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Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Course information for - 2023 entry
Offered at 4 locations
- Duration
- 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- UAC code
- 107020
- ATAR
- 58.50 for Blacktown
- Fees (first year)*
$13759 CSP
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Not availableMidyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2023Applications open April 2023
Overview
Our Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice explores the causes of antisocial behaviour and develops the knowledge and expertise you’ll need to make a valuable contribution in the criminal justice sector. By studying this degree, you’ll understand the complex causes and impact of crime, and the legal and social policies that keep us safe. The course includes studies in forensic psychology, forensic science, cybercrime, border protection and biosecurity, understanding violence and trauma.
All criminology students will undertake a community engagement in third year. You’ll graduate prepared for a range of exciting career opportunities in areas such as cybersecurity, law enforcement, intelligence and investigation, correctional and rehabilitation services, and more.
Students who have completed 120 credit points with a grade point average of 5.75 and above may apply to complete an honours degree.
Professional experience
You will undertake a 40-hour placement associated with the criminal justice sector. You’ll receive intensive training in workplace approaches, practices and more before starting your placement, followed by a debriefing with a clinical education specialist.
Careers
- Policy advisor
- Reintegration worker
- Police (state, territory or federal)
- Immigration and border protection official
- Community corrections officer
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, a student must complete 240 credit points (cp).
Sample program map
| Year - Study period | Unit 1 | Unit 2 | Unit 3 | Unit 4 | Unit 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year 1 Semester 1 | LAWS104 Foundations of Law and Legal Research | LCRM101 Introduction to Criminology | LCRM105 Violent Crime and Society | UNCC100 Self and Community: Exploring the Anatomy of Modern Society or PHCC102 Being Human or PHCC104 Ethics and the Good Life | |
Year 1 Semester 2 | LAWS107 Introduction to Australian Public Law | LCRM104 Juvenile Justice data-versionlabel=2 > | LCRM106 Introduction to Criminal Justice System and Policy | LHRG111 Human Rights and Indigenous People | |
Year 2 Semester 1 | LAWS106 Criminal Law and Procedure | LCRM201 Introduction to Forensic Psychology and the Law data-versionlabel=2 > | LCRM202 Police Studies data-versionlabel=2 > | Criminology Elective 1 | |
Year 2 Semester 2 | LCRM203 Introduction to Forensic Science and the Law data-versionlabel=2 > | LCRM206 Victimology | LCRM207 Corrections and Rehabilitation of Offenders | Criminology Elective 2 | |
Year 3 Semester 1 | LAWS308 Human Rights in Contemporary Australia | LCRM301 Researching Criminology data-versionlabel=2 > | LCRM302 Customs, Border Protection and Biosecurity data-versionlabel=2 > | UNCC300 Justice and Change in a Global World or PHCC320 The Just Society | |
Year 3 Semester 2 | LCRM304 Community Engagement | LCRM305 Cybercrime data-versionlabel=2 > | Criminology Elective 3 | Criminology Elective 4 |
This is a sample program only and units will vary depending on your campus and mode of study. Please refer to the handbook for the prerequisite units and the current listing.
AQF framework
Entry requirements
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy that includes meeting minimum ATAR requirement.
International applicants must meet the English Language Requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12 level, or equivalent:
| State | Prerequisites |
|---|---|
| NSW | English (Standard) (Band 2) or English (EAL) (Band 3). |
| QLD | English (3 & 4, C). |
| VIC | Units 3 and 4 - a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English. |
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2023 Admission.
Applicants with recent secondary education
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If your school result was affected by circumstances outside of your control, such as financial hardship, illness, disability or a challenging home environment, you may qualify for an access scheme. You can apply through your TAC as part of your application process.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
For current year 12 students
If you’re a current Year 12 applicant you can be given a selection rank separate from, and in addition to, your ATAR if you’ve completed a competency-based and graded AQF Certificate III or above.
For non-school leavers
If you’ve completed, or are completing a competency-based AQF Certificate IV or AQF diploma you will be assigned a selection rank by your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). This is an entry score based on your individual qualifications and achievements.
ACU has partnerships with ACU College, TAFE, and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners, you may be eligible for guaranteed entry and/or credit into a related ACU degree. Please apply through your local TAC and then submit a credit application for your previous study.
Applicants with higher education study
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, you’ll be assigned a selection rank based on your study level, duration and grade point average that will be applied during the admission process.
If your previous study has equipped you with knowledge, skills or experiences that align with the learning outcomes of units in your new course you may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning and you may be able to complete your course sooner.
Applicants with work and life experience
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have no formal education qualifications you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life or service experience.
If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.
If you’re 21 years or older you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.
You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.
If you have served in the defence force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.
English language requirements
IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Overall score of 7.0, Individual score of 6.5 for all tests.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language – Academic): from an Internet based total of 94, achieve a minimum of 24 in writing, 20 in speaking and listening, 19 in reading.
Adjustment factors
If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.
Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Pathways into course for current or recent Year 12 students
If you can’t meet the ATAR requirement for your choice of course and you’re currently completing Year 12 or finished Year 12 in the two years previously, we have entry programs to get you where you want to be.
Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience
Are you applying to ACU as a non-school leaver?
By that we mean, you’re not currently completing Year 12 and haven’t completed it in the two years previously. If the answer is yes and your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals.
If you’re over 21, you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course.
Further study
Students who have completed 120 credit points with a grade point average of 5.75 and above may apply to complete an honours degree.
Fees
Course costs
$13759 CSP
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- the number of units studied per semester;
- the choice of major or specialisation; and
- elective units.
The University reviews fees annually.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
Domestic applicants
Direct application
Apply nowIf you are a Year 12 student you must apply through VTAC, UAC or QTAC. Unfortunately, a Direct application cannot be considered.
You can apply Direct to ACU if you are not a recent school leaver and have not already applied through VTAC, UAC or QTAC.
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.
Staff Profile
Professor Patrick Keyzer
Dean, Thomas More Law School
After graduating from the University of Sydney with honours degrees in arts and law, Professor Keyzer worked as Executive Associate to the Chief Justice of Australia, Sir Gerard Brennan. Keyzer was then called to the Bar and has appeared in trials and appeals in many of Australia’s superior courts, including the High Court of Australia. Keyzer has represented several convicted offenders in communications to the United Nations Human Rights Committee. In one of these cases, the Human Rights Committee accepted Professor Keizer’s submission that it is a principle of international law, under Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, that a person should only be incarcerated in a prison following a finding of criminal guilt. Keyzer was shortlisted for an Australian Human Rights Award in 2010 for his pro bono advocacy for people with disability, prisoners, and Indigenous Australians in the Australian legal system. He has written or edited thirty books and near to a hundred refereed journal articles and book chapters, which are extensively cited.
Dr Shannon Dodd
Lecturer in Criminology - Thomas More Law School
Shannon Dodd is a Lecturer in Criminology in the Thomas More Law School, at Australian Catholic University. Her research background includes examining issues in Australia’s correctional system, including the use of body-worn cameras by custodial officers, people with disability in prisons, public support for the release of offenders on parole, and the increasingly punitive trajectory being taken in Australia with respect to offenders on bail and parole. Her research has also focused on the affective dimensions of public views, exploring how different emotions and mechanisms of emotion management may impact public views of criminal justice issues.
Shannon’s recent research has focused on the impact of enhanced compassion in judicial sentencing remarks on public punitiveness and criminal justice spending preferences, and the impacts of imprisonment for people with disability. In 2022, Shannon was also awarded funding from the Queensland Government to design and deliver an intervention aimed at young people in Townsville who steal cars to joyride.
Shannon’s research has been published both in Australia and internationally, in journals including Criminology and Criminal Justice, British Journal of Criminology, and International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology.
Before her academic career, Shannon was a solicitor in private practice.
Testimonial
When I started to explore different career options, I was immediately interested in studying criminology and criminal justice. I have always been drawn to true-crime movies and documentaries. They made me question why people engage in offending behaviours and what we, as a community, can do to aid their rehabilitation. I am really looking forward to undertaking the 40-hour industry placement in my third year of study. That is a valuable experience that is unique to ACU’s criminology degree.