Course Overview

About This Course

Turn your curiosity about crime into a meaningful career with a Bachelor of Criminology at Victoria University (VU). In our Bachelor of Criminology, you’ll develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to critically examine crime, justice, and the operation of the criminal justice system. You’ll explore why people commit crime by examining the social, political, cultural, psychological, and economic factors that influence offending behaviour. Through practical learning and real-world case studies, you’ll gain experience identifying crime-related problems and developing evidence-based policy reform recommendations to create meaningful change. Take advantage of VU’s criminology staff members’ strong ties to the Department of Justice, Victorian Police Department, Applied Security Science Partnership and many more.

Both your criminology and law studies have a strong focus on practical learning, covering case studies and real-world scenarios. As a Bachelor of Criminology student, you also have the opportunity to participate in Department of Justice volunteer opportunities in Victoria’s legal and prison systems. In the third year of your criminology degree, you’ll apply all the skills and knowledge you’ve developed to a significant research project, known as a ‘capstone’ unit. Working in small teams, you’ll collaborate on a research project relating to real cases and scenarios. At present, the final research project will focus on public opinions on bail within Victorian and Australia more broadly. You’ll collect, analyse and interpret data and write a final report – practising your skills and preparing to enter the workforce.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

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

Open in Maps ↗

Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Indicative fees for full-time student (2026): AU$17,399 per year | Indicative fees for full-time student (2027): AU$18,025 per year

Duration

3 years full time or longer for part time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students:

Applicants with recent secondary education: 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.
Applicants with 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).
Applicants with 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 eg. Foundation course or equivalent.
Applicants with work & life experience: 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).

International students:

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 (or equivalent). OR: Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent). PLUS: IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score or 6.0 (with no band less than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking). OR: Completion of a Foundation course or equivalent.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

working in early intervention with at-risk youth to prevent offending and reoffending
designing and delivering programs for rehabilitating offenders
supporting individuals transitioning from custody back into the community

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units16 units

BLB1101

Australian Legal System in Context

12 credit points

BLB1114

Legal Research Methods

12 credit points

LCR1001

Introduction to Criminology

12 credit points

LCR1002

Policing and Offending

12 credit points

LCR1003

Crime and Inequality

12 credit points

LLW1001

Criminal Law

12 credit points

LLW1002

Criminal Investigation, Procedure and Sentencing

12 credit points

LLW1004

Legal Interpretation

12 credit points

LCR2001

Corporate Crime

First Year — 12 credit points

LCR2002

History of Criminal Law and Trials

First Year — 12 credit points

LCR2003

Criminological Theory

First Year — 12 credit points

LCR2004

Digital Criminology

First Year — 12 credit points

LCR3001

Contemporary Issues in Criminology

First Year — 12 credit points

LCR3004

Victims, Justice and the Law

First Year — 12 credit points

LCR3901

Crime Research and Methods

First Year — 12 credit points

LCR3902

Research Project

First Year — 12 credit points

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

💬

Need guidance?

Free advisor support

Our advisors help international students choose the right course and navigate visa pathways — at no cost.

Promote your Institution with Find the Courses

Promote your Institution with Find the Courses

Bachelor of Criminology

About This Course

Available Locations

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students