Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Graduates of the Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations will have a broad and coherent body of knowledge of the theoretical underpinnings, major debates and contemporary relevance of political science and its sub-disciplines of international relations, comparative politics, political theory, public policy and political economy.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice will have a broad and coherent body of knowledge in the fields of criminology and criminal justice including an in-depth

understanding of the:

• fundamental knowledge, theories and methodological frameworks used in the study of crime, crime prevention and criminal justice 
• impacts diversity has on social justice and criminal justice outcomes
• contributions of inter-disciplinary knowledge about the nature and causes of offending and contemporary social problems

Want to know how to stop crime before it even happens? What motivates people to break the law and what deters them?

This new double degree will combine the study of what makes criminals tick with an understanding of the justice system and policy making processes. With a better understanding of how policy is created and applied, plus an understanding of crime and criminal behavior, you will be equipped to influence the policy underpinning the justice system to ultimately deter crime rather than simply responding to criminal behavior.

This degree will give you a better understanding of the causes and consequences of complex crime and criminal justice issues and just how it is currently dealt with by government at local, national and global levels. Could you make a difference?

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Language and Communication for Arts and Social Sciences
• Introduction to Political Science
• International Relations
• Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice

Plus there’s a selection of majors and electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you. 

Award requirements

For the award of Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice (BPoliSciIntRel/BCCJ), you must successfully

Complete 320 credit points comprising:

• 260 credit points for all Core Module, and
• 60 credit points for one Major from Political Science and International Relations Major Module

You must also ensure that

• Selected courses must include at most 120 credit points at level 1.
• Selected courses must include at least 60 credit points at level 3 or higher.

This degree may be awarded with Distinction where a student achieves a minimum program GPA of 6.5 with no failed courses. The words "This award was achieved with Distinction" will be recorded on the testamur.

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

Indicative total fee $68,000

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.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

Learn more about Griffith University.

Explore Griffith courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

ATAR/RANK: 65

Griffith University's Undergraduate Programs Admission Policy will apply.

VET qualification: Certificate III

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

Applicants should refer to the following University procedure for further information:

• Admission Procedure

International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

If you do not meet the University's specified English language requirements, you may wish to contact the Griffith English Language Institute to increase your eligibility for entering a Griffith University program. This Institute offers a number of English language and other courses at both its Brisbane and Gold Coast branches:

• Griffith English Language Institute

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including:

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE.
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training.
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.