Open Universities Australia

Student Hub home

Plan and enrol

Statements

Manage your studies

Manage your account

Study essentials

Key dates

Access LMS

Get support

Architecture & construction

Art & creative design

Business & management

Community services & care

Education & teaching

Engineering

Health & medical science

Humanities & social science

IT & computer science

Law & justice

Media & communication

Psychology & mental health

Science

Search all courses

Explore study online

Undergraduate degrees

Postgraduate courses

University certificates

Pathways and pre-university

Single subjects

Microcredentials

Short courses

Study types

Help me choose a course

Chat with a student advisor

Compare courses

Degrees vs single subjects

Choosing a course

Study online

How OUA works

How to enrol

RPL and credit

Study planning

Minimum age requirements

Textbooks & study materials

Computer requirements

International students

Getting started

Student loans

Study allowances

Commonwealth supported places

Fees

Financial options

Disability support

Elite athletes

Exams

Natural disaster support

Special Circumstances

Study preparation

Student support

Support

Your studies

Advice

13 6736

Study graduate diploma online with Griffith University through Open Universities Australia. Explore all degrees, subjects and short courses now.

The Graduate Diploma of Criminological Research Studies is an 80 credit point program designed to provide graduates in the criminology and criminal justice discipline with the opportunity to undertake advanced study in research methodology and to undertake supervised research work in the discipline area appropriate to their research trajectory.The program provides the necessary preparation for entry into a higher degree research program (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or equivalent program) for applicants who do not possess the required qualifications for direct admission into these programs. The program will also be available to students who wish to undertake advanced studies in the identified disciplinary fields but who may not wish to progress to MPhil or PhD study.Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to apply for admission to MPhil or PhD candidature subject to fulfilment of the requirements for candidature as specified in the Higher Degree Research Policy. The grade achieved will determine eligibility for admission to either a PhD or MPhil candidature.The Program Director will be responsible for the overall supervision of students in the program and for monitoring their progress throughout the program.Students may choose to exit the Graduate Diploma program (after successfully completing the specified courses) with the Graduate Certificate in Criminological Research Studies.

Become an expert in criminal justice methodology. Develop a thesis on the subject of your choice. Hone your skills under the guidance of an academic supervisor. Use your qualification as a stepping stone into a Masters Degree or PhD.

Graduate Diploma of Criminological Research Studies

Crime and Mental Health

Understanding Victims and Offenders

Fraud and Cybercrime

Crime and Criminal Justice

Gender, Crime and Justice

The Criminal Justice System

Psychological Contributions to Understanding Crime

Big Issues: Policy and Social Change

Mental Disorder and Crime

Crime, Society and Justice

The subject begins with a broad examination of cybercrime and moves to a specific focus on cyber fraud. The subject explores contemporary criminological theoretical approaches to explaining cyber fraud, analyses offender methodologies and examines cyber fraud victimology. The subject addresses contemporary approaches to prevention and enforcement in Australia and across the world. The role of relevant government, law enforcement, regulatory agencies and the corporate and private sector in the prevention and detection of cyber fraud is addressed.

Understanding and Preventing Cyber Fraud

This subject introduces the emerging research field of neurocriminology, which integrates the disciplines of neuroscience, biology, psychology and criminology to understand criminal behaviour. Students will learn how principles and methods drawn from neuroscience (e.g., neuroimaging techniques, neuropsychological assessment) can be applied to study the neurobiological foundations of crime. Contemporary and cutting-edge findings from neurocriminology research will provide insight into how criminal behaviour can be influenced by brain structures and functioning, biochemical abnormalities, genetics and psychophysiology. The subject will review the application of neurocriminology methods and findings at various levels of the criminal justice process (e.g., prevention, investigation, assessment, prosecution, intervention), including the limitations of these applications.

Neurocriminology

This subject offers a focused exploration into the realm of environmental criminology, a branch of criminology that examines the role of the immediate physical environment in influencing the potential for criminal activity. Environmental criminology operates on the principle that the environment can shape, facilitate, or hinder criminal behaviour, thus playing a crucial role in understanding and preventing crime. Unlike traditional schools of criminology that may concentrate on the sociological or psychological aspects of criminal behaviour, environmental criminology places a significant emphasis on the spatial and temporal distribution of criminal events in relation to the environment. The subject will be particularly beneficial for students aspiring to operational or policy positions in crime prevention and control. It provides a practical approach to these ends, equipping students with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively address and mitigate crime through environmental strategies. By understanding the intricate relationship between the environment and criminal behaviour, students will gain valuable insights applicable to real-world scenarios in crime prevention and policy formulation.

Environmental Criminology

This subject deepens students’ understanding of criminological theory and its application to real-world crime prevention. Building on foundational knowledge, students will explore advanced criminological perspectives alongside practical frameworks used to reduce and prevent crime. A particular focus is placed on environmental criminology, situational crime prevention, and place-based strategies. Through the integration of theory and practice, students will critically examine how knowledge about the causes and patterns of crime can inform effective, ethical, and evidence-based responses in contemporary justice settings.

Crime, Place & Prevention

This subject introduces students to advancements in criminological theories to better understand criminal behaviour at both the micro (individual) and macro (societal) levels. Students will learn how criminologists engage with new research to improve our understanding of how and why people engage in criminal activity.

Advanced Criminological Theories

This subject provides an integrated introduction to the field of criminology and criminal justice, with a focus on developing foundational professional skills, critical perspectives on justice, and a nuanced understanding of crime and victimisation. Students will explore how crime is defined, measured, and theorised, while examining key justice issues such as inequality, victim rights, and serious violent offending. Through case studies and structured activities, students will build academic and professional capabilities, gain awareness of career pathways, and develop a sense of purpose and belonging within the criminology and justice community.

Foundations of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Previously named &quot;Psychology of Crime&quot;, this subject is designed to complement Crime, Society and Justice. The subject focuses on individual-level explanations of criminal behaviour. The contributions of evolutionary, genetic, bio-behavioural and trait theories, social learning, developmental and social psychological theories are examined. Implications of these theories for the criminal justice system and crime prevention are examined.This subject addresses the question &quot;What is it about individuals and their experiences that produce criminal behaviour?&quot;. Psychologists are concerned with how an individual’s biological make-up, personality, upbringing, current circumstances and so forth produce criminal behaviour. The unit examines criminal behaviour in terms of nine theoretical perspectives: evolutionary theories, genetic theories, biobehavioural theories, psychodynamic theories, trait theories, behavioural theories, social learning theories, development theories, and environmental theories. The subject also examines the implications of these theories for three areas criminology: the functioning of the criminal justice system, crime prevention, and the rehabilitation of offenders.

Delve into scientific theories that explain why people become criminals. You’ll explore links between criminal behaviour and personality, upbringing, and more. Use this knowledge in crime prevention and offender rehabilitation.

Psychological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour

Domestic and family violence is a pressing social issue with significant implications for individuals, couples, families, and communities. It makes up a large portion of cases in justice, health, and social systems in Australia and around the world. This course provides students with a critical understanding of the dynamics, distribution, outcomes, and responses to domestic and family violence. Students will learn about key topics such as coercive control, how children are involved in domestic and family violence, the role of technology in abuse, and domestic violence homicide using real-world examples. Students will gain critical research literacy skills to interpret key data sources on domestic and family violence. Students will practice skills to effectively and accurately communicate complex information about domestic and family violence. WARNING: The content of this subject could be triggering for some students. If this is the case, please contact your Program Director to organise an alternative subject.

Understanding Domestic and Family Violence

Developing Professionally is a core subject designed to assist students to understand their future professional context and employment. This subject focuses on professional skills in the workplace, linking theory and practice and reflective thinking skills. Obtaining a 5 in Developing Professionally is one pre-requisite for Griffith University criminology students planning on enrolling in 3008CCJ Professional Practice.

Continue on your pathway to a real career in criminology or the criminal justice system. You’ll delve into the employment process as you keep exploring your personal strengths and ethos. The professional workplace is just around the corner—so get ready!

Developing Professionally 2

Developing professionally 1 is a core course designed to assist students to self-reflect as well as envisage future career options consistent with the job skills that organisations are looking for and learn about two possible essential career pathways in criminology and criminal justice based on those skills. Throughout the course, students will articulate a vision of themselves and organisations of interest in the criminal justice system and learn the important career pathways to criminology and criminal justice aligned with the top in-demand skills as identified internationally. Students should not enrol in the subject if they have completed: 2019CCJ, COM15 or CCJ16.

Start thinking about your future career in the criminal justice system. Get planning now so that after you graduate your pathway is clear. Think about your strengths, your strategy, and your vision. Find and explore organisations that share your ethos.

Developing Professionally 1

Griffith University Graduate Diploma Criminology Courses & Degrees | Open Universities Australia

Search thousands of courses and degrees by leading Australian universities

Filters

Course results for Griffith University Graduate Diploma Criminology Degrees

Need help choosing a course?

Related searches

Degree filters