Why Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice?
Do you see social inequality and want to change it? Gain the skills and knowledge to solve contemporary social problems.
Our Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice equips you to think critically about crime and the criminal justice sector. You’ll be empowered to actively contribute to key discussions on criminal behaviour and societal response. You’ll develop an understanding on the complex causes and nature of crime, it’s impact on society and strategies for intervention.
In your Social Research and Policy Analysis major, strengthen your skills and understanding of applied social research methods, data analytics, policy development and evaluation. You’ll explore diverse methodologies in policy design and evaluation alongside conceptual frameworks. You won’t just learn how to analyse the problem, but how change it.
Overview
Explore the social and behavioural science of criminology. Examine contemporary criminal justice issues in Australia. Be informed by the latest thinking and most up-to-date developments in criminology and criminal justice. Study the key principles of criminal law and procedures including criminal responsibility, defences, bail and evidence and the links to policing, punishment and victimisation.
Develop your understanding of research methods to inform policy design and analysis. Investigate different ways of doing research, including how to design ethical studies that address pressing criminal justice challenges. Build your analytical skills and apply them to real-life problems in applied social research.
Build your understanding of topical social problems and how policymakers can work to address these by incorporating research and evidence. Gain a comprehensive understanding of how to analyse, track and measure the impact of policy interventions.
Key features
Investigate causes of crime and deviance. - Explore policing and crime prevention techniques.
- Diversify your skillset by studying criminology and criminal justice with a major in social research and policy analysis.
- Develop an in-depth understanding of policy making and practice.
- Learn from world-leading academics.
- Graduate career ready by completing an industry placement with a partner organisation.
What you'll learn
With our Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice majoring in Social Research and Policy Analysis, you’ll learn about the major institutions in the criminal justice system including the role of government agencies and social organisations in developing policies and practices of punishment.
You’ll focus on current sector issues and contemporary approaches to practice, graduating with specialised knowledge in:
- Criminal justice
- Crime problems in Australia
- Research methods in criminology
- Contemporary social problems
- How policy and evidence can make positive social change
- Police investigations and intelligence.
In your first year, you’ll be introduced to key concepts in criminology and criminal justice, crime problems in Australia and research methods before examining contemporary social problems.
Your second year will focus on policing crime, punishment and crime control, and research methods in the social sciences. .
In your final year, study contemporary issues in criminology and policy solutions to address real-world problems. You’ll develop analytical techniques to measure impacts of policy intervention before completing an internship where you’ll explore career pathways linked to your interests and expertise via mentoring and networking experiences with one or more partner organisations.
Majors
The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice is also available with majors in:
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
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Criminal Justice
|
Course code
CRIM1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Crime Problems in Australia
|
Course code
LAWS1016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
The Anatomy of Social Problems: Social Critique and Policy
|
Course code
SOCI1006
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
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
Making Sense of Societies: Sociology in Practice
|
Course code
SOCI1001
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
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
Qualitative Methods in Social Research
|
Course code
SOCI2100
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Quantitative Methods in Social Research
|
Course code
SOCI2101
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Penology and Corrections
|
Course code
CRIM2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Principles of Social Policy
|
Course code
POLI2003
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
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
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Criminal Law and Criminal Process
|
Course code
LAWS3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Policy Monitoring and Evaluation
|
Course code
POLI3009
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 48 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Using Big Data for Economic and Social Problems
|
Course code
ECON1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Principles of Social Policy
|
Course code
POLI2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Policy Solutions for Equitable Futures
|
Course code
POLI3008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Policy Monitoring and Evaluation
|
Course code
POLI3009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Choices, Models, and Morals
|
Course code
POLI3010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Making Sense of Societies: Sociology in Practice
|
Course code
SOCI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
The Anatomy of Social Problems: Social Critique and Policy
|
Course code
SOCI1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Qualitative Methods in Social Research
|
Course code
SOCI2100
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Quantitative Methods in Social Research
|
Course code
SOCI2101
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introductory Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
|
Course code
SOCI2301
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Criminal Justice
|
Course code
CRIM1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Crime Problems in Australia
|
Course code
LAWS1016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
The Anatomy of Social Problems: Social Critique and Policy
|
Course code
SOCI1006
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
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
Making Sense of Societies: Sociology in Practice
|
Course code
SOCI1001
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
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
Qualitative Methods in Social Research
|
Course code
SOCI2100
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Quantitative Methods in Social Research
|
Course code
SOCI2101
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Penology and Corrections
|
Course code
CRIM2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Principles of Social Policy
|
Course code
POLI2003
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
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
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Criminal Law and Criminal Process
|
Course code
LAWS3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Policy Monitoring and Evaluation
|
Course code
POLI3009
|
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
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Criminal Justice
|
Course code
CRIM1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Crime Problems in Australia
|
Course code
LAWS1016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
The Anatomy of Social Problems: Social Critique and Policy
|
Course code
SOCI1006
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
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
Making Sense of Societies: Sociology in Practice
|
Course code
SOCI1001
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
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
Qualitative Methods in Social Research
|
Course code
SOCI2100
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Quantitative Methods in Social Research
|
Course code
SOCI2101
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Penology and Corrections
|
Course code
CRIM2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Principles of Social Policy
|
Course code
POLI2003
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
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
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Criminal Law and Criminal Process
|
Course code
LAWS3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Policy Monitoring and Evaluation
|
Course code
POLI3009
|
Units
6
|
Complete 18 units comprising:
- 18 units from University-wide electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Criminal Justice
|
Course code
CRIM1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Crime Problems in Australia
|
Course code
LAWS1016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
The Anatomy of Social Problems: Social Critique and Policy
|
Course code
SOCI1006
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
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
Making Sense of Societies: Sociology in Practice
|
Course code
SOCI1001
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
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
Qualitative Methods in Social Research
|
Course code
SOCI2100
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Quantitative Methods in Social Research
|
Course code
SOCI2101
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Penology and Corrections
|
Course code
CRIM2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Principles of Social Policy
|
Course code
POLI2003
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
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
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Criminal Law and Criminal Process
|
Course code
LAWS3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Policy Monitoring and Evaluation
|
Course code
POLI3009
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
A degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice majoring in Social Research and Policy Analysis will expand your career options. It will position you well to pursue a range of career options across various sectors including policymaking, government, law enforcement and social services. You’ll be particularly sought after for advisory positions that understand and interpret social research and policies, and influence criminal justice reforms. Employers may include Commonwealth, state or local government agencies, training or service providers, as well as not-for-profit sectors. You could be a policy analyst, analysing and developing policies relevant to crime, justice and social issues. Maybe you will become a program evaluator evaluating the effectiveness of criminal justice programs and social services.
Other potential careers may include:
- Policing
- Security and intelligence
- Correctional services
- Court administration
- Parliamentary advising
- Crime analysis
- Policy development/analysis
- Research
- Data analysis.
Industry trends
The Australian public administration and safety sector is projected to grow by 92,300 persons from May 2024 to May 2034 (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024). There has never been a better time to enhance your skills or start a rewarding career in criminology and criminal justice.
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.
