Bachelor of Criminology

Upon completion of this degree, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the causes and consequences of crime within Australia, including the role that the media and legal system play in shaping our understanding of crimes;
2. demonstrate an understanding of the major criminological theoretical perspectives that explain both crime and deviance. Critically analyse, consolidate and apply this theoretical understanding to practical criminological scenarios with a deeper understanding of the issues at hand and a wider knowledge base;
3. demonstrate the practical use of criminological research and study within the criminal justice system to apply research methods and practical skills to their theoretical knowledge of the criminal justice system;
4. demonstrate a critical understanding of the Australian Criminal Justice System and the key institutions within this system, the key local and international political and social changes that have shaped the progression of the Australian Criminal Justice System;
5. demonstrate an ability to understand and critically evaluate criminological literature, including policy and government documents and media articles and to locate, evaluate and apply information from a variety of academic and non-academic sources in an appropriate manner;
6. examine criminological research drawing on knowledge of disciplines related to criminology, from either sociology, social work, law, psychology or forensic science; and
7. apply academic writing skills and communicate findings in an appropriate form and at an appropriate level.

The Bachelor of Criminology at UNE is an inter-disciplinary degree that draws upon areas of study such as criminology, forensic science, law and criminal justice, and the sociology of deviance. Students are able to specialise in a particular major while still choosing a number of core and additional listed subjects that examine criminal law and procedures, policing, punishment, prisons, forensic science, theories of crime, rural crime and juvenile delinquency. The degree also offers students the opportunity to undertake training in research methods, apply theory to practice and investigate geographical differences and inequities within criminal justice in Australia. The degree provides hands-on experience within the criminal justice system through CRIM312 and also through our WorkReady program. Graduates of a Bachelor of Criminology can seek employment in a wide-range of sectors, including: border control, correctional facilities, crime prevention agencies, government and policy agencies, intelligence and security, juvenile justice, police service and welfare.

Graduating students have the subject of their major specialisation within the degree appear on their testamur e.g. Bachelor of Criminology (Crime, Justice and Society) or Bachelor of Criminology (Crime Science).

The Bachelor of Criminology is concerned with understanding social constructions of crime and criminality. It provides graduates with a unique opportunity to develop both theoretical and practical skills and an understanding of criminology within a local and international context.

Recommended study pattern

Students must complete the following four core subjects and achieve a minimum GPA of 4.0 to gain admission to the degree:

• CRIM100 Understanding Crime
• CRIM101 The Criminal Justice System
• CRIM104 Deviance
• CRIM290 Crime in Rural Communities

Also complete:

• four additional core subjects,
• eight listed subjects and
• eight subjects towards your chosen major.

To access the course rules and plans go to the UNE Course Handbook.

Award requirements

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass subjects to the value of 144 credit points with not more than 60 credit points at 100-level, at least 36 credit points at 300-level.

Choose your subjects

Majors

Students are required to complete 1 of the following majors comprising of 8 subjects.

• Crime, Justice and Society
• Crime Science

Exit points

Candidates who discontinue their studies in the degree may be eligible to exit with the Diploma in Arts on completion of 8 subjects (48 credit points) or the Advanced Diploma in Arts on completion of 12 subjects (72 credit points).

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.

• Core Subjects

• Listed Subjects

• Crime, Justice and Society Major

• Crime Science Major

Students must contact UNE with their intent to graduate. 
UNE Graduation

2025 Changes

Listed subjects are no longer separated into 2 groups. Changes to core and listed subjects.

New Majors: 

• Crime Science 
• Crime, Justice and Society

Deleted Majors: 

• Criminal Justice
• Justice and Indigenous People
• Justice, Politics and Society
• Policing and Corrections

Students are encouraged to switch to the new rules if they choose/prefer.

If you have completed subjects in majors that are no longer part of the degree or have excess 100-level subjects, UNE can address these on an individual basis.

If you decide to remain with the old rules and encounter issues like unavailable subjects, UNE will also handle these situations on a case-by-case basis.

Students should contact UNE via askune@une.edu.au for any progression or enrolment issues.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $56,424

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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To be admitted to the Bachelor of Criminology you need to complete the following four subjects and achieve a minimum GPA of 4.0:

• CRIM100 Understanding Crime
• CRIM101 The Criminal Justice System
• CRIM104 Deviance
• CRIM290 Crime in Rural Communities

Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements

The 4.0 GPA requirement equates to a minimum of a Pass in all four subjects.

Be aware that if you fail a subject it is included in your GPA calculation and means you will need to achieve higher grades to obtain admission to the degree.

For this reason, we recommend students consider their study load and academic skills before attempting a subject.

Students who have already successfully completed at least four subjects of study within an AQF Level 7 qualification of a recognised Australian University or tertiary institution; and who have achieved a minimum grade point average 4.0 and are of good standing with the institution, may apply for direct entry into the UNE Bachelor of Criminology degree provided they have satisfied any other eligibility criteria.

ATAR Score 65.00

At least one of the following criteria must be met:

1. English is the applicant's first language; or
2. Satisfactory completion, within five years of the date of application for admission to UNE, of at least one year of full-time or equivalent full-time study at senior secondary, post-secondary or tertiary level in a country in which English is the primary official language or co-official language and in which English was the sole medium of instruction and assessment for the particular period of study claimed, resulting in an AQF award or an award recognised by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR); or
3. A pass grade or better in an English language subject at Australian Year 12 level or overseas equivalent; or
4. An IELTS (Academic) overall score of at least 6.0 with no sub-band less than 5.5; or equivalent TOEFL score of at least 213 in the computer-based test; or at least 79 in the internet-based test with no less than 22 in the written component; or a PTE Academic minimum overall score of 57 with no skill less than 50; or
5. Satisfactory completion of the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program:
   1. at the University of New England English Language Centre; or
   2. an equivalent EAP program at an Australian university NEAS-accredited English Language Centre (subject to certification from the university concerned that satisfactory completion of that university's EAP program would entitle the applicant to be accepted into a comparable award-bearing program at that university); or
   3. at a non-university NEAS-accredited English Language Provider that has a formal agreement with UNE under which it provides an equivalent EAP Program; or
   4. a NEAS-accredited TAFE NSW EAP Program.

More detailed information regarding these requirements can be viewed here:
UNE English Language Requirements for Admission Rule

Students admitted to the degree with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this degree may be eligible for advanced standing. For more information on Advanced Standing or Recognition of Prior Learning, please visit:  UNE Advanced Standing

Candidates may elect to include a work experience subject in their program. This component equips students with hands-on practical experience in the field with local industry and service providers working in the area of criminal justice.

Depending on subject choice intensive school attendance may be required.