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.
- Campus note: In addition to being able to study all courses at USC Sunshine Coast, students may choose to complete some first-year psychology courses at USC Gympie. Only first-year psychology courses are offered at USC Gympie. The remainder of the degree is completed at USC Sunshine Coast. International students can study at USC Sunshine Coast only.
- Subject to external accreditation for USC Moreton Bay campus offering.
- Campus note: In addition to being able to study all courses at USC Sunshine Coast, students may choose to complete some first-year psychology courses at USC Gympie. Only first-year psychology courses are offered at USC Gympie. The remainder of the degree is completed at USC Sunshine Coast. International students can study at USC Sunshine Coast only.
- Subject to external accreditation for USC Moreton Bay campus offering.
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) 48 units
COR109
PSY100 Communication and Thought
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology A
PSY102 Introduction to Psychology B
Developing and Graduate courses (14) 168 units
PSY200 Current Directions in Psychology
PSY201 Research Methods in Psychology A
PSY202 Research Methods in Psychology B
PSY203 Physiological Psychology
PSY204 Introduction to Human Development
PSY205 Social Psychology
PSY300 Motivation and Emotion
PSY301 Advanced Methods in Psychology
PSY302 Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology
PSY303 Intercultural and Indigenous Psychologies
PSY304 Personality and Assessment
PSY305 Human Associative Learning
PSY306 Abnormal Psychology
PSY307 Psychology of Health and Wellbeing
Criminology courses
Introductory courses (6) 72 units
CRM101 Adult Development and Ageing
CRM102 Introduction to Criminology
CRM103 Understanding Crime
CRM105 Punishment and Corrections
JST101 Policing
SCS110 Justice and the Australian Legal System
Developing and Graduate courses (5) 60 units
CRM202 Australian Society: How does(n't) it work? - An Introduction to Sociology
CRM204 Diversity, Crime and Justice
CRM301 Applied Crime Prevention
CRM304 Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice
LGL201 Professional Ethics and Integrity Management
Elective courses (3) 36 units
Select 3 elective courses (36 units) from the undergraduate elective course options.
Suggested electives include:
CRM201 Criminal Law: An Introduction
JST202 Criminal Profiling
CRM203 International Justice and Human Rights
CRM302 Homicide
CRM303 Youth Justice
CRM305 Restorative Justice and Mediation
CRM307 Professional Placement
SCS225 Crime Research Methods
SWK286 Social Research
SCS295 Disability: Culture, Community and Change
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
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 specified
- 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 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.
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.