From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be eligible for admission, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfill 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 from a recognised higher education institution.
English language entry requirements
In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.
- IELTS Overall 6.5
- IELTS Reading 6.0
- IELTS Listening 6.0
- IELTS Speaking 6.0
- IELTS Writing 6.0
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:
Equivalent English qualificationsInternational admissions by country
Country | Score |
---|---|
Australia – ATAR | 75 |
Bangladesh – Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) | 4.85 |
China – Gaokao | 65% |
Hong Kong – Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) | 17 |
India – CBSE and CISCE | 75 |
India – State Board Examinations | 85 |
Kenya – Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) | 8+ |
Malaysia – Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) | 2.78 |
Malaysia – United Entrance Certificate (UEC) | 20 |
Malaysia – Matrikulasi | 2.78 |
Singapore - Singapore GCE Advanced Levels | 8 |
Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels | 9 |
Vietnam – Year 12 - Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông | 8.00 |
Why Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice?
Are you fascinated by human behaviour? Do you want to understand and contribute to a safer society?
Criminologists collect and analyse data to understand where, when and why crimes occur. They look for patterns – and question systems. They develop crime prevention strategies and work to improve societal safety and justice.
In this eye-opening degree, you’ll learn how crime is shaped by social, psychological and economic factors – and how a career in criminology can make a difference.
Build the skills to advocate for a more just society. Grow intellectually, ethically and professionally. Pursue careers in crime analysis and research, policy development, community advocacy, crime prevention and safety, corrections, victim support or youth justice.
Overview
Our Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice prepares you to contribute to discourse on criminal behaviour and societal responses to it. You’ll explore the complex causes and nature of crime, and its impact on communities and intervention strategies. You’ll investigate why people commit crimes as well as the impact of crime on victims and society. Understand the process of investigating and prosecuting crime – and how cultural and political values shape laws and punishments.
You’ll study courses in criminology, law and sociology, and see how structural inequalities impact crime and criminal justice. Discover different types of punishment and innovative responses to criminal behaviour. Explore the growing influence of globalisation, cyberpolitics and digital technologies on crime.
Develop research and critical thinking skills. Build the expertise to help those impacted by crime. Apply your learning in a practical or research-based internship and graduate ready for roles in community safety and crime prevention – or progress to complete a higher research degree.
Key features
- Debate the causes and consequences of crime.
- Examine criminal and anti-social behaviour.
- Analyse the police, justice and corrections systems.
- Undertake a practical or research-based internship.
- Learn from industry experts and criminal justice specialists.
- Build critical thinking, problem-solving and research skills.
What you'll learn
Our Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice is comprehensive and interdisciplinary. You’ll study a combination of criminology, law, and sociology courses.
Explore how crime is defined and represented. Challenge the prevailing perceptions of criminal behaviour. Unpack theories that explain offending. Analyse how structural inequalities, such as race, gender, age and socio-economic disadvantage impact crime. Explore the innerworkings of the criminal justice system – including the over-representation of minority groups.
Understand the techniques criminological researchers use to measure and evaluate crime. Learn how to formulate research questions – and study the methods used to answer them. Consider different types of punishment in modern society and critically assess their effectiveness. Learn how the criminal justice system, police and support services work together to detect, prevent or punish crime – and support victims.
Explore Australian and global politics, and how they intersect with criminology. Study how the digital age has transformed discourse, learning all about fake news, echo chambers and hate speech. Adopt a social justice perspective as you analyse the growing division, and polarisation in our world.
You’ll also study:
- Policing and crime control
- Explaining crime and deviance
- Criminal law and criminal process
- Contemporary issues in criminology
- Victimology
- Forensic criminology
- Penology and corrections
- Cybercrime
You’ll take courses designed to focus and refine your career goals, and choose electives aligned with your interests. In your final year, you’ll undertake a practical or research-based internship, where you’ll apply your learning and gain real-world insights in the criminology and criminal justice field.
Majors
The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice is also available with majors in the following:
- Anthropology
- Aboriginal Studies
- Gender and Sexuality Studies
- History
- International Security
- Politics
- Population and Migration Studies
- Social Research and Policy Analysis
- Sociology.
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 66 units for Core courses, and
- Either:
- 42 units for all Discipline, or
- 48 units for one Major from Major courses, and
- 12 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 18 to 24 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
|
Complete one Major from the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Aboriginal Studies
|
Course code
ABORBCRIM
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Anthropology
|
Course code
ANTHBCRIM
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Gender and Sexuality Studies
|
Course code
GENDBCRIM
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
International Security
|
Course code
INTSBCRIM
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
History
|
Course code
HISTBCRIM
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Politics
|
Course code
POLIBCRIM
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Population and Migration Studies
|
Course code
POPUBCRIM
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Social Research and Policy Analysis
|
Course code
SOCIBCRIM
|
Units
48
|
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
|
Complete 18 to 24 units comprising:
- 24 units from Free electives
Complete 42 units for ALL of the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Aboriginal Cultures
|
Course code
INDG1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Indigenous Philosophies
|
Course code
INDG1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Space, Place and Belonging
|
Course code
INDG2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Lore and Law
|
Course code
INDG2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Relatedness and Indigenous Peoples
|
Course code
INDG2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Wellness and Wellbeing
|
Course code
INDG3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Sovereign Stories and Subjectivity in Media
|
Course code
INDG3002
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Criminology is a complex field. In this degree, you'll learn how to contribute to a safer society by supporting crime prevention strategies and improving the justice system.
You could work for the Australian Institute of Criminology, investigating cybercrime or terrorism. You might support victims of crime through advocacy and recovery programs. Perhaps you’ll use evidence to improve the wellbeing of neurodivergent individuals in the justice system – or, start your own true crime podcast, analysing famous cold cases from around the world.
You could also be a:
- Victim advocate
- Crime analyst
- Community program coordinator
- Research analyst
- Policy advisor
- Juvenile justice specialist
- Probation officer
- Social services coordinator
- Court administrator
- Intelligence officer
- Cybersecurity analyst
- Risk prevention consultant
- Case manager
- Public safety officer.
Or combine your studies with other degrees, majors or minors to pursue a career in psychology, law, forensics and more.
Industry trends
Around 41% of Australians, or 8 million people, have experienced violence – whether physical, sexual or both – since the age of 15 (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2024). At the same time, cybercrime ranks among the top 10 global risks in both the short and long term (World Economic Forum, 2023).
Criminology plays a vital role in addressing these pressing societal challenges by providing evidence-based insights into criminal behaviour, prevention strategies and justice system reforms.
People with a passion to make a difference in this field are highly sought after. Studying at Adelaide University will give you the expertise to develop effective solutions that reduce crime, protect communities and promote social justice.
How to apply
FAQs
Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.
Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.
You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.
You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:
- Academic learning support, including after-hours support provided via Studiosity through live online chat assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
- Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
- Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
- Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
- Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
- On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner (GP) to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
- Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, visa and work rights and academic policies and procedures.
- An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
- Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
- Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
- A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
- A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.
Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.
Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure.
Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:
- February for Semester 1
- July for Semester 2.
Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail.
For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view our Academic calendar.
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.