The Science of Crime and Crime Prevention
UndergraduateUNE-CRIM3352026
Previously UNE-CRIM234
Course information for 2026 intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 22 Feb 2026
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 16 weeks
- Start dates
- 23 Feb 2026
- Price from
- $2,459
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
The Science of Crime and Crime Prevention
About this subject
Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- understand contemporary theories and scientific approaches within Crime Science and Crime Prevention, including their limitations, policy implications, and the ability to engage in informed debates that communicate coherent knowledge and ideas to others;
- demonstrate a range of skills for the practical application of Crime Science principles and crime prevention theory in organisational and community contexts;
- critically evaluate crime prevention projects and analyse factors influencing the adoption and implementation of scientifically informed crime prevention policies; and
- demonstrate autonomy and judgement through research, data analysis, and evidence-based strategies to understand and prevent crime.
- Topics will be available to enrolled students in the subjects Learning Management System site approximately one week prior to the commencement of the teaching period.
This subject was previously known as Crime Prevention.
This subject focuses on the scientific study of crime, centering on understanding crime itself rather than peripheral social factors.
In this subject, you will explore Crime Science—a discipline dedicated to examining the “who, what, where, and how” of criminal behaviour. By investigating patterns of offending, methods used, and the situational contexts in which crimes occur, you will gain insights into the factors that can be manipulated to prevent crime.
Through this lens, Crime Prevention is not an afterthought but a central goal, as you learn to apply scientific principles and evidence-based strategies to reduce crime in practical, impactful ways.
Assessment 1: Assignment - Concept Exploration. 1000 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1;
Assessment 2: Assignment - Crime Pattern Analysis. 1500 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes 2, 4;
Assessment 3: Assignment - Comprehensive Crime Prevention Strategy. 3000 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-4.
Assessment 4: Assignment - Reflective Participation. 500 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes 2.- Assessment 1: Concept Exploration. 1000 words. (10%)
- Assessment 2: Crime Pattern Analysis. 1500 words. (25%)
- Assessment 3: Comprehensive Crime Prevention Strategy. 3000 words. (55%)
- Assessment 4: Reflective Participation. 500 words. (10%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
The University of New England is the only Australian public university to be awarded the maximum 5 stars for Overall Experience by the Good Universities Guide, 13 years in a row. UNE has delivered distance education since 1955—that’s longer than any other Australian university. Perhaps that’s why students continue to rate UNE so highly for student satisfaction and teaching quality. With over 170 degrees offered online, and more than 22,000 students, UNE is an expert in online education.
Learn more about UNE.
Explore UNE courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 36
Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Elective
- UNE-CRM-DEG-2026 - Bachelor of Criminology
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
one of
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:
UNE-CRIM234 (Not currently available)
Others
Candidature in Bachelor of Criminology.
To enrol in this subject you will need to pass the Prerequisite/s. Please note as UNE results are released after the close of enrolment date, your enrolment into this subject will be withdrawn if you do not pass the prerequisite subject/s.
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Headphones or speakers (required to listen to lectures and other media). Headset, including microphone (highly recommended). Webcam (may be required for participation in virtual classrooms and/or media presentations).
- Software requirements - It is essential for students to have reliable internet access in order to participate in and complete your units, regardless of whether they contain an on campus attendance or intensive school component. For additional information please visit UNE Hardware Requirements: https://www.une.edu.au/current-students/support/it-services/hardware
- Other requirements -
Textbook requirements:
Textbook information is not available until approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the Teaching period.
Students are expected to purchase prescribed material.
Textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
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.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateUNE-CRM-DEG