Course Overview

About This Course

ACU's Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice explores the causes of antisocial behaviour and develops the knowledge and expertise needed to make a valuable contribution in the criminal justice sector. By studying this degree you come to understand the complex causes and impact of crime, and the legal and social policies that keep us safe. The course includes studies in forensic psychology, forensic science, cybercrime, border protection and biosecurity, and understanding violence and trauma.

The degree requires 240 credit points: 150 credit points of criminology specified units, 20 credit points from a specified multi-disciplinary human rights unit, 20 credit points of Core Curriculum units, a 10 credit point community engagement unit and 40 credit points of criminology elective units. Specified units include Introduction to Criminology, Violent Crime and Society, Juvenile Justice, Introduction to Forensic Psychology and the Law, Police Studies, Introduction to Forensic Science and the Law, Victimology, Corrections and Rehabilitation of Offenders, and Customs, Border Protection and Biosecurity.

All criminology students undertake a community engagement in third year, and students complete an 80-hour placement associated with the criminal justice sector. Before starting the placement students receive intensive training in workplace approaches and practices, and the placement is followed by a debriefing with a clinical education specialist. The course is offered at ACU's Blacktown, Brisbane, Melbourne and North Sydney campuses over three years full-time or the equivalent part-time, with a Semester 1 intake and a midyear intake. Students who have completed 120 credit points with a grade point average of 5.75 and above may apply to complete an honours degree.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

1200 Mair St, Ballarat, VIC 3350

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

AUD $18,024

Duration

3 years full-time or equivalent part-time

Intakes

Semester 1 intake: Beginning March 2027 (Applications open August 2026) | Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning August 2027 (Applications open April 2027)

Study Mode

Full-time or part-time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy, which includes meeting a minimum ATAR requirement.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12 level, or equivalent:
- New South Wales: Assumed knowledge: English (Standard) (Band 2) or English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) (Band 3).
- Queensland: Assumed knowledge: English (3 & 4, C).
- Victoria: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.
Indicative ATAR: 60.00 (Blacktown), 60.00 (Brisbane), 60.00 (Melbourne), 60.00 (North Sydney)
Applicants with higher education study must still meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites. Applicants who have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above are assigned a new selection rank reflecting their study level, duration and grade point average, and prior study or relevant work experience may attract credit or recognition of prior learning.
ACU also assesses applicants on recent secondary education, prior VET study, and work and life experience.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission.

International students

International applicants need the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 Certificate and must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy, including the English Language Proficiency requirements. The year 12 subject prerequisites listed for domestic applicants also apply.
International students completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (either outside or in Australia), an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, or a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3 must apply for admission through their local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC) and are assessed on their performance in those studies (that is, their ATAR or equivalent).

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

• Policy advisor
• Reintegration worker
• Police (state, territory or federal)
• Immigration and border protection official
• Community corrections officer
• Security consultant
• Private investigator
• Legal assistant or paralegal
• Intelligence analyst
• Forensic criminologist
• Youth worker
• Human resource officer

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units53 units

LCRM101

Introduction to Criminology

LCRM104

Juvenile Justice

LCRM105

Violent Crime and Society

LCRM106

Introduction to Criminal Justice System and Policy

LCRM107

Introduction to Research for Law, Human Rights and Criminal Justice Studies

LCRM108

Criminal Law for Criminology & Human Rights Studies

LCRM109

Public Law for Criminology & Human Rights Studies

LCRM201

Introduction to Forensic Psychology and the Law

LCRM202

Police Studies

LCRM203

Introduction to Forensic Science and the Law

LCRM206

Victimology

LCRM207

Corrections and Rehabilitation of Offenders

LCRM301

Researching Criminology

LCRM302

Customs, Border Protection and Biosecurity

LCRM305

Cybercrime

LHRG111

Human Rights and Indigenous People

LHRG207

Human Rights and Criminal Justice

PHCC102

Being Human

PHCC104

Ethics and the Good Life

PHCC106

Making Sense: Practical Reasoning for Life and Career

THCC100

Revolutionary Values: Christianity in History

THCC101

People Matter: Catholic Social Thought

TPCC100

Life and Meaning: Imagining Ourselves through Art and Cinema

PHCC201

The Origins of the Sciences and Contemporary Challenges

THCC200

Justice in the World: Catholic Social Ethics in Global Perspective

THCC202

Sacred Land: Australian Indigenous Spiritualities and Catholic Thought

TPCC201

Ecology and Justice

TPCC202

Conflict, Violence and Peace-making

LCRM304

Community Engagement

LAWS111

Indigenous Peoples and International Law

ECON225

Economics of Crime and Punishment

LCRM208

Green Criminology

LCRM209

Crime, Media & Popular Culture

LCRM211

Arrest and Detention

LCRM212

Terrorism

LCRM213

International Criminal Law

LCRM303

Criminology Research Project

LCRM311

Corruption and White-Collar Crime

LCRM312

Mental Disorder and Criminal Justice

LHRG306

Human Rights Advocacy

LCRM313

Restorative Justice

LCRM307

Issues In Ethical Policing

LCRM306

Criminal Justice Ethics

LAWS110

Of Civil Government and Indigenous Peoples

LAWS202

Comparative Legal Systems

LAWS216

Native Title Law and Practice

LAWS217

Philosophy of Law and Justice: Indigenous Peoples

LAWS215

Housing and Rental Law

LAWS312

International Study Tour

LAWS318

Indigenous Knowledge and Intellectual Property

LAWS319

Oceans and Land Law: Just Terms

LAWS407

International Human Rights Law

LHRG106

Human Rights and Business Regulation

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice take to complete?

The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice has a duration of 156 weeks as listed on the CRICOS registry.

Does this course include any work experience or practical placement?

Yes, the course includes a work component totalling 80 hours, structured as 5 hours per week over 16 weeks.

At which campuses can I study the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice?

The course is offered at four Australian Catholic University campuses: Blacktown CBD Campus (NSW), North Sydney Campus (NSW), Brisbane Campus (QLD), and Melbourne Campus (VIC).

What is the total tuition fee for this course?

The estimated total tuition cost for international students is AU$113,712, based on ACU's indicative first-year fee of AU$37,904 across the three years of the course, with no additional non-tuition fees listed.

Is this course eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights?

Eligibility for extended Post-Study Work Rights depends on several criteria including course status, qualification level, duration of 92 weeks or greater, and alignment with the Skills Level 1 priority field of education list. This course is a bachelor degree of 156 weeks duration; however, the narrow field 0999 (Other Society and Culture) would need to be verified against the current priority list. For more information, contact ESOS-PolicyTeam@education.gov.au.

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!

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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