Understand the psychology of crime.
Designed to prepare you for a career in psychology and criminology, this double degree explores the psychological dimensions of crime and crime-related applications of psychology. You'll examine the professional practice of psychology and develop an understanding of the scientific basis of psychological research.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
- * In addition to being able to study all courses at Sippy Downs, students may choose to complete some first-year psychology courses at Gympie. Only first-year psychology courses are offered at Gympie. The remainder of the degree is completed at Sippy Downs. International students can study at the Sippy Downs campus only.
- * In addition to being able to study all courses at Sippy Downs, students may choose to complete some first-year psychology courses at Gympie. Only first-year psychology courses are offered at Gympie. The remainder of the degree is completed at Sippy Downs. International students can study at the Sippy Downs campus only.
Designed to prepare you for a career in psychology and criminology, this double degree explores the psychological dimensions of crime and crime-related applications of psychology. You'll examine the professional practice of psychology and develop an understanding of the scientific basis of psychological research.
You will learn from award-winning psychology staff and have the opportunity to participate in paid research assistant work in your second or third year of study. As a part of the Criminology component, you'll become prepared for real world challenges through guest lectures and opportunities for practical learning.
Earning two qualifications upon completion, graduates gain a competitive advantage in employment areas such as prisons and community correction and in offender management programs. There is also greater scope for employment in organisations in addressing issues such as integrity testing and workplace misconduct prevention.
This course is designed to meet the national accreditation requirements adopted by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). You can complete further study to become a registered psychologist, clinical psychologist or pursue an academic career.
Career opportunities
Employment destinations include crime and justice research and policy work; counselling / support work; human resource management; youth support; disabilities support; policing (state, federal, specialist); security practice and management; safety; intelligence; customs and border protection; child protection; crime victim support services; community conferencing; consumer protection; ombudsman and anti-corruption agencies; regulatory investigations, and many others.
Program structure
Psychology courses
Introductory courses (4)
COR109 Environmental and Sustainability Evaluation
PSY100 Coastal Systems Dynamics
PSY101 Environmental and Sustainability Evaluation
PSY102 Integrated Management A: Theory and Practice
Advanced courses (14)
PSY200 Integrated Management B: Practical Application
PSY201 Communication and Thought
PSY202 Introduction to Psychology A
PSY203 Introduction to Psychology B
PSY204 Current Directions in Psychology
PSY205 Research Methods in Psychology A
PSY300 Research Methods in Psychology B
PSY301 Physiological Psychology
PSY302 Introduction to Human Development
PSY303 Social Psychology
PSY304 Motivation and Emotion
PSY305 Advanced Methods in Psychology
PSY306 Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology
PSY307 Intercultural and Indigenous Psychologies
Criminology courses
Introductory courses (6)
CRM101 Personality and Assessment
CRM102 Human Associative Learning
CRM103 Abnormal Psychology
CRM105 Psychology of Health and Wellbeing
JST101 Adult Development and Ageing
SCS110 Introduction to Criminology
Advanced courses (5)
CRM202 Understanding Crime
CRM204 Punishment and Corrections
CRM301 Policing
CRM304 Justice and the Australian Legal System
LGL201 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
Elective courses (3)
Select 3 elective courses from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Suggested electives include:
CRM201 Diversity, Crime and Justice
JST202 Applied Crime Prevention
CRM203 Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice
CRM302 Professional Ethics and Integrity Management
CRM303 Criminal Law: An Introduction
CRM305 Criminal Profiling
CRM307 International Justice and Human Rights
SCS225 Homicide
SCS286 Youth Justice
SCS295 Restorative Justice and Mediation
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 384
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 384 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 15 introductory level (100 coded) courses in total, including the core course
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses)
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues
- Refer to the Planning your study page to manage your progression