Criminal psychology courses

Discover why people plan, commit and think about crime

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Introduction to Criminal psychology

A criminal psychology degree will teach you to understand why people make antisocial choices. You’ll learn how to apply key psychological principles to the actions of criminals, while analysing the why, what, how and when behind their decisions.

While criminal psychology is centred on offenders and how they think, you’ll also explore the consequences of criminal behaviour. Expect to cover theory and key principles associated with criminology, justice studies and related law, ensuring you graduate with a well-rounded and multidisciplinary understanding of human behaviour, crime and criminal profiling.
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 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

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

Curtin University

For justice and health professionals interested in psychology

See how psychology interacts with the legal and criminal justice system. Explore the connections between crime and mental health. Deepen your understanding of victims and offenders. Apply your knowledge of human behaviour to real world settings.


100% online

6 months 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

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 Nov 2023

University of South Australia

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Curtin University

PostgraduateCUR-PSB540

Psychology and Policing


100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Discover 23 ways to study criminal psychology with leading Australian universities.

Explore criminal psychology courses

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Criminal psychology study FAQs

How to study criminal psychology

We recommend potential students begin their studies with a Bachelor Degree, unless they have existing experience in a similar or related field. Find out more about claiming credit for past experience here.

Once you've established a firm foundation in criminal psychology, you'll need to go on to complete a Masters Degree or doctorate, depending on your chosen pathway.Generally, you can expect to spend seven-to-ten years studying criminal psychology before reaching a one-to-two-year supervised training period.

At this point, you’ll be qualified to receive your certification from the Psychology Board of Australia.

Should you study criminal psychology?

While critical thinking and incisive analysis are silent requirements for jobs in criminal psychology, successful criminal psychology course graduates often decide to focus on helping law enforcement, courts and legal teams understand why people commit crimes.

Interested in exploring crime from the victim’s point of view? Specialise in victimology and learn about the psychological impacts of crime.

Study criminal psychology Australia wide

When you study online through Open Universities Australia, you can access top universities from across the country.

Not only will we help you find and enrol in the right criminal psychology course, but we’ll also give you the power to control your whole study timetable, so you can step forward in your career without losing out on life.

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Enrol in courses from 27 of Australia's leading universities

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