Understanding Victims and Offenders
PostgraduateCUR-PSB560C2020
Course information for 2020 intake
Understand why some people are more likely to commit particular crimes than others, and why certain citizens are more likely to be victims of these crimes. Cover sexual crimes, violent crimes and family violence in particular.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Understanding Victims and Offenders
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- critically assess theories and psychological knowledge concerning victim and offender sub-types
- explain the dynamics of particular forms of serious offending
- describe the methodological challenges associated with research into victims and offenders.
- Serial offenders
- Serial victims
- Sexual crimes
- Violent crimes
- Family violence
- Stalking
- Young offenders
- Risk assessment
- Recidivism
Some people are more likely to commit particular crimes than are other people. Some people are more likely to become victims of crime than are other people. This subject of study explores variables that relate to victims and offenders. Serial victims and serial offenders are examined. Sexual crimes, violent crimes and family violence will be spotlighted and evidence relevant to victims, offenders and the decisions that they make will be assessed. Students will explore the methodological challenges associated with researching victims and offenders, and consider how the research evidence can translate to good practice within criminal justice contexts.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.
- Written assignment (50%)
- Examination (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
Learn more about Curtin University.
Explore Curtin courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 13
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 14
Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Prior study
You must either have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject, or enrol in the following subject(s) to study at the same time or prior to this subject:
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.