Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice differs from the single Criminology major in Arts or Philosophy (Honours) in several ways: you'll learn about the importance of forensic science for justice; you'll demonstrate competence in core research methodologies such as quantitative methods, statistical analysis, and qualitative approaches to research; you can choose to develop mapping skills through an option unit, which form an increasingly important part of crime analysis; and you'll have the opportunity to take a work-integrated learning placement (for credit) in your final year.

The degree draws upon knowledge and perspectives from disciplines including criminology, law, psychology, history, anthropology, geography, and forensic science. Core content covers contemporary explanations for crime and criminality, the current structure of the criminal justice system, transnational and international crime, best-practice approaches to working with offenders, national and international factors impacting criminal justice policy making, and approaches to prevent contemporary crime and justice problems in Australia.

The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice is offered with intakes in February and July each year. The course takes 3 years to complete when studied full-time.

Yes, the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice is described as an ideal pathway into the Juris Doctor. UWA also offers Assured Pathways, which give students an assured place in postgraduate professional courses such as Law, Engineering, or Medicine from the start of their undergraduate studies, providing a clearer direction to their career of choice.

You will learn to advise governments on issues relating to national, international, and transnational criminality, crime prevention, policing, sentencing, corrective services, offender treatment, and offender risk assessment and management. You will also develop the capacity to think critically, integrate theory and research into practice, communicate effectively in written and oral forms, effectively locate, analyse and critique contemporary criminal justice resources, develop independent evidence-based positions, build strong arguments, and formulate policy-related advice.