Why Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice?
Examine our criminal justice system through an anthropological perspective. Investigate the impact of crime on society.
In diverse societies it is essential to know what drives us. Why do people commit crime? What systems are in place to reduce harm? Does our culture play a part in our behaviour?
Explore the underlying factors that influence our actions as humans. Gain a holistic view of crime, the criminal justice system and human cultures. Graduate with a comprehensive understanding of how societies and cultures define, interpret and respond to criminal behaviour.
Overview
The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice majoring in Anthropology is an interdisciplinary degree that dives into what it means to be human in the context of crime and criminal justice.
Contribute to broad discussions on criminal behaviour and societal responses. Examine the way agencies coordinate to detect crime and support victims. Unpack ethical issues using anthropological research methods. You’ll discover meaningful ways to make a difference in your community and contribute to the wellbeing of society.
Focus on applied learning activities to understand the causes and effects of crime. Develop new processes to enhance systems and become an advocate for a more just society. Reflect on how cultural factors shape our law enforcement practices and justice systems.
Your learning will be informed by industry experts and current trends. Get equipped with valuable skills for careers in criminal justice, policy making, social services and research.
Key features
Gain a broad perspective of criminal behaviour and societies responses. - Enhance your knowledge of the causes, nature and impact of crime.
- Discover psychological, sociological and legal factors.
- Liaise with agencies and systems in place to minimise crime and its impact on society.
- Broaden your analytical and research skills guided by experts in the field.
- Apply anthropological concepts to real-world contexts through case studies.
What you'll learn
Enhance your understanding of crime and justice – with a contemporary anthropological perspective. Discover valuable insights into human behaviour, cultural influences on crime and the societal context of criminal justice systems.
You’ll apply a cross-cultural approach to identifying and solving problems relating to crime. You’ll develop essential skills required to advise on issues in criminology and make a lasting impact.
Broaden your knowledge of crime and the criminal justice system. Cover areas like policing, investigations, human rights, offender rehabilitation and practical justice applications. Understand the complex causes and nature of crime, its impact and strategies for intervention. You’ll also focus on emerging crime types and the inequalities that produce crime in Australia.
Your courses in anthropology will include topics such as:
- Identity and discrimination
- Violence and crime
- Health and medicine
- Life, death and culture.
Explore core themes in the anthropology of violence and crime. Engage in contemporary debates of the cross-cultural nature of life and death. Celebrate human diversity and our distinct identities and differences. Examine how emotions, mental health and language shape perception and altered consciousness across cultures.
Immerse yourself in the world of anthropology through experiential learning. You’ll use ethnographic case studies and hands-on exercises to investigate real-world issues.
Align your studies with career goals through mentoring and networking opportunities. You’ll also collaborate with communities through an industry internship and research projects.
You’ll also choose electives from wider Adelaide University disciplines including politics, sociology and geography.
Majors
The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice is also available with majors in the following:
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 66 units for Core courses, and
- 48 units for one Major from Majors, and
- 12 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 18 units for Electives
Complete 66 units comprising:
- 18 units for all Common core, and
- 48 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
UG Common Core 1
|
Course code
AUXX1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UG Common Core 2
|
Course code
AUXX2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UG Common Core 3
|
Course code
AUXX3000
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Criminal Justice
|
Course code
CRIM1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Research Methods in Criminology
|
Course code
CRIM1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Explaining Crime and Deviance
|
Course code
CRIM1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Crime Problems in Australia
|
Course code
LAWS1016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Policing and Crime Control
|
Course code
CRIM2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Penology and Corrections
|
Course code
CRIM2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Issues in Criminology
|
Course code
CRIM3000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Criminal Law and Criminal Process
|
Course code
LAWS3004
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Introduction to Criminal Justice
|
Course code
CRIM1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Crime Problems in Australia
|
Course code
LAWS1016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
People, Cultures, Societies: Doing Anthropology
|
Course code
ANTH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to International Development
|
Course code
POLI1007
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Research Methods in Criminology
|
Course code
CRIM1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Explaining Crime and Deviance
|
Course code
CRIM1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Policing and Crime Control
|
Course code
CRIM2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Penology and Corrections
|
Course code
CRIM2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Issues in Criminology
|
Course code
CRIM3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Criminology and Criminal Justice Internship
|
Course code
CRIM3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Criminal Law and Criminal Process
|
Course code
LAWS3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Visual and Media Anthropology
|
Course code
ANTH3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 48 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
People, Cultures, Societies: Doing Anthropology
|
Course code
ANTH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Anthropology of Violence and Crime
|
Course code
ANTH2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Identity and Discrimination
|
Course code
ANTH2006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Subculture to Pop Culture: Fans, Fashion & Music
|
Course code
ANTH2007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Life, Death and Culture
|
Course code
ANTH2008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Anthropology of Emotion, Mind and Person
|
Course code
ANTH3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Anthropology of Health and Medicine
|
Course code
ANTH3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Visual and Media Anthropology
|
Course code
ANTH3003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to International Development
|
Course code
POLI1007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Empowerment, Gender and Community Development
|
Course code
POLI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Humanitarian Emergencies, Aid and Action
|
Course code
POLI2006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Qualitative Research Methods in Social Sciences
|
Course code
SOCI3006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Criminal Justice
|
Course code
CRIM1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Crime Problems in Australia
|
Course code
LAWS1016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
People, Cultures, Societies: Doing Anthropology
|
Course code
ANTH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to International Development
|
Course code
POLI1007
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Research Methods in Criminology
|
Course code
CRIM1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Explaining Crime and Deviance
|
Course code
CRIM1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Policing and Crime Control
|
Course code
CRIM2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Penology and Corrections
|
Course code
CRIM2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Issues in Criminology
|
Course code
CRIM3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Criminology and Criminal Justice Internship
|
Course code
CRIM3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Criminal Law and Criminal Process
|
Course code
LAWS3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Visual and Media Anthropology
|
Course code
ANTH3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Criminology and Criminal Justice Internship
|
Course code
CRIM3003
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Criminal Justice
|
Course code
CRIM1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Crime Problems in Australia
|
Course code
LAWS1016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
People, Cultures, Societies: Doing Anthropology
|
Course code
ANTH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to International Development
|
Course code
POLI1007
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Research Methods in Criminology
|
Course code
CRIM1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Explaining Crime and Deviance
|
Course code
CRIM1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Policing and Crime Control
|
Course code
CRIM2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Penology and Corrections
|
Course code
CRIM2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Issues in Criminology
|
Course code
CRIM3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Criminology and Criminal Justice Internship
|
Course code
CRIM3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Criminal Law and Criminal Process
|
Course code
LAWS3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Visual and Media Anthropology
|
Course code
ANTH3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 18 units comprising:
- 18 units from University-wide electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Criminal Justice
|
Course code
CRIM1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Crime Problems in Australia
|
Course code
LAWS1016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
People, Cultures, Societies: Doing Anthropology
|
Course code
ANTH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to International Development
|
Course code
POLI1007
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Research Methods in Criminology
|
Course code
CRIM1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Explaining Crime and Deviance
|
Course code
CRIM1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Policing and Crime Control
|
Course code
CRIM2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Penology and Corrections
|
Course code
CRIM2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Issues in Criminology
|
Course code
CRIM3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Criminology and Criminal Justice Internship
|
Course code
CRIM3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Criminal Law and Criminal Process
|
Course code
LAWS3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Visual and Media Anthropology
|
Course code
ANTH3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Turn your passion into advocacy with Adelaide University. Stand up for human rights and social justice. Be at the forefront of systemic policy change and action. Understand diverse cultural perspectives and social practices to navigate the justice system.
You can pursue diverse roles in government agencies, law enforcement, intelligence, social welfare, research, rehabilitation, corrections and not-for-profits.
Careers to consider include:
- Criminologist
- Policy adviser
- Intelligence and policy analyst
- Anthropologist
- Consultant.
Industry trends
The unique combination of criminology, criminal justice and anthropology provides a strong foundation for various roles in the criminal justice system and related fields. There’s an increasing demand for interdisciplinary perspectives to examine criminal behaviour and justice systems.
A background in these fields is an asset in the current industry landscape. You’ll provide expert insight on the cultural factors that influence our crime and justice systems. Your specialised research skills will enhance our understanding of crime and justice within diverse cultural contexts.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
