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 Corporations and Partnership Law
PSY101 Property B
PSY102 Equity & Trusts
Advanced courses (14)
PSY200 Civil Procedure
PSY201 Administrative Law
PSY202 Evidence
PSY203 Professional Conduct
PSY204 Regulation
PSY205 Pharmaceutical and Food Microbiology
PSY300 Genetics
PSY301 Communication and Thought
PSY302 Introduction to Psychology B
PSY303 Current Directions in Psychology
PSY304 Research Methods in Psychology A
PSY305 Research Methods in Psychology B
PSY306 Physiological Psychology
PSY307 Introduction to Human Development
Criminology courses
Introductory courses (7)
CRM101 Social Psychology
CRM102 Motivation and Emotion
CRM103 Advanced Methods in Psychology
CRM105 Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology
JST101 Intercultural and Indigenous Psychologies
PSY100 Personality and Assessment
SCS110 Human Associative Learning
Advanced courses (6)
CRM202 Abnormal Psychology
CRM204 Psychology of Health and Wellbeing
CRM301 Adult Development and Ageing
CRM304 Introduction to Criminology
LGL201 Understanding Crime
SCS225 Punishment and Corrections
Elective courses (2)
Select 2 elective courses from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Suggested electives include:
CRM201 Policing
JST202 Justice and the Australian Legal System
LGL202 Introduction to Psychology A
CRM203 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
CRM302 Diversity, Crime and Justice
CRM303 Applied Crime Prevention
CRM305 Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice
CRM306 Professional Ethics and Integrity Management
SCS286 Criminal Law: An Introduction
SCS295 Social Research
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