociology
Developing and Graduate courses (6) 72 units
CRM204 Applied Crime Prevention
CRM205 Criminal Law
CRM206 Professional Development
CRM304 Professional Ethics and Integrity Management
CRM308 Diversity, Crime and Justice
SCS225 Social Research
Discipline Elective courses (5) 60 units
Select five (5) discipline electives from:
CRM201 Criminal Profiling & Intelligence
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
JST202 International Justice and Human Rights
NB. CRM307 is a recommended course for students wishing to enrol in the Bachelor of Criminology and Justice (Honours) program.
Elective courses (6) 72 units
Select 6 elective courses (72 units) from the undergraduate elective course options including discipline electives listed above. Of these electives, 3 (36 units) must be developing or graduate level (200/300 coded) courses.
Please Note: Some courses in this program are offered online. Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 288
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses (120 units)
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 specifed
- 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.