Diploma in Criminology

Course information for - 2025 entry

Offered at 4 locations

Duration
1 year full-time or equivalent part-time
CRICOS Code
111754A
IELTS
Overall score: 6.0 Individual score of: 5.5 in all tests
Fees (first year)*
$32000
Start dates
February 2026, July 2026, February 2027, July 2027

Overview

The Diploma in Criminology is an important stepping-stone to achieve your career and study goals. Students who undertake this diploma will be able to gain credit for up to the first year of study and articulate into the second year of the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at ACU, or exit with the Diploma in Criminology as a standalone qualification.

Not only does our Diploma in Criminology have lower entry requirements than our bachelor degrees, but it will help you to develop skills needed to succeed in more advanced tertiary study.

Our Diploma in Criminology provides domestic students with a Commonwealth supported place (CSP-funded), and will help you achieve your goals.

We are here to support you from start to finish whether you have just finished Year 12 or finished years ago. We ensure smaller class sizes, offer tailored support as you transition to university study, and provide a range of student services to help you succeed.

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  • Top 40 young universities worldwide

Careers

Once you articulate into the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, you can consider careers as:

  • 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

  • Specified unitsDPLC100Academic Literacy in Law and Criminology10 cp
  • Specified unitsLCRD107Introduction to Research for Law, Human Rights and Criminal Justice Studies10 cp
  • Specified unitsLCRD101Introduction to Criminology10 cp
  • Specified unitsLCRD105Violent Crime and Society10 cp
  • Specified unitsLHRD111Human Rights and Indigenous People10 cp
  • Specified unitsLCRD109Public Law for Criminology & Human Rights Studies10 cp
  • Specified unitsLCRD106Introduction to Criminal Justice System and Policy10 cp
  • Specified unitsLCRD104Juvenile Justice10 cp

All units are delivered in multi-mode.

Commencing Semester 2

All units are delivered in multi-mode.

Commencing Professional Term (Only available to Townsville Leadership Centre students)

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

Diploma - AQF Level 5

Exit Points

N/A

Entry requirements

An applicant must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

International students must also meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

For domestic students to be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed:

  1. Equivalent of year 12 level with the ACU minimum eligibility rank for Diploma programs; OR
  2. Entry via an alternative pathway as approved by ACU.
StatePrerequisites

International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in Schedule Three (Associate Degree, Diploma and Certificate courses) of the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.  

The entry requirements are as follows: 

IELTS: Overall score: 6.0 individual score of: 5.5 in all tests 

PTE: 50 with a minimum of 42 in all four communicative skills

TOEFL: Internet based total of 60: minimum 18 in writing, 8 in reading, 16 in speaking and 7 in listening

ACU English Language Test: C (60-64%)

CAE: Overall CAE: 169 Individual score of at least 162 in all tests.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.

International applicants

If you’re an international applicant you’ll need the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 Certificate.

Find the equivalent qualification for your country

You’ll also need to comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy, including the English Language Proficiency requirements.

See the language requirements

If you’re an international student completing one of the following qualifications, you will need to apply for admission through your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC) and be assessed on your performance in these studies (i.e. your ATAR or equivalent):

  • an Australian Year 12 qualification (either outside or in Australia)
  • an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
  • a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3.

Find out further information on TAC admission

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 international applicants

If you don’t currently meet the entry requirements for admission to the Diploma program, don’t worry. Our range of pathway programs can help you build the language proficiency, academic skills and confidence you need to succeed. 

Find out more about English language programs 

Find out more about the ACU Foundation Studies program 


Further study

Students who complete the Diploma in Criminology may apply for entry into the Bachelor of Law. It may also provide a pathway to the following double degrees:

  • Bachelor of Human Rights/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice 
  • Bachelor of Human Rights/Bachelor of Laws
  • Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice/Bachelor of Laws
  • Bachelor of Psychology/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice


Credit will be given for the same units completed in the diploma program.

Fees

Course costs

  • Unit fee: $4000
  • Average first year fee: $32000
  • Estimate total cost: $32000

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

International applicants

Blacktown

Apply through UAC

UAC code

Direct application

Apply now

Information on the application procedure

International students undertaking an Australian Year 12 qualification should apply through the relevant tertiary admissions centre.

 

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