Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Guaranteed ATAR: 65.00
Entry is based on recent secondary (ATAR), higher education (GPA), VET study, or work experience.
Entry is based on Australian Year 12 equivalence. English language requirements must also be met.
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- 061318F
Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2025 | Trimester 2 – June 2025 | Trimester 3 – October 2025 |
---|---|---|---|
Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
Armidale Campus | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
Armidale Campus | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochureCriminology is the study of crime and our responses to crime. UNE's Bachelor of Criminology investigates factors that cause criminal behaviour and how crime can be prevented within wider society. The course offers a variety of key topics and issues including policing and punishment, rural crime, victimology and how crimes may be prevented in practice and solved through criminal profiling and forensic science. You will get to hone your skills in critical thinking, problem solving and analysis to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Why study the Bachelor of Criminology with UNE?
The Bachelor of Criminology enables you to specialise in a major and choose a number of core and additional elective units. These units examine criminal law and procedures, policing, punishment, prisons, forensic science, psychology, theories of crime, rural crime and juvenile delinquency, among others.
You will have the opportunity to undertake training in research methods, apply theory to practice and investigate geographical differences and inequities within crime and criminal justice in systems in Australia and around the world.
UNE is Australia’s oldest regional university and a pioneer in the delivery of distance education. Students consistently award UNE the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide, so no matter whether you choose to study online or on campus, you are in very good hands.
What makes our course different?
We focus on you being able to integrate your academic knowledge into your real world of work. UNE is a pioneer in the field of rural crime, and is home to the Centre for Rural Criminology, a world-first hub of collaborative international research, which seeks to understand all aspects of rural crime in order to help build safe and resilient communities. You will have opportunities to:
- Learn from leading researchers with expertise in rural crime, policing, crime prevention, drug policy, historical criminology, cultural criminology, forensics and more.
- Get hands-on experience within the criminal justice system through our WorkReady program. Additionally, through the unit CRIM312 Professional Practice in Criminology you will have the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge learned throughout your degree by working directly with an industry partner such as the New South Wales Police Force to solve criminological problems.
- Learn to understand and critically evaluate the various agencies of the criminal justice system and explore possible alternative strategies.
- Choose from a range of specialised unit choices, with options to tailor your study path to your interests or complete multiple minors.*
- Apply your academic knowledge in a relevant professional setting, and have it count towards your degree, developing your professional skills and improving your employability through our Work Integrated Learning Program.
- Travel overseas and get credit towards your degree by studying at one of our partner universities.
- Study flexibly — on campus, or completely online at home in your own time.
Majors
- Crime, Justice and Society
- Crime Science
*Minors (for schedule A - UNE admitted students)
- Criminal Justice Processes and Forensics
- Justice and Indigenous Peoples
- Psychology
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.
Study on campus
Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes you.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study on campus in Australia:
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
To meet the entry requirements for this course you must have completed, at minimum, an Australian Year 12 qualification or overseas equivalent.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
You can check your overseas qualifications in our Admission Country List and Qualifications table. If you can't find your qualifications in this list, simply submit your application and UNE's International Admissions team will assess them for you.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
Assumed knowledge is any two units in English.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
On-Campus study
If you would like to study full-time in Australia at one of UNE's campuses, you will need to have a visa that allows you to study. For most international students this visa will need to be a Student Visa. The Australian Department of Home Affairs has further information about visa eligibility and conditions.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
To meet the entry requirements for this course you must have completed, at minimum, an Australian Year 12 qualification or overseas equivalent.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
You can check your overseas qualifications in our Admission Country List and Qualifications table. If you can't find your qualifications in this list, simply submit your application and UNE's International Admissions team will assess them for you.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
Assumed knowledge is any two units in English.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.
Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- Any supporting documents related to your admission pathway. For example, if you apply based on previous study, upload evidence of your study so we can assess eligibility.
- Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
- Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing
Select the option that best describes your experience.
You are currently studying Year 12 (school or TAFE) or have done so within the past 2 years.
If you are admitted on the basis of your ATAR, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
There are ATAR-related adjustments that can be applied to increase your rank when applying for this course.
UNE ATAR Adjustment Scheme
UNE can automatically award additional points as adjustment factors to the ATAR of eligible applicants for this course without the need for an additional application.
> Learn more about the UNE ATAR Adjustment Scheme
Education Adjustment Scheme (EAS)
UNE acknowledges and provides consideration for applicants who have experienced an educational disadvantage. If you are planning to study on campus you can seek consideration for this scheme when applying for this course.
> Learn more about EAS
UNE Early Entry Program
Early Entry is open to all Year 12 applicants and relies on your school’s assessment of your attributes and suitability for study. You can apply early, receive an offer and secure a place with UNE, even before your scores are released.
> Learn more about the UNE Early Entry Program
UAC Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS)
This scheme provides eligible Year 12 applicants who have applied via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) the opportunity to receive early offers of undergraduate admission to UNE based on their school ratings and Year 11 results.
> Learn more about SRS
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
Assumed knowledge is any two units in English.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
You have studied at UNE or other higher education institutions, completed or otherwise.
You can apply for this course if you have undertaken any of the following qualifications with an appropriate Grade Point Average (GPA):
- Undergraduate Certificates
- Diplomas
- Advanced Diplomas/Associate degrees
- Bachelor degrees
- Postgraduate degrees
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
Assumed knowledge is any two units in English.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
You have undertaken VET study through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), e.g. TAFE.
You can apply for this course if you have undertaken VET studies. When assessing your application, we will look at the following factors:
- Level and type of qualification (Certificate III or above)
- Graded or ungraded (competency-based)
- Complete or incomplete.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
Assumed knowledge is any two units in English.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
You left high school more than two years ago or did not finish Year 12.
You can apply for this course on the basis of work and/or life experience via at least one of the following methods:
Professional Experience
If you have completed at least one year of paid professional experience, we can assess you for admission on this basis. Simply provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s in your application.
> Find out more about applying based on professional experience
> Learn about our Statement of Service requirements
Mature Age Special Entry
Tell us more about your work and life experience, demonstrating why you believe you will be successful in the course you are applying for. Simply complete the form and upload it in your application.
> Download the Mature Age Special Entry form (PDF)
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The STAT is a test that assesses a range of competencies considered important for successful tertiary study. UNE accepts the multiple-choice component provided you have completed it within the three years prior to course commencement.
> Visit ACER for more information
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
Pathways Enabling Course
This is a free (fees exempt) and 100% online course designed to help you prepare for university. It will provide you with all the skills needed to undertake undergraduate study.
> Learn more about the Pathways Enabling Course
TRACKS (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
TRACKS is a preparation course run by the UNE Oorala Aboriginal Centre. Over two trimesters you will experience what university study is about and learn in a supported environment. Be part of a community of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who share your goals and interests.
> Learn more about TRACKS
Internal Selection Program (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
This program is designed for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who have professional work or community experience, or any formal VET qualifications, e.g. TAFE study.
> Learn more about the Internal Selection Program
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
Assumed knowledge is any two units in English.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- Any supporting documents related to your admission pathway. For example, if you apply based on previous study, upload evidence of your study so we can assess eligibility.
- If you are applying through Mature Age Special Entry, you will need to include a completed Mature Age Special Entry form in your online application. Learn more about Mature Age Special Entry.
- If you are applying based on professional experience you will need to provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 144 credit points with not more than 60 credit points at 100-level and at least 36 credit points at 300-level.
144 credit points
For UNE admitted candidates48 credit points
Complete the following units:- Understanding Crime (CRIM100) – 6 credit points
- The Criminal Justice System (CRIM101) – 6 credit points
- Deviance (CRIM104) – 6 credit points
- Victimology (CRIM107) – 6 credit points
- Researching Crime (CRIM201) – 6 credit points
- Crime in Rural Communities (CRIM290) – 6 credit points
- Professional Practice in Criminology (CRIM312) – 6 credit points
- Criminological Perspectives (CRIM345) – 6 credit points
48 credit points
Complete ONE of the following Majors: Candidates who complete OORA200 as part of the approved major cannot undertake the Justice and Indigenous Peoples minor48 credit points
Complete 48 credit points from the following units:- Equity and Justice? (CRIM206) – 6 credit points
- Drugs, Alcohol and Crime (CRIM208) – 6 credit points
- Serial Killers: Panic or Intrigue? (CRIM233) – 6 credit points
- Transnational and Organised Crime (CRIM294) – 6 credit points
- Crime and Popular Culture (CRIM303) – 6 credit points
- Forensic Science within Criminal Justice (CRIM304) – 6 credit points
- Working with Offenders (CRIM305) – 6 credit points
- Policing and Social Control (CRIM314) – 6 credit points
- Prisons and Punishment (CRIM324) – 6 credit points
- Crime Prevention (CRIM335) – 6 credit points
- Working with Aboriginal People (OORA200) – 6 credit points
- Work Integrated Learning - Professional Skills Development (WORK300) – 6 credit points
- Fraud Prevention and Investigation (AFM340) – 6 credit points
- Data Science Studio 1 (COSC102) – 6 credit points
- Fundamentals of Cybersecurity and Privacy (COSC130) – 6 credit points
- Transnational and Organised Crime (CRIM294) – 6 credit points
- Forensic Science within Criminal Justice (CRIM304) – 6 credit points
- Working with Offenders (CRIM305) – 6 credit points
- Policing and Social Control (CRIM314) – 6 credit points
- Prisons and Punishment (CRIM324) – 6 credit points
- Crime Prevention (CRIM335) – 6 credit points
- Fundamentals in Forensic Science (FSC102) – 6 credit points
- Law and Neuroscience (LAW339) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Statistical Modelling (STAT100) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete ONE or TWO of the following Minors: Candidates who complete OORA200 as part of the Justice and Indigenous Peoples minor cannot undertake it as a Listed Unit in the approved major24 credit points
Complete the following units:- Fraud Prevention and Investigation (AFM340) – 6 credit points
- Archaeology: Principles and Practices (ARPA104) – 6 credit points
- Fundamentals in Forensic Science (FSC102) – 6 credit points
- Language and the Law (LING244) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete the following units:- Culturally Responsive Counselling (HSCS200) – 6 credit points
- Law and First Peoples of Australia (LAW164) – 6 credit points
- Working with Aboriginal People (OORA200) – 6 credit points
- Global Indigenous Experiences (PAIS105) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete the following units:- Introductory Psychology I (PSYC101) – 6 credit points
- Introductory Psychology II (PSYC102) – 6 credit points
- Social Psychology (PSYC200) – 6 credit points
- Cognitive Psychology (PSYC206) – 6 credit points
144 credit points
For OUA admitted candidates48 credit points
Complete the following units:- Understanding Crime (CRIM100) – 6 credit points
- The Criminal Justice System (CRIM101) – 6 credit points
- Deviance (CRIM104) – 6 credit points
- Victimology (CRIM107) – 6 credit points
- Researching Crime (CRIM201) – 6 credit points
- Crime in Rural Communities (CRIM290) – 6 credit points
- Professional Practice in Criminology (CRIM312) – 6 credit points
- Criminological Perspectives (CRIM345) – 6 credit points
48 credit points
Complete 48 credit points from the following units: Candidates who complete OORA200 as part of the Listed Units cannot undertake it in the approved major- Archaeology: Principles and Practices (ARPA104) – 6 credit points
- Fundamentals in Forensic Science (FSC102) – 6 credit points
- What is History? (HINQ100) – 6 credit points
- Modern Australia (HIST151) – 6 credit points
- Being Bad: Sinners, Crooks, Deviants and Psychos (HIST310) – 6 credit points
- Aboriginal History Since the Late 18th Century (HIST354) – 6 credit points
- Juvenile Justice and Child Protection (HSSW304) – 6 credit points
- Culturally Responsive Counselling (HSCS200) – 6 credit points
- Foundations of Law (LAW100) – 6 credit points
- Law in Context (LAW101) – 6 credit points
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (LAW157) – 6 credit points
- Criminal Law (LAW162) – 6 credit points
- Law and First Peoples of Australia (LAW164) – 6 credit points
- Interviewing for Advocacy (LAW270) – 6 credit points
- Language and the Law (LING244) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Legal Studies (LSU100) – 6 credit points
- Working with Aboriginal People (OORA200) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Politics (PAIS101) – 6 credit points
- Global Indigenous Experiences (PAIS105) – 6 credit points
- Australia’s Relations with the Asia Pacific (PAIS318) – 6 credit points
- Introductory Psychology I (PSYC101) – 6 credit points
- Introductory Psychology II (PSYC102) – 6 credit points
- Social Psychology (PSYC200) – 6 credit points
- Psychopathology (PSYC363) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Sociology (SOCY100) – 6 credit points
- Thinking Sociologically (SOCY110) – 6 credit points
- The City and Social Change (SOCY300) – 6 credit points
- Australian Social and Public Policy (SOCY313) – 6 credit points
- Social Inequality (SOCY360) – 6 credit points
- Work Integrated Learning - Professional Skills Development (WORK300) – 6 credit points
48 credit points
Complete the following ONE of the following Majors: Candidates who complete OORA200 as part of the Listed Units cannot undertake it in the approved major48 credit points
Complete 48 credit points from the following units:- Equity and Justice? (CRIM206) – 6 credit points
- Drugs, Alcohol and Crime (CRIM208) – 6 credit points
- Serial Killers: Panic or Intrigue? (CRIM233) – 6 credit points
- Transnational and Organised Crime (CRIM294) – 6 credit points
- Crime and Popular Culture (CRIM303) – 6 credit points
- Forensic Science within Criminal Justice (CRIM304) – 6 credit points
- Working with Offenders (CRIM305) – 6 credit points
- Policing and Social Control (CRIM314) – 6 credit points
- Prisons and Punishment (CRIM324) – 6 credit points
- Crime Prevention (CRIM335) – 6 credit points
- Working with Aboriginal People (OORA200) – 6 credit points
- Work Integrated Learning - Professional Skills Development (WORK300) – 6 credit points
- Fraud Prevention and Investigation (AFM340) – 6 credit points
- Data Science Studio 1 (COSC102) – 6 credit points
- Fundamentals of Cybersecurity and Privacy (COSC130) – 6 credit points
- Transnational and Organised Crime (CRIM294) – 6 credit points
- Forensic Science within Criminal Justice (CRIM304) – 6 credit points
- Working with Offenders (CRIM305) – 6 credit points
- Policing and Social Control (CRIM314) – 6 credit points
- Prisons and Punishment (CRIM324) – 6 credit points
- Crime Prevention (CRIM335) – 6 credit points
- Fundamentals in Forensic Science (FSC102) – 6 credit points
- Law and Neuroscience (LAW339) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Statistical Modelling (STAT100) – 6 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
Fee type | Cost |
---|---|
International | $31,104* |
Commonwealth Supported Place | $16,290* |
Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $365 |
*Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.
What are the course fee payment options?
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.
Scholarships
UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.
The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2024. View detailed Bursary information.
UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.
Your career
You’ll graduate with professional knowledge and analytical skills, ready to adapt to any rapidly changing workplace. Pursue or advance your career in criminology or the criminal justice system, with opportunities including:
- policing and corrections
- crime intelligence services
- crime prevention agencies
- government and policy agencies
- juvenile justice and child welfare
- drug and law support services.
Demand for criminologists is expected to grow by 18.1% by 2024, according to the Australian Government’s Labour Market Information Portal.
Course outcomes
- demonstrate an understanding of the causes and consequences of crime, including the role that the media, legal system, geographical distances and social inequalities play in shaping our understanding of crimes;
- demonstrate an understanding of the major criminological theoretical perspectives that explain both crime and deviance. Critically analyse, consolidate and apply this theoretical understanding to practical criminological scenarios with a deeper understanding of the issues at hand and a wider knowledge base;
- demonstrate an understanding of key research skills and methodologies and be able to apply this knowledge in practice to the study of crime and the practical use of criminological research and study within the criminal justice system to apply research methods and practical skills to their theoretical knowledge of the criminal justice system;
- demonstrate a critical understanding of the Australian Criminal Justice System and the key institutions within this system, the key local and international political and social changes that have shaped the progression of the Australian Criminal Justice System, in particular, the degree explores how justice is impacted by social inequalities that affect vulnerable and over-represented populations.
- demonstrate an ability to understand and critically evaluate criminological literature, including policy and government documents and media articles and to locate, evaluate and apply information from a variety of academic and non-academic sources in an appropriate manner;
- examine criminological research drawing on knowledge of disciplines related to criminology, from either sociology, social work, law, psychology or forensic science; and
- apply academic writing skills and communicate oral and written findings in an appropriate form and at an appropriate level.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of criminology, the criminal justice system, theoretical perspectives of crime, changing policy responses to crime control and the way in which crime is presented in media and political discourse. In particular, graduates will demonstrate an awareness of geographical differences in crime and matters of law and order and understand how issues of equity impact upon offenders and victims. This knowledge will be taught in lectures, unit materials and online activities and assessed throughout the degree through a range of different activities. Graduates will demonstrate a general understanding about a variety of criminal justice systems, and the way that they have developed over time in relation to different political and social contexts. Graduates will be assessed on their capacity to understand how international events have impacted on the development of criminal justice organisations, such as policing or prisons.
- Communication Skills
Graduates will have developed skills that enable them to investigate, synthesise and communicate the ideas and information acquired from their study. Communication skills including oral communication skills for application to a diverse range of vulnerable people and contexts, online and written communication skills that are appropriate for graduates to use within the workplace will be taught and practised in lectures, tutorials and online activities.
- Problem Solving
Graduates will demonstrate their ability to locate, evaluate and apply information from a variety of sources throughout their degree. Graduates will be able to evaluate and interpret information in a useful manner. Graduates will be assessed on their ability to deconstruct assignment tasks and to integrate theory and literature into their work.
- Information Literacy
Graduates will demonstrate their ability to identify relevant literature and their ability to critically analyse the literature. They will be taught, and directed to, relevant criminological literature and how to assess its validity.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Graduates will be taught about their professional responsibilities as a researcher to provide balanced and accurate research and data. In addition, graduates will be taught that they have a social responsibility to question and challenge some 'facts'.
- Lifelong Learning
Graduates will develop their intellectual capacity and critical thinking skills through lectures, unit materials, guided reading and online activities. Through completing the assessments, graduates will be provided with the necessary lifelong skills to be able to research, write and discuss social issues. These are transferable and essential lifelong skills.
- Independence and Collaboration
Graduates will be encouraged to learn and work independently, and where appropriate, to work collaboratively. Teamwork is practised in interactive tutorials and/or online discussion whereby students pose questions, communicate ideas and solve problems in cooperation with their peers and staff. Graduates will thus have learned to collaborate with others in a variety of contexts.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.
As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.
To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.
Studying on Campus
Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.
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Why study with us?
I’ve always been really interested in criminology and forensic science.
Why study with us?
My time over there really was one of the best things I have ever done. Everyone was so helpful and I met so many great people and I know I will regret it if I do not return.
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
---|---|---|
Trimester 1 | 14 February 2025 | 24 February 2025 |
Trimester 2 | 13 June 2025 | 23 June 2025 |
Trimester 3 | 10 October 2025 | 20 October 2025 |