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.
- Campus note: In addition to being able to study all courses at USC Sunshine Coast, students may choose to complete some first-year psychology courses at USC Gympie. Only first-year psychology courses are offered at USC Gympie. The remainder of the degree is completed at USC Sunshine Coast. International students can study at USC Sunshine Coast only.
- Subject to external accreditation for USC Moreton Bay campus offering.
- Campus note: In addition to being able to study all courses at USC Sunshine Coast, students may choose to complete some first-year psychology courses at USC Gympie. Only first-year psychology courses are offered at USC Gympie. The remainder of the degree is completed at USC Sunshine Coast. International students can study at USC Sunshine Coast only.
- Subject to external accreditation for USC Moreton Bay campus offering.
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) 48 units
COR109 Introduction to Financial Planning
PSY100 Retirement and Superannuation
PSY101 Insurance and Risk Management
PSY102 Personal Investment Management
Developing and Graduate courses (14) 168 units
PSY200 Financial Accounting
PSY201 Business Finance
PSY202 Law of Business Associations
PSY203 Company Accounting
PSY204 Management Accounting
PSY205 Taxation Law and Practice
PSY300 Contemporary Accounting Issues
PSY301 Auditing and Professional Practice
PSY302 Managing Research
PSY303 Marketing in an International Environment
PSY304 Innovation Management
PSY305 International Business Law and Ethics
PSY306 Strategic Management
PSY307 Supply Chain Management
Criminology courses
Introductory courses (6) 72 units
CRM101 Managing Across Global Cultures
CRM102 International Trade and Finance
CRM103 Global Business Management
CRM105 An Introduction to Australian and Comparative Politics
JST101 Making Public Policy in a Global Era
SCS110 Social Justice, Welfare and the State
Developing and Graduate courses (5) 60 units
CRM202 International Politics: An Australian Perspective
CRM204 Politics and the Media
CRM301 Health & Mental Health in Australia
CRM304 Disability: Culture, Community and Change
LGL201 Communication and Thought
Elective courses (3) 36 units
Select 3 elective courses (36 units) from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Suggested electives include:
CRM201 Introductory Bioscience
JST202 Practice Foundations
CRM203 Health, Culture and Society
CRM302 Anatomy and Physiology
CRM303 Nursing Practicum 1
CRM305 Holistic Health Assessment
CRM307 Caring for Child, Youth and Family
SCS225 Human Pathophysiology
SWK286 Nursing Practicum 2
SCS295 Drug Therapy
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) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- 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.
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Apply for your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)