Introduction to Criminology
UndergraduateMAQ-CRIX10012026
Course information for 2026 intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 15 Feb 2026
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 23 Feb 2026
- Price from
- $2,245
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Introduction to Criminology
About this subject
On successful completion, a student will be able to:
- Evaluate how societies come to define crime and the critical implications of such understandings on institutions of criminal justice.
- Identify and distinguish between key criminological theories and their practical implications.
- Analyse and demonstrate critical understanding of how social categories of gender, race and class impact experiences of crime and its responses.
- Locate and research different academic sources and express articulate judgement about their validity.
- Engage in informed criminological discussion with practitioners, academics and peers.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
When we think of crime, we often have a tacit, common sense understanding of what it is, who it targets and the practices it seeks to prevent. However, when we look at crime more closely it often eludes us. Crime is flexible and fluid, it changes upon variations of time and space as well as social context of power. As a discipline, criminology continually questions how and why societies define and respond to crime and approaches to punishment, examining in the process the ongoing legacy of colonisation and other forms of exclusion and marginalisation throughout society. This unit introduces the study of criminology, including a broad overview of key developments, theories and practical implications. The intention is to situate criminology, and its various strands, within its particular social, political and intellectual contexts and to outline some of the key approaches associated with the field. The unit does not arrive at a simple understanding of crime. Rather it seeks to locate and understand the reasons for crime within wider power relationships. This is to recognise that the study of crime is the study of power, injustice as well as social, cultural and economic marginalisation.
- Vlog task (group work) (25%)
- Poster design (35%)
- Major essay (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about Macquarie University.
Explore Macquarie courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 11
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 10
Entry requirements
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:
MAQ-PICX1030 (Not currently available)
Others
NCCW (2020 and onwards)
CRIM1001 Introduction to Criminology
PICT1030 Introduction to Criminology
PICX1030 Introduction to Criminology
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.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateMAQ-CRM-DEG
Single subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol 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.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.