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.
International non-student visa holders
This program is delivered online. It is open to international students who:
- are studying online outside of Australia; or
- do not require a student visa to undertake this program in Australia.
It is not available to international students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa.
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 | Requirement | Score |
---|---|---|
Australia | ATAR | 65 |
Bangladesh | Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) | 4.75 |
China | Gaokao | 60% |
China | Maple Leaf Education Systems World School Program | 60% |
Global | International Baccalaureate | 24 |
Hong Kong | Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) | 15 |
India | CBSE and CISCE | 65 |
India | State Board Examinations | 75 |
Indonesia | SMA III | 70% |
Kenya | Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) | B |
Malaysia | Matrikulasi | 2.33 |
Malaysia | Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) | 2.33 |
Malaysia | United Entrance Certificate (UEC) | 25 |
Nepal | National Examinations Board (NEB) | 2.61 |
Philippines | High School Diploma (Grade 12) (Academic Track) K12 | 85% |
Singapore | Singapore GCE Advanced Levels | 6 |
Sri Lanka | GCE A Levels | 7 |
Taiwan | GSAT % | 60% |
Thailand | Matayom 6 | 3.00 |
UK / Global | GCE Advanced Levels | 6 |
UK / Global | NCUK | 6 |
USA / Global | Advanced Placement (AP) | 6 |
USA / Global | America College Test (ACT) | 20 |
USA / Global | Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) | 1050 |
Vietnam | Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thôxwng (Vietnamese Year 12) | 7.5 |
Applications for 100% online study at Adelaide University will open in July 2025, to commence study in 2026.
Why Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice?
Are you fascinated by true crime stories? Interested in making a difference to your local community and beyond? You can turn your curiosity into real impact with this 100% online degree.
Criminology and criminal justice professionals have a unique opportunity to improve people's lives – and the wellbeing of society. They make a meaningful difference in local communities and on the global stage.
Contribute to a better understanding of crime and criminal behaviour. Help people as they navigate the justice system. Improve outcomes for vulnerable groups through systemic policy change. Advocate for human rights and social justice. Gain a competitive edge for careers in rehabilitation, reintegration, community advocacy or corrections.

Overview
This 100% online degree is designed to respond to increasing industry demand for criminology and criminal justice specialists. We go beyond process and procedure to examine crime and justice through an interdisciplinary lens.
Why do people commit crimes? Does punishment reduce repeat offenses? What role do structural inequalities play?
Informed by the most up-to-date research, current trends, industry experience and digital innovations, this degree provides a holistic understanding of the psychological, sociological and legal factors influencing criminology and criminal justice today.
We equip you with the skills to not just administer or enforce criminal justice, but to understand the causes and effects of crime, why our systems are falling short and how to advocate for a more just society.
You’ll graduate with highly sought after skills and knowledge, ready to step straight into a rewarding career.
Key features
Explore the theoretical underpinnings that explain crime and the inner workings of the criminal justice system.
Study contemporary approaches to youth justice, offender rehabilitation and desistance, human rights, cybercrime, victimology and globalised crime.
Learn industry principles, approaches and assessment techniques.
Apply analytical and research skills to real issues and scenarios.
Gain insights from industry experts and criminal justice specialists.
Benefit from a fully online degree designed specifically for remote learning.
What you'll learn
With our 100% online Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, you can take full control over your study. You’ll be able to access support seven days a week, plan your study to fit around your life and view learning resources 24/7. You can log in to our interactive online environment anywhere, any time and on any device.
Our experienced academics have brought together strong industry connections and cutting-edge research to deliver an interactive and industry-recognised degree. You’ll develop a contemporary understanding of crime and the criminal justice system, spanning policing investigations and intelligence, human rights and social justice, offender desistance and rehabilitation and justice in practice. You’ll be challenged to apply your learning to timely issues, including cybercrime, the over-representation of minority groups in the justice system, crimes related to gender and sexuality and how policing practices affect Aboriginal Peoples.
Learn from industry experts, including current and former police officers, high-ranking detectives, legal specialists and researchers working in partnership with the Australian Institute of Criminology. Study the same principles, approaches and assessment techniques used across industry. Examine police investigative and intelligence gathering techniques through custom-made feature films. Build critical research and analytical skills and learn how to advocate for human rights principles and social justice.
You’ll study a combination of criminology, law, politics and sociology courses, including:
- Psychology concepts
- The criminal justice system
- Human rights, crime and social justice
- Youth justice
- Working with community
- Policing investigations and intelligence
- Cybercrime and digital evidence
- Victimology.
You can also tailor your learning to your interests and goals by choosing a minor in psychology, social policy, community health, public health or ageing and disability.

What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 114 units for all Core courses, and
- 30 units for Electives
Complete 114 units for ALL of the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
UO The Criminal Justice System
|
Course code
CRIM1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Social Problems and the Law
|
Course code
CRIM1006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Understanding Crime and Criminology
|
Course code
CRIM1007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Psychology Concepts
|
Course code
PSYC1017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Sociological Perspectives
|
Course code
SOCI1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Corrections: Offender Rehabilitation and Desistance
|
Course code
CRIM2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Policing Investigations and Intelligence
|
Course code
CRIM2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Youth Justice
|
Course code
CRIM2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Aboriginal Australians, Policing and the Criminal Justice System
|
Course code
CRIM2006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Criminal Law in Context
|
Course code
LAWS2010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Social Research Methods
|
Course code
SOCI2017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Human Rights, Crime & Social Justice
|
Course code
SOCI2018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Working with Community
|
Course code
SOWK2010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Cybercrime and Digital Evidence
|
Course code
CRIM3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO The Psychology of Crime and Violence
|
Course code
CRIM3005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Victimology
|
Course code
CRIM3006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Crime, Gender and Sexuality
|
Course code
CRIM3007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Globalised Crime
|
Course code
CRIM3008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Justice in Practice
|
Course code
CRIM3009
|
Units
6
|
Complete 30 units comprising:
- 6 units from Free electives, and
- 24 units from Program electives
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
UO Integrated Communication Planning
|
Course code
COMM3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO The Social World
|
Course code
SOCI1012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Sociology of Gender and Intimacy
|
Course code
SOCI3017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Politics and Citizenship in Australia
|
Course code
POLI1013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Australian Social Policy
|
Course code
POLI2014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Managing Decision Making
|
Course code
BUSI3031
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO International Management Ethics and Values
|
Course code
BUSI3030
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Strategic Management
|
Course code
BUSI3033
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Organisational Leadership
|
Course code
BUSI3032
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Health Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC3027
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Psychology 1A
|
Course code
PSYC1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Psychology 1B
|
Course code
PSYC1020
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Social and Community Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC2022
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Aboriginal Australians and Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC1021
|
Units
6
|

Career outcomes
Careers in the criminology and criminal justice sector cover a wide range of opportunities and pathways. Here’s just a couple of things you might do:
- Work with law enforcement agencies to develop crime prevention strategies and policies.
- Analyse and interpret emerging trends in crime, antisocial behaviour and sentencing.
- Research issues related to crime and the justice system, including victim impact, offender rehabilitation and social justice.
- Examine the causes of criminal behaviour, and the psychological and sociological influences on offenders.
You could work in government agencies, law enforcement, intelligence, social welfare, research, rehabilitation, corrections or not-for-profit organisations. You might get a job at the Australian Institute of Criminology, producing detailed crime statistics. Perhaps you’ll start your own true crime podcast – or go on to complete a master’s or PhD, studying anything from international policing to climate change’s impacts on crime.
You could be a:
- Policy advisor
- Strategic policy and planning manager
- Intelligence and policy analyst
- Correctional services officer
- Child protection officer
- Victim advocate
- Crime analyst
- Social services coordinator
- Court administrator
- Intelligence officer
- Cybersecurity analyst.
You can also combine your studies with other degrees, majors or minors to pursue a career in psychology, law or forensics or take on further training and become a police officer.
Industry trends
Crime impacts almost every facet of society, from cybercrime costing Australians billions of dollars each year, to violence and vandalism affecting the safety and liveability of communities. Understanding the motivations behind criminal behaviour is integral for professionals on the frontline of the justice system as they work to prevent crime, assist those affected by it, and minimise its impact on society.
People eager to contribute to this field are highly sought after. You’ll graduate from Adelaide University with the essential skills and technical knowledge to make a difference in a complex area, advocating for positive change to improve the lives of individuals and communities.
Ask Adelaide University
You’ll access all your learning resources, submit assessments, and engage with your academic team and peers via Adelaide University's unique online learning platform, available 24/7.
You'll learn through a mix of interactive experiences including videos, virtual forums, online discussions and activities, with no need to attend an Adelaide University campus, not even for assessments or exams.
Our degrees are specifically designed for online learning, and you'll be fully supported throughout your studies by our local student support team and our expert academics, available seven days a week. You'll stay engaged with networking opportunities and virtual events, and once you graduate, you're invited to either join us in Adelaide, or celebrate via livestream with your family and friends.
As a general rule, any desktop or laptop computer produced in the last three years will be capable of meeting the online learning requirements. While mobiles and tablets are able to access most of your online content, we recommend using a desktop or laptop computer to make the most of the online learning experience. You'll also require a reliable internet connection, and you may need a webcam.
As an Adelaide University student, you'll have free access to the full Office 365 ProPlus suite, which includes Word, Excel and PowerPoint. If your degree requires specialised software, you'll also be able to download this to your device for free.
You'll have 24/7 access to your learning resources via the online learning platform, and can study when and where it suits you. In some rare instances, assessments or contact with your online academic team may require you to be online at a set time, however these times are generally flexible. You'll be able to discuss your requirements with your academic team or speak to our student support team if you need assistance.
If your course has an exam, you will generally need to sit this at a designated date and time.
Yes, if you have studied at university or completed a VET qualification (Certificate IV or above), or can demonstrate significant and relevant work experience, you could be eligible to receive credit towards your degree.
Your eligibility for credit will be assessed once you have submitted your application, and you will be informed of your credit outcome before your application is approved and you need to enrol. If you don't have the information required to be considered for credit when you apply to study, you will still be able to apply for credit after your application has been approved, with an outcome usually determined within a few days.
No, if you are enrolled in a 100% online Adelaide University program, you are not able to enrol into an on-campus course as part of your degree. However, as an Adelaide University student, you are welcome to visit our Adelaide campuses and participate in student events and clubs, utilise our sporting facilities and libraries, and attend your graduation ceremony in-person.
Your study experience and support
Studying 100% online with Adelaide University means joining a dynamic community of learners – all supported by dedicated teams committed to your success. From day one to graduation, you’ll have access to comprehensive academic, student and technical support teams to ensure you get the most out of your online learning journey.
Student support services
Need help with enrolments, managing your study load, or setting your academic goals? Our student support team is here to assist. They’re your first point of contact for advice and are available seven days a week, including out-of-hours and on weekends. Get the help you need – when it suits you.
As an online student, you’ll also have access to our specialised on-campus student support services. Whether you’re looking for career advice, health and wellbeing support, international student assistance, accessibility services, or something else, we’ve got you covered. Visit the Support webpage to explore the services available.
Online academic support
From understanding course content to tackling assignments, writing, and referencing, our expert academics are here to guide you. Available seven days a week, they’ll provide personalised support to help you progress through your studies.
Tech support
We’ve got your back when it comes to technology. Our IT support team is available 24/7 to resolve any tech challenges you might face. With fast response times and tailored solutions, we’ll ensure nothing stands in your way. You’ll also enjoy free access to software downloads required for your program.
Study hours
Adelaide University’s 100% online programs offer the flexibility to fit your lifestyle. You can engage with course materials at any time that works for you – there’s no need to log in at set times. To stay on track, we recommend setting aside 10 to 15 hours per week for each course, but you can adapt your schedule and your study load to suit your needs.
Assessment
All assessments, including exams (if required) are conducted 100% online – so you’ll never need to travel to submit an assignment or sit an exam. Depending on your program, your assessments might include:
- An industry-relevant project or case study
- An online presentation
- Essays and reports.
