Bachelor of Policing and Public Safety

The Bachelor of Policing and Public Safety is taught by experienced academics with backgrounds in areas such as policing, corrections, law, and social work, bringing diversity to your studies. The course is available online or on campus, and our faculty staff are leaders in their fields and have significant practical experience and academic expertise. Many have also had successful policing careers.

Think policing, think the Bachelor of Policing and Public Safety from Charles Sturt University. It's your opportunity to prepare for a career in a dynamic and exciting profession. This degree is available online and on campus and has been designed in collaboration with the police to provide a solid foundation of knowledge and skills for those wishing to enter this constantly evolving field.

Recommended study pattern

Students must successfully complete 14 core subjects, 9 restricted electives, and 1 unrestricted elective.

Core Subjects

COM120 Reasoning and Writing

EMG100 Introduction to Emergency Management  

JST123 Indigenous Australians and Justice: An Introduction                                                                       

JST110 Criminal Justice in Society

JST117 Introduction to Intelligence

JST152 Introduction to Policing

JST219 Criminal Law in Context

JST204 Young People and Crime

JST205  Criminology: History and Theory

JST265 Advanced Studies in Policing

JST309  Indigenous Communities, Criminal Justice and Policing

JST313 Investigative Interviewing

JST321 Justice Studies Workplace Learning

JST352 Professionalism and Resilience in Public Safety & Security

 NB: Students undertaking the Associate Degree in Policing Practice will complete 14 core subjects, the UCWE* and one restricted elective. Their last 8 elective subjects will be credited from the Associate Degree in Policing Practice upon completion of that degree.

*The UCWE needs to be completed as a separate course and can be credited to Bachelor of Policing and Public Safety as an elective 

Restricted Electives

Students must successfully complete 9 subjects from the following:

PSY111 Foundations of Psychology for Health and Human Services

SOC101 Understanding the Social World

SOC205 Social Research

JST151 Preparing for Criminal Justice Practice

JST203   Punishment and the State

JST220 Gender and Crime

JST264 Criminal Justice Studies with an International Context

JST318 Human Rights and Social Justice

JST320 Drugs, Crime and Society

JST353 Emerging Issues/Professional Project

HCS310 Mental Health and Mental Disorder

Unrestricted Elective

Students must complete 1 unrestricted elective.

Award requirements

As a Charles Sturt University student, throughout your course you have a responsibility to continue to develop skills in English language, literacy and numeracy as appropriate to your discipline. This ongoing development will enable you to effectively participate in your course and graduate prepared to enter the workforce.

To graduate students must satisfactorily complete 192 points.

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

Indicative total fee $42,837

The amount shown here is 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.

Learn more about CSU.

Explore CSU courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

34

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

37

Successful study at University level of at least two subjects in any area, provided the subjects are full university level.

OR

A completed High School Certificate (or equivalent) with an ATAR of 55 (including adjustment factors).

OR

A completed Vocational Education and Training (VET) Certificate III or higher, studied at a TAFE or Registered Training Organisation (RTO) - or equivalent.

OR

A completed Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC) or bridging program studied at a TAFE, Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or University - or equivalent.

OR

Partial completion of a Vocational Education and Training (VET) Diploma, of at least 50% from a TAFE or Registered Training Organisation (RTO) - or equivalent.

OR

Work experience of at least two years full time or equivalent, in a related industry to the course, such as law enforcement, human services, corrections or justice administration, demonstrated by a detailed resume.

Minimum CSU English Language Proficiency Requirements apply.

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

Please note that the following subjects have a Workplace Learning component:

JST321 - Justice Studies Workplace Learning

The following subjects may have a residential school component:

JST313 - Investigative Interviewing