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.
- 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 2024 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 Applied Futures Studies: Methods, Values and Strategy
PSY100 Engaging Effectively with Aboriginal People
PSY101 Estuary and Wetland Systems Dynamics
PSY102 Environmental and Sustainability Evaluation
Advanced courses (14)
PSY200 Coastal Systems Dynamics
PSY201 Marine Resource Management
PSY202 Environmental and Sustainability Evaluation
PSY203 Integrated Management A: Theory and Practice
PSY204 Applied Climatic and Hydrological Systems Project
PSY205 Communication and Thought
PSY300 Introduction to Psychology A
PSY301 Introduction to Psychology B
PSY302 Current Directions in Psychology
PSY303 Research Methods in Psychology A
PSY304 Research Methods in Psychology B
PSY305 Physiological Psychology
PSY306 Introduction to Human Development
PSY307 Social Psychology
Criminology courses
Introductory courses (6)
CRM101 Motivation and Emotion
CRM102 Advanced Methods in Psychology
CRM103 Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology
CRM105 Intercultural and Indigenous Psychologies
JST101 Personality and Assessment
SCS110 Human Associative Learning
Advanced courses (6)
CRM202 Abnormal Psychology
CRM204 Psychology of Health and Wellbeing
CRM301 Adult Development and Ageing
CRM304 Introduction to Criminology
LGL201 Understanding Crime
SCS225 Punishment and Corrections
Elective courses (2)
Select 2 elective courses from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Suggested electives include:
CRM201 Policing
JST202 Justice and the Australian Legal System
LGL202 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
CRM203 Diversity, Crime and Justice
CRM302 Applied Crime Prevention
CRM303 Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice
CRM305 Professional Ethics and Integrity Management
CRM307 Criminal Law: An Introduction
SCS286 Social Research
SCS295 Criminal Profiling
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