Understand the nature and causes of crime.
This program equips you with the knowledge and skills to understand and prevent crime. You will take a 360 degree view of the criminal justice system, its institutions, and how it all fits together. This will involve understanding legal institutions and processes, developing problem solving skills in crime-related issues, and examining fair and effective methods of crime prevention.
Formerly the Bachelor of Justice and Legal Studies. If you commenced in this program please refer to your Previous Student Handbook
- 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.
This program equips you with the knowledge and skills to understand and prevent crime. You will take a 360 degree view of the criminal justice system, its institutions, and how it all fits together. This will involve understanding legal institutions and processes, developing problem solving skills in crime-related issues, and examining fair and effective methods of crime prevention.
The program builds knowledge of the role of the justice system and examines policies impacting on the police, courts, corrections and many allied agencies. You will develop strong analytical skills and be given grounding in relevant ethical issues. Through your electives, you have the opportunity to explore criminal profiling, youth justice, homicide and international justice.
For your final year you can choose from a professional placement or research project, then apply what you’ve learnt and begin to make a difference. Broaden your horizons and choose to study part of your USC program abroad, through the Study Overseas program.
Expand your career options and study one of three double degrees on offer. Choose from Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Criminology and Justice, Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) / Bachelor of Criminology and Justice or Bachelor of Social Work / Bachelor of Criminology and Justice.
Further studies in this field can be completed through postgraduate studies in the Master of Arts or Doctor of Philosophy programs.
Career opportunities
You can find employment pathways in policing and law enforcement, custodial and community corrections, private and public security and intelligence, legal administration, paralegal work, advocacy, mediation, youth justice, child safety, crime prevention, research and policy, and therapies and rehabilitation. Employment opportunities cover a wide spectrum of government, business and community sector organisations in Australia and overseas.
Program structure
Introductory courses (8) 96 units
COR109 Indigenous Australia and the State
CRM101 Understanding Cultural Diversity
CRM102 Counselling for the Human Services Professional
CRM103 Group Processes and Practice
CRM105 Regions, Change and Sustainability
JST101 International Community Development and Global Justice
SCS101 Indigenous Australia and the State
SCS110 Social Justice, Welfare and the State
Developing and Graduate courses (6) 72 units
CRM202 Understanding Cultural Diversity
CRM204 Community Development and Social Action
CRM301 Researching Education
CRM304 Education Research Theories and Methodologies
LGL201 Communication and Thought
SCS225 Anatomy and Physiology
Elective courses (10) 120 units
Select 10 elective courses (120 units) from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering). Of these 8 (96 units) must be developing and graduate level (200/300 coded) courses.
Suggested electives include:
CRM201 Introductory Bioscience
CRM203 Contexts of Practice: The Older Person and Family
CRM302 Practice Foundations
CRM303 Preparation for Practice 1
CRM305 Nursing Practice 1
CRM307 Health, Culture and Society
JST202 Research Foundations for Health Practice
# Electives can only be taken from the USC Law School if the student is enrolled in the Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Criminology and Justice.
Please Note: Some courses in this program are offered online. Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 288
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses (120 units)
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specifed
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Register your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)