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 (3)
COR109 Participation and Conflict Resolution
PSY101 Professional Planning Practice
PSY102 Community Planning Studio
Advanced courses (14)
PSY200 Planning Practicum
PSY201 Planning Project
PSY202 Planning Project
PSY203 An Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Technology
PSY204 Environmental and Resource Economics
PSY205 Heritage: Australian and Global Contexts
PSY300 Social Research
PSY301 Planning Project
PSY302 Planning and Environmental Law
PSY303 Urbanism and Urban Design
PSY304 Planning Theory
PSY305 Regional Infrastructure Planning
PSY306 Planning Design Studio
PSY307 Participation and Conflict Resolution
Criminology courses
Introductory courses (7)
CRM101 Professional Planning Practice
CRM102 Community Planning Studio
CRM103 Planning Practicum
CRM105 Social Research
JST101 Communication and Thought
PSY100 Introduction to Psychology A
SCS110 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
Advanced courses (6)
CRM202 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
CRM204 Social Work and Human Services Practice
CRM301 Social Research
CRM304 Understanding Society: An Introduction to Social Theory
LGL201 Social Justice, Welfare and the State
SCS225 Working Effectively with Aboriginal People
Elective courses (2)
Select 2 elective courses from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Suggested electives include:
CRM201 Critical Practice with Trauma, Bereavement and Crisis
JST202 Working With Families
LGL202 Ethics and Professional Practice
CRM203 Health, Society and Culture
CRM302 Understanding Cultural Diversity
CRM303 Social Work Field Education 1
CRM305 Community Development and Social Action
CRM306 Complexity and Social Work: Policy and Practice
SCS286 Critical Social Policy Analysis
SCS295 Organisational Contexts for Social Work Practice
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