Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Course information for - 2024 entry

Offered at 4 locations

Duration
3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
UAC code
107020
ATAR
60.00 for Blacktown
Fees (first year)*

$16320 CSP

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Not available
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2024
Applications open April 2024

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.

  • Top 2% universities worldwide

  • Top 10 Catholic universities globally

  • Top 40 young universities worldwide

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

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

  • Law Specified UnitsLAWS104Foundations of Law and Legal Research10 cp
  • Criminology Specified UnitsLCRM101Introduction to Criminology10 cp
  • Criminology Specified UnitsLCRM105Violent Crime and Society10 cp
  • Core Curriculum UnitsCore Curriculum Unit 1See the ACU Core Curriculum page for details 10 cp
  • Law Specified UnitsLAWS107Introduction to Australian Public Law10 cp
  • Criminology Specified UnitsLCRM104Juvenile Justice10 cp
  • Criminology Specified UnitsLCRM106Introduction to Criminal Justice System and Policy10 cp
  • Human Rights Specified UnitLHRG111Human Rights and Indigenous People10 cp

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Bachelor - AQF Level 7

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:

StatePrerequisites
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 2024 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. 

Learn more about access schemes 

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 TAFE and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners or with ACU College, 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. 

Learn more about recognition of prior learning 

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.

Find your path into study

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.

Learn more about adjustment factors

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. 

Understand your pathway options 

Diploma in Criminology is a pathway

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. 

Explore the pathways to your future 

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

Average first year fee*

$16320 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.

Explore your options

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.

Search our scholarships

How to apply

Deferment

Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.

Staff Profile

Dr Nathan Ryan

Lecturer, Thomas More Law School

Nathan Ryan is a researcher and lecturer at the Thomas More Law School, Melbourne. Nathan completed his doctorate at the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Griffith University. His primary research area is in the investigation process in missing body homicide investigations with a focus on investigative interviewing to retrieve the spatial memory of suspects and patterns of hiding behaviour. Nathan has conducted research investigating both perceptions of rape trial testimony and conducted interviews with incarcerated domestic violence offenders. He has additional knowledge in the psychology of criminal behaviour, theory of policing and research methodology. In addition, he has conducted training programs in witness suggestibility and the psychology of offenders for the Queensland Police Service as part of their detective training program. Currently he is researching the impact of the prison visitation process on visitors.


Dr Shannon Dodd

Senior Lecturer in Criminology - Thomas More Law School

Shannon Dodd is a senior 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

Jaya Muscat

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.

Jaya Muscat
Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice
 

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