Why Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice?
Think big and change the world.
From individuals to institutions and everything in between, you’ll learn how societies are shaped and changed, and you’ll be equipped to think critically about crime and criminal justice. Applying theory to reality, your sociological knowledge will empower you to contribute to pressing social issues like improved crime prevention and rehabilitation strategies. You’ll gain insights into Australian criminal law and understand how social norms and inequities influence experiences within the criminal justice system.
Alongside specialised sociology and criminology knowledge you’ll develop essential communications, research, analysis and critical thinking skills. You’ll graduate as a sought after catalyst for positive social change.
Overview
The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice majoring in Sociology will develop your understanding of sociological concepts, theories and issues to complement your growing knowledge of criminology and criminal justice.
You’ll explore contemporary criminal justice issues, crime control and corrections and build a solid understanding of Australian criminal law. You’ll learn to apply sociological perspectives to complex social challenges and consider the significance of social difference and inequalities.
Learning from criminology and sociology experts you’ll develop specialised knowledge alongside broad and transferable skills in research, communications and critical thinking. A practical or research-based internship in your final year will guide and focus your career aspirations. You’ll graduate well positioned to pursue a range of opportunities within the areas of justice, advocacy and criminology.
Key features
Investigate causes of crime and deviance. - Understand the dynamics of societies and social norms.
- Build core knowledge of Australian criminal law, policing and the justice system.
- Learn from research active teaching staff.
- Develop in-demand transferable skills in research, communications and critical thinking.
- Get work-ready through an internship in an area of interest.
What you'll learn
In the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice majoring in Sociology at Adelaide University, you’ll explore the complexities of crime, justice and social inequalities and problems.
In your first year, you will build foundational knowledge of the criminal justice system and crime issues within Australia. You’ll develop an understanding of pathways into crime and consider how social inequities such as socio-economic status, race and gender impact crime and justice. Through practical and hands-on approaches, you’ll begin to develop the sociological skills and knowledge to shape solutions to social issues.
Building on the foundational knowledge of criminology and criminal justice, your second year will take a deeper look at crime control and punishment, and policing in Australia. You’ll further unpack social disadvantage and consider why such issues persist in contemporary society. You’ll take a big picture view of social theory and an analytic view of contemporary social crises.
In your final year you will explore the practical application of criminal law and policy decisions. You’ll dig into criminology issues and the conflicts of contemporary societies both locally and abroad. You’ll consider the impact of digital technologies on society and the social implications of technological change.
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.
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
The Remarkable Power of Society: An Introduction to Sociology
|
Course code
SOCI1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
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
Making Sense of Societies: Sociology in Practice
|
Course code
SOCI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Policing and Crime Control
|
Course code
CRIM2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Social Disadvantage in an Unequal World
|
Course code
SOCI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Think Big: Changing the World Through Social Theory
|
Course code
SOCI2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Penology and Corrections
|
Course code
CRIM2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Mediating Social Life
|
Course code
SOCI2005
|
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
The Social Life of Technology
|
Course code
POLI3005
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Criminal Law and Criminal Process
|
Course code
LAWS3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
What Tears Societies Apart
|
Course code
POLI3006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Imagining New Social Worlds
|
Course code
POLI3007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
The Social Life of Technology
|
Course code
POLI3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
What Tears Societies Apart
|
Course code
POLI3006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Imagining New Social Worlds
|
Course code
POLI3007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
The Remarkable Power of Society: An Introduction to Sociology
|
Course code
SOCI1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Making Sense of Societies: Sociology in Practice
|
Course code
SOCI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Social Disadvantage in an Unequal World
|
Course code
SOCI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Think Big: Changing the World Through Social Theory
|
Course code
SOCI2008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mediating Social Life
|
Course code
SOCI2005
|
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
The Remarkable Power of Society: An Introduction to Sociology
|
Course code
SOCI1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
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
Making Sense of Societies: Sociology in Practice
|
Course code
SOCI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Policing and Crime Control
|
Course code
CRIM2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Social Disadvantage in an Unequal World
|
Course code
SOCI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Think Big: Changing the World Through Social Theory
|
Course code
SOCI2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Penology and Corrections
|
Course code
CRIM2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Mediating Social Life
|
Course code
SOCI2005
|
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
The Social Life of Technology
|
Course code
POLI3005
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Criminal Law and Criminal Process
|
Course code
LAWS3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
What Tears Societies Apart
|
Course code
POLI3006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Imagining New Social Worlds
|
Course code
POLI3007
|
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
The Remarkable Power of Society: An Introduction to Sociology
|
Course code
SOCI1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
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
Making Sense of Societies: Sociology in Practice
|
Course code
SOCI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Policing and Crime Control
|
Course code
CRIM2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Social Disadvantage in an Unequal World
|
Course code
SOCI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Think Big: Changing the World Through Social Theory
|
Course code
SOCI2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Penology and Corrections
|
Course code
CRIM2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Mediating Social Life
|
Course code
SOCI2005
|
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
The Social Life of Technology
|
Course code
POLI3005
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Criminal Law and Criminal Process
|
Course code
LAWS3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
What Tears Societies Apart
|
Course code
POLI3006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Imagining New Social Worlds
|
Course code
POLI3007
|
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
The Remarkable Power of Society: An Introduction to Sociology
|
Course code
SOCI1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
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
Making Sense of Societies: Sociology in Practice
|
Course code
SOCI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Policing and Crime Control
|
Course code
CRIM2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Social Disadvantage in an Unequal World
|
Course code
SOCI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Think Big: Changing the World Through Social Theory
|
Course code
SOCI2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Penology and Corrections
|
Course code
CRIM2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Mediating Social Life
|
Course code
SOCI2005
|
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
The Social Life of Technology
|
Course code
POLI3005
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Criminal Law and Criminal Process
|
Course code
LAWS3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
What Tears Societies Apart
|
Course code
POLI3006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Imagining New Social Worlds
|
Course code
POLI3007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Through developing a deep understanding of criminological and sociological concepts, theories and issues you will be well prepared to operate compassionately and ethically within the complex criminal justice sector. Your knowledge of both criminology and sociology will empower you to develop innovative solutions and respond creatively in a rapidly evolving and diverse industry. You’ll be especially sought after by government departments and specialised advocacy and not-for-profit organisations. You could become a community outreach coordinator, helping develop programs to educate communities about crime prevention. Maybe you will be a Policy Analyst, evaluating the effectiveness of policies related to crime and justice.
Your broad skills in research, communications, analysis and critical thinking are highly transferable and in demand across a range of industries. You might work in the following sectors:
- Policing
- Security and intelligence
- Correctional services
- Court administration
- Parliamentary advising
- Crime analysis
- Advocacy
- Policy development/analysis
- Research.
Industry trends
As social welfare and diversity agendas continue to evolve within the government, not-for-profit and private sectors so will the need for skilled, knowledgeable and agile workers. Demand within roles such as case management, community support and criminology - which are particularly suited to graduates of this degree - are expected to grow by up to 25% over the coming years (Seek Career Insights).
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.
