Jessica’s Story – A Criminology Degree from Griffith University

Jessica was working as a pharmacy assistant when she decided she wanted a career as a professional. She looked into options at university and chose to study a topic she was most interested in – criminology.

Criminology looks into the psychological and sociological reasons why people commit crimes. It can provide a grizzly look into the darker side of human nature, but Jessica saw it as a career opportunity to help others. She has her Undergraduate study sights set on becoming a Federal Agent with the Australian Federal Police. She chose to study online to allow her to continue to work.

“Studying online is really flexible and easy. I can do it anywhere. I fit in a reading during lunch or waiting for the bus. I can put in 30 minutes or up to 5 hours at a time if I want.”

Jessica is enrolled in Griffith University's Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice. “When I first started with OUA, I was nervous and worried about discipline. Would I be disciplined enough to do the course? I found that I am” smiles Jessica. “Studying online is really flexible and easy. I can do it anywhere. I fit in a reading during lunch or waiting for the bus. I can put in 30 minutes or up to 5 hours at a time if I want.”

Jessica credits family support for keeping her on track, along with OUA staff who call her to ask how her studies are going, how she is feeling and to let her know what support was available. Jessica accesses a lecture every week, and jumps onto the discussion board, which she says is handy for keeping in touch with the tutor and other students. Importantly it’s a place where she can freely chat to other students about the topics they’re exploring from cybercrime to sex trafficking, while uncovering the fascinating reasons that lead to a life of crime.

What is Open Universities Australia (OUA)?

Open Universities Australia (OUA) partners with leading Australian universities, to bring you hundreds of degrees in the one place. OUA students study the exact same degree as an on-campus student, under the guidance of the university’s tutors. The only difference is that you study online, on your own terms. You choose when, where and at what pace you earn your qualification.

Attaining your dream degree is made easy through OUA. Regardless of whether you finished high school or received an ATAR score, we’ll provide you with a study pathway into your chosen degree. As for affordability, OUA offers access to government loans, so you don’t have to pay upfront to get started.