Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science
UndergraduateLAT-CPS-DEG2025
Course information for 2025 intake
Understand human behaviour to reduce criminal behaviour
Explore the dynamic partnership of psychology and criminology. With a grounding in psychology, you’ll be prepped to unpack why groups and individuals commit offending behaviours. Get ready for careers in justice, advocacy, forensics, and policy.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 16 Feb 2025,
- 13 July 2025
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 4 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 32
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science
About this degree
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of the factors that contribute to offending behaviours
- Acquire, assess, and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts
- Collect, analyse, and evaluate information and ideas and solve problems using a scientific approach driven by an understanding of psychology and Identify, research and formulate evidence-based responses to issues relevant to crime and criminal justice
- Demonstrate a capacity to critically analyse theory and research, and to reflect on the legal, social, cultural and political contexts in which criminalisation occurs and in which responses to offending behaviour are formulated
- Demonstrate an awareness of cultural differences and show sensitivity to the diversity across people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, when applying knowledge and skills
- Discuss and reflect upon the professional roles, values and ethical responsibilities of the various actors in the criminal justice system and distinguish appropriate values and ethics in psychology
- Interpret, utilize, develop and evaluate theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and evidence based professional decisions
- Demonstrate an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of criminology as a discipline and in the context of professional practice settings, and the varying explanations and strategies it offers for explaining and responding to crime
- Analyse and critique theory and research in the disciplines of psychology and criminology and communicate effectively in written and oral formats
- Learn and work with autonomy, accountability and professionalism, demonstrating interpersonal skills and teamwork, and adopt a reflective and resilient approach to a student's own capabilities and performance
Explore the close connections between crime and the human mind and its effects on behaviour with La Trobe's multidisciplinary Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science.
Understand crime in its broader social context and how individual and social responses are shaped by gender, race, power and money. Establish a grounding in psychology, exploring theories on individuals, groups and whole societies. Learn how experiences and incentives impact behaviour and how this knowledge can be applied to key issues in criminal justice.
By completing La Trobe's Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science, you will:
- investigate the complex causes of crime, principles of crime prevention and policy, and how social factors intersect with our criminal justice system
- explore the role of courts, police, prisons and how deviance and crime are understood by different parts of society
- develop valuable expertise in cognitive, developmental, social, abnormal, clinical and health psychology
- get on-the-job experience with work placement opportunities at organisations like the Victims of Crime Tribunal
- have the flexibility to study online, on campus or a mix of both
- graduate ready to apply for membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the prerequisites to apply for Honours in psychology, with potential to pursue postgraduate study and registration as a psychologist.
Recommended study pattern
This degree is an Open Access pathway course, which means there is a recommended series of subjects that, once successfully completed, can be credited towards this degree. To commence the pathway for this degree, simply select subjects identified within the Entry requirements field.
Students who wish to enrol in a part time load are recommended to enrol in two subjects per study period. Please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook to review the full structure.
Students who are studying and want to take a break (minimum one study period) must submit a leave of absence covering the relevant dates.
Students who have been accepted in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) are required to complete the following 2 modules in their first study period as a CSP student:
LTU0AIM Academic Integrity Module
ABS0WOM Wominjeka La Trobe: Indigenous Cultural Literacy for Higher Education
Award requirements
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science, students must complete 32 subjects (480 credit) points as follows:
- 16 Core Criminology subjects
- 12 Core Psychology subjects
- 4 elective subjects
Students who have been accepted in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) are required to complete the following 2 modules in their first study period as a CSP student:
LTU0AIM Academic Integrity Module
ABS0WOM Wominjeka La Trobe: Indigenous Cultural Literacy for Higher Education
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$13,410
Indicative total fee $53,640
The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
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Entry requirements
Successful completion of one of the following four Criminology Open Access Pathway subjects:
- LST1LOJ - Law and (Dis)Order
- LCR1ALS - Introduction to the Australian Legal System
- LCR1CSS - Criminology Skills
- LST1UNC - Understanding Crime
AND
Successful completion of one of the following four Psychological Science Open Access Pathway subjects:
- PSY1BAM Introductory psychology: brain and mind
- PSY1SFP Scientific foundations of psychology
- PSY1PAC Introductory psychology: people and culture
- PSY1APP Applied psychology
Demonstrate proficiency equivalent to Year 12 prerequisites
Basis of Admission: Work/Life ExperienceSatisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice if you:
- are not currently studying an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent)
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or
- do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.
Refer to the La Trobe University STAT page page for further information.
La Trobe University will consider applications for advanced standing, or credit for prior study. Credit may be applied to a current degree if you have undertaken previous tertiary study and completed and passed subjects similar in content and standard to those offered at La Trobe, from either another recognised tertiary institution or a different La Trobe course.
Note: Applications for credit will not be considered until you have successfully been admitted to a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) in a La Trobe course offered through OUA.
Assessing whether you should apply for credit for subjects in your course:
Credit may be granted for relevant subjects. The following steps will help you to decide which subjects you wish to apply for:
- Identify subjects within your course that you think align with subjects you have already studied and have completed within 8 years of your La Trobe University course commencement year.
- Provide subject outlines with detailed information for each subject that you wish to submit for assessment for credit, identifying which subject within your course that you have identified as a match. Include subject learning outcomes/objectives and subject content for each subject.
- Provide your academic transcript for your previous studies.
*Note that a subject studied can only be used once for credit
Career opportunities
Prepare for a successful career in settings such as policing, corrections, crime prevention and advocacy, forensics, intelligence, juvenile justice, customs and policy development. Possible career options include:
- criminologist or crime analyst
- psychologist
- corrections officer
- forensic psychologist
- case manager, justice worker or youth worker
- specialist police officer*
- intelligence officer or analyst
- rehabilitation worker
- victim advocate
- court officer, registrar or paralegal.
*Dependent on completing police training and internal promotion.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Psychological Science is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Professional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia will require an APAC-accredited fourth year and additional or ongoing requirements beyond the completion of the degree as well as an application to the professional body. Please contact the relevant professional body for details.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Psychological Science may apply for membership with the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Membership may be subject to additional or ongoing requirements beyond completion of the degree. Please contact the relevant professional body for details.
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
How does studying through Open Universities Australia work?
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
How do I know if I‘m eligible to apply for a course?
Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Contact us to find out more.
When is my cut-off date for enrolment?
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
How do I enrol?
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to a student advisor and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.