Bachelor of Criminal Justice

1. Upon completion of this course, graduates will be able to:
2. Analyse and evaluate major criminological theoretical and legal perspectives that explain causes and consequences of crime and deviance and apply this knowledge to real world problems.
3. Critically analyse the social and historical development of the Australian criminal justice system and its position in the international context.
4. Critically analyse Australian criminal justice institutions, current practices, trends, policies, legislation and their impact on defining, reducing, preventing and punishing crime.
5. Execute international comparative analysis of criminological trends, policies, practices, legislation and law reform.
6. Apply multi-disciplinary approaches in understanding and responding to crime.
7. Apply digital and academic literacy and numeracy skills to communicate knowledge and ideas in appropriate form and mode relevant to the audience.
8. Apply interpersonal and collaborative skills in culturally competent ways.
9. Apply interviewing, negotiation and conflict resolution skills appropriate to criminal justice contexts.
10. Exercise critical reflexivity in evaluating a diverse range of social, economic, cultural and political perspectives to apply ethical decision making in professional practice.
11. Appraise own professional capabilities and identify lifelong learning needs to maintain and improve skills, currency and knowledge for successful criminal justice study and practice.
12. Critically reflect on personal and professional power and the way those factors shape historical and contemporary engagement with diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
13. Practice in ways that show a commitment to social justice and the process of reconciliation through inclusive practices and citizenship.
14. Apply research skills to gather, analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative criminological data that informs ethical, sustainable professional practice.
15. Ability to implement sustainable community and social justice to meet the current and future needs of a just society.

Learn about crime and its solutions. Available to study online or on campus, the Bachelor of Criminal Justice from Charles Sturt University enables you to become a leader in making your community safer and a better place to live.

Throughout this bachelor's degree you'll study the key institutions – prisons, policing, courts – and the complex social problems that fuel our criminal justice system. This course can also be studied at our Port Macquarie and Bathurst campuses.

Recommended study pattern

Full Time

Year 1 Session 1 (30)

JST110 Criminal Justice in Society

JST123 Indigenous Australians and Justice

SOC101 Understanding the Social World

COM120 Reasoning and Writing

Year 1 Session 2 (60)

PSY111 Foundations of Psychology

JST151 Preparing for Criminal Justice Practice

JST203 Punishment and the State

JST205 Criminology: History and Theory

Year 2 Session 1 (30)

JST204 Young People and Crime

SOC205 Social Research

JST219 Criminal Law in Context

Restricted/Unrestricted elective

Year 2 Session 2 (60)

JST220 Gender and Crime

JST318 Human Rights and Social Justice

Restricted/Unrestricted elective

Restricted/Unrestricted elective

Year 3 Session 1 (30)

JST320 Drugs, Crime and Society

HCS310 Mental Health

JST352 Professionalism and Resilience in Public Safety

Restricted/Unrestricted elective

Year 3 Session 2 (60)

JST321 Justice Studies Workplace Learning

JST353 Contemporary and Emerging Issues in Crime and Justice

JST309 Indigenous Communities, Criminal Justice and Policing

Restricted/Unrestricted elective

Part Time

Year 1 Session 1 (30)

JST110 Criminal Justice in Society

COM120 Reasoning and Writing

Year 1 Session 2 (60)

JST151 Preparing for Criminal Justice Practice

JST205 Criminology: History and Theory

Year 2 Session 1 (30)

JST123 Indigenous Australians and Justice

SOC101 Understanding the Social World

Year 2 Session 2 (60)

PSY111 Foundations of Psychology

JST203 Punishment and the State

Year 3 Session 1 (30)

JST204 Young People and Crime

SOC205 Social Research

Year 3 Session 2 (60)

JST220 Gender and Crime

Restricted/Unrestricted elective

Year 4 Session 1 (30)

JST219 Criminal Law in Context

Restricted/Unrestricted elective

Year 4 Session 2 (60)

JST318 Human Rights and Social Justice

Restricted/Unrestricted elective

Year 5 Session 1 (30)

JST320 Drugs, Crime and Society

Restricted/Unrestricted elective

Year 5 Session 2 (60)

JST309 Indigenous Communities, Criminal Justice and Policing

JST353 Contemporary and Emerging Issues in Crime and Justice

Year 6 Session 1 (30)

HCS310 Mental Health

JST352 Professionalism and Resilience in Public Safety

Year 6 Session 2 (60)

JST321 Justice Studies Workplace Learning

Restricted/Unrestricted elective

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $50,976

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Charles Sturt University is Australia’s most experienced online uni, and has the country’s highest graduate employment rate. From agriculture, arts, healthcare and IT, to business, law, social work and teaching—you’ll get the latest skills in your field, and learn from academics who are connected to industry. Add in 24/7 IT support, scholarships and a vibrant student community, and you can take your next, or first, career step with confidence.

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QS Ranking 2024:

31

Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:

37

• Successful completion of two university level subjects (AQF level Associate Degree or higher) demonstrating a reasonable prospect of success through the Grade Point Average (GPA) gained in these studies, OR
• Successful completion of a Tertiary Preparation Course from an Australian University or an accredited provider demonstrating a reasonable prospect of success through the Grade Point Average (GPA) gained in these studies.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) with an equivalent ranking to the currently listed ATAR.

A completed High School Certificate (or equivalent) with a minimum ATAR 55 required (including adjustment factors).

• A completed AQF Certificate III or higher level qualification, OR
• 50% completion of an AQF Diploma level qualification.

Work experience, within the same industry as the course profile, of no less than two years full time or equivalence, demonstrated by a detailed resume.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit for current competencies will be granted to eligible applicants.

JST321 - Justice Studies Workplace Learning

This subject utilises an integrated workplace learning approach to develop the students' professional knowledge of working in a criminal justice environment whilst expanding on their employability skills and building on their practical experience. The subject is also aimed at developing students' self-reflection and self-monitoring skills to help build their efficacy and confidence in the work place. As part of this subject, students will gain practical experience and apply their academic learning in a professional setting through a 70 hour work placement.