Criminal psychology courses

Study what makes people think about, plan and commit crimes

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Introduction to Criminal psychology

Criminal psychology is the study of understanding what makes people act in antisocial ways. Studying criminal psychology online will give you the skills and knowledge to apply key psychological principles to criminals and their actions.

As well as giving insight into offenders and how they think, criminal psychology courses explore the impacts of criminal behaviour. You’ll get to learn about the theory and key principles of criminology, criminal justice studies and related law, and the sociological impacts on victims, offenders and their communities.

Explore online criminal psychology courses offered by leading universities to see the range of options available to you, whether you want to extend your existing knowledge by taking individual subjects, or work towards a full qualification. Our helpful team of student advisors can offer their advice on course entry requirements, flexible study arrangements and more.

Explore criminal psychology courses
criminology-and-criminal-justice-student-carmen-wells
Carmen studied a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice with Griffith University, through Open Universities Australia

Discover criminal psychology courses

Online criminal psychology subjects and short courses

Curtin University

PostgraduateCUR-PSB560

Understanding Victims and Offenders

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Starts 27 May 2024, 25 Nov 2024

University of South Australia

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Starts 16 Sep 2024

Curtin University

PostgraduateCUR-PSB540

Psychology and Policing

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Starts 26 Aug 2024

Online criminal psychology degrees

Edith Cowan University

Prepare for a fascinating career in the criminal justice system

Learn how to use psychology to understand criminal behaviour. Explore the theories of criminology and get to know the major institutions of criminal justice in Australia. Graduate ready for meaningful roles in justice, police, and human services.

100% online

3 years full time or part time equivalent

University of South Australia

Choose a career with a human touch

Explore the ways people act, think, react and relate to others. Examine cause and affects in behaviour and reveal human health consequences. Examine social policy and counsel communities. Choose to specialise in criminal justice or ageing and disability.

100% online

3 years full time or part time equivalent

Griffith University

Become a recognised forensic mental health specialist

Gain a broad knowledge of forensic mental health and its overlap with the criminal justice system and mental health services. For psychologists, social workers, nurses and psychiatrists to be able to practice at an advanced level.

100% online

6 months full time or part time equivalent

Study criminal psychology with leading Australian universities.

Explore criminal psychology courses

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Criminal psychology study FAQs

Student stories and study advice

Criminal psychology vs forensic psychology

Want to combine your passion for psychology with your interest in crime? Discover which of these career options is right for you.   

4 criminology careers that let you fight crime

Want a career in criminology, but not sure where to start? Here are four very different ways you can catch criminals and stop crime.

Delve into criminology with Griffith University

If you can't tear your eyes away from true crime shows, channel your passion for criminology into a degree, and make it your career.

Carmen’s Story – From a low ATAR to high-flyer in law enforcement

Like many high-schoolers, Carmen felt the pressure, but didn't perform like she'd expected. Her success today is because she refused to let a number define her.

We’re here to guide you to the right uni course

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Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation helping every Australian to access thousands of university courses.

Over 515,000 students have enrolled in university through us since 1993.

How we can help you

Studying through Open Universities Australia means we take care of the guesswork and administration of university study, so you can focus on learning.

You don't need a strong academic history to go to uni

We make it possible for everyone to start university through single subjects, regardless of ATAR or study experience. These subjects are covered by government loans, and can be used to upskill or gain entry into a qualification.

You have the flexibility to start at multiple points during the year

We’re not restricted by a traditional academic calendar, so you can enrol when it suits your life. You also have total control over how you study. You can scale up (or down) your study load and even pause your course if you need to.

You can rely on us as an unbiased destination for online tertiary education

As a not for profit, we have your best interests at heart. Our advisors are here 7 days a week to guide and support you. It’s our priority to get you qualified with the university of your choice.

Enrol in courses from 25 of Australia's leading universities

Macquarie University logoJames Cook University Australia logo
La Trobe University logoGriffith University logo
The University of Queensland logoThe University of Newcastle logo
The University of Notre Dame Australia logoCurtin University logo
University of New England logoTorrens University Australia logo
University of Adelaide logoBond University logo
University of Southern Queensland logoFlinders University logo
Australian National University logoUniversity of South Australia logo
Edith Cowan University logoUniversity of Tasmania logo
Southern Cross University logoSwinburne University logo
Australian Catholic University logoRMIT University logo
Charles Sturt University logoUniversity of the Sunshine Coast logo
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