Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice

The Masters Degree (Coursework) qualifies individuals who apply an advanced body of knowledge in a range of contexts for professional practice or scholarship and as a pathway for further learning.

KNOWLEDGE

Graduates of the Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Coursework) will have:

• an advanced body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in criminology and criminal justice and related policy environments
• knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to criminology and criminal justice.

SKILLS

Graduates of the Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Coursework) will have:

• cognitive skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on criminological theory and professional practice
• cognitive and technical skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex crime-related problems, concepts and theories and to apply established criminological theories to different bodies of knowledge or operational practice in criminal justice agencies
• cognitive and technical skills to generate and evaluate complex contemporary crime and criminal justice ideas and concepts at an abstract level
• communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to key stakeholder groups in the criminal justice system
• technical and communication skills to theorise, design, analyse and evaluate about evidence based policies that contribute to criminal justice system practice or scholarship.

APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Graduates of the Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Coursework) will demonstrate the application of knowledge & skills:

• (with initiative) to new situations in professional criminal justice system practice and/or for further learning
• with high level personal autonomy and accountability
• to plan and execute a substantial research-based project and/or piece of scholarship.

Griffith Learning Outcomes.pdf 115KB

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

• Hold a three-year bachelor degree in a related discipline from a recognised tertiary institution with a minimum GPA of 4.0 (on a 7-point scale)
• OR hold a Graduate Certificate of Criminology and Criminal Justice with a minimum GPA of 4.0 (on a 7-point scale).
• A degree equivalent to the discipline of criminology and criminal justice would be one that focused on criminal justice issues, had research methods training and has theory subjects applicable to criminological studies.

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.

Recommended Study Pattern

Students must complete 11 subjects (10 single subjects and one double subject) to complete this degree.

Award Requirements

To be eligible for the award of Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice (MCCJ), a student must acquire 120 credit points as prescribed below:

• gain 70 credit points (6 core subjects including double subject CCJ747 Independent Project) and
• gain 50 credit points (5 elective subjects).
• from 2016 the maximum period for completing this program is 4 years

Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Criminology must complete the following subjects in the Masters program and one of the listed electives.

• CCJ744 Advanced Criminological Theories          
• CCJ736 Quantitative Skills for Criminologists      
• CCJ737 Qualitative Skills for Criminologists         
• CCJ722 Research and Evaluation Methods         
• CCJ740 Justice and Crime           
• CCJ747 Individual Project

Choose your subjects

Electives

Students are now required to complete 5 electives. 

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

Changes in 2019

Core Subjects
CCJ746 has been retired, reducing the total number of core subjects to 6.

Electives
Students are now required to complete 5 electives to meet the award requirements.

Students who have completed CCJ746 do not need to complete any additional electives.