Address criminal behaviour through understanding 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.
Commences Semester 1 2016. Program is subject to external accreditation
- 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 (3)
COR109 Introduction to Creative Writing
PSY101 Introduction to the Creative Industries
PSY102 Introduction to Media and Communication Industries
Advanced courses (14)
PSY200 Introduction to Screenwriting: The Art of Visual Storytelling
PSY201 Editing for the Communications Professional
PSY202 Paperback Hero
PSY203 Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults
PSY204 Creative Writing for the Illustrated Book
PSY205 Novel Ideas
PSY300 Creativity and Literature
PSY301 Writing Your Novel
PSY302 Professional Creative Writing Practice A: The Industry
PSY303 Professional Creative Writing Practice B: Industry Engagement
PSY304 Creative Writing and Editing for e-Publication
PSY305 Communication and Thought
PSY306 Introduction to Psychology B
PSY307 Current Directions in Psychology
Criminology courses
Introductory courses (7)
CRM101 Research Methods in Psychology A
CRM102 Research Methods in Psychology B
CRM103 Physiological Psychology
CRM105 Introduction to Human Development
JST101 Social Psychology
PSY100 Motivation and Emotion
SCS110 Advanced Methods in Psychology
Advanced courses (6)
CRM202 Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology
CRM204 Intercultural and Indigenous Psychologies
CRM301 Personality and Assessment
CRM304 Human Associative Learning
LGL201 Abnormal Psychology
SCS225 Psychology of Health and Wellbeing
Elective courses (2)
Select 2 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Suggested electives include:
CRM201 Adult Development and Ageing
JST202 Introduction to Criminology
LGL202 Understanding Crime
CRM203 Punishment and Corrections
CRM302 Policing
CRM303 Justice and the Australian Legal System
CRM305 Introduction to Psychology A
CRM306 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
SCS286 Minorities and Criminal Justice
SCS295 Applied Crime Prevention*
Note: 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:
- Complete 3 introductory level (100 coded) required psychology courses including COR109
- Complete 14 advanced level (200/300/400 coded) required psychology courses
- Complete 7 required introductory level (100 coded) criminology courses
- Complete 6 required advanced level (200/300 coded) criminology courses
- Complete 2 elective courses
- 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.
- When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan.