Course Overview

About This Course

Study the motivations that underpin criminal acts, and gain the knowledge needed to make a difference in the community, with the Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Studies at Victoria University. This four-year double degree combines the core units of the Bachelor of Criminology and the Bachelor of Psychology. Drawing on key themes in criminology and psychology, you'll gain the expertise needed to understand and solve real problems in the community. You'll study important subject areas, such as: policing and offending, criminal justice system, human rights, corporate crime, history of criminal law and trials, victims, justice and the law, history, theories and practice of psychology, clinical aspects of psychology. Through completion of the psychology major, you'll gain a strong understanding of human behaviour and emotions to complement your knowledge of criminal behaviour and motivations. As part of this course, you'll get practical experience in a fieldwork placement unit, where you will consolidate and apply the knowledge and skills gained in your studies.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

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.
Vocational education & training (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 two units of Higher Education studies; OR Completion of a bridging or enabling course e.g. Foundation course or equivalent.
Work & life experience: Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Human or Health 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).
No minimum ATAR required for entry.
English-language requirements must be met.
Meeting the minimum entry criteria does not guarantee entry into this course.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

On graduation, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to undertake a variety of roles in a range of employment settings. You could pursue a career in one of the following areas, using multi-disciplinary approaches to client services: health and community services (for example, child protection), the criminal justice system and security roles (eg legal aid centres), the police force (State and Federal), correctional services, border security services, policy development, social, health and market research, human resources and related service. Once you have successfully completed this course, you may be eligible to apply for further study; for example, honours in psychology. After completing an accredited fourth year psychology degree, you may pursue postgraduate studies in psychology which is part of the requirement to become a registered psychologist.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units36 units

APP1012

Psychology 1A

APP1013

Psychology 1B

APP1016

Foundations of Psychological Research

BLB1101

Australian Legal System in Context

HHH1000

Interpersonal Skills and Communication

LCR1001

Introduction to Criminology

LCR1002

Policing and Offending

LCR1003

Crime and Inequality

APP1017

Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology

APP2013

Psychology 2A

APP2014

Psychology 2B

BLB1114

Legal Research Methods

HPP2001

Developmental Psychology

LLW1001

Criminal Law

LLW1002

Criminal Investigation, Procedure and Sentencing

LLW1004

Legal Interpretation

APP3023

Psychological Issues in the Workplace

APP3028

Fieldwork

APS2030

Qualitative Social Research Methods 1

APS2040

Quantitative Social Research Methods 1

LCR2001

Corporate Crime

LCR2002

History of Criminal Law and Trials

LCR2003

Criminological Theory

APP3034

History, Theories and Practice of Psychology

APP3035

Research Methods in Psychology

APP3037

Clinical Aspects of Psychology

LCR2004

Digital Criminology

LCR3001

Contemporary Issues in Criminology

LCR3004

Victims, Justice and the Law

LCR3902

Research Project

APP3015

Counselling Theory and Practice

Psychology Elective

APP3016

Group Behaviour

Psychology Elective

APP3018

Organisations and Work

Psychology Elective

APP3019

Psychobiology

Psychology Elective

APP3026

Cognitive Psychology

Psychology Elective

APP3027

Relationship and Family Wellbeing

Psychology Elective

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many credit points do I need to complete the Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Studies?

To attain a Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Studies, students will be required to complete 384 credit points in total, consisting of core studies including 24 credit points of psychology electives.

Is this course accredited by any professional body?

Yes, this course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

What are the fees for this course?

This course is offered as a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for eligible students, with indicative fees for a full-time student in 2026 of AU$17,399 per year. This fee is a guide only, based on a typical full-time study load, and does not include materials such as textbooks or the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

Will I get any practical experience as part of this course?

Yes, as part of this course you'll get practical experience in a fieldwork placement unit (APP3028), where you will consolidate and apply the knowledge and skills gained in your studies.

What further study can I pursue after completing this double degree?

Once you have successfully completed this course, you may be eligible to apply for further study; for example, honours in psychology. After completing an accredited fourth year psychology degree, you may pursue postgraduate studies in psychology which is part of the requirement to become a registered psychologist.

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 Criminology

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