Bachelor of Science (Criminology and Psychology)
Overview
Gain specialist skills in the disciplines of psychology and criminology in this course which offers a unique blend of criminology, psychology, sociology, law and forensic science units. You’ll explore the causes and consequences of crime and justice issues and how we can combat crime in our communities including technology-enabled crime, and learn how to provide case management for a range of client types. A unique feature of this course is the option to complete a research project or work placement as part of a capstone unit.
Gain specialist skills in psychology and criminology with this unique course that also features an accredited psychology degree.
Through this course, you will not only develop a broad knowledge of criminology and psychology, but also learn how to apply this knowledge in real-world situations. You will gain theoretical perspectives and an appreciation of the social and cultural contexts of criminological and psychological research and professional practice.
The course considers the psychology of crime, criminology theory and its practical application to criminal justice and its regulation. You will develop knowledge of the range of core scientific and research areas that make up each discipline, and an understanding of the methodologies and statistical techniques used by researchers for information gathering and analysis. You will learn how to engage in professional written and verbal communication and how to engage in research and professional practice in an ethical and culturally- and socially-responsive manner. You will have opportunities to explore applied and professional uses of criminology and psychology through activities such as crime scene analysis, criminal profiling and forensic interviewing.
The psychology component of the course is delivered in accordance with the foundational (Level one) competencies for three-year undergraduate psychology programs, as specified by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). You can complete further study through the CQUniversity one-year full-time (or part-time equivalent) Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) and then complete an accredited postgraduate course to gain registration as a psychologist.
Career Opportunities
The Bachelor of Science (Criminology and Psychology) prepares graduates for a career in criminal justice, police, customs, correction services and other law enforcement and regulatory agencies.
The degree is also relevant to a broad array of government departments such as prisons, probation and parole, court clerks, and investigators, as well as public and private security and investigation.
You may wish to undertake further study to qualify as a psychologist. The psychology aspects of the degree are also useful for careers that require a sound understanding of human behaviour, such as:
- Human resource management
- Rehabilitation
- Business management
- Teaching
- School guidance counselling
- Scientific research
- Public health
- Defence
- Special education
Structure & Availability
The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below.
Available Locations
Your Course
You must complete 24 units (144 credits):
- 1The core structure (24 units)
What You'll Study
In this course, you will study a total of 24 core units.
From the unit list below, you will complete the first 21 core units. You will then have the option to select three core units from the last five listed:
- CRIM11003 Indigenous Australians and the Criminal Justice System
- CRIM13008 Case Management Practice
- CRIM13007 Crimes of the Powerful
- CRIM13009 Criminal Ethnographies
- CRIM13005 Indigenous Justice
Click on a unit below to learn more.
Course Planner
To help you plan your studies and see which unit comes first, if one unit should be completed before another and when you will study each unit, check out our course planners.
Additional Information
Criminology Work Placement Capstone - CRIM13004
This capstone unit enables students to apply the theories, content knowledge and skills they have learned to a workplace environment. Student work should involve finding solutions to a problem in a regulatory agency, criminal justice agency, government or other organisation involved in the prevention or regulation of criminal activity. On successful completion of this unit students will be able to: 1. Apply skills and knowledge developed in the course to criminology practice in a regulatory agency, criminal justice agency, government or other organisation involved in the prevention or regulation of criminal activity. 2. Evaluate and report work placement experiences and assess personal and professional growth, strengths and weaknesses in: (a) intellectual development (integration, problem identification, critical thinking, problem solving and decision making), (b) social development (social skills, initiative and independence), and (c) professional development (technical skills, time management and verbal and written communication). 3. Reflect upon and describe the careers, roles, relationships, responsibilities and activities of people engaged in the practice of criminology in the workplace. 4. Reflect upon, evaluate and report enhanced knowledge of criminology gained as a result of participation in work placement and the nature of the environment that supported such learning.
If you have completed prior study relevant to units within this course, you may be eligible for credit for your past studies. Learn more about credit and recognition of prior learning.
Requirements
To Be Eligible
For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.
Student and Course Profiles
View the student and course profiles for this course and learn about CQU's Undergraduate Profile for Term 1, 2024 via our Institute Profile.
During Your Study
While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies.
Fees & Scholarships
Indicative First-Year Fee
The Indicative First-Year Fee is the approximate cost of enrolling in this course for one full-time academic year (eight units over two terms) for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and should be used as a guide only. Your actual fees may vary, depending on the units you select to study and your study load. Check the cost-per-unit spreadsheet available on our fees webpage for the approved unit fees. Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change. Understanding your fees.
Commonwealth Supported Places
This course has Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available, and as a domestic student, you'll be offered a CSP, provided you meet CSP eligibility requirements. CSPs are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees.
HECS-HELP Loan
You may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan if you are offered a CSP. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees.
Part of your course costs will include Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). SSAF is charged in addition to your student contribution or tuition fees and is used to help enhance your study experience. There may also be other costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations. Explore other study costs.
We believe a quality education can be for everyone – regardless of background, location, or life circumstances. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and bursaries that can give you a helping hand with a range of expenses and enhance your employability.
How to Apply
How to Apply
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
Your Application Options
Follow These Steps
Extra Admission Information
Prior to applying, take a look at important application dates and learn about our admission considerations, such as information for domestic students with overseas qualifications, indigenous support, and elite athlete, coach and performer support. You should also check out the adjustment schemes that might be available to you and how to access them. You can also explore our offer information to learn more about what happens after you've submitted an application and how to respond to an offer to study with CQU.
Applying for 2026
Applications for 2026 via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) open in April 2025.
More information will be available soon.
