100% Online

Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode
Mode
Mode
Your study is delivered 100% online
100% Online
Start date icon
Start date
Start date
The month you will commence your studies. Exact start date is outlined in the course timetable.
January, April, June, September
Duration icon
Duration
Duration
Duration is approximate and based on a full-time study load. Part-time study is not available for international students.
3 year(s) full-time
Program code
Program code
XBCCJ
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Study as
Full-time
Fees
Indicative annual fees
Indicative annual fees
Published fees are indicative for 2025 , including the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and appropriate yearly indexation. This is based on the total number of units studied for this program on an annual full-time basis. Please note that your tuition fees may be subject to an annual increase.
$27,100
Prerequisites icon
Prerequisite
Prerequisite
A prerequisite is a required course or/subject that you must have successfully completed before you can enrol into this program.
None
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Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge, while not essential, is where you have a minimum level of understanding in the relevant course area.
None
Time commitment
Time commitment
Time commitment
We recommend that students dedicate 10-15 hours per week to each course, which includes time studying, engaging with learning resources, and completing assessments.
10-15 hours per week per course
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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:

  1. are studying online outside of Australia; or
  2. 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 qualifications
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Note:

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.

program overview

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. 

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
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Course name
UO The Criminal Justice System
Course code
CRIM1005
Units
6
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Course name
UO Social Problems and the Law
Course code
CRIM1006
Units
6
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Course name
UO Understanding Crime and Criminology
Course code
CRIM1007
Units
6
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Course name
UO Psychology Concepts
Course code
PSYC1017
Units
6
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Course name
UO Sociological Perspectives
Course code
SOCI1011
Units
6
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Course name
UO Corrections: Offender Rehabilitation and Desistance
Course code
CRIM2003
Units
6
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Course name
UO Policing Investigations and Intelligence
Course code
CRIM2004
Units
6
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Course name
UO Youth Justice
Course code
CRIM2005
Units
6
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Course name
UO Aboriginal Australians, Policing and the Criminal Justice System
Course code
CRIM2006
Units
6
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Course name
UO Criminal Law in Context
Course code
LAWS2010
Units
6
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Course name
UO Social Research Methods
Course code
SOCI2017
Units
6
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Course name
UO Human Rights, Crime & Social Justice
Course code
SOCI2018
Units
6
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Course name
UO Working with Community
Course code
SOWK2010
Units
6
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Course name
UO Cybercrime and Digital Evidence
Course code
CRIM3004
Units
6
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Course name
UO The Psychology of Crime and Violence
Course code
CRIM3005
Units
6
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Course name
UO Victimology
Course code
CRIM3006
Units
6
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Course name
UO Crime, Gender and Sexuality
Course code
CRIM3007
Units
6
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Course name
UO Globalised Crime
Course code
CRIM3008
Units
6
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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
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Course name
UO Integrated Communication Planning
Course code
COMM3003
Units
6
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Course name
UO The Social World
Course code
SOCI1012
Units
6
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Course name
UO Sociology of Gender and Intimacy
Course code
SOCI3017
Units
6
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Course name
UO Politics and Citizenship in Australia
Course code
POLI1013
Units
6
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Course name
UO Australian Social Policy
Course code
POLI2014
Units
6
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Course name
UO Managing Decision Making
Course code
BUSI3031
Units
6
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Course name
UO International Management Ethics and Values
Course code
BUSI3030
Units
6
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Course name
UO Strategic Management
Course code
BUSI3033
Units
6
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Course name
UO Organisational Leadership
Course code
BUSI3032
Units
6
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Course name
UO Health Psychology
Course code
PSYC3027
Units
6
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Course name
UO Psychology 1A
Course code
PSYC1019
Units
6
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Course name
UO Psychology 1B
Course code
PSYC1020
Units
6
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Course name
UO Social and Community Psychology
Course code
PSYC2022
Units
6
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Course name
UO Aboriginal Australians and Psychology
Course code
PSYC1021
Units
6
How to Apply

How to apply

Applications for 100% online study at Adelaide University will open in July 2025, to commence study in 2026.

If you want to start your studies earlier, consider applying to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now, and continue onto Adelaide University in 2026.

100% online

Fit study around your life

From 24/7 access to specialised support, discover the benefits of studying online with Adelaide University.

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.