Develop the skills to ensure a lifelong career in the justice system
Criminal justice is constantly evolving as new technology is designed to detect crimes and new laws and policies emerge to meet society’s changing expectations. Professionals who can adapt to challenges and changes in the legal and social landscape are needed.
UNE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and specialisations in criminal justice designed to provide you with the expertise required to help you stay informed about legal and procedural changes and their implications for policy and practice. Because UNE has a long history of helping adults ready themselves for changes in the workplace, our criminal justice courses explore the roles of law enforcement, the courts and correctional institutions in maintaining public safety, and the ethical and legal issues that arise in the field to ensure you are future-fit for your career.
Most of our students choose to study online, where they become part of a community of adult learners who pool their life and work experiences to build networks for the future. On-campus learners can take advantage of housing, sports and support services. You can choose to study full-time or part-time over three trimesters, whether online or on-campus.
With UNE, you’ll graduate feeling prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in a criminal justice career, whether you choose to pursue law, law enforcement, corrections or social work. Our commitment to creating future-fit criminal justice graduates is reflected in our lengthy history of preparing adults for constantly evolving workplaces. By choosing UNE, you’ll be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.
Explore the criminal justice courses and specialisations on offer at UNE.
Courses by study level
Add an area of expertise to your CV and gain an undergraduate qualification — without committing to a full bachelor's degree. You will develop research, critical thinking, and writing skills in the core units. With the minor and elective units,…
- 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
Accounting and law have more in common than you may think – both centre on critical thinking, problem-solving and the application of principles to the task at hand. UNE’s combined Bachelor of Accounting/Bachelor of Laws is a dual qualification that…
- 5 years full-time
- Up to 12 years part-time
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2025
- Online
- On Campus
One of our longest-standing degrees, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) is still relevant in today’s world. It equips you with the creative, critical and analytical skills in demand by employers, and is transferable across a range of workplaces. When you…
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- On Campus
- Online
Workplaces value employees who have a broad range of real-world skills, and this combined degree will equip you to excel in today’s dynamic working environment. In our Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business, you’ll gain business knowledge and learn…
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
The UNE Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws provides you with the opportunity to combine your study of law with an area of interest drawn from a wide variety of the arts, humanities and social sciences. As a double degree for the future, it has been…
- 5 years full-time
- Up to 12 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
Do you dream of a career where you’re helping to address the big issues facing humanity? Or perhaps you crave the excitement of being at the forefront of scientific discovery? Maybe you wish to instil your passion for the environment into future…
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
At the heart of community services is a desire to help people – to promote social justice and inclusion, and enable people to flourish. UNE's flexibly delivered Bachelor of Community Services will enable you to develop the skills to empower…
- 2 or 2.5 or 3 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
Criminology 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…
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
By studying law and criminology at UNE, you will gain a broad portfolio of knowledge and skills to future proof your career in a wide variety of professions. In this comprehensive program of study, you will develop contemporary skills in how to…
- 5 years full-time
- Up to 12 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- On Campus
- Online
Our Bachelor of Laws three-year degree is for you if you have a bachelor degree in any field and wish to study law. Develop the knowledge and practical skills you need to take advantage of a wide variety of legal careers. With the support of…
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- On Campus
- Online
Develop the advanced knowledge and practical skills you need to take advantage of a wide variety of legal careers with the UNE Bachelor of Laws (4 years). With the support of UNE’s School of Law and academic leaders delivering a well-rounded program …
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
Do you want to understand more about what drives human behaviour? Gain in-depth knowledge of the scientific study of human behaviour, as well as research and analytical experience, with UNE's innovative Bachelor of Psychological Science.…
- 1.5 or 3 years full-time
- Up to 5 or up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
By studying UNE’s Bachelor of Social Science degree you will develop a comprehensive and valuable understanding of human societies and social thought, behaviour and relationships in their varied social, psychological and political manifestations,…
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- On Campus
- Online
Did your arts degree prompt a burning question or a passion for independent research? If so, consider applying for an honours year. A 'capstone' to your formal education, honours is an opportunity to drill deeper into a specialised area, to…
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
Would you like to help contribute to making the world a safer place? When you study UNE's Bachelor of Criminology with Honours you will complete a major research project in an area of criminology that you choose, for example organised crime,…
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
Adapt to an evolving workplace and open the door to new career opportunities with UNE's Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice. Whether you want to create more career choices, hone your specialist skills, or take a new…
- 0.5 years full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
Design a bespoke course and prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace with the UNE Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice. Whether you want to advance your career, hone your skills or embark on a new career direction, we'll work …
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
The UNE Master of Laws enables you to broaden your legal knowledge and enhance your independent, critical thinking and research skills. You will achieve a high standard of professional writing and research relevant to current issues in law and…
- 1 or 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.…
- 4 years full-time
- 8 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
The UNE Master of Laws (Research) provides a program of flexible learning and independent research for high-calibre graduates in Law to make a substantial and original contribution to an academic field of legal knowledge. You will develop advanced…
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- Online
- On Campus
High quality research and analysis allows us to better understand the complex issues we face in industry and society. With UNE's Master of Philosophy by research, your original findings and insights will add to the body of knowledge and inform…
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
If you are enrolled at another university, you can choose to study subjects at UNE that will count towards your course. Apply as a cross institutional student directly and complete one or several individual subjects (units) from the full scope of…
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
The world is full of possibilities, with so much to discover and learn. There are endless opportunities to enrich your knowledge to prepare for the future, but what if you don’t want to undertake a full degree? And how can you zero-in on the…
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2025
- Online
- On Campus
- Bespoke Graduate Certificate: design your own 4 unit postgraduate course and have your work experience recognised in the process.
- ‘Fundamental’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four fundamental units from a traditional degree. If you are planning a new direction, or adding a new set of skills to your portfolio, you may want to start with this option. These units provide a foundation, or a ‘base camp’, to return to if you want to later progress to a full degree.
- ‘Advanced’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four advanced units from a full degree. This is a great strategy for staying current in your field, or advancing your knowledge.
- ‘Critical Content’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four units any of the available units in a degree to create a Critical Content Bespoke Course. This option lets you get the knowledge you need without the time and cost of a full degree.
- ‘Mix and Match’ Bespoke Course: combine two, three or four units from different degrees and disciplines to design your mix and match Bespoke Course. This option lets you diversify your knowledge.
Why study with us?
![Smiling Bachelor of Agriculture student Greg Kemmett stands on wooden stairwell at UNE Armidale](https://d1dkx4rtpm18tu.cloudfront.net/file/1572608410/63320803472/width=-1/height=-1/format=-1/fit=scale/t=445005/e=never/k=805b79a7/Greg-Kemmett-1.jpg)
The most enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.
Greg KemmettFind the right major or specialisation for your studies in Criminal Justice
As community expectations continue to shift, forensic technology advances and law reforms continue, UNE’s experts will help you remain adaptable, innovative and at the forefront of developments in criminal justice. Explore one of our specialist criminal justice courses now.
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's expertise in community services and develop the analytical, planning and evaluation skills to work in the field of community care. Prepare practically for your career and develop strategies for working with children and young…
Benefit from UNE's expertise in community services and develop the analytical, planning and evaluation skills to work in the field of community care. Prepare practically for your career and develop strategies for working with children and young people in a caring profession.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Community Services | Minor | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Social Work | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
Undergraduate Certificate in Youth and Community Work | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Safeguard your career with the development of knowledge and skills related to community services, spanning various sectors such as sports, healthcare, and business. Benefit from the guidance of UNE's renowned experts in community services as you …
Safeguard your career with the development of knowledge and skills related to community services, spanning various sectors such as sports, healthcare, and business. Benefit from the guidance of UNE's renowned experts in community services as you expand your knowledge and capabilities.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Community Services | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
Diploma in Community Welfare and Wellbeing | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE’s highly regarded educators and develop the analytical skills to think critically about the complex nature of crime. Secure your role in the rapidly changing world of law enforcement and social justice, using modern data analytics…
Benefit from UNE’s highly regarded educators and develop the analytical skills to think critically about the complex nature of crime. Secure your role in the rapidly changing world of law enforcement and social justice, using modern data analytics and tech to explain crime patterns and trends.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Arts | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Social Science | Major | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
With UNE's criminology experts, you’ll explore the interplay between social factors and criminal behaviour while fine-tuning your communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Secure your role in a society that will increasingly…
With UNE's criminology experts, you’ll explore the interplay between social factors and criminal behaviour while fine-tuning your communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Secure your role in a society that will increasingly focus on restorative and transformative justice.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Criminology | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
UNE's experienced educators will help you learn about human behaviour and develop the interpersonal skills you need to protect your role in the criminal justice system. Prepare for a rewarding future in a field that is ever-evolving as new…
UNE's experienced educators will help you learn about human behaviour and develop the interpersonal skills you need to protect your role in the criminal justice system. Prepare for a rewarding future in a field that is ever-evolving as new initiatives in rehabilitation are researched.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Community Services | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's criminology experts and develop the skills to think critically about the policing, legal and prison institutions involved in the rural, remote and metropolitan criminal justice system and their impact on society. Be future-fit …
Benefit from UNE's criminology experts and develop the skills to think critically about the policing, legal and prison institutions involved in the rural, remote and metropolitan criminal justice system and their impact on society. Be future-fit to work in law, politics or community service.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Arts | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Social Science | Major | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's criminology and forensics experts and develop the skills to think critically about the justice process and forensic investigating. Future proof your career in law enforcement, the legal process or rehabilitation, and develop…
Benefit from UNE's criminology and forensics experts and develop the skills to think critically about the justice process and forensic investigating. Future proof your career in law enforcement, the legal process or rehabilitation, and develop an understanding of crime and society’s response to it.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Criminology | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Benefit from our leading researchers at UNE who are pioneers in the field of rural crime. Develop the skills to think critically about why people break the law and the impact this has on society. Learn using up-to-date and emerging tech and stay…
Benefit from our leading researchers at UNE who are pioneers in the field of rural crime. Develop the skills to think critically about why people break the law and the impact this has on society. Learn using up-to-date and emerging tech and stay abreast of changes in this dynamic field.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Criminology | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Psychological Science | Minor | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts with Honours | Major | Bachelor Honours |
Bachelor of Criminology with Honours | Specialist Course | Bachelor Honours |
Bachelor of Social Science with Honours | Major | Bachelor Honours |
Advanced Diploma in Arts | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's well-established law faculty and develop your technical research skills and practical courtroom abilities to protect your role in a rapidly changing global environment with a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Become …
Benefit from UNE's well-established law faculty and develop your technical research skills and practical courtroom abilities to protect your role in a rapidly changing global environment with a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Become future-fit for a career in international law.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Arts | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Major | Undergraduate |
Bachelor of International Studies | Major | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Learn from UNE's experts in legal and Indigenous studies and develop your research, communication and analytical skills. Be future-fit for a society which will increasingly focus on restorative and transformative justice for diverse populations.
Courses | Type | Level of Study |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Criminology | Minor | Undergraduate |
Why study with us?
Australian Universities
Public NSW Universities
NSW Universities
Careers in Criminal Justice
By studying criminal justice with UNE, you will have the future-proof skillset to secure positions in a wide range of careers pertaining to the justice system. People with the knowledge and soft skills to confidently and expertly navigate the different areas of the justice system are always in demand, and professionals with qualifications in criminal justice can find work in a variety of settings.
- Police officer
Enforce laws, investigate crimes, and maintain public safety within communities. - Correctional officer
Oversee and manage inmates in correctional facilities, ensuring safety and rehabilitation. - Probation officer
Monitor and support individuals on probation or parole to help them reintegrate into society. - Paralegal
Assist lawyers in preparing legal documents, conducting research, and managing cases. - Criminal lawyer
Represent clients in criminal cases, both prosecuting and defending, in court. - Forensic scientist
Analyse physical evidence from crime scenes to assist in solving crimes. - Security consultant
Advise businesses and organisations on security measures and strategies to protect against criminal threats. - Customs officer
Work at border crossings and airports, inspecting goods and passengers to prevent illegal activities such as smuggling.
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 2024Browse other disciplines within Law and Criminology
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.