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For more information about studying the Bachelor of Criminology
- Description
- Program learning outcomes
- Details
- Admission information
- Credit transfer
- Compulsory program requirements
- Academic requirements for program completion
- Program plans
- Additional documents
- Transition arrangements
- Program structure
- Suggested electives
- Honours
- Additional information
- International students
- Additional support
Program handbook
Description
Criminology is the study of the social, cultural, biological, and psychological causes of crime and criminality. It seeks to investigate the impact of crimes on victims, as well as the rights and obligations of individuals, communities and societies, and the role of criminal justice institutions that regulate and prosecute criminal actions. Criminology is multidisciplinary, drawing on sociology, law, psychology, forensic science and other related disciplines to explain crime and its impact on a range of criminal justice stakeholders.
At the University of Newcastle, the degree program is focused on incorporating work integrated learning into every course, at every level, culminating with a placement with a host institution relevant to the program. This experience is critical in helping graduates transition into the workforce upon completion of their degrees, and is a central pillar to the identity of our graduates; they are work ready with a strong sense of social justice.
As a practical subject, a Bachelor of Criminology leads to employment in a range of areas, including the police (State/Territory and Federal), community corrections and probations, juvenile justice and youth support, with family and victims' advocacy groups, and NGOs. Aside from vocational opportunities, a degree in Criminology provides avenues for further study at Masters and PhD level, leading to careers in academia, research and policy.
As a reflection of the practical nature of the program, majors are offered in Law and Psychology.
The Legal Studies major allows Bachelor of Criminology students to engage in focused study of legal dimensions of crime and justice. Courses in the Legal Studies major develop practical skills that empower graduates to use contextual knowledge of legal institutions and processes in contributing to the operation of the criminal justice system. The Legal Studies major combines studies of local and regional law and policy issues alongside courses with an international law dimension to prepare globally aware graduates that contribute to the pursuit of justice in our region and at national and global levels. Note that qualification for admission to legal practice requires completion of both an accredited Law degree and practical legal training, such as the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Diploma of Legal Practice programs offered at the University of Newcastle.
Students in this degree who are doing a Psychology major will be much better equipped for working in the field of criminal justice with a strong background in criminology as well as a broad foundation in psychology. The psychology major will equip students with a strong base of knowledge covering the influences on human behaviour as well as the underlying mechanisms of behaviour. The psychology courses in this major focus on areas that intersect with criminal justice: mental health and mental illness, development and developmental disabilities as well as specific modules on forensic psychology (youth justice, filicide, compulsive homicide, and paranoid vexatious litigation.
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
- 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
- Cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
Details
| Information correct as at | Apr 27, 2024 2:31 pm | |||||
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| Program code | 40270 | |||||
| AQF level | Level 7 Bachelor Degree | |||||
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| Term type | Semesters | |||||
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| CRICOS Code | 110884K |
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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: 6
- IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 6
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
Academic requirements for program completion
Total units required
240 units
Program duration
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent up to 8 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 requires students to successfully complete 240 units, which is comprised of:
- 80 units of core courses; and
- 160 units of electives. Please refer to the pathway information below*.
*Pathway Information
Students may utilise their elective courses to undertake a major pathway, detailed below. Students must ensure that each major has a minimum of 60 units of unique courses.
Pathway A
Complete 80 units of Criminology core courses; and 160 units of electives; or
Single major Pathway B
Complete 80 units of Criminology core courses; and ONE 80 Unit Major; and 80 units of electives.
Students must complete a minimum of 40 units at each level (1000, 2000, 3000).
Students must not exceed 100 units at 1000 level.
Students must only complete courses that form part of their program and must not complete more than 240 units.
Students must not exceed 100 units at the 1000 level. Students must complete a minimum of 40 units at the 2000 and 3000 level.
Students must only complete courses that form part of their program and must not complete more than 240 units.
Program planner
Current students program planner
Current students can plan their program using 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
- 2023 Transition Arrangements 125.4 KB
- The Everyday Laboratory Brochure 11.8 MB
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.
Advanced course filters
Courses that are currently unavailable are hidden by default. You can show them by adjusting the advanced course filters above, or clicking the 'show all' links below each section.
Core Courses
Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| CRIM1010 | Introduction to Criminology |
| 10 units |
| CRIM1020 | Victimology |
| 10 units |
| CRIM2001 | Criminal Justice in Practice |
| 10 units |
| CRIM2020 | Criminal Psychology |
| 10 units |
| CRIM2030 | Criminology in the Legal Context |
| 10 units |
| CRIM3002 | Criminal Justice Placement |
| 20 units |
| CRIM3020 | Crime, Power and the State |
| 10 units |
Pathway A - Electives
| Electives 160 unit requirement | |
|---|---|
Complete 160 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. | 160 units |
Pathway B - Majors
For Single Major Pathway B complete 80 units of electives. 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.
Legal Studies
| Compulsory | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Complete the following 30 units of compulsory courses to fulfil the requirements of this major | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| LEGL1001 | Foundations of Law |
| 10 units |
| LEGL3008 | Child Law |
| 10 units |
| LEGL3009 | Law for Social Work and the Social Sciences |
| 10 units |
| Course List | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Choose 50 units from the following course list to fulfil the requirements of this major (a minimum of 20 units at 3000 level or above) | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| ABOR2245 | Aboriginal People and Law |
| 10 units |
| HIST2006 | Australian Underworlds: Histories of Crime in Australia |
| 10 units |
| HUSE2003 | Youth Justice | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| ENGL3012 | Crime Fiction: Mutations of a Genre | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| HIST3006 | The History of Violence | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| HIST3641 | The Rise of Fascism: From the March on Rome to Hitler s Seizure of Power |
| 10 units |
| HIST3642 | The Downfall of Fascism: The Third Reich, War and Genocide |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6017 | Family Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6019 | International Human Rights Law | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6022 | Crime and Society | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6043 | Advanced Legal Research Project |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6102 | Alternative Dispute Resolution |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6111 | Dispute Resolution |
| 10 units |
Psychology
| Compulsory | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Complete the following 60 units of compulsory courses to fulfil the requirements of this major | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| PSYC1010 | Psychology Introduction 1 |
| 10 units |
| PSYC1020 | Psychology Introduction 2 |
| 10 units |
| PSYC2500 | Introduction to Mental Health and Mental Disorders |
| 10 units |
| PSYC2800 | Special Topics in Psychology |
| 10 units |
| PSYC3700 | Advanced Developmental Psychology and Developmental Psychopathology |
| 10 units |
| PSYC3800 | Advanced Special Topics in Psychology 2 |
| 10 units |
| Course List | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Choose 20 units from the following course list to fulfil the requirements of this major (a minimum of 20 units at 3000 level) | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| LEGL3009 | Law for Social Work and the Social Sciences |
| 10 units |
| PSYC3000 | Advanced Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology |
| 10 units |
| PSYC3006 | Individual Differences and Assessment |
| 10 units |
| SCHS3001 | Social Sciences Supplementary Placement Course | Not currently offered | 10 units |
Pathway B - 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
A full list of courses that are available to study as an elective can be found in the course handbook.
Honours
Students who perform well during the Bachelor of Criminology degree with a credit average (GPA of 5.0) or greater, may apply to undertake a further year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) study to obtain an Honours degree. The Bachelor of Criminology (Honours) degree allows students to further develop their specific areas of interest.
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
UAC Code , Program Code 40270
CRICOS Code , Program Code 40270
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