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.
- * 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 (4)
COR109 Working Effectively with Aboriginal People
PSY100 Critical Practice with Mental Health, Trauma, Bereavement and Crisis
PSY101 Working with Children, Youth and Families
PSY102 Ethical Practice in the Helping Professions
Advanced courses (14)
PSY200 Health and Mental Health in Australia
PSY201 Understanding Cultural Diversity
PSY202 Social Work Field Education 1
PSY203 Community Development and Social Action
PSY204 Complexity and Social Work: Group-Based Approaches
PSY205 Critical Social Policy Analysis
PSY300 Organisational Contexts for Social Work Practice
PSY301 Social Work Field Education 2
PSY302 Context Responsive Social Work Practice
PSY303 Introduction to Criminology
PSY304 Understanding Crime
PSY305 Punishment and Corrections
PSY306 Policing
PSY307 Justice and the Australian Legal System
Criminology courses
Introductory courses (6)
CRM101 Foundations of Human Behaviour
CRM102 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
CRM103 Diversity, Crime and Justice
CRM105 Applied Crime Prevention
JST101 Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice
SCS110 Professional Ethics and Integrity Management
Advanced courses (5)
CRM202 Criminal Law: An Introduction
CRM204 Social Research
CRM301 Criminal Profiling
CRM304 International Justice and Human Rights
LGL201 Homicide
Elective courses (3)
Select 3 elective courses from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Suggested electives include:
CRM201 Youth Justice
JST202 Restorative Justice and Mediation
CRM203 Professional Placement
CRM302 Crime Research Methods
CRM303 Disability: Culture, Community and Change
CRM305 Gender and Culture
CRM307 Communication and Thought
SCS225 Introduction to Journalism
SCS286 Foundations of Australian Law A
SCS295 Criminal Law and Procedure A
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
- 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
- Refer to the Planning your study page to manage your progression