Bachelor of Social Science with a Major in Criminology

During this Course students will learn about:

• Criminal Behaviour What defines criminal activity? Which factors put people at risk of developing criminal behaviour? Unpack these questions and learn about how these relate to the criminal justice system.
• Policing Learn about policing issues, crime statistics, the history of the police and where the future of policing lies in Australia.
• Illicit Markets How do counterfeit goods, illicit drugs and global illicit markets impact the world? Learn about their impact on a local and global scale.
• Juvenile Crime Learn about the motivations that may result in young people encountering the criminal justice system.

On successful completion of this Course students will be able to:

1. Systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources to inform their knowledge and conceptual understandings in the social sciences.
2. Formulate arguments that are fit for purpose and demonstrate an understanding of the relevant theories and evidence in their areas of disciplinary expertise.
3. Critically analyse information to generate creative solutions to solve complex problems in the social sciences.
4. Define and integrate theoretical principles and apply these in their disciplinary areas of expertise.
5. Apply knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and practice, individually and in collaboration with others.
6. Interpret and communicate ideas, problems and arguments in modes suitable to a range of audiences using a range of media.
7. Coherently articulate a line of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity and apply a framework to analyse and offer solutions to ethical dilemmas in local and international contexts.

Empower yourself – make a difference in Criminal Justice.

As a student of criminology, you’ll dive into the world of criminal behaviour, illicit drugs, arms or counterfeit goods and learn how to create industry-standard solutions to local and global crime problems.

You’ll get to study selected true crime stories where immersive journalism practices have uncovered new evidence and changed the course of investigations. This will give you an understanding of police practices and help you uncover the motivations that result in young people encountering the criminal justice system. Importantly, you will also analyse these topics from the worldviews, histories and standpoints of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You’ll consider how these histories continue to impact Indigenous youth in the criminal justice system today.

You’ll learn from experts who have worked in the field of corrective services, counter terrorism and transnational crime, giving you real-world knowledge from highly experienced professionals. This will set you up with a practical skillset and support your job readiness upon graduation. You’ll also have the freedom to tailor half of your course based on your interests by taking electives you’re passionate about.

The Bachelor of Social Science with a major in Criminology will gear you towards a future where your knowledge will help provide actionable solutions in relation to crime and make a lasting difference to our society. You’ll join a cohort of graduates who work in various areas of the criminal justice system, such as victim support, intelligence analysts, and corrections programs.

Recommended study pattern

To be awarded the Bachelor of Social Science with a major in Criminology you must complete 24 units in total made up of four core untis, eight Criminology major units and twelve elective units:

Core Units

Your core units provide an essential foundation for studying social science. In this major, you must complete four core units by choosing to complete TWO units from: Connecting with Culture: Indigenous Australian Experiences OR Australian Politics OR Introduction to Research Methods.

Learning and Communicating Online (COM10003)

Sociological Foundations (SOC10004)

Introduction to Research Methods (PSY10005)

Connecting with Culture: Indigenous Australian Experiences (INS10001)

Australian Politics (POL10001)

Criminology Major units

Policing: Systems and Practice (CRI20001)

Introduction to Forensic Psychology (FOR10001)

Fundamentals of Criminology (CRI10002)

Cyber Crime and Security (POL30018)

Youth Justice and Crime (CRI30010)

Corrections: Systems and Practice (CRI30002)

Deviance, Difference & Conformity (SOC20020)

Global Crime (CRI20002)

Recommended electives

Countering Violent Extremism (POL30016)

Fundamentals of Psychology (PSY10008)

Critical Perspectives on Terrorism (Capstone Unit) (POL30009)

Award requirements

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Social Science, students must complete 300 credit points comprising of:

• Two (2) Core units of study and two (2) Core units of study based on selected major discipline area (50cps).
• Eight (8) units of study from a Social Science discipline major in one of the following areas: Behavioural Studies, Criminology, Security and International Relations, or Security and Counter Terrorism (100 credit points).
• Twelve (12) units of study (150 credit points) comprising a co-major, advanced minor, minor and/or electives.

Students may not complete more than 150 credit points (normally 12 units) at Introductory Level. A unit of study can only be counted once, where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students must choose an approved alternate.

Students studying Security and International Relations Major cannot also study Security and Counter Terrorism Major due to the similarity of units.

Students also have an opportunity to undertake a work integrated learning (WIL) Professional Placement.

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

Indicative total fee $52,197

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.

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Applicants are required to meet one of the following minimum entry requirements:

• A completed or partially completed tertiary qualification (e.g. relevant Certificate IVs, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, incomplete or complete Bachelor’s degree); or
• 4+ years of relevant work experience; or
• Recent Year 12 Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or equivalent completion, with the required English study score.

International students are required to demonstrate their English proficiency before enrolling into a Swinburne Online degree by undertaking one of the following English language tests; The International English Language Test Score (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score.

Credit for Prior Learning

If you have completed recent prior studies you may be eligible to request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous studies related to your chosen subjects.

This is assessed on a case-by-case basis, where every applicant is assessed individually.