Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

UniSA Online’s Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice provides a holistic understanding of criminal behaviour, the inner workings of the criminal justice system, and contemporary approaches to advocacy and victimology.

You’ll explore career-relevant topics spanning policing investigations and intelligence, justice in practice, human rights and social justice, along with offender desistance and rehabilitation. Learn the same contemporary principles, approaches and techniques used in industry, and apply your knowledge to real-world issues including cybercrime, advocating for minority groups in the justice system, crimes related to gender and sexuality, and how policing practices impact Aboriginal Peoples.

Enhance your technical knowledge with the opportunity to choose a minor in psychology, social policy, community health, ageing and disability, public health, or more, equipping you with the skills to pursue a career in a specialised field.

Careers within the criminology and criminal justice sector are diverse and rewarding, spanning roles in government agencies, social welfare, intelligence, research, law enforcement, corrections, and not-for-profit organisations.  

Careers to consider include: 

• Criminologist 

• Police officer 

• Strategic policy and planning manager  

• Child protection officer 

• Policy adviser 

• Intelligence and policy analyst

Higher education

Successfully completed equivalent to a minimum of half a year of full-time study of a higher education program at a recognised higher education provider

Secondary education

Completed a secondary education qualification equivalent to SACE, such as an interstate year 12 or international qualification

VET studies

Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above

Work and Life

• Passed a UniSA Online literacy and numeracy test and have relevant work experience, or
• Completed a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
• Qualify for Special Entry

English Proficiency Requirements

In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:

• IELTS - Listening 6.0
• IELTS - Overall Score 6.0
• IELTS - Reading 6.0
• IELTS - Speaking 6.0
• IELTS - Writing 6.0

If you have previous work experience, or have studied before, you could fast-track your studies by reducing the time it takes to complete your degree.

Study Criminology and Criminal Justice On Demand with UniSA Online and take full control over your study. Access support seven days a week, plan your study to fit around your life, view learning resources 24/7, and log in to the interactive online environment anywhere, any time and on any device.

Designed and delivered by industry experts and criminal justice specialists, this 100% online degree will give you the practical skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact on people and society. You’ll be equipped to examine crime and justice through an interdisciplinary lens, with an advanced understanding of the causes and effects of crime, how criminal justice systems could be enhanced, the importance of advocacy for victims and offenders, and how outcomes for vulnerable groups could be improved.

Graduate with a highly sought after skillset applicable to a range of careers, ready to make an impact in a challenging and complex field.

Recommended Study Pattern

Please note: The program structure is subject to change at any time. (Information correct as at October 2023)

Year 1

• Elective 1
• The Criminal Justice System (JUST 1018)
• Understanding Crime and Criminology (BEHL 1035)
• Psychology Concepts (BEHL 1027)
• Social Problems and the Law (JUST 1019)
• Sociological Perspectives (SOCU 1007)
• Elective 2
• Policing Investigations and Intelligence (JUST 2013)

Year 2

• Criminal Law in Context (JUST 2015)
• Working with Community (WELF 2023)
• Corrections: Offender Rehabilitation and Desistance (JUST 2011)
• Elective 3
• Youth Justice (JUST 2014)
• Social Research Methods (HUMS 2043)
• Human Rights, Crime & Social Justice (LAWS 2043)
• Elective 4

Year 3

• Cybercrime and Digital Evidence (JUST 3006)
• The Psychology of Crime and Violence (JUST 3007)
• Crime, Gender and Sexuality (JUST 3009)
• Aboriginal Australians, Policing and the Criminal Justice System (SOCU 2019)
• Victimology (JUST 3008)
• Elective 5
• Globalised Crime (JUST 3010)
• Justice in Practice (JUST 3011)

Award Requirements

Students must complete 24 subjects including 5 electives.

Choose your subjects

Electives

Suggested Electives

Integrated Communication Planning (COMM 3077)

Sociology of Gender and Intimacy (HUMS 3053)

Managing Decision Making (BUSS 3095)

International Management Ethics and Values (BUSS 3094)

Strategic Management (BUSS 3097)

Organisational Leadership (BUSS 3096)

Health Psychology (BEHL 3031)

Australian Social Policy (POLI 2029)

Social and Community Psychology BEHL 2020)

The Social World (SOCU 1008)

Politics and Citizenship in Australia (POLI 1019)

Psychology 1A (BEHL 1030)

Psychology 1B (BEHL 1031)

Aboriginal Australians and Psychology (BEHL 1034)