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Study postgraduate online through Open Universities Australia. Explore all degrees, subjects and short courses now.

Postgraduate studies in criminology and criminal justice provide a pathway to professional advancement for those working in these fields. The degrees are designed to provide an overview of criminological theory and research, the workings of the criminal justice system and allied organisations, insight into key policy debates and an understanding of research methods.
The degrees introduce social and psychological explanations of crime, as well as contemporary debates in criminological theory. Beyond the core elements of the degree in policing, community development, crime prevention, law and behaviour and social science research methods you will have the opportunity to study electives from criminal justice, research practice, policing, corrections and crime prevention.

Gain an overview of the theory, research methodology, and the workings of the criminal justice system. Study crime analysis, mapping, intelligence, forensic mental health, prevention, and law and behaviour to work in criminal justice fields.

Graduate Certificate in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Deepen your knowledge of the justice system and gain insight into key policy debates and contemporary research methods. Graduates find roles in criminal justice related fields such as crime prevention, community health and local government.

Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice

The Graduate Certificate in Fraud and Financial Crime is the first in a series of courses from Charles Sturt University designed to provide you with a competitive edge in your career. This postgraduate degree supports those seeking to develop capability across fraud and financial crime deterrence, prevention, detection and investigation roles in the public, corporate and law enforcement sectors.

Investigate the main types of financial crime, from identity fraud to corporate crime. Then understand why offenders act and what prevention strategies work. Your specialist knowledge could lead to new opportunities in law enforcement or financial services.

Graduate Certificate in Fraud and Financial Crime

This degree is delivered in collaboration with Queensland Health&#39;s Forensic Mental Health Service to provide postgraduate professional training for current or future forensic mental health practitioners, including nurses, psychologists, social workers and psychiatrists. It also provides an extension to undergraduate degrees in nursing, applied science, criminology and criminal justice, and applied psychology. The degree provides advanced training to enhance and develop specialist skills and knowledge to work more effectively with the forensic mental health population. You will gain a thorough understanding of research-based knowledge in forensic mental health and how it is applied in practice.

Become a highly valued forensic mental health specialist able to practise at an advanced level. Study assessment, legislation and policies, research and evaluation. Examine interventions with offenders, justice and crime, law and behaviour.

Master of Forensic Mental Health

In studying this course you will develop skills in advanced criminology theory, applied criminological research and criminal justice policy analysis. The core units, provided through the Department of Security Studies and Criminology, focus on synthesising the latest developments in criminology theory with critical thinking skills in the context of domestic and international policing, as well as in the operation of Australian criminal courts and corrective services. Elective choice also allows you to focus on other areas including criminology, terrorism studies, cyber terrorism and border security.

Engage with advanced criminology theory, applied criminological research and criminal justice policy analysis. Apply your theory to a range of crimes. Get an understanding of motivations, reactions, and how we can work to alleviate crime.

Master of Criminology

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 <a href="http://policies.griffith.edu.au/pdf/Higher%20Degree%20Research%20Policy.pdf" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Higher Degree Research Policy</a> and successful completion of the confirmation procedure. The grade achieved will determine eligibility for admission to either a PhD or MPhil candidature.

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

In studying this course you will have in-depth knowledge about the theory and practice of intelligence studies; the evolution of Australia’s intelligence community; and the emerging domestic, regional and international challenges for intelligence. It will also equip you with a practical skill set to analyse intelligence challenges, based on real world examples. The core units, provided through the Department of Security Studies and Criminology, focus on synthesising the latest developments in Intelligence theory and practices. Elective choice allows you to also focus on other aspects of security, including counter terrorism, security and strategic studies, cyber security and criminology.

Dive deep into real world global intelligence issues. Secure practical skills analysing intelligence challenges. Think critically and make ethical judgements.

Master of Intelligence

This degree will provide you with specialised knowledge to examine and combat cyber crime.

Explore contemporary approaches to preventing cyber crime in Australia and across the world. You’ll establish the fundamentals of cyber security and get to know digital forensics. Learn through the lens of the criminal justice system.

Graduate Certificate in Cyber Crime

The Master of Fraud and Financial Crime from Charles Sturt University aims to meet the educational needs of those with responsibility for fraud and financial crime deterrence, prevention, detection and investigation in the public, corporate and law enforcement sectors.

Study the essentials of financial crime prevention in the corporate and criminology worlds. Then choose from two streams of study: coursework or research. This course will prepare you to manage a crime control operation or develop policies of importance.

Master of Fraud and Financial Crime

In studying this course you will develop an understanding of the different dimensions of security issues and criminology. All units are provided through the Department of Security Studies and Criminology and focus on synthesising the latest developments in security studies and criminology. These units of study will provide you an in-depth understanding of theoretical and practical issues at a global, regional and national level.

Study national and global security issues and criminology. Delve into online terrorism and the intelligence tradecraft. Secure skills to critically apply criminal research. Make ethical and socially informed decisions about complex problems.

Graduate Certificate of Security Studies and Criminology

Crime and Mental Health

Understanding Victims and Offenders

Fraud and Cybercrime

Crime and Criminal Justice

White Collar Crime

Gender, Crime and Justice

Introduction to Criminology

Criminology Skills

Psychological Contributions to Understanding Crime

Sociology of Crime and Deviance

Although associations between crime and mental illness have a long history, the relationship is complex and contentious. Problem areas include media representations and social constructions of violent offenders, methodological and conceptual inconsistencies, and limited appreciation of the heterogeneity of mental health issues. This subject of study aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the evidence concerning the crime-mental health relationship. Factors other than mental illness that may be associated with violence and general criminality are explored, as are ethical challenges relating to this area. Particular mental disorders most often linked with criminality are examined and the relevant evidence is evaluated. Based on the content of this subject of study, students will demonstrate knowledge of ethical challenges and provide recommendations for best practice for both empirical research and policy.
Please Note:  If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Delve into the complex relationship between crime and mental illness. Examine links between offending, violence, mental disorder, and substance abuse. Get critical with an evidence-based approach that separates media representations from actual research.

This subject considers the history of thinking and practice with respect to forensic mental health, and the implications of this history for current forensic mental health practice. Particular attention is given to contemporary legal constructs of insanity and fitness to plead, and psychiatric constructs of intellectual disability, mental disorder, psychosis, psychopathy, personality disorder and paraphiliacs. An attempt is made to integrate criminological and psychiatric theories and evidence concerning problems in forensic mental health.
Assessment details will be advised at the beginning of the subject offering.

Investigate the legal constructs of insanity and the psychiatric constructs of intellectual disability and mental disorders. Evaluate the relationship between crime, dangerousness and mental disorders in the context of forensic mental health.

Mental Disorder and Crime

Some people are more likely to commit particular crimes than are other people. Some people are more likely to become victims of crime than are other people. This subject of study explores variables that relate to victims and offenders. Serial victims and serial offenders are examined. Sexual crimes, violent crimes and family violence will be spotlighted and evidence relevant to victims, offenders and the decisions that they make will be assessed. Students will explore the methodological challenges associated with researching victims and offenders, and consider how the research evidence can translate to good practice within criminal justice contexts.
Please Note:  If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Understand why some people are more likely to commit particular crimes than others, and why certain citizens are more likely to be victims of these crimes. Cover sexual crimes, violent crimes and family violence in particular. 

Forensic psychology concerns the application of psychology to the understanding and operation of legal and criminal justice systems. Theories and knowledge from a broad range of domains can be applied within forensic contexts. This subject of study demonstrates how knowledge from the domains of biological, cognitive, developmental, social and personality, and mental health psychology have been successfully employed to address forensic questions and issues. Students are presented with an introduction to key areas of forensic psychology and major theories of crime are offered and evaluated. Societal constructions of criminality and the changing nature of criminality are examined. Psychological explanations of crime are applied to contemporary issues and appraised. Potential limitations of psychology within forensic settings are explored.
Please Note:  If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Untangle the ‘why’ behind crime by better understanding the perpetrators psyche. You’ll consider how elements such as biology, personality and mental health impact are at play. Get an introduction to forensic psychology and major theories of crime. 

This subject helps students develop deep understanding of the organising categories and central claims of a range of modern criminological perspectives of criminology. The main problems, questions and ideas that have shaped modern criminological thought are explored and attention is paid throughout to the contexts that shape the emergence and reception of modern criminological theory and to the modes of social intervention that different criminological perspectives expressly or implicitly propose. Topics covered will vary from year to year but are likely to include: crime and the urban environment, developmental and control theories, routine activities and rational choice theories, crime, inequality and opportunity, crime and culture, and social reactions to crime.

Critically evaluate criminological theory and empirical research for crime policy and practice. Study crime and the urban environment, control and rational choice theories, inequality and opportunity, and social reactions to crime.

Advanced Criminological Theories

This is a survey subject that aims to introduce students to the central concepts of modern theories of crime, linkages with their historic antecedents and criteria for evaluating theoretical validity. A range of different perspectives will be presented covering the dominant sociological and psychological explanations of crime and criminality. On completion, students will have an understanding of the nature of theory, the ideas of key theorists and have the ability to critically evaluate theoretical explanations.
Using an inter-disciplinary approach, this subject explores how offenders and offending have been conceptualised, and the consequent implications for the criminal justice system. There is a diverse range of theoretical frameworks used to understand crime; in this subject we will particularly focus on sociological, psychological and biological perspectives. The types of policies and interventions which have been promoted, and adopted, have been influenced by the extent to which weight is given to individual, social or environmental factors.
This subject will consider how different theoretical approaches can be applied to understand a selection of contemporary crime problems, the strengths and weaknesses of different explanations and the implications for prevention and intervention.

Through the lens of sociological, psychological and biological perspectives, you’ll appreciate how offenders and offending have been conceptualized. Use your learning to articulate the resulting implications on the criminal justice system.

Criminological Theories

This subject was formerly known as PICX952 Simulation in Criminology
This subject provides students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired during their program of study to a real world crisis. After being exposed to theoretical concepts of scenario-building, role-playing and decision-making, students will experience the challenges of solving problems and finding solutions to real world crises during a dynamic simulation. They will be part of a team that includes students with different skill sets and knowledge, including strategists, intelligence analysts, criminologists, counter terrorism experts, and cyber security analysts. Students enrolled in Simulation in Criminology will perform the role of the criminologist. Their mission will be to formulate policy-oriented solutions by applying their theoretical knowledge and practical skills, including the use of crime prevention/deterrence tools. As part of a team, students will learn how to develop ministerial briefing papers during a crisis situation and how to make policy recommendations.

Work with peers on a simulated real-world crisis. Calling on your studies to date, apply criminology theory to your team role as a criminologist. Draft briefing papers and make policy recommendations to combat crime in this role-playing scenario.

Simulation in Criminology

The subject was formerly known as PICX889 Applied Criminology Practice and Policy
This subject offers an invaluable scholarly perspective to analyse the effectiveness of contemporary criminal justice practice and policies. This unit enables students to develop a criminological understanding of the operation of various facets of the criminal justice system, particularly police, courts and corrective services. Students will critically evaluate crime reduction and prevention strategies currently employed both in Australia and overseas, and will formulate practical and effective solutions to real-world contemporary crime problems. This includes using official crime information and data to present and report on policy outcomes and agendas. Students will be able to critically understand the structure and functioning of the criminal justice system, evaluate criminal justice policies, design and develop crime prevention and reduction strategies.

Drawing on your knowledge of Australian and international criminal justice practices and policies, formulate solutions to real-world crime problems. With a focus on police, courts and corrective services, evaluate current crime reduction strategies.

Applied Criminology

This subject was previously known as MAQ-PICX888 Advanced Criminology Theory.This unit introduces students to advanced criminology theory. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of how theory directs critical understandings of crime and, in turn, relates to the broader social world. This includes criminological beliefs, held within the discipline of Criminology and by practitioners in the Criminal Justice System, that help understand the common attitudes and rule systems that contribute to the intellectual atmosphere of a particular time or place. Topics focus on two ‘waves’ of criminological theory; the first, contemporary criminological theory, focuses on the ‘grand theories’ that are rooted in the discipline. The second, future directions in criminology, explores the challenges the discipline presently faces and how theory can contribute to expanding a critical understanding crime.

Understand how crime intersects with social, political, cultural and economic elements of life. Learn and evaluate advanced contemporary criminology theory. Cover left and right realism, cultural criminology, opportunity and deterrence theories.

Advanced Criminology Theory

This subject was previously known as Quantitative Social Research.
This subject is designed to equip students with the skills needed to process and analyse raw quantitative social science data.
We see statistics everywhere. &quot;There was a 20% reduction in crime rates in the past year&quot;; &quot;offenders with social support networks are 1.4 times more likely to successfully complete drug court orders&quot;.  Where do these numbers come from? How do we interpret them?  And how do we know whether we can trust them? Learning about quantitative analyses is important in criminology and in social sciences in general, as it provides the skills to understand, interpret, and criticize the statistics that surround us. Further, it will provide a range of fundamental skills critical to leading and participating in research projects in a number of different sectors.
This subject will cover the nature and use of statistics in criminological and criminal justice research, the description of samples and populations, as well as the tools to describe data and relationships, and to test statistical hypotheses. It will also introduce some basic statistical tools for multivariate analysis.
The value of statistics is not limited to academic projects. These are very marketable and valuable skills that are of use in other public and commercial organisations.

Sharpen your ability to process and analyse raw quantitative social science data using SPSS for Windows. Study the use of statistics in criminal justice, the description of samples and the tools to describe data and relationships.

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