Master of Criminology

On successful completion, you will be able to:

1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the social, political, economic, and historical factors that have influenced crime, deviance, justice, and social control from an Australian and transnational perspective.
2. Critically analyse and apply criminological and sociological theories and concepts, incorporating Indigenous knowledge and an ecological consciousness, to better understand the social, cultural, and historical contexts surrounding crime and justice.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in social scientific research, including research design, methods, analysis, interpretation, and an appreciation for the diverse of approaches found within critical scholarship.
4. Evaluate the impact of colonisation on the historical configuration of the criminal justice system as well as its ongoing contribution to the perpetuation of social inequality.
5. Recognise and uphold the importance of ethical standards in conducting criminological research, analysis, and policy formation.
6. Effectively communicate coherent arguments, critical thought, and applied policy responses to various audiences, including academics, professionals, and fellow students, using a variety of communication mediums.

Criminology at Macquarie University embraces a philosophy that revolves around fostering a critical understanding of crime and challenging commonly held assumptions regarding the causes, consequences, and approaches to crime control. Our programme offers a distinct interdisciplinary curriculum to provide an enriched perspective on the systems of power and inequality that shape the landscape of our criminal justice system. Throughout their studies, students will develop theoretical and methodological skills that empower them to critically evaluate and analyse systemic harm, inequality and injustice. Moreover, through collaboration with professional and governmental organisations, they will explore profound questions such as the nature of crime, the targets of criminal justice intervention, the perpetuation of injustice and inequality and the complex dynamics that increasingly exist between environmental security, justice and crime. This education will empower students to think innovatively and ethically when addressing the persistent challenges of crime, deviance and harm, with a critical focus on power and environmental security, whether they choose to pursue further education, engage in research, or enter the workforce.

Recommended study pattern

Master of Criminology students must complete eight or twelve subjects as required per the degree structure at the time of admission.

Please note: It is not recommended to enrol in more than 2 subjects per Session

Core Zone

Essential subjects: 60 credit points

• PICX8012 Critical Thought & Research Design
• PICX8003 Emerging Topics in Security Studies
• PICX8042 Crime, Inequality and Social Justice
• PICX8062 The Crimes of the Powerful
• PICX8088 Advanced Criminology Theory
• PICX8089 Crime and Social Policy

Core Zone

Elective subjects

Option set 1: 10 credit points from:

• PICX8950 Crisis Simulation
• PICX8047 Supervised Project in Security Studies

Option set 2: 10 credit points from:

• PICX8020 Advanced Terrorism Studies
• PICX8045 Intelligence: Theory and Practice
• PICX8921 Australia's Strategic and Defence Policy
• PICX8080 Cyber Conflict, Cyber Espionage and Information Warfare

Flexible Zone

Option set 1: 40 credit points from:

• PICX8013 History of Intelligence
• PICX8020 Advanced Terrorism Studies
• PICX8037 Choosing Terror: Pathways into Terrorism
• PICX8040 Cyber Crime and Cyber Policing
• PICX8045 Intelligence: Theory and Practice
• PICX8061 Peace Operations
• PICX8080 Cyber Conflict, Cyber Espionage and Information Warfare
• PICX8921 Australia's Strategic and Defence Policy

Total Credit points: 120

Award requirements

To qualify for the award of Master of Criminology students must complete eight or twelve subjects as required. Students must complete the essential subjects as indicated in the degree structure.

On completion of admission you are bound by the University Terms and Conditions and must comply with present and future By-laws, Rules, Codes, and Policies, Procedures and Schedules of Macquarie University

Students who did not commence their program in the current year are required to follow the program structure provided to them at the time of admission.

Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.

This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.

• Core Zone: Essential Subjects

• Core Zone: Elective Subjects Optional Set 1

• Core Zone: Elective Subjects Optional Set 2

• Flexible Zone: Optional Set 1

Applications are due the Friday two weeks prior to the close of enrolment date for the study session you are applying for.

Please note:

Once you have been admitted into your degree, you must enrol in at least one subject in the study term immediately following admission, and you must remain enrolled past the census date. If not, your admission will lapse and you will need to re-apply for the degree again. Deferment is not available for OUA students.

Visit Studying a degree through OUA for further information.

Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy will not be permitted to register in Macquarie University degrees offered through OUA. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.

Students who complete their studies and submit the I Expect to Complete form via ask.mq.edu.au in Semester 1 may be able to graduate at the following September ceremony. Students who complete and submit the form in Semester 2 may be able to graduate at the following April ceremony.

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

Indicative total fee $33,240

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.

This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about Macquarie University.

Explore Macquarie courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

11

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

10

Depending on your prior qualifications, work experience, or other recognised prior learning, you may qualify for entry to the course at one of the admission points below. 

Each admission point requires the completion of some or all of the course's zones (see Course Structure) which will affect the overall duration of the course.

Core and Flexible Zones

• AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent, or
• AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent, and approved work experience, professional certification or other recognised prior learning, or
• AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 65

Core Zone

• AQF level 8 bachelor honours or graduate diploma qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent, or
• Meet two of the following three criteria:
  • AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent
  • Minimum two years relevant approved work experience at a senior management level, professional certification or other recognised prior learning.

AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 65

Related Disciplines For Prior Qualifications:

• Social Sciences
• Humanities.

Relevant Prior Work Experience, Professional Certification, Or Other Recognised Learning

Police Force, Customs/Border Force and Law (Seniority: Police – Senior Sergeant (equiv) or above, Public Service APS 5 (equiv) or above.)

The required standard of English for this program is:

Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in each band, or equivalent.

All applicants to coursework programs at Macquarie University are required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. 

For more information on accepted equivalents, please see English Language Requirements.

You may be eligible for credit against individual subjects in your degree at Macquarie if you have additional postgraduate-level study or qualifications beyond those required for admission.

For more information see our Recognition of Prior Learning page or submit an enquiry.