Alternative pathways into a criminology degree
By Amina AhmedPublished on
There’s more than one way into a criminology degree. Student advisor Amina Ahmed explains the available criminology pathways and how to find one that suits your circumstances.
Criminology degree pathways at a glance
There are several criminology pathways to consider if you don’t meet the usual entry requirements for a degree.
Your chosen path will depend on your previous experience and what interests you most about criminology.
Your pathway option: | This is: | It suits you if: | It opens the door to: |
|---|---|---|---|
Selected university subjects that can be studied individually without entry requirements | You don’t meet degree entry requirements or want to experience criminology study first | A bachelor degree | |
Undergraduate certificate in criminology or criminal justice | A short, recognised undergraduate qualification | You want to build recent study results and gain foundational knowledge | A bachelor degree |
A recognised qualification that may include criminology, social science, law or university preparation subjects | You want more time to build your knowledge and university study skills before entering a degree | A bachelor degree | |
Other vocational study | A qualification completed through TAFE or another registered training organisation (RTO) | You’ve already completed vocational education and training (VET), or want to use it as a pathway | A bachelor degree |
Work and life experience | An entry option that considers relevant professional and personal experience | You have relevant experience but limited formal study | A bachelor degree or graduate certificate |
The entry pathways explained
Open Access subjects
Open Access subjects offer an online pathway into select criminology bachelor degrees.
This entry option is only available through Open Universities Australia. You enrol in introductory subjects individually, then use your results to work towards meeting the degree’s entry requirements.
How it works
You complete the same coursework and meet the same deadlines as students already enrolled in the degree. This lets you experience:
- the expectations of university study
- the reading and assessment involved in criminology
- how online classes and discussions operate
- whether criminology suits your interests and goals
The number of subjects you’ll need to complete and the grades you’ll need to earn can vary between courses and universities. For example, sometimes you might need a pass or credit minimum.
It’s important to check the entry requirements for the qualification you want to get into before selecting your subjects.
You’ll generally need to complete between one and four subjects.
Where it leads
Once you successfully pass your subjects, you’re eligible to progress into the following degrees with participating universities:
- A Bachelor of Criminology
- A Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice
- A Bachelor of Arts with a major in criminology
And these double degrees:
- A Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science
- A Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences
Pathway duration
If the degree allows you to get started after two subjects, you could study them together and complete the pathway in 10 to 13 weeks. Allow around 20 to 24 hours each week for your studies.
Taking one subject at a time can spread the pathway across up to six months and reduce the weekly commitment to around 10 to 12 hours. This may suit you if you want to ease into university study or balance it with other commitments.
The other benefits
- Loan options: If you’re eligible, you may be able to use a FEE-HELP loan to defer your subject fees instead of paying them upfront.
- Potential credit: Once you enter the degree, you may be able to receive academic credit for your completed subjects.
- Room to reconsider: You can experience criminology study without committing to the full degree. If it doesn’t feel right after one subject, you don’t have to continue.
I recommend this pathway if you’re returning to study after a break or aren’t yet sure about committing to criminology. It lets you test university study while keeping your next step flexible.
Undergraduate certificate in criminology or criminal justice
I recommend considering an undergraduate certificate if you’re ready to begin criminology study but don’t yet meet the entry requirements for a bachelor degree.
This short, recognised qualification can help you build recent academic results while developing foundational knowledge.
How it works
You enrol in an Undergraduate Certificate of Criminal Justice and Criminology or a related certificate in justice, law or social science.
These types of courses usually have entry requirements such as completion of Year 12 or a Certificate IV.
Before applying, check whether your preferred bachelor degree will accept the completed qualification or particular subjects within it.
Pathway duration
An undergraduate certificate is generally made up of four subjects, which you can complete in six months full time or longer if you prefer to study part time.
Where it leads
Completing the certificate can help you qualify for entry into a related criminology or criminal justice bachelor degree. The university may assess the full qualification, your individual subjects and the results you achieved.
Before enrolling, confirm which bachelor degrees recognise the certificate and whether any minimum results apply.
Explore criminology undergraduate certificatesThe other benefits
- Cost: Some undergraduate certificates have Commonwealth supported places, meaning the Australian Government contributes towards the course fees. If you’re eligible, you may be able to defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP loan.
- Potential credit: Subjects from the certificate may count towards your bachelor degree, depending on the course and university. Confirm the available credit before enrolling.
- Recognised qualification: You’ll finish with an undergraduate qualification even if you decide not to move directly into a bachelor degree.
Diploma of arts, criminology or similar
If you want more time to build your university study skills before moving into a bachelor degree, I recommend considering something like a Diploma of Arts with a criminology stream.
It can suit you if you want a taste of criminology, and prefer to complete a substantial standalone qualification along the way.
Some diplomas also let you sample a broader mix of subjects that can complement your criminology studies.
How it works
You enrol in a diploma that offers criminology subjects or a dedicated criminology stream (often called a Diploma of Arts).
The course may combine introductory criminology study with subjects from areas such as social science, law, politics or humanities.
Choose your subjects with your destination degree in mind. Universities may require you to follow a particular stream or study sequence for the diploma to provide a clear bridging pathway towards a bachelor degree.
Pathway duration
A Diploma of Arts is commonly made up of eight subjects and may take one year when studied full time, or longer part time. The exact structure and duration varies between universities.
Where it leads
Depending on the course, your diploma may provide a pathway into a Bachelor of Criminology, Bachelor of Arts or another related degree.
Before enrolling, confirm which bachelor degrees the diploma connects to, which subjects may transfer and whether you need to achieve minimum results.
The other benefits
- Broader preparation: A diploma gives you more time than a shorter pathway to develop academic skills and explore criminology alongside related disciplines.
- Potential credit: Some of your completed subjects may count towards a bachelor degree, depending on the university, degree and study sequence.
- Recognised qualification: You’ll receive a standalone undergraduate qualification even if you don’t continue directly into a bachelor degree.
- Study costs: Some diplomas offer Commonwealth supported places and access to HECS-HELP for eligible students. Check the individual course before applying.
Other vocational study
If you’ve already completed a qualification through TAFE or another registered training organisation (RTO), it may support your application for a criminology bachelor degree.
Universities set their own rules about the qualification levels, study areas and results they’ll accept. My advice is to have your existing study assessed before enrolling in another pathway.
Check whether your chosen degree:
- accepts your qualification for entry
- applies minimum grade or completion requirements
- may grant credit for any relevant study
Meeting the entry requirements and receiving credit are separate decisions. A vocational qualification might help you enter the degree, but it might not reduce the number of subjects you’ll need to complete.
The best starting point is to book a consultation with a student advisor who can guide you based on your specific situation.
Work and life experience
You may be considering criminology after working in policing, courts, corrections or another related field, even if you haven’t studied at university before.
Some bachelor degrees may assess this professional and life experience as part of your application, and depending on your level of professional experience, you may even be able to enter a graduate certificate without prior study behind you.
Universities differ in the documents they ask for, but you may need to provide:
- a resume outlining your employment history
- references or other evidence of your experience
- a supporting statement detailing your experience
- results from an approved admissions test
Relevant experience doesn’t guarantee entry, and each university decides what it will accept.
My advice is to choose your preferred course first, then check its evidence requirements closely. It’s worth booking a consultation with a student advisor for help understanding which courses may consider your background.
Which entry pathway is right for your situation?
Find the statement that best matches your circumstances, then consider the suggested next step.
□ I want to experience criminology study before committing to a degree
Consider: Open Access subjects. You can explore the field and experience university study before deciding whether to continue.
□ I know I want to study criminology but don’t meet the entry requirements
Consider: An undergraduate certificate. It can help you build recent academic results while working towards bachelor degree entry.
□ I want a broader introduction to university study and a recognised qualification
Consider: A Diploma of Arts with criminology subjects or a criminology stream. You can explore related disciplines while building your university study skills.
□ I already have a TAFE or vocational qualification
Consider: Applying directly to a bachelor degree. Your previous qualification may already satisfy the entry requirements, depending on the university.
□ I’ve completed university study in another course or field
Consider: Asking the university to assess your previous study. It may support your application and could count as credit towards the degree.
□ I have relevant work experience but haven’t studied at university
Consider: A work and life experience pathway into either a bachelor degree or undergraduate certificate. Some universities may assess experience in areas such as policing, courts or corrections when considering your application.
If you’re still comparing your options, book a consultation with a student advisor. We can help you understand which pathways may suit your previous study, experience and goals.
What should you consider before choosing an entry pathway?
I suggest writing down your answers to these questions before comparing your options.
- Which degree do you want to enter?
Start with your destination degree because universities recognise different pathways. Check which subjects, qualifications or experience it accepts before you enrol elsewhere. - Could your previous study or experience already qualify you?
Ask the university to assess any vocational study, university subjects or relevant work experience first. You may not need to complete another pathway. - How much preparation do you want?
Open Access subjects offer a shorter introduction to university study. An undergraduate certificate or diploma involves a larger commitment but gives you more time to build your knowledge and academic skills. - Do you want the option to change direction?
Open Access subjects, undergraduate certificates and diplomas each give you a natural point to pause before progressing into a bachelor degree. - Is a standalone qualification important to you?
An undergraduate certificate or diploma provides a recognised qualification, sometimes opening the door to limited entry-level roles. Open Access subjects may offer more flexibility if you’re not ready to make that commitment.
How can you get started?
Wherever you are in your research, these guides can help you move forward:
- Explore criminology courses to compare degrees and pathway options
- Understand your eligibility our guide to criminology entry requirements
- Decide whether a criminology degree is worth it for you
Still unsure? Book a consultation with a student advisor for guidance on your options.
About the author
Amina Ahmed
Student advisor specialising in criminology courses
Amina Ahmed is passionate about helping students explore criminology. In the trenches of both full time work and study herself, she brings enthusiasm and reassurance to the students she supports. She loves helping students shift from early nervousness in their first conversations towards confidence as they progress through their studies.
FAQs about entry pathways into criminology degrees
Can TAFE lead to a criminology degree?
Yes, sometimes. Some universities accept vocational education and training (VET) qualifications for bachelor degree entry. The required qualification level and study area vary, so check the course criteria first.
Can I transfer into a criminology degree from another course?
Possibly. Previous university study may help you qualify for entry or receive credit. The university will assess your completed subjects, results and their relevance to the criminology degree.
Can I become a criminologist through a pathway course?
Not through the pathway course alone. A pathway can help you enter a criminology degree. The qualifications and experience you’ll need after that depend on the role and employer.
How long does it take to get into a criminology degree through a pathway?
It depends on the pathway. Open Access subjects may take 10 to 13 weeks when completed together, while an undergraduate certificate or diploma can take six months to a year full time, or longer part time.
Will a pathway course count towards my criminology degree?
It may. Open Access subjects, undergraduate certificates and diplomas can sometimes provide credit, but this depends on the university, degree and subjects completed. It’s best to confirm the credit arrangement before enrolling.
Can I study criminology part time while completing an entry pathway?
Usually, yes. Many pathway options let you study one subject at a time. Check the course schedule and completion rules to make sure part-time study suits your chosen pathway.
