Graduate Certificate in Criminology and Criminal Justice

KNOWLEDGE

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Criminology and Criminal Justice will have broad theoretical and technical knowledge of criminology, criminal justice, and related public policy debates.

SKILLS

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Criminology and Criminal Justice will have:

• cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise a professional understanding a about criminological and criminal justice problems
• cognitive skills to think critically about and to evaluate contemporary crime and criminal justice ideas
• technical skills in research methods
• communication skills to demonstrate an understanding of foundational criminological theory
• communication skills to transfer professional understanding and ideas about evidence-based policy to stakeholders in the criminal justice system.

APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Graduates of this Graduate Certificate in Criminology and Criminal Justice will demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills:

• to make high level, independent judgments in the conceptualisation, planning, and justification of a research or evaluation project
• to plan, implement and evaluate a broad range of functions with responsibility and accountability.

Graduates from this degree typically pursue careers in criminal justice-related fields, including crime prevention, community development, security, policing, corrections, family services, law, justice administration and policy, customs, mental and community health, local government, military services and criminal justice research organisations.

Higher education

A recognised undergraduate degree from a recognised tertiary institution.

Work and Life

In selected circumstances, applicants without a recognised undergraduate degree may apply for entry based on their work experience in a criminal justice related field.

In these circumstances the applicant must supply evidence of relevant professional registration or vocational experience in a criminal justice related field. Such applicants, who will normally have worked in middle management positions for a minimum of five years, will be required to provide references from their employers supporting their application for admission and attesting to their ability to complete the program. In these cases, the Program Convener will make the final decision and must be satisfied as to the applicant's ability to complete such a course of study.

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 these programs are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 7.0 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.5
• OR a minimum score of 580 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 92 (no score less than 22)
• OR no score less than 4 in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by GELI or ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum grade of C on the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
• OR a minimum score of 68 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic).

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

RPL/Credit may be awarded according to Griffith University policies and applicants are encouraged to contact the degree coordinator for further information.

Postgraduate studies in criminology and criminal justice provide a pathway to professional advancement for those working in these fields. The degrees are designed to provide an overview of criminological theory and research, the workings of the criminal justice system and allied organisations, insight into key policy debates and an understanding of research methods.

The degrees introduce social and psychological explanations of crime, as well as contemporary debates in criminological theory. Beyond the core elements of the degree in policing, community development, crime prevention, law and behaviour and social science research methods you will have the opportunity to study electives from criminal justice, research practice, policing, corrections and crime prevention.

Award Requirements

To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate in Criminology and Criminal Justice, students must complete two core subjects and two elective subjects.

The maximum period for completing this program is 2 years.

When you have completed your final session of study, OUA students should notify Griffith University of their intention to graduate with the award of Graduate Certificate in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Please contact Griffith (OUA) Services on oua.programsupport@griffith.edu.au