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 Introduction to Financial Planning
PSY100 Retirement and Superannuation
PSY101 Managing Human Resources
PSY102 Leadership for Organisations
Advanced courses (14)
PSY200 Leadership and Team Dynamics
PSY201 Learning and Development
PSY202 Introduction to International Business
PSY203 Managing Supply Chains
PSY204 Project Management
PSY205 Consumer Behaviour
PSY300 Building Studies 1
PSY301 Property and Asset Management
PSY302 The World of Tourism, Leisure and Events
PSY303 Tourism, Leisure and Special Interests
PSY304 The Innovation and Technology Effect in TLEM
PSY305 The Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (M.I.C.E) Industry
PSY306 Creativity and Communication
PSY307 Introduction to the Creative Industries
Criminology courses
Introductory courses (6)
CRM101 Introduction to Media and Communication Industries
CRM102 Playing with Words : an Introduction to Creative Writing Craft
CRM103 Public Relations: Contemporary Perspectives
CRM105 Introduction to Journalism
JST101 Social Media: Content Curation and Creation
SCS110 Editing for the Communication Professional
Advanced courses (5)
CRM202 Media Publishing: Law & Ethics
CRM204 Communication and Thought
CRM301 Introduction to Criminology
CRM304 Criminal Profiling & Intelligence
LGL201 Diversity, Crime and Justice
Elective courses (3)
Select 3 elective courses from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Suggested electives include:
CRM201 Homicide, Investigations & Forensic Science
JST202 Grammars of Design
CRM203 Visual Storytelling
CRM302 Introduction to Design and Concept
CRM303 Acting 1: The actor's craft
CRM305 The ' English' Tradition: An Introduction to Literary Studies
CRM307 Reality Bites: An Exploration of Non-Fiction
SCS225 Reading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Writing
SWK286 Indonesian A
SCS295 Indonesia: Society, Culture and Politics
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
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