Course Overview

About This Course

Explore the psychology behind crime and help shape a more just, supportive society, with VU's Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Psychological Studies. You gain a deep understanding of criminal behaviour and the systems that respond to it. As part of your studies, you'll examine the social, political and psychological factors that shape behaviour, including trauma, inequality and mental health, while developing knowledge in counselling theory, family dynamics, research and ethics. This interdisciplinary course prepares you for meaningful work across justice, welfare and community sectors. In your final year, you'll put your learning into practice through an industry placement, either in a criminal justice setting or a psychological studies context. You'll graduate with the skills and experience required to pursue a meaningful career in: victim support and advocacy, child protection and family services, corrections and rehabilitation, mental health and wellbeing, policy development and social reform. With a strong foundation in both psychology and justice, you'll be ready to make a difference in communities and systems that need change, and support people on pathways to healing.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne Footscray Park Campus, Victoria University, Melbourne VIC

Victoria University City Campus, 364-378 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Recent secondary education (within the last 2 years): Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.
No minimum ATAR required: You do not need an ATAR score to apply for this course.
VET/TAFE study: Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent); OR Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).
Higher education study: Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent); OR Completion of a single unit of Higher Education studies; OR Completion of a bridging or enabling course e.g. Foundation course or equivalent.
Work & life experience (left secondary school more than two years ago): Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Justice or Police Administration, Corrections, Legal support, Human Services or similar; OR Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago, PLUS Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
English-language requirements must be met by all applicants.
Meeting the minimum entry criteria does not guarantee entry into this course.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates are ready for a career in these rewarding areas: justice sector (for example, victim support officer, investigator), health and community services (for example, child protection worker), and policy development and related services. Further study options include: applying for Honours in Psychology, then pursuing postgraduate studies in such fields as Forensic and Clinical Psychology; undertaking postgraduate studies in Criminal Justice/Criminology; or pursuing further professional training in the justice or welfare sectors.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

Australian Psychological Society (APS)

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units29 units

LCR1003

Crime and Inequality

AEK1203

Indigenous Health and Wellbeing

APP1012

Psychology 1A

APP1013

Psychology 1B

APP1016

Foundations of Psychological Research

APP1017

Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology

ASA1024

Applied Human Rights

ASL1003

Criminal Justice Systems

APP2013

Psychology 2A

APP2014

Psychology 2B

ASL2006

Professional Practice in Justice Settings

ASL2007

Alternative Approaches to Justice

ASL2003

Ethics

ECY3001

Working with Young People with Complex Issues

HPP2001

Developmental Psychology

APP3034

History, Theories and Practice of Psychology

APP3035

Research Methods in Psychology

APP3037

Clinical Aspects of Psychology

ASL3003

Criminal Justice Reform

ASS3009

Sociology of Law

ECY3003

Youth and Community Industry Preparation

ECY3004

Youth and Community Industry Placement

APP3023

Psychological Issues in the Workplace

APP3028

Fieldwork

APP3015

Counselling Theory and Practice

Psychology Elective

APP3016

Group Behaviour

Psychology Elective

APP3018

Organisations and Work

Psychology Elective

APP3019

Psychobiology

Psychology Elective

APP3027

Relationship and Family Wellbeing

Psychology Elective

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course accredited by any professional bodies?

Yes, the Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Psychological Studies is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and is also accredited by the Victorian State Community Correctional Services.

Does this course include a practical placement component?

Yes, in your final year you'll put your learning into practice through an industry placement, either in a criminal justice setting or a psychological studies context. You can choose between Youth and Community Industry Placement (ECY3004) or Fieldwork (APP3028) depending on your focus area.

How much does this course cost per year?

The indicative fee for a full-time student in 2026 is AU$17,399 per year for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens will qualify for a CSP place. This fee is a guide only and does not include materials such as textbooks or the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

What are the guaranteed entry pathways into this course from VU courses?

If you have completed any of the following VU courses, you will be guaranteed a place in this course: Certificate IV in Legal Services, Certificate IV in Youth Work, Diploma of Paralegal Services, or International Foundations at VU.

What further study options are available after completing this degree?

After graduation, you may apply for Honours in Psychology and then pursue postgraduate studies in fields such as Forensic and Clinical Psychology, undertake postgraduate studies in Criminal Justice/Criminology, or pursue further professional training in the justice or welfare sectors. If you choose to continue on to postgraduate studies in psychology, you'll also be able to take up professional training at VU's Psychology Clinic, providing supervised psychology services to the community.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Upcoming Intakes

09 February 2026

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $50,000 to $65,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $65,000 to $85,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $85,000 to $105,000 per year

Career Paths

Police OfficerIntelligence AnalystPolicy Officer – Crime and JusticeCorrections OfficerYouth Justice Worker

Key Skills

Critical analysis of crime theories and criminal behaviourResearch design, data collection, and quantitative/qualitative analysisPolicy evaluation and evidence-based policy developmentUnderstanding of Australian criminal law and the justice systemRisk assessment and offender management frameworks

Full Course Overview

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Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Psychological Studies

About This Course

Available Locations

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students