Master of Criminology
PostgraduateMAQ-CRM-MAS2025
Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Interrogate the causes of crime and how society responds
Engage with advanced criminology theory, applied criminological research and criminal justice policy analysis. Apply your theory to a range of crimes. Get an understanding of motivations, reactions, and how we can work to alleviate crime.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 16 Feb 2025,
- 20 July 2025
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- Approx. 1.5 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 12
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Master of Criminology
About this degree
On successful completion, you will be able to:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of the social, political, economic, and historical factors that have influenced crime, deviance, justice, and social control from an Australian and transnational perspective.
- Critically analyse and apply criminological and sociological theories and concepts, incorporating Indigenous knowledge and an ecological consciousness, to better understand the social, cultural, and historical contexts surrounding crime and justice.
- Demonstrate proficiency in social scientific research, including research design, methods, analysis, interpretation, and an appreciation for the diverse of approaches found within critical scholarship.
- Evaluate the impact of colonisation on the historical configuration of the criminal justice system as well as its ongoing contribution to the perpetuation of social inequality.
- Recognise and uphold the importance of ethical standards in conducting criminological research, analysis, and policy formation.
- Effectively communicate coherent arguments, critical thought, and applied policy responses to various audiences, including academics, professionals, and fellow students, using a variety of communication mediums.
Criminology at Macquarie University embraces a philosophy that revolves around fostering a critical understanding of crime and challenging commonly held assumptions regarding the causes, consequences, and approaches to crime control. Our programme offers a distinct interdisciplinary curriculum to provide an enriched perspective on the systems of power and inequality that shape the landscape of our criminal justice system. Throughout their studies, students will develop theoretical and methodological skills that empower them to critically evaluate and analyse systemic harm, inequality and injustice. Moreover, through collaboration with professional and governmental organisations, they will explore profound questions such as the nature of crime, the targets of criminal justice intervention, the perpetuation of injustice and inequality and the complex dynamics that increasingly exist between environmental security, justice and crime. This education will empower students to think innovatively and ethically when addressing the persistent challenges of crime, deviance and harm, with a critical focus on power and environmental security, whether they choose to pursue further education, engage in research, or enter the workforce.
Recommended study pattern
Master of Criminology students must complete eight or twelve subjects as required per the degree structure at the time of admission.
Please note: It is not recommended to enrol in more than 2 subjects per Session
Core Zone
Essential subjects: 60 credit points
- PICX8012 Critical Thought & Research Design
- PICX8003 Emerging Topics in Security Studies
- PICX8042 Crime, Inequality and Social Justice
- PICX8062 The Crimes of the Powerful
- PICX8088 Advanced Criminology Theory
- PICX8089 Crime and Social Policy
Core Zone
Elective subjects
Option set 1: 10 credit points from:
- PICX8950 Crisis Simulation
- PICX8047 Supervised Project in Security Studies
Option set 2: 10 credit points from:
- PICX8020 Advanced Terrorism Studies
- PICX8045 Intelligence: Theory and Practice
- PICX8921 Australia's Strategic and Defence Policy
- PICX8080 Cyber Conflict, Cyber Espionage and Information Warfare
Flexible Zone
Option set 1: 40 credit points from:
- PICX8013 History of Intelligence
- PICX8020 Advanced Terrorism Studies
- PICX8037 Choosing Terror: Pathways into Terrorism
- PICX8040 Cyber Crime and Cyber Policing
- PICX8045 Intelligence: Theory and Practice
- PICX8061 Peace Operations
- PICX8080 Cyber Conflict, Cyber Espionage and Information Warfare
- PICX8921 Australia's Strategic and Defence Policy
Total Credit points: 120
Award requirements
To qualify for the award of Master of Criminology students must complete eight or twelve subjects as required. Students must complete the essential subjects as indicated in the degree structure.
On completion of admission you are bound by the University Terms and Conditions and must comply with present and future By-laws, Rules, Codes, and Policies, Procedures and Schedules of Macquarie University
Students who did not commence their program in the current year are required to follow the program structure provided to them at the time of admission.
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.
Applications are due the Friday two weeks prior to the close of enrolment date for the study session you are applying for.
Please note:
Once you have been admitted into your degree, you must enrol in at least one subject in the study term immediately following admission, and you must remain enrolled past the census date. If not, your admission will lapse and you will need to re-apply for the degree again. Deferment is not available for OUA students.
Visit Studying a degree through OUA for further information.
Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy will not be permitted to register in Macquarie University degrees offered through OUA. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.
Students who complete their studies and submit the I Expect to Complete form via ask.mq.edu.au in Semester 1 may be able to graduate at the following September ceremony. Students who complete and submit the form in Semester 2 may be able to graduate at the following April ceremony.
Transition arrangements are changes that occur when courses are updated or phased out. This happens regularly as part of continuous improvement. It may affect you if you are currently enrolled in this course, or if you plan to use credit from previous study towards it.
Changes in 2025:
There are changes to the course structure and new units will be offered.
Students who have completed subjects from the old structure can still count them towards the award requirements.
Please contact Macquarie University for further information.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$33,240
Indicative total fee $33,240
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.
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about Macquarie University.
Explore Macquarie courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 10
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 10
Entry requirements
This is a restricted degree. Subject enrolment is only available to students admitted into this degree.
Depending on your prior qualifications, work experience, or other recognised prior learning, you may qualify for entry to the course at one of the admission points below.
Each admission point requires the completion of some or all of the course's zones (see Course Structure) which will affect the overall duration of the course.
Core and Flexible Zones
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent, or
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent, and approved work experience, professional certification or other recognised prior learning, or
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 65
Core Zone
- AQF level 8 bachelor honours or graduate diploma qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent, or
- Meet two of the following three criteria:
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent
- Minimum two years relevant approved work experience at a senior management level, professional certification or other recognised prior learning.
AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 65
Related Disciplines For Prior Qualifications:
- Social Sciences
- Humanities.
Relevant Prior Work Experience, Professional Certification, Or Other Recognised Learning
Police Force, Customs/Border Force and Law (Seniority: Police – Senior Sergeant (equiv) or above, Public Service APS 5 (equiv) or above.)
The required standard of English for this program is:
Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in each band, or equivalent.
All applicants to coursework programs at Macquarie University are required to provide evidence of proficiency in English.
For more information on accepted equivalents, please see English Language Requirements.
You may be eligible for credit against individual subjects in your degree at Macquarie if you have additional postgraduate-level study or qualifications beyond those required for admission.
For more information see our Recognition of Prior Learning page or submit an enquiry.
Career opportunities
Graduates will be equipped to work in a range of government, non-government and private employment, including:
- State and federal policing agencies
- Federal intelligence services
- Australian Border Force
- Criminal justice administration
- Corrective services
- Cyber security.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
Detectives | $93K to $120K | N/A^ |
Intelligence and Policy Analysts | $93K to $120K | Up 22.6% |
Police | $93K to $120K | Up 10.8% |
Policy and Planning Managers | Over $120K | Up 53.8% |
^ There is no data available
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.