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 Ethical and Professional Issues In Psychology
PSY101 Research Dissertation A
PSY102 Research Dissertation B
Advanced courses (14)
PSY200 Planning and Environmental Law
PSY201 Introduction to Environmental Management
PSY202 Environmental Management Systems and Processes
PSY203 Integrated Environmental Management
PSY204 Biodiversity and Ecology
PSY205 Earth's Surface Processes, Materials and Soils
PSY300 An Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Technology
PSY301 Environmental and Resource Economics
PSY302 Indigenous Peoples and the Environment
PSY303 Introduction to Weather and Climate
PSY304 Satellite Image Analysis and Surveying
PSY305 Introduction to Sustainable Energy Systems
PSY306 Climate Change Adaptation
PSY307 Climatic and Hydrological Systems
Criminology courses
Introductory courses (7)
CRM101 Applied Spatial Analysis and Geoprocessing
CRM102 Outdoor Living and Travel Skills
CRM103 Foundations of Outdoor Environmental Studies
CRM105 Learning in Australian Landscapes
JST101 Coastal Outdoor Environmental Interpretation
PSY100 Leading Groups in Outdoor Environments
SCS110 Endangered Animals and their Conservation
Advanced courses (6)
CRM202 Marine Vertebrates: Sharks, Seabirds, Fish, Turtles and Whales
CRM204 Introduction to Environmental Management
CRM301 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
CRM304 How Animals Work: Form and Function
LGL201 Earth's Surface Processes
SCS225 Environmental Impact Assessment
Elective courses (2)
Select 2 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Suggested electives include:
CRM201 Coastal and Marine Ecology
JST202 Biodiversity and Ecology
LGL202 Foundations of Sustainability
CRM203 Measuring Sustainability
CRM302 Communicating Sustainability
CRM303 Changing Planet Earth
CRM305 Hydrology and Geomorphology
CRM306 Accounting Principles
SCS286 Exploring Business Research
SCS295 Economics for Business
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.