Course Overview

About This Course

The highly regarded Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice focuses on preparing you for employment. Close links with criminal justice agencies are built into its design, development and delivery. You'll explore how criminal justice systems work to serve individuals and the community through law enforcement, policy, practice and reform. Explore topics from border security to digital criminology. Gain hands-on experience with real wrongful conviction cases, complete a 50-day placement, and even learn alongside prisoners.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne City Campus, RMIT University, Melbourne VIC

124 La Trobe St, Melbourne, VIC 3000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or equivalent qualification
VCE units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English other than EAL; or a study score of at least 27 in English as an Additional Language (EAL); or equivalent studies
Entry is competitive; eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on academic achievement plus any adjustment factors
Indicative ATAR: 60.50 (lowest selection rank to which an offer was made, including adjustments)
Applicants with VET study are assigned a selection rank based on highest completed qualification: Advanced Diploma (81), Diploma (72), Certificate IV (54)
Applicants with higher education study must have completed at least two courses in an Australian bachelor degree or four courses in an Australian associate degree, or overseas equivalent; ranked by GPA
Applicants with work and life experience may satisfy academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice
You may be required to obtain an NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to undertaking professional placement with an NDIS provider

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for roles with Customs and Border Protection, community corrections, Department of Justice and Community Safety, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, courts, and Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Other employment avenues include civil and criminal law firms, security management, private security firms, research, prisons administration, prosecutions, counselling, administration, dispute settlement, and forensics. The degree also suits those seeking entry into police forces, corrections, courts, customs and related agencies, as well as those already working in relevant agencies who wish to progress their careers.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units17 units

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative and how does it feature in this degree?

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.

What does the 50-day work placement involve and when does it take place?

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.

Are there international study opportunities available in this degree?

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.

How is the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice structured over three years?

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.

What elective specialisations can I choose in this 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

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.

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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