Understand crime from a social perspective
Learn about the social causes and consequences of crime and disadvantage in this double degree. You’ll be taught about how sociological influences can impact offending and gain a deep understanding of Australia’s criminal justice system, including areas of law enforcement, crime policy, the court system and custodial and community corrections.
- 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: Subject to external accreditation for USC Moreton Bay campus offering.
- Campus note: Subject to external accreditation for USC Moreton Bay campus offering.
Learn about the social causes and consequences of crime and disadvantage in this double degree. You’ll be taught about how sociological influences can impact offending and gain a deep understanding of Australia’s criminal justice system, including areas of law enforcement, crime policy, the court system and custodial and community corrections.
In this program you will:
- Learn about social inequality and how to make a difference in the legal system
- Complete two field placements where you’ll learn practical skills
- Research crime-related issues and develop problem solving skills
- Have the opportunity to complete a professional placement in your final year
- Choose from specialist courses in criminal profiling and intelligence, youth justice and restorative justice, homicide, forensic science and more
Career opportunities
- Mental health
- Social research
- Policy development and analysis
- Organisational management
- Community development and education
- Government agencies
- Community agencies
- Private practice
- Crime and justice research and policy
- Youth advocacy and at-risk youth support
- Crime victim support services
- Offender transition-from-prison programs
Accreditation
The social work component of the program is fully accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers, and prepares professionals to work with individuals, families, groups and communities.
Program structure
Introductory courses (12) 144 units
COU176 Health Promotion Implementation and Evaluation
COU180 Visual Literacy: Design Principles and Practice
CRM101 Introduction to Design
CRM102 3D Design A
CRM103 3D Design B
CRM105 3D Design C
JST101 3D Design D
SCS101 3D Design E - Internship/Professional Project
SCS110 3D Design F - Professional Portfolio
SCS130 Introduction to Design
SWK100 3D Design A
SWK172 3D Design B
Developing courses (10) 120 units
CRM204 3D Design C
CRM205 Leadership in Clinical Practice
CRM206 Learning and Teaching in the Practice Environment
SCS225 Research in Health Care
SWK200 Qualitative Research: Approaches and Practice
SWK202 Quantitative Research Methods
SWK251 Special Project: Evaluating Practice Knowledge
SWK277 Special Project: Translating Knowledge into Practice
SWK278 Research Project A
SWK286 Research Project B
Graduate courses (10) 168 units
CRM304 Research Project C
CRM308 Research Project F
CRM309 Accounting Fundamentals
SWK300 Informatics and Financial Applications(36 units)
SWK302 Financial Reporting
SWK304 Managerial Finance
SWK306 Legal Regulation of Business Structures
SWK400 Corporate Reporting(36 units)
SWK401 Strategic Management Accounting
SWK407 Taxation Law and Practice
Discipline elective courses (4) 48 units
Select 4 discipline elective courses (48 units) from:
CRM201 Contemporary Accounting Issues
JST202 Issues in Auditing Practice
CRM203 Business Research and Statistics
CRM302 Principles of Economics for Accountants
CRM305 Principles of Commercial Law
CRM307 Advanced Research Methods
CRM310 Foundations of Sustainability
Note: CRM307 is a recommended course for students wishing to enrol in the Bachelor of Criminology and Justice
(Honours) program.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 480
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 480 units as outlined in the Program Structure
In order to commence field education placement you must:
- Hold a valid Blue Card, throughout the duration of your program, which is issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG). You should allow 12 weeks for CCYPCG to issue the card. Note: students who do not possess a valid Blue Card will be unable to complete the field education component of their program and will be unable to meet graduation requirements
- Have a National Criminal History check (by Queensland Police Service or other state/territory authority)
- Travel to attend field education placements
- Please note, while all endeavours will be made to place students in a given semester, this is not guaranteed and students may need to enrol at a later time should a position in an agency be unavailable in the preferred semester
Program notes
- For Sippy Downs students some courses in this program will be taught at the Sunshine Coast Heath Institute
- 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
- Most courses are valued at 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 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.
- In order to commence field education placement you must:
- Hold a valid Blue Card, throughout the duration of your program, which is issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG). You should allow 12 weeks for CCYPCG to issue the card. Note: students who do not possess a valid Blue Card will be unable to complete the field education component of their program and will be unable to meet graduation requirements
-Travel to attend field education placements
-Please note, while all endeavours will be made to place students in a given semester, this is not guaranteed and students may need to enrol at a later time should a position in an agency be unavailable in the preferred semester