Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice majoring in Gender and Sexuality Studies

Undergraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City Campus

Duration

3 year(s) full-time

Program code

BCRIM

Study as

Full time or part time

Indicative annual fees

Commonwealth Supported

Non-tuition fees

SATAC code

ABP147

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

Entry scores

2025 CUT-OFFS Guaranteed entry score (ATAR-based):70 Guaranteed entry score (Grades-based):B,B,B

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program.

Work and life experience

Completion of an Adelaide University approved enabling, pathway or bridging program; OR
A competitive result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT); OR
Qualify for special entry.

Note:

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.

Why Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice?

Why are the majority of violent crimes in Australia committed by men? Why are women more likely to be killed by an intimate partner or family member than men? Why are men more likely to reoffend than women?

Our Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice prepares you to think critically about crime and the criminal justice sector. Develop an understanding on the complex causes and nature of crime. Contribute to key discussions on criminal behaviour and societal responses. Understand the impact of crime on society – and learn how to develop strategies for effective interventions.

With a Major in Gender and Sexuality Studies, you’ll explore gender and sexuality within social contexts. You will consider these factors in understanding the causes of criminal behaviour, victimisation and criminal justice responses. Your knowledge will empower you to dismantle gender and sexuality inequalities.

Overview

The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice majoring in Gender and Sexuality Studies will provide you with a deep understanding of how society is organised in relation to gender and sexuality, and how these identities interact within the context of criminal justice.

You’ll consider how gender and sexuality are linked to power, privilege and inequality, and explore contemporary issues ranging from the gender pay gap to body image. You’ll build knowledge of Australian criminal law, policing, corrections and the justice system.

Learning from research active academic staff, you’ll develop highly transferable skills across communications, research, analysis and critical thinking. A practical or research-based internship in your final year will guide and focus your career aspirations. As a graduate, you’ll be ready to make an impact in the fields of criminology, policy, advocacy and community support.

What you'll learn

In the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice majoring in Gender and Sexuality Studies at Adelaide University you’ll examine how gender and sexuality shape society and life experiences while building a solid understanding of crime and justice within Australia and globally.

Your first year will provide you with an introduction to criminal justice and criminal issues in Australia. You’ll consider how gender and sexuality influences experiences of work, health, relationships and recreation. You’ll take a critical approach to gender, sexuality and race in the context of the criminal justice system and explore pathways into crime and deviance.

In your second year, you’ll unpack gender and sexuality representations in society and culture and explore how concepts of race, gender and sexuality are defined within different contexts. You’ll look at how these identities are constructed across cultures and learn how dominant ideas of gender and sexuality are communicated, enforced and resisted. You’ll take a deeper look at crime control, policing and corrections within Australia.

Your final year will develop your working knowledge of criminal law and processes. You’ll tackle more complex topics surrounding gender and sexuality including human rights issues, health inequities and the impacts of digital technologies on these identity constructs within contemporary society. You’ll also have the opportunity undertake a research based or practical internship within an area of your interest.

Your career aspirations will be guided and developed throughout your degree culminating in a practical or research-based internship during your third year in an area of your interest.

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 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 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 Beyond Pink and Blue: Genders and Sexualities in the Contemporary World	Course code SOCI1201	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	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 Gender and Crime: Sex, Violence and Justice	Course code SOCI1202	Units 6
	Course name Core course	Course code -	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
	Course name Core course	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 Gender, Sexuality and Everyday Cultures	Course code SOCI2203	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Penology and Corrections	Course code CRIM2001	Units 6
	Course name Gender, Sexuality and Race: Intersectionality and Coloniality	Course code SOCI2202	Units 6
	Course name Gender, Work and Intimate Life	Course code SOCI2201	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
Year 3
Semester 1
	Course name Core course	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 Gender, Sexuality and Human Rights	Course code SOCI3201	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Criminal Law and Criminal Process	Course code LAWS3004	Units 6
	Course name Medicine, Genders and Sexualities	Course code SOCI3202	Units 6
	Course name Contemporary Theories of Genders and Sexualities in the Digital Age	Course code SOCI3203	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6

Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Beyond Pink and Blue: Genders and Sexualities in the Contemporary World	Course code SOCI1201	Units 6
Course name Gender and Crime: Sex, Violence and Justice	Course code SOCI1202	Units 6
Course name Gender, Work and Intimate Life	Course code SOCI2201	Units 6
Course name Gender, Sexuality and Race: Intersectionality and Coloniality	Course code SOCI2202	Units 6
Course name Gender, Sexuality and Everyday Cultures	Course code SOCI2203	Units 6
Course name Gender, Sexuality and Human Rights	Course code SOCI3201	Units 6
Course name Medicine, Genders and Sexuality	Course code SOCI3202	Units 6
Course name Contemporary Theories of Genders and Sexualities in the Digital Age	Course code SOCI3203	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 Beyond Pink and Blue: Genders and Sexualities in the Contemporary World	Course code SOCI1201	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	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 Gender and Crime: Sex, Violence and Justice	Course code SOCI1202	Units 6
	Course name Core course	Course code -	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
	Course name Core course	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 Gender, Sexuality and Everyday Cultures	Course code SOCI2203	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Penology and Corrections	Course code CRIM2001	Units 6
	Course name Gender, Sexuality and Race: Intersectionality and Coloniality	Course code SOCI2202	Units 6
	Course name Gender, Work and Intimate Life	Course code SOCI2201	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
Year 3
Semester 1
	Course name Core course	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 Gender, Sexuality and Human Rights	Course code SOCI3201	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Criminal Law and Criminal Process	Course code LAWS3004	Units 6
	Course name Medicine, Genders and Sexualities	Course code SOCI3202	Units 6
	Course name Contemporary Theories of Genders and Sexualities in the Digital Age	Course code SOCI3203	Units 6
	Course name Elective	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 Beyond Pink and Blue: Genders and Sexualities in the Contemporary World	Course code SOCI1201	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	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 Gender and Crime: Sex, Violence and Justice	Course code SOCI1202	Units 6
	Course name Core course	Course code -	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
	Course name Core course	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 Gender, Sexuality and Everyday Cultures	Course code SOCI2203	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Penology and Corrections	Course code CRIM2001	Units 6
	Course name Gender, Sexuality and Race: Intersectionality and Coloniality	Course code SOCI2202	Units 6
	Course name Gender, Work and Intimate Life	Course code SOCI2201	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
Year 3
Semester 1
	Course name Core course	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 Gender, Sexuality and Human Rights	Course code SOCI3201	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Criminal Law and Criminal Process	Course code LAWS3004	Units 6
	Course name Medicine, Genders and Sexualities	Course code SOCI3202	Units 6
	Course name Contemporary Theories of Genders and Sexualities in the Digital Age	Course code SOCI3203	Units 6
	Course name Elective	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 Beyond Pink and Blue: Genders and Sexualities in the Contemporary World	Course code SOCI1201	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	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 Gender and Crime: Sex, Violence and Justice	Course code SOCI1202	Units 6
	Course name Core course	Course code -	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
	Course name Core course	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 Gender, Sexuality and Everyday Cultures	Course code SOCI2203	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Penology and Corrections	Course code CRIM2001	Units 6
	Course name Gender, Sexuality and Race: Intersectionality and Coloniality	Course code SOCI2202	Units 6
	Course name Gender, Work and Intimate Life	Course code SOCI2201	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
Year 3
Semester 1
	Course name Core course	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 Gender, Sexuality and Human Rights	Course code SOCI3201	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Criminal Law and Criminal Process	Course code LAWS3004	Units 6
	Course name Medicine, Genders and Sexualities	Course code SOCI3202	Units 6
	Course name Contemporary Theories of Genders and Sexualities in the Digital Age	Course code SOCI3203	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6

Career outcomes

Combining a specialised knowledge of criminology and criminal justice alongside gender and sexuality issues will open unique career opportunities. The broad skills developed throughout your studies within research, communications and critical thinking will be sought after by a range of employers and are transferable between industries. Graduates of this degree will be well positioned to pursue roles that require a nuanced understanding of socio-cultural issues. Maybe you will be a policy analyst, developing and accessing policies in relation to gender equality, sexual orientation and criminal justice issues. Perhaps you will work as a community outreach coordinator, educating communities about gender and sexuality through programs.

You might also work in the following sectors:

Policing
Security and intelligence
Correctional services
Court administration
Parliamentary advising
Crime analysis
Advocacy
Community outreach
Policy development/analysis
Research.

Industry trends

As awareness of issues such as gender-based violence and movements such as #MeToo expand, the demand for professionals with an understanding of criminology, gender and sexuality will continue to grow. Demand is expected to grow by up to 25% over the coming years for professionals within roles such as case management, community work and probation/parole support, which are particularly suited to graduates of this degree (Seek Career Insights).

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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.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

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.

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Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice majoring in Gender and Sexuality Studies