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 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 (4)
COR109 Project Management Principles
PSY100 Project Risk
PSY101 Project Planning
PSY102 Project Integration
Advanced courses (14)
PSY200 Communication and Thought
PSY201 Introduction to Psychology A
PSY202 Introduction to Psychology B
PSY203 Current Directions in Psychology
PSY204 Research Methods in Psychology A
PSY205 Research Methods in Psychology B
PSY300 Physiological Psychology
PSY301 Introduction to Human Development
PSY302 Social Psychology
PSY303 Motivation and Emotion
PSY304 Advanced Methods in Psychology
PSY305 Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology
PSY306 Intercultural and Indigenous Psychologies
PSY307 Personality and Assessment
Criminology courses
Introductory courses (6)
CRM101 Human Associative Learning
CRM102 Abnormal Psychology
CRM103 Psychology of Health and Wellbeing
CRM105 Adult Development and Ageing
JST101 Introduction to Criminology
SCS110 Understanding Crime
Advanced courses (5)
CRM202 Punishment and Corrections
CRM204 Policing
CRM301 Justice and the Australian Legal System
CRM304 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
LGL201 Diversity, Crime and Justice
Elective courses (3)
Select 3 elective courses from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Suggested electives include:
CRM201 Applied Crime Prevention
JST202 Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice
CRM203 Professional Ethics and Integrity Management
CRM302 Criminal Law: An Introduction
CRM303 Criminal Profiling
CRM305 International Justice and Human Rights
CRM307 Homicide
SCS225 Youth Justice
SCS286 Restorative Justice and Mediation
SCS295 Professional Placement
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