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

Political Science and International Relations

Graduates of political science and international relations programs at Griffith have gone on to pursue a range of exciting careers, from international diplomacy and policy analysis to international business, from roles in local and national government to staff roles with Australian and international non-governmental organizations, and also international organizations. Numerous Queensland and national parliamentarians and cabinet ministers have studied politics at Griffith.

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Studying Criminology and Criminal Justice provides graduates with a pathway to a wide variety of rapidly growing career opportunities. Graduates are suited to find work in the following fields: Police and law enforcement, corrections, intelligence data collection and analysis, crime prevention, non-police law enforcement and investigations, youth justice, youth and child protection, research, policy development.

Secondary education

ATAR/RANK (to be advised)

Griffith University's Undergraduate Programs Admission Policy will apply.

English Proficiency Requirements

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 policy for further information:

• Undergraduate Programs Admission Policy

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

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.

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, made up of the core courses AND

• 60 credit points for the International Relations major or Political Science and Public Policy major or Security, Conflict and Human Rights major; AND
• 30 credit points of free-choice electives.