Criminal justice courses
Help me choose a courseIntroduction to Criminal justice
If you want to get inside the criminal mind and shape a safer future in your community, then a criminal justice course is the place to start. You’ll learn about the intricacies of the Australian justice system so you can protect the rights of victims—and support the rehabilitation of offenders.
Scroll down to compare hundreds of online criminal justice courses from different universities, all in one place. These flexible study options make it easier to prepare for a career in law enforcement, corrections or human services, on your terms.
If you already work in the field, there are also short courses and postgraduate qualifications that can help take your career even further in areas like police investigations, digital forensics and financial crime.
Go on—see what’s possible. We’re here to help you enrol when you’re ready.
Explore criminal justice courses
Discover criminal justice courses
Online criminal justice subjects and short courses
UndergraduateUNE-CRIM101
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 23 Jun 2025
UndergraduateGRF-CCJ103
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 1 Sep 2025
Policing Investigations and Intelligence
UndergraduateUSA-JUST2013
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 22 Sep 2025
UndergraduateUND-LAWS2510
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Online criminal justice degrees
Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice
UndergraduateGRF-CCJ-DEG
Qualified criminology practitioners are in demand nationally
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Available majors
- Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Psychology, Criminology and Justice
UndergraduateECU-PCJ-DEG
Prepare for a fascinating career in the criminal justice system
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
Associate Degree of Criminology and Criminal Justice
UndergraduateUSQ-CCJ-ADG
Unlock entry to the criminal justice system
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 2 years full time or part time equivalent
UndergraduateLAT-CRM-DEG
Be a part of the solution to real-world social issues
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
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Criminal justice study FAQs
What will I learn in a criminal justice course?
You'll gain a broad understanding of the legal system and its role in maintaining order in society. Expect to cover topics such as:
- Criminology and criminal behaviour
- Policing, law enforcement practices and corrections
- Criminal law and the Australian legal system
- Crime prevention and rehabilitation
- Human rights ethics
Why should I study criminal justice?
If you have an interest in the criminal mind and how the justice system operates, then a criminal justice course could be the right fit for you. With the knowledge you gain, you will have the adaptability to move between a variety of rewarding, in-demand careers across law enforcement, corrections and community services.
Importantly, you can study with a sense of purpose, knowing you will go on to make a difference. You could work on crime prevention strategies in the community, advocate for the fair treatment of our most vulnerable within the legal system, or support the rehabilitation of offenders. The opportunities are endless.
What are the entry requirements for a criminal justice course?
Entry requirements for criminal justice courses vary depending on the level of study. Make sure you read the relevant course page carefully for more information.
If you don’t meet the entry requirements, we can help! You can get into certain criminal justice undergraduate degrees through us without needing an ATAR. You start with 2 to 4 single subjects instead, and then transition into the full degree from there.
Speak with us today about how to make this happen.
What career opportunities can I explore after completing a criminal justice course?
Earning a degree in criminal justice can open the door to a range of careers in law and order.
Opportunities you might pursue include:
- Police officer
- Detective
- Court support officer
- Corrections or probation officer
- Border security or customs officer
- Policy advisor
- Criminologist
- Youth justice worker
- Intelligence officer
How do I enrol?
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Apply now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
Please note that enquiries and applications for some courses are handled directly by the university. If this is the case, it will be indicated on the course listing page.
For more information about enrolment, read our online self-service enrolling instructions. If you get stuck at any time, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.
What if I’m not sure criminal justice is right for me?
You might be interested in one of these closely related study areas. They all lead to careers where you can push for a just society:
| I want to... | We recommend exploring... |
| delve deeper into the science and theory behind criminal behaviour | criminology courses |
| help others navigate the legal system | law courses |
| focus on the mental health of those involved in crime, including offenders and victims | psychology courses |
| advocate for vulnerable members of the community | social work courses |
Still not sure what path you’d like to take? You can book a chat with us to get personalised advice on your options.
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