Course Overview

About This Course

Study the motivations that underpin criminal acts, and gain the knowledge needed to make a difference in the community, with the Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Studies at Victoria University. This four-year double degree combines the core units of the Bachelor of Criminology and the Bachelor of Psychology. Drawing on key themes in criminology and psychology, you'll gain the expertise needed to understand and solve real problems in the community. Through completion of the psychology major, you'll gain a strong understanding of human behaviour and emotions to complement your knowledge of criminal behaviour and motivations.

As part of this course, you'll get practical experience in a fieldwork placement unit, where you will consolidate and apply the knowledge and skills gained in your studies. Achieve your full potential with The Learning Hub, which helps you develop your confidence, academic ability, and study skills. Benefit from in-person mentoring and study sessions, along with a range of digital learning modules that you can access anytime. Get help from our online, 24/7 support service to polish your assignments before you submit, and receive guidance on writing, referencing, maths and more.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

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

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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

4 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 two units 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 Human or Health 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

health and community services (for example, child protection)
the criminal justice system and security roles (eg legal aid centres)
the police force (State and Federal)
correctional services
border security services
policy development
social, health and market research
human resources and related service

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

Australian Psychological Society (APS)

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units36 units

APP1012

Psychology 1A

12 credit points

APP1013

Psychology 1B

12 credit points

APP1016

Foundations of Psychological Research

12 credit points

BLB1101

Australian Legal System in Context

12 credit points

HHH1000

Interpersonal Skills and Communication

12 credit points

LCR1001

Introduction to Criminology

12 credit points

LCR1002

Policing and Offending

12 credit points

LCR1003

Crime and Inequality

12 credit points

APP1017

Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology

12 credit points

APP2013

Psychology 2A

12 credit points

APP2014

Psychology 2B

12 credit points

BLB1114

Legal Research Methods

12 credit points

HPP2001

Developmental Psychology

12 credit points

LLW1001

Criminal Law

12 credit points

LLW1002

Criminal Investigation, Procedure and Sentencing

12 credit points

LLW1004

Legal Interpretation

12 credit points

APP3023

Psychological Issues in the Workplace

12 credit points

APP3028

Fieldwork

12 credit points

APS2030

Qualitative Social Research Methods 1

12 credit points

APS2040

Quantitative Social Research Methods 1

12 credit points

LCR2001

Corporate Crime

12 credit points

LCR2002

History of Criminal Law and Trials

12 credit points

LCR2003

Criminological Theory

12 credit points

APP3034

History, Theories and Practice of Psychology

Plus — 12 credit points

APP3035

Research Methods in Psychology

Plus — 12 credit points

APP3037

Clinical Aspects of Psychology

Plus — 12 credit points

LCR2004

Digital Criminology

Plus — 12 credit points

LCR3001

Contemporary Issues in Criminology

Plus — 12 credit points

LCR3004

Victims, Justice and the Law

Plus — 12 credit points

LCR3902

Research Project

Plus — 12 credit points

APP3015

Counselling Theory and Practice