Intrigued by crime and why it happens? Passionate about playing a role to prevent it? This program gives you the skills to help the world understand the nature and causes of crime and an opportunity to play a role in preventing it.
You will take a 360 degree view of the criminal justice system, its institutions, and how it all fits together. This will involve understanding legal institutions and processes, developing problem solving skills in crime-related issues, and examining fair and effective methods of crime prevention.
Formerly the Bachelor of Justice and Legal Studies, if you commenced in this program please refer to your Previous Student Handbook
- 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.
You will take a 360 degree view of the criminal justice system, its institutions, and how it all fits together. This will involve understanding legal institutions and processes, developing problem solving skills in crime-related issues, and examining fair and effective methods of crime prevention.
The program builds knowledge of the role of the justice system and examines policies impacting on the police, the courts, and corrections. You will develop strong analytical skills and be given grounding in relevant ethical issues.
Career opportunities
You can find employment pathways in police and law enforcement, private and public security and intelligence agencies, legal administration, child safety, crime prevention organisations, advocacy and the courts, paralegal, and criminal and social justice agencies in Australia and overseas.
Program structure
Note: This program was formerly the Bachelor of Justice and Legal Studies. If you commenced in the Bachelor of Justice and Legal Studies please refer to the previous student handbooks.
Introductory courses (8)
COR109
CRM101
CRM102
CRM103
CRM105
JST101
PSY100
SCS110
Advanced courses (6)
CRM202
CRM204
CRM301
CRM304
LGL201
SCS225
Elective courses (10)
Select 10 elective courses from either faculty or school (Faculty of Arts and Business, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, USC Law School#). Complete no more than 2 introductory level (100 coded) courses.
Suggested electives include:
CRM201
CRM203
CRM302
CRM303
CRM305
CRM306
JST202
LGL202
#Electives can only be taken from the USC Law School if the student is enrolled in the Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Criminology and Justice.
Note: Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 288
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 8 required introductory level (100 coded) courses.
- Complete 6 required advanced level (200/300 coded) courses.
- Complete 10 elective courses.
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses, including the core course.
- Register any selected Majors or Minors with your Faculty.
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
- The electives can be used to complete an additional minor.
- 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 Faculty Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan.