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 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 (3)
COR109 Introduction to Sports Medicine
PSY101 Sport and Exercise Psychology
PSY102 Motor Control and Learning
Advanced courses (14)
PSY200 Introduction to Clinical Placement
PSY201 Exercise in Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Health
PSY202 Exercise in Musculoskeletal Health
PSY203 Biomechanics II
PSY204 Exercise Physiology II
PSY205 Professional Placement in Sport and Exercise Science
PSY300 Sports Nutrition
PSY301 Accounting Principles
PSY302 Introduction to Informatics
PSY303 Communication and Thought
PSY304
PSY305
PSY306
PSY307
Criminology courses
Introductory courses (7)
CRM101
CRM102 Business Analytics
CRM103 Introduction to Economics
CRM105 Management and Organisational Behaviour
JST101 Financial Accounting
PSY100 Law of Business Associations
SCS110 Business Finance
Advanced courses (6)
CRM202 Company Accounting
CRM204 Management Accounting
CRM301 Taxation Law and Practice
CRM304 Contemporary Accounting Issues
LGL201 Auditing and Professional Practice
SCS225 Business Law and Ethics
Elective courses (2)
Select 2 elective courses from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Suggested electives include:
CRM201 Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility
JST202 Accounting Principles
LGL202 Business Analytics
CRM203 Introduction to Economics
CRM302 Management and Organisational Behaviour
CRM303 Introduction to Informatics
CRM305 Communication and Thought
CRM306 Business Finance
SCS286 Taxation Law and Practice
SCS295 Business Law and Ethics
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