Bachelor of Criminology and Justice
Course code G81
Why study at ECU?
Toggle between study options for Domestic or International students
About this Course
Crime and criminal behaviour are topics that fascinate many of us.
Why people commit crime, how society should respond to crime and how can we prevent and minimise the harms associated with criminal behaviour are some of the issues you’ll consider when you study criminology and justice at ECU.
Your studies will encompass the whole system – from how laws are made, through to how police, courts and corrections deal with people who break these laws. You’ll also examine the concept of justice, and what it means to different groups of people in the criminal justice system, and to society more broadly.
Importantly, we start to prepare you for employment as soon as you start. This preparation culminates in amazing opportunities such as workplace practicums, involvement in industry-based projects and work integrated learning via our own Criminal Justice Review Project.
Our goal is to ensure that you’re exposed to cutting-edge content and opportunities to help you decide how and where you want to contribute to the world of criminal justice.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.
Course code G81
Entry requirements
70 Indicative ATAR
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
Commonwealth supported - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $17,000
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
---|---|---|
Joondalup | FT PT | FT PT |
Mount Lawley | ||
South West | ||
Online | FT PT | FT PT |
About this Course
Crime and criminal behaviour are topics that fascinate many of us.
Why people commit crime, how society should respond to crime and how can we prevent and minimise the harms associated with criminal behaviour are some of the issues you’ll consider when you study criminology and justice at ECU.
Your studies will encompass the whole system – from how laws are made, through to how police, courts and corrections deal with people who break these laws. You’ll also examine the concept of justice, and what it means to different groups of people in the criminal justice system, and to society more broadly.
Importantly, we start to prepare you for employment as soon as you start. This preparation culminates in amazing opportunities such as workplace practicums, involvement in industry-based projects and work integrated learning via our own Criminal Justice Review Project.
Our goal is to ensure that you’re exposed to cutting-edge content and opportunities to help you decide how and where you want to contribute to the world of criminal justice.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree Award.
Course code G81
CRICOS code 057991G
Entry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $39,300
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
---|---|---|
Joondalup | FT | FT |
Mount Lawley | ||
South West | ||
Online |
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
One or more of the majors in this course has admission requirements. Refer to the major for more information.
All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- AQF Cert IV;
- Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Undergraduate Certificate;
- Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- University Preparation Course;*
- Indigenous University Orientation Course; or*
- Experience Based Entry Scheme.*
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
- University Preparation Course;
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
One or more of the majors in this course has admission requirements. Refer to the major for more information.
All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- AQF Cert IV;
- Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Undergraduate Certificate;
- Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- University Preparation Course;*
- Indigenous University Orientation Course; or*
- Experience Based Entry Scheme.*
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
- University Preparation Course;
- Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
- AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
* Further information can be found on the Study course entry page.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online
Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup or Online
Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online
Semester 2: Study part-time at Joondalup or Online
Course Structure
Students are required to complete 11 Core units. This will be supported by a supplementary program comprising an 8 unit major plus 4 elective units. Alternatively, students may complete any other combination of majors, minors, or elective units from the School of Arts and Humanities or other schools where available.
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CRI1107 | The Criminal Justice Process | 15 |
CRI1103 | Criminology | 15 |
Unit from Major | x1 | 15 |
Elective Unit | x1 | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CRI1104 | The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour | 15 |
CRI1208 | Research Methods I | 15 |
Unit from Major | x1 | 15 |
Elective Unit | x1 | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CRI2115 | Psychology and Criminal Justice | 15 |
CRI2110 | Research Methods II | 15 |
Unit from Major | x1 | 15 |
Elective Unit | x1 | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CRI2103 | Correctional Studies - Theory and Practice | 15 |
CRI2201 | Critical Aspects of Policing | 15 |
Unit from Major | x1 | 15 |
Elective Unit | x1 | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CRI3120 | Aboriginal Australians in the Criminal Justice System | 15 |
Unit from Major | x3 | 45 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
Students should enrol in CRI3205, 1 major unit and either CRI3300 or CRI3301 in year 3 semester 2 (CRI3301 is by application only). | ||
CRI3205 | Professional Ethics, Accountability and Integrity | 15 |
Unit from Major | x1 | 15 |
CRI3300 ^ | Criminology and Justice Capstone Project | 30 |
CRI3301 ^ | Criminology and Justice Practicum Placement | 30 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
Note: Acceptance into CRI3302 is by application only | ||
PSY1101 | Introduction to Psychology | 15 |
LAW1100 | Introduction to Business Law | 15 |
YWK1220 | Youth Issues | 15 |
CSV1101 | Introduction to Community Work | 15 |
SCY1117 | Intelligence Foundations | 15 |
ADS1151 | Addiction Studies: Fundamental Concepts | 15 |
ADS2253 | Addiction Studies: Processes of Change | 15 |
SCY2112 | Counterterrorism | 15 |
SCH2143 | Forensic Skills | 15 |
ADS3458 | Addiction Studies: Preventive Practice | 15 |
CRI3302 | Criminal Justice Review Project | 15 |
Or any other unit with the approval of the Course Coordinator.
Note: CRI3301 may only be taken following application to and approval by the Practicum Coordinator.
^ Core Option
G81|8
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookMajors you can study in this course
One or more of the majors in this course is externally recognised when studied within this course. Refer to the major for more information.
Course notes
Important course notes
-
Students are required to undertake WIL in their final semester of study. Students must select one of two WIL opportunities: a practicum placement or a capstone project. The practicum placement is by application and approval only and requires students to complete a minimum of 270 hours in a relevant criminal justice agency. The capstone project is run on-campus and requires students to work in small groups on an real life industry-based project.
Attendance requirements
Practicum Placement: Students are required to attend the criminal justice host agency at least 3 days per week for the duration of the semester in which they are enrolled.
Capstone Project: The capstone project unit is timetabled in the same way as other units. Students are able to complete the capstone project on-campus or online.
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
Practicum Placement: As students will be placed in a criminal justice agency, they will be subjected to a police clearance and agency security clearance. In some cases, students may require Interpol clearance. Students will require a Working With Children clearance if placed with a youth justice agency. Students may be exposed to offending populations, however this risk is managed by students always being accompanied, or working under supervision. Students will normally work in secure locations within criminal justice agencies.
A practicum placement host may have vaccination and other requirements, including vaccination against Covid-19 unless you have a medical exemption. Students should consider this requirement before enrolling, and speak with the Course coordinator if this raises any concerns. Students may not be able to complete a practicum placement if they are unable to meet the placement requirements. Where students do not meet the placement requirements, they have the option of completing the capstone project unit instead of a practicum placement.
Capstone Project: There are no issues regarding clearance or risk management. This project runs in a similar manner to other units.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply broad discipline knowledge to a range of theoretical and practical criminology and justice issues.
- Think critically to identify, conceptualise and analyse complex criminology issues.
- Think creatively to anticipate challenges and generate solutions in criminological situations.
- Use digital technologies to access, evaluate and synthesise criminological information.
- Communicate knowledge of criminology and justice ideas clearly, coherently and with independence.
- Demonstrate a global outlook with respect for diversity, including Indigenous cultural competence.
- Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values in criminology and justice.
- Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility and accountability for own learning in scholarship and professional practice.
Professional Recognition
MajorsOne or more of the majors in this course is externally recognised when studied within this course. Refer to the major for more information.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup
Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup
Course Structure
Students are required to complete 11 Core units. This will be supported by a supplementary program comprising an 8 unit major plus 4 elective units. Alternatively, students may complete any other combination of majors, minors, or elective units from the School of Arts and Humanities or other schools where available.
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CRI1107 | The Criminal Justice Process | 15 |
CRI1103 | Criminology | 15 |
Unit from Major | x1 | 15 |
Elective Unit | x1 | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CRI1104 | The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour | 15 |
CRI1208 | Research Methods I | 15 |
Unit from Major | x1 | 15 |
Elective Unit | x1 | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CRI2115 | Psychology and Criminal Justice | 15 |
CRI2110 | Research Methods II | 15 |
Unit from Major | x1 | 15 |
Elective Unit | x1 | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CRI2103 | Correctional Studies - Theory and Practice | 15 |
CRI2201 | Critical Aspects of Policing | 15 |
Unit from Major | x1 | 15 |
Elective Unit | x1 | 15 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
CRI3120 | Aboriginal Australians in the Criminal Justice System | 15 |
Unit from Major | x3 | 45 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
Students should enrol in CRI3205, 1 major unit and either CRI3300 or CRI3301 in year 3 semester 2 (CRI3301 is by application only). | ||
CRI3205 | Professional Ethics, Accountability and Integrity | 15 |
Unit from Major | x1 | 15 |
CRI3300 ^ | Criminology and Justice Capstone Project | 30 |
CRI3301 ^ | Criminology and Justice Practicum Placement | 30 |
Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
---|---|---|
Note: Acceptance into CRI3302 is by application only | ||
PSY1101 | Introduction to Psychology | 15 |
LAW1100 | Introduction to Business Law | 15 |
YWK1220 | Youth Issues | 15 |
CSV1101 | Introduction to Community Work | 15 |
SCY1117 | Intelligence Foundations | 15 |
ADS1151 | Addiction Studies: Fundamental Concepts | 15 |
ADS2253 | Addiction Studies: Processes of Change | 15 |
SCY2112 | Counterterrorism | 15 |
SCH2143 | Forensic Skills | 15 |
ADS3458 | Addiction Studies: Preventive Practice | 15 |
CRI3302 | Criminal Justice Review Project | 15 |
Or any other unit with the approval of the Course Coordinator.
Note: CRI3301 may only be taken following application to and approval by the Practicum Coordinator.
^ Core Option
G81|8
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookMajors you can study in this course
One or more of the majors in this course is externally recognised when studied within this course. Refer to the major for more information.
Course notes
Important course notes
-
Students are required to undertake WIL in their final semester of study. Students must select one of two WIL opportunities: a practicum placement or a capstone project. The practicum placement is by application and approval only and requires students to complete a minimum of 270 hours in a relevant criminal justice agency. The capstone project is run on-campus and requires students to work in small groups on an real life industry-based project.
Attendance requirements
Practicum Placement: Students are required to attend the criminal justice host agency at least 3 days per week for the duration of the semester in which they are enrolled.
Capstone Project: The capstone project unit is timetabled in the same way as other units. Students are able to complete the capstone project on-campus or online.
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
Practicum Placement: As students will be placed in a criminal justice agency, they will be subjected to a police clearance and agency security clearance. In some cases, students may require Interpol clearance. Students will require a Working With Children clearance if placed with a youth justice agency. Students may be exposed to offending populations, however this risk is managed by students always being accompanied, or working under supervision. Students will normally work in secure locations within criminal justice agencies.
A practicum placement host may have vaccination and other requirements, including vaccination against Covid-19 unless you have a medical exemption. Students should consider this requirement before enrolling, and speak with the Course coordinator if this raises any concerns. Students may not be able to complete a practicum placement if they are unable to meet the placement requirements. Where students do not meet the placement requirements, they have the option of completing the capstone project unit instead of a practicum placement.
Capstone Project: There are no issues regarding clearance or risk management. This project runs in a similar manner to other units.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply broad discipline knowledge to a range of theoretical and practical criminology and justice issues.
- Think critically to identify, conceptualise and analyse complex criminology issues.
- Think creatively to anticipate challenges and generate solutions in criminological situations.
- Use digital technologies to access, evaluate and synthesise criminological information.
- Communicate knowledge of criminology and justice ideas clearly, coherently and with independence.
- Demonstrate a global outlook with respect for diversity, including Indigenous cultural competence.
- Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values in criminology and justice.
- Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility and accountability for own learning in scholarship and professional practice.
Professional Recognition
MajorsOne or more of the majors in this course is externally recognised when studied within this course. Refer to the major for more information.
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $17,000 - Commonwealth supported estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
You will gain a significant background in the contemporary theory and research that informs criminology and justice professions. You'll also develop professional skills required for employment in criminology and justice, including Indigenous cultural responsiveness.
Possible future job titles
Police Officer, Community Corrections Officer, Parole Officer, Youth Justice Officer, Prison Officer, Research & Policy Officer, Family/Juvenile Counsellor, Family Law Case Worker, Customs Officer, Security Officer
Similar courses to consider
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $39,300 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
You will gain a significant background in the contemporary theory and research that informs criminology and justice professions. You'll also develop professional skills required for employment in criminology and justice, including Indigenous cultural responsiveness.
Possible future job titles
Police Officer, Community Corrections Officer, Parole Officer, Youth Justice Officer, Prison Officer, Research & Policy Officer, Family/Juvenile Counsellor, Family Law Case Worker, Customs Officer, Security Officer
Similar courses to consider
Need some help deciding what to study?
Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.
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Student stories
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Do you have any questions about the Bachelor of Criminology and Justice?
The Important Things
Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.
Course Entry
There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.
Fees & Scholarships
Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.
Applying
Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.
ECU Experience
Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.