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Program handbook

Description

Combining the study of criminology with an accredited 3 year psychological science degree will allow students to apply knowledge of human behaviour to a wide range of fields within the criminal justice area, but will also enable students to continue their professional training in psychology.  This program will prepare students for a career as a psychologist or specialise in such areas as forensic psychology, clinical psychology and other accredited psychology postgraduate pathways.   Foundational professional skills such as counselling and applied neuropsychology are also part of the accredited psychological science degree and combined with the research training within both criminology and psychology, graduates of the combined program are well placed for many careers.

Please note that registration as a psychologist requires completion of an accredited 4th year such as the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) plus postgraduate training in psychology.

This program is accredited without conditions the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).


Program learning outcomes

On successful completion of the program students will have:

  • A broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning
  • Cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge
  • Cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas
  • Cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
  • Communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas
  • Demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills with initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship
  • Demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills to adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
  • Demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters
  • Professionalism: You will have developed a sound and critical understanding of the function and role of the criminal justice system
  • Professionalism: Worked independently and/or collaboratively, in a professional and ethical manner, in exploring ways to improve access to justice for those that come into contact with the criminal justice system
  • Professionalism: You will have engaged and/or collaborated with students from allied disciplines to explore the multidisciplinary nature of the criminal justice system
  • Scholarship: You will possess a scholarly and critical appreciation of the importance of the clarity of communication in the field of criminal justice; including written and oral submissions
  • Comprehended and applied a broad and coherent body of knowledge of Psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach, including the following topics: the history and philosophy underpinning the science of psychology and the social, cultural, historical and professional influences on the practice of psychology, individual differences in capacity, behaviour and personality, psychological health and well-being, psychological disorders and evidence-based interventions, learning and memory, cognition, language and perception, motivation and emotion, neuroscience and the biological bases of behaviour, lifespan developmental psychology, social psychology, culturally appropriate psychological assessment and measurement, and research methods and statistics.
  • Applied knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
  • Analysed and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate these in written and oral formats.
  • Demonstrated an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in Psychology.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal skills and teamwork.
  • Demonstrated self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in Psychology.

Details

Information correct as atApr 27, 2024 11:14 pm
Program code40271
AQF level

Level 7 Bachelor Degree

Locations and UAC codes
Mode of delivery
  • Face to Face
Duration
  • Australian students - 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent.
  • International students - 4 years full-time.
Selection Rank
LocationSelection Rank
Newcastle City Precinct65.00-

Find out more about Selection Ranks

Recommended studiesHSC Biology or equivalent
Term typeSemesters
Fees
  • International students - AUD35,460 (indicative annual fee, 2024)
    Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units) Find out more about fees
Relevant University rules and policies
CRICOS Code110885J

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Admission information

Admission requirements

Eligibility for admission to this program is based on applicants meeting the minimum selection rank, or satisfying the requirements for an approved admission scheme.

The University of Newcastle accepts a range of qualifications to determine eligibility for admission. These include, but are not limited to, Australian or overseas senior secondary qualifications (such as the HSC), prior tertiary studies, prior TAFE/VET studies, and completed enabling programs.

For further information on the pathways that are available to you, please refer to:

English Language Requirements

All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.

  • IELTS Overall Minimum: 7
  • IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 7

Credit transfer

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution, or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.


Compulsory program requirements

Compulsory program requirements - Review of progress

In addition to meeting the University's overall requirements for academic progression, students must satisfactorily complete the following courses to progress in their program.

SWRK2003 - Interpersonal Skills for Professional Practice


Professional recognition

Australian Psychology Accreditation Council

Students who graduate with a Bachelor of Psychological Science will have completed a three year accredited sequence in psychological science. Graduates of the Bachelor of Psychological Science seeking provisional registration with the Psychologists Board of Australia are required to undertake an accredited 4th year in psychological science, the University of Newcastle offers the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours). Whilst applicants may have achieved a grade point average to enable application to the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) program, an offer is not guaranteed due to a limited amount of places available. Applications will be ranked by academic merit.


Academic requirements for program completion

Total units required

320 units

Program duration

4 years full-time or part-time equivalent up to 10 years maximum.

International students studying this program on campus are required to enrol full time to comply with their student visa requirements and complete their study in the standard minimum program duration. International students requiring enrolment advice should review the program plan corresponding to the semester and year of commencement and can contact their Program Advisor at ProgramAdvice@newcastle.edu.au

Program requirements

The Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science requires students to successfully complete 320 units, which is comprised of: 

  • 60 units of Criminology core courses; 
  • 160 units of Psychological Science core courses; 
  • One Career-ready placement Option, either:
    • CRIM3002 (20 units), OR
    • PSYC3002 (10 units) and 10 units from the Psychological Science course list; and
  • 80 units of electives.

Students must not exceed a maximum of 100 units at any level in each of the component programs.

Students must only complete courses that form part of the program.


Program planner

Current students program planner

Current students can plan their program using Program Planner.

Program Planner

Prospective student degree planner

If you're a prospective student considering studying this degree take a look at My Degree Planner to see what your study journey will look like.

Additional documents


Transition arrangements

Program Revisions 2023:

This program has been revised for implementation from Semester 1, 2023. Students who commenced prior to Semester 1, 2023 should refer to the 2023 Transition Arrangements in the Additional Documents section for more details. Any further questions should be directed to your program advisor.

 

 


Program structure

Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.

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Criminology Core Courses

Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
CRIM1010Introduction to Criminology
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CRIM1020Victimology
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CRIM2001Criminal Justice in Practice
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CRIM2020Criminal Psychology
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
CRIM2030Criminology in the Legal Context
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
CRIM3020Crime, Power and the State
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units

Psychological Science Core Courses

Complete the following 160 units of core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
PSYC1000Introductory Research Methods in Psychology
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
PSYC1010Psychology Introduction 1
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
PSYC1020Psychology Introduction 2
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
PSYC1200Foundations of Psychological Practice
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
STAT1070Statistics for the Sciences
  • Summer 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
PSYC2200Foundations of Psychological Interventions
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
PSYC2300Cognitive Psychology
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
PSYC2400Biological Psychology
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
PSYC2500Introduction to Mental Health and Mental Disorders
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
PSYC2900Social Psychology
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
PSYC3000Advanced Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
PSYC3006Individual Differences and Assessment
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
PSYC3200Foundations of Applied Psychological Science
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
PSYC3301Advanced Perception and Learning in Psychology
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
PSYC3700Advanced Developmental Psychology and Developmental Psychopathology
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
PSYC3800Advanced Special Topics in Psychology 2
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
10 units

Career-ready placement Option 1

Students completing Option 1 must complete CRIM3002.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
CRIM3002Criminal Justice Placement
  • Summer 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
20 units

Career-ready placement Option 2

Students completing Option 2 must complete PSYC3002 plus 10 units chosen from the course list.

Compulsory course

Complete PSYC3002

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
PSYC3002Work Integrated Learning in Psychology
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
Course list

Select 10 units from the course list.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
PSYC3300Advanced Cognitive Psychology: Theory & Applications
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
PSYC3400Advanced Biological PsychologyNot currently offered10 units
PSYC3500Advanced Health Psychology
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
PSYC3600Advanced Social and Organisational PsychologyNot currently offered10 units
PSYC3800Advanced Special Topics in Psychology 2
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
10 units

Electives

Electives 80 unit requirement

Complete 80 units of electives to fulfil the requirements of the program. Electives can be used to extend and complement your core studies with more courses in the same field of study, or from areas that might be of interest to you. Electives can be chosen from all courses available at the University that do not have any other conditions (such as a course requisite) applied to them.

80 units

Suggested electives

Additional information

Through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, students can access a free suite of NUPrep preparation courses as well as Academic Learning Support.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.


International students

All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit our International Students website to find out more about the support services available to international students.


Additional support

AccessAbility provides advice and reasonable adjustments to Students with a medical or health condition or disability. If you require adjustments to undertake your program, contact the Student Support Advisors - AccessAbility before semester or early in the semester. They will work with the College or School to ensure that this happens in a timely manner.

Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. More information is available online.

Bachelor of Criminology / Bachelor of Psychological Science

UAC Code , Program Code 40271

Selection rank
Duration (FT)(PT)
Next start date

CRICOS Code , Program Code 40271

Indicative fee1
Duration (FT)
Next start date
Select your study options
Student type
Degree duration
Study location
Admission info

Selection rank

Duration (FT)(PT)

Next start date

UAC Code

Program Code 40271

This criteria is based on a full-time domestic student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.

Apply via UAC

Indicative fee1

Duration (FT)

Next start date

English proficiency requirements IELTS overall minimum -
IELTS section minimum -

CRICOS Code

Program Code 40271

This criteria is based on a full-time international student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.

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