Understand crime from a social perspective
Learn about the social causes and consequences of crime and disadvantage in this double degree. You’ll be taught about how sociological influences can impact offending and gain a deep understanding of Australia’s criminal justice system, including areas of law enforcement, crime policy, the court system and custodial and community corrections.
- 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.
- Campus note: Subject to external accreditation for USC Moreton Bay campus offering.
- Campus note: Subject to external accreditation for USC Moreton Bay campus offering.
Learn about the social causes and consequences of crime and disadvantage in this double degree. You’ll be taught about how sociological influences can impact offending and gain a deep understanding of Australia’s criminal justice system, including areas of law enforcement, crime policy, the court system and custodial and community corrections.
In this program you will:
- Learn about social inequality and how to make a difference in the legal system
- Complete two field placements where you’ll learn practical skills
- Research crime-related issues and develop problem solving skills
- Have the opportunity to complete a professional placement in your final year
- Choose from specialist courses in criminal profiling and intelligence, youth justice and restorative justice, homicide, forensic science and more
Career opportunities
- Mental health
- Social research
- Policy development and analysis
- Organisational management
- Community development and education
- Government agencies
- Community agencies
- Private practice
- Crime and justice research and policy
- Youth advocacy and at-risk youth support
- Crime victim support services
- Offender transition-from-prison programs
Accreditation
The social work component of the program is fully accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers, and prepares professionals to work with individuals, families, groups and communities.
Program structure
Introductory courses (12) 144 units
COU176 Plants, Animals and People
COU180 Introduction to Media and Communication Industries
CRM101 The Illuminated Screen: Introduction to Film and Television Studies
CRM102 Introduction to Screenwriting: The Art of Visual Storytelling
CRM103 Children, Media and Society
CRM105 Screen Production and Editing
JST101 Film Forms: Genres, Histories, Technologies
SCS101 Television: Advanced Concepts and Contemporary Issues
SCS110 Screen Media Project
SCS130 Introduction to Media and Communication Industries
SWK100 The Illuminated Screen: Introduction to Film and Television Studies
SWK172 Introduction to Screenwriting: The Art of Visual Storytelling
Developing courses (10) 120 units
CRM204 Children, Media and Society
CRM205 Medical Microbiology
CRM206 Pharmaceutical and Food Microbiology
SCS225 Microbial Pathogenesis
SWK200 Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
SWK202 Urbanism and Urban Design
SWK251 Participation and Conflict Resolution
SWK277 Strategic Infrastructure Planning
SWK278 Advanced Planning Policy and Practice
SWK286 Introduction to Cybersecurity
Graduate courses (10) 168 units
CRM304 Ethics in Digital Investigation and Cyber Security
CRM308 Introduction to Device & Network Security
CRM309 Cryptography, Blockchain and Security
SWK300 Managing Data(36 units)
SWK302 Network Technology and Management
SWK304 Project Management Principles
SWK306 Cyber Laws and the Rules of Evidence
SWK400 Digital Forensics 1(36 units)
SWK401 Network Forensics
SWK407 Digital Forensics 2: Advanced concepts in Digital Forensics
Discipline elective courses (4) 48 units
Select 4 discipline elective courses (48 units) from:
CRM201 Research/Industry Dissertation 1
JST202 Research/Industry Dissertation 2
CRM203 Qualitative Research: Approaches and Practice
CRM302 Quantitative Research Methods
CRM305 Communication and Thought
CRM307 Cell Biology
CRM310 Biodiversity and Ecology
Note: CRM307 is a recommended course for students wishing to enrol in the Bachelor of Criminology and Justice
(Honours) program.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 480
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 480 units as outlined in the Program Structure
In order to commence field education placement you must:
- Hold a valid Blue Card, throughout the duration of your program, which is issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG). You should allow 12 weeks for CCYPCG to issue the card. Note: students who do not possess a valid Blue Card will be unable to complete the field education component of their program and will be unable to meet graduation requirements
- Have a National Criminal History check (by Queensland Police Service or other state/territory authority)
- Travel to attend field education placements
- Please note, while all endeavours will be made to place students in a given semester, this is not guaranteed and students may need to enrol at a later time should a position in an agency be unavailable in the preferred semester
Program notes
- For Sippy Downs students some courses in this program will be taught at the Sunshine Coast Heath Institute
- 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
- Most courses are valued at 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 which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.