Undergraduate Certificate of Criminal Justice and Criminology

During this program, students will learn:

1. Legal Theory: Develop an understanding of the principles of the Australian legal system, with a specific focus on how it responds to criminal offences.
2. Crime and Behaviour: Learn about the various sociological and psychological theories of crime and criminal behaviour and how these theories influence policy responses.
3. Criminal Law and Procedure: Learn about the procedures of the Australian criminal justice system, evaluating relevant legislation to help deepen your understanding.

What is the Undergraduate Certificate of Criminal Justice and Criminology?

The Undergraduate Certificate of Criminal Justice and Criminology is a pathway qualification for those who want to begin a career in the field of criminology. 

This four-unit course introduces you to the major theoretical models of crime and teaches you how the Australian legal system is constructed. 

You’ll explore how this system responds to criminal offences, gaining insight into the processes and procedures involved in criminal cases. You’ll also have the opportunity to examine the sociological and psychological theories behind crime and criminal behaviour, building your understanding of what drives offending and the policies put in place to respond. 

After completing this qualification, you may be eligible to enrol in the Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology, dependent on your grade requirement, with credit received for your completed units.  

Who is this course for?

• Aspiring justice professionals: Those looking to build relevant foundational knowledge required to enter the justice sector.
• Students seeking a pathway into further study: For individuals who are interested in doing the Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology, but don’t want to commit to a full degree yet.
• Career changers exploring the justice sector: Professionals looking for a flexible, fully online qualification to formalise their interest in criminology and prepare for a move into justice-related roles.

How you’ll study

• The Undergraduate Certificate of Criminal Justice and Criminology runs across three Teaching Periods per year.
• Expected study load is between 8–10 hours per unit, per week.
• Set your own study pace by taking one or more units per Teaching Period.
• You’ll have 24/7 access to your online classroom, discussion boards, and learning content.
• Learning is delivered through interactive materials, including videos, quizzes, podcasts, diagrams, and written content.

Recommended study pattern

To be awarded the Undergraduate Certificate of Criminal Justice and Criminology you must complete four (4) units in total made up of:

Core units

Learning and Communicating for Innovative Business Practice (COM10011)

Introduction to Law (LAW10021)

Core options

You must complete two (2) of the following units:

Fundamentals of Criminology (CRI10002)

Fundamentals of Psychology (PSY10008)

Law and Social Science (LAW10022)

Criminal Law and Process (LAW10024)

Award requirements

To qualify for the award of Undergraduate Certificate of Criminal Justice and Criminology, students must complete 50 credit points comprising of:

• 2 Core units (25 credit points)
• 2 units of other studies (25 credit points) from the four available electives of your choice.

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

Indicative total fee $8,700

The amount shown here is 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.

Study on your own terms with this forward-thinking university.

It offers a wide range of study options, from pre-apprenticeships, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhDs, including online degrees with Open Universities Australia. Swinburne is known for career-oriented education and encouraging lifelong learning.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

19

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15

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

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for RPL.