Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Course information for - 2025 entry
Domestic
  • Domestic
  • International

Offered at 3 locations
  • Melbourne
  • North Sydney
  • Strathfield

Duration
4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
VTAC code
1200210841
ATAR
58.50 for Melbourne
Fees (first year)*

$13152 CSP

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025
Applications open August 2024
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Not available

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. 

ACU’s undergraduate psychology programs help students to acquire knowledge, assimilate theories and concepts and develop applicable skills that are valuable to the enhancement of human functioning in a broad range of professional settings. Graduates of the Bachelor of Psychological Science will complete a sequence in psychology that is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Students will acquire an advanced understanding of human behaviour and mental processes, and develop employable skills that are highly regarded by industry leaders. This course prepares students for employment upon graduation and/or for further studies in psychology which may lead to registration as a psychologist.

By combining these degrees graduates will gain wider insights than can be developed in a three-year single degree. The knowledge of both the legal system and criminology would provide ACU graduates of this course with a competitive edge.  Psychological studies will assist those who seek a career in the justice sector. Similarly those with aspirations of becoming a Forensic Psychologist knowledge will be assisted with the knowledge gained from the criminology studies.

Professional experience

You will undertake a 40-100 hour work experience in either the criminal justice sector or in a position related to psychology.

Work placement

During your time at ACU you’ll take part in volunteering work that has a psychological or criminal justice focus. With an emphasis on work-integrated learning, there are opportunities tin this course to undergo 40-100 hours of community engagement to develop knowledge and skills related to this course.   

Visit the faculty’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) webpage to view opportunities in psychology.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) (APAC Level 1)

Please note that a minimum six-year sequence of education and training in psychology is required for an individual to become eligible for general registration as a psychologist in Australia. When completing this double degree a minimum of seven-years is required to become eligible for general registration as a psychologist.

Careers

  • Policy advisor
  • Reintegration worker
  • Police (state, territory or federal)
  • Immigration and border protection official
  • Community corrections officer 
  • child welfare and protection,
  • community work,
  • marketing and market research,
  • health,
  • education,
  • human resources

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

  • Psychology Specified UnitsPSYC100Foundations of Psychology10 cp
  • Psychology Specified UnitsPSYC108Psychological Practice: Theory and Techniques10 cp
  • Criminology Specified UnitsLCRM101Introduction to Criminology10 cp
  • Criminology Specified UnitsLCRM107Introduction to Research for Law, Human Rights and Criminal Justice Studies10 cp
  • Psychology Specified UnitsPSYC101Applications of Psychology10 cp
  • Psychology Specified UnitsPSYC110Research Design and Data Analysis 1

    (Inc: PSYC104)

    10 cp
  • Criminology Specified UnitsLCRM106Introduction to Criminal Justice System and Policy10 cp
  • Core Curriculum UnitsCore Curriculum Unit 1See the ACU Core Curriculum page for details 10 cp

All units are delivered in campus attendance mode unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit.

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit. 

For NSW Students:

Criminology and Law units (BLUE) will be undertaken at the North Sydney campus

Psychology units (PINK) will be undertaken at the Strathfield campus

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

Double Bachelor - Bachelor/Bachelor - AQF Level 7

Overseas study available

There are several international experiences for psychology students at ACU, however, these are subject to international border restrictions. You may also like to view other short-term international study experiences (STISE) that the faculty has on offer.   

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with 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, or equivalent:

StatePrerequisites
New South Wales

Assumed Knowledge: English (Standard) (Band 2) or EAL (Band 3)

Victoria

Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.

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 will 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, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.

If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.

You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.

Search our credit database

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 Skills for 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

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

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$13152 CSP

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

Domestic applicants

Melbourne

Apply through VTAC

VTAC code 1200210841

If 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

Dr Shannon Dodd

Senior Lecturer (Criminology and Criminal Justice) - Thomas More Law School

Shannon Dodd's 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 imprisonment of 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.

Dr Joel Anderson

Lecturer (Psychology) – School of Behavioural and Health Sciences

Dr Joel Anderson completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies at ACU, and after a brief stint of working abroad has returned to ACU where he is a senior lecturer in psychology. He teaches units that focus on personality, cross-cultural and social psychology. He also coordinates a unit that gives students the opportunity to undertake a 100-hour placement in the community. In this unit, students can undertake a local placement, or work on a partnership-project based in Nepal. His research interests in social psychology focus on prejudices towards sexual and gender minority groups and individuals with refugee or asylum-seeking backgrounds. He is a Member of the Australian Psychological Society.

 

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