Interested in crime and justice? A degree in criminology examines the complexity of crime and the way society responds to it, seeking to better understand the dynamics of criminality by looking at the big picture. A Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice covers a broad range of topics including justice, conflict, risk, security, policing, state crime, alternative justice systems, criminalisation and regulation, all while engaging contemporary real-word issues such as victimisation, drug-related harm, organised crime and community safety. Key study areas include the nature of crime, how crime is defined and measured, media reporting and portrayal of crime, and what factors lead people to commit crime.
Overview
- Program Code
3422
- UAC Code
422350
- CRICOS Code
038415G
- Total units of credit (UOC)
144
- Campus
Kensington
- Indicative Enrolments
309
Majors
- Criminology
Degree Structure
You will be part of a unique cross-faculty program taught by UNSW Arts & Social Sciences and UNSW Law. You will study 16 courses in Criminology, Criminal Law and Social Policy & Research, and a further 8 elective courses.
Sample courses
- Introduction to Criminology
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Criminal Law and Justice
- Explaining Crime
- Sex, Human Rights and Justice
- Forensic Sociology
- Issues in Policing
- Crime, Politics and the Media
- Indigenous Perspective
- Prison and Punishment
- Young People, Risk and Harm
- Violent and Sexual Offenders
- State Crime and Human Rights
- Restorative Justice
- Psychology and Law
Double degree options
Dual mode (96 UOC) made up of 1. Criminology Core (36 UOC) 2. Social Research and Policy Core (42 UOC) 3. Prescribed Criminology Electives (18 UOC) Dual mode is available in 4034 Social Work (Honours)/Criminology & Criminal Justice and 4763 Criminology & Criminal Justice/Law.
Career Opportunities
- Policy analyst and adviser
- Research officer
- Project manager and research designer
- Federal, state and local governments
- Court and prison system
- Federal and state police
- Security and intelligence
- Insurance and private sector
Practical experience
Students in the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice gain practical experience through a Major Social Research Project.
This project brings together the research and analytical skills necessary for research and policy-related work, including preparation of a research proposal, literature review and the completion of a research project embodying the results of the research.
Past Criminology and Criminal Justice research topics have included:
- E-trafficking - using new technologies in the context of human trafficking
- Degrees of difference? A preliminary study into the composition of criminology degrees at Australian universities
Crime and justice research network
As a Criminology and Criminal Justice students, you can get actively involved in the Crime and Justice Research Network an interdisciplinary initiative that brings together academics, researchers and students across UNSW with an interest in crime and justice.
International exchange
As one of Australias most international universities, UNSW offers you the opportunity to spend a term or more overseas studying at one of our partner institutions as part of your degree. UNSW manages a large and active exchange program with over 200 different student exchange opportunities in 38 countries.
Vocational placement
Criminology and Criminal Justice students have the option to enrol in an elective internship through the Arts & Social Sciences Vocational Placement (Internship) course.
The program provides an exciting opportunity to put theory into practice and gain valuable professional experience.
Honours
A fourth year honours program is available for high achieving students in the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice.
Honours is an intensive study program that provides the opportunity to engage in specialised and extended research, to further develop research and analytical skills and expand graduate options.
Find Your Career Match
At UNSW Arts & Social Sciences we want you to love what you do - and that means choosing a degree that will help you secure a job you love.
Find out which careers suit your personality type best and how we can help you get there.
Entry requirements
- 2020 Lowest Selection Rank 1
82
- 2021 Guaranteed Entry 2
82
- 2020 A levels 3
14
- 2020 IB Diploma 4
30
- 2020 Lowest ATAR 5
73.6
1. 2020 Lowest Selection Rank
The 2020 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2020.
2. 2021 Guaranteed Entry
Find more information on Guaranteed Entry here.
3. 2020 A levels
The 2020 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
4. 2020 IB Diploma
The 2020 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2020. It is to be used as a guide only.
5. 2020 Lowest ATAR
The 2020 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January.
Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
Fees
- 2021 Indicative First Year Fee
$14,500*
Commonwealth Supported Place, Student Contribution Band 4
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included.