Start building today!
Experience the Find the courses and unlock the true potential
156 weeks
On campus
Full time / Part time
February | July
Course Overview
class="m-0 section-title__container anchorname" id="overview"> Overview Gain hands-on experience with real wrongful conviction cases, complete a 50-day placement, and even learn alongside prisoners with the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Throughout the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, you’ll learn about how crime is defined and measured, how law and human rights intersect, and how factors such as Indigeneity, race, gender, class and disability shape experiences of crime and justice. Learning is practical and connected to the real world: you’ll analyse contemporary cases and build skills in research, policy analysis, critical thinking and communication. Across classes, simulations and group work, you’ll learn to question assumptions, interpret evidence and navigate complex ethical questions. With options to major in criminology, justice systems or legal studies, you’ll graduate with a strong understanding of how crime and justice systems operate, and the skills to work across policing, courts, corrections, policy, advocacy, community services, research or further study in law and related fields.
Where You Can Study
Melbourne
124 La Trobe St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Eligibility
Career & Study Pathways
class="m-0 section-title__container anchorname" id="career"> Career Your career after graduating from the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice Use your understanding of crime, law and justice systems to support fairer decisions, policies and outcomes. As a graduate, you’ll be prepared for roles where analysing information, understanding systems and working with diverse communities come together. You might help manage cases in courts or tribunals, support people in contact with the justice system, contribute to investigations, or work on policies and programs that shape how policing, corrections and community services operate. Depending on your interests and major, you could work in areas such as: Policing and law enforcement agencies Customs, border and national security Community corrections and prisons administration Courts, tribunals and legal support roles Justice and social policy, research and program evaluation Youth justice, restorative justice and dispute resolution Security management, compliance and investigations. You can build a career across government departments, justice and human service agencies, non‑government organisations, private security and law‑related workplaces. The degree also provides a strong foundation for further study in areas such as law, policy, social research or specialised justice fields. Career outcomes How to become a criminologist The average salary for criminologists in Australia is $97,000*. What can I do with a degree in criminology? Criminology is a broad field that will enable you to work within the public and criminal justice sectors, using a range of social perspectives and disciplines to advance principles of social justice. Intelligence Analyst Gather and verify politically sensitive information and assist in national security. The average salary for an intelligence analyst in Australia is $108,000 per year*. Academic Contribute to the body of research in the field of criminology and teach students. The average salary for an academic in Australia is $115,000 per year*. Policy Adviser Research, analyse and provide strategic advice on complex legal policy issues and support their implementation. The average salary for a policy adviser in Australia is $118,000 per year*. *Source: www.seek.com.au 2026 <div
Quality & Recognition
Academic Regulator
TEQSA
Accreditation Status
AccreditedCourse Content
Core subjects (Year 1) – Introduction to criminal justice institutions and concepts
Covers key institutions and concepts in criminal justice, including policing and the correctional system, foundation of criminology, criminological theories, criminal law, and criminal psychology. Seven core subjects and one elective.
Core subjects (Year 2) – Crime prevention and justice policy
Covers crime prevention, the correctional system, justice policies, international human rights and global crime, and applied research and client interviewing skills. Six core subjects and two electives.
Core subjects (Year 3) – Organisational theory and work placement
Covers theories about working in organisations, ethical practices in criminal justice administration, contemporary ideas in criminology, case management, and a 50-day internship. Four core subjects and three electives.
Criminal Intelligence
Elective subject focusing on criminal intelligence.
Criminal Behaviour Analysis
Elective subject focusing on the analysis of criminal behaviour.
Drug-Related Crime
Elective subject exploring crime related to drugs.
Forensic Studies
Elective subject in forensic studies.
Victimology
Elective subject on the study of victims of crime.
Border Security
Elective subject on border security.
Youth Justice
Elective subject on youth justice.
Criminal Procedure
Elective subject covering criminal procedure.
Evidence in Practice
Elective subject on the use of evidence in criminal justice.
Terrorism and Society
Elective subject exploring terrorism and its societal impacts.
Contemporary Sentencing
Elective subject on contemporary sentencing practices.
Mediation
Elective subject on mediation techniques.
Case Management Practice
Elective subject on case management in criminal justice.
Community Corrections
Elective subject on community corrections.
Common Questions
The Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative is an innovative program at RMIT where students work on real cases of wrongful conviction. It provides hands-on experience with actual criminal justice cases and the opportunity to study alongside incarcerated students, making the learning experience highly practical and meaningful.
The 50-day work placement takes place in your final year and involves a formal, supervised placement within a criminal justice or related organisation. Possible placement organisations include Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police, Customs and Border Security, Corrections, Community Services, the courts system, and local authorities. You can also choose to complete your field placement overseas.
Yes. You can complete part of your studies abroad in places like the UK, Canada and the United States, spending a semester or even a full year studying criminal justice. You can also complete your field placement overseas. Study tours are offered for selected students to broaden their global experience, and RMIT has over 165 partner universities worldwide.
In Year 1, you complete seven core subjects and one elective covering key criminal justice institutions, criminological theories, criminal law, and criminal psychology. In Year 2, you complete six core subjects and two electives covering crime prevention, justice policies, international human rights, and applied research skills. In Year 3, you complete four core subjects and three electives focusing on organisational ethics, contemporary criminology, case management, and a 50-day internship. In addition to 17 core subjects, you undertake 6 electives throughout the degree.
You can choose from a wide range of electives to specialise your degree, including criminal intelligence, criminal behaviour analysis, drug-related crime, forensic studies, victimology, border security, youth justice, criminal procedure, evidence in practice, terrorism and society, contemporary sentencing, mediation, case management practice, and community corrections.
Application
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.
Honestly I was lost when I first started looking at Australian colleges. There are just too many options and every agent gives you different info. A friend told me about FindTheCourses and within a week I had shortlisted 3 programs that actually matched my budget and visa situation. My advisor Sanjay was super helpful — never felt like I was being pushed into anything.
Priya Sharma
India
Master of Nursing · Griffith University
