Undergraduate Certificate of Criminal Justice and Criminology

During this program, students will learn:

1. Legal Theory - Develop an understanding of the principles of the Australian legal system, with a specific focus on how it responds to criminal offences.
2. Nature of Crime - Learn about the various sociological and psychological theories of crime and criminal behaviour and how these theories influence policy responses.
3. Criminal Law Procedure - Learn about the procedures of the Australian criminal justice system, evaluating relevant legislation to help deepen your understanding.

Take the first step towards a career in criminal justice

The Undergraduate Certificate of Criminal Justice and Criminology is a pathway qualification into working in the field of law. Ideal for those considering a career in criminal law, this course provides an introduction to fundamental concepts of criminology. In this short, four-unit course, students will develop an understanding of the major theoretical models of crime and the construction of the Australian legal system. They will also learn about the procedures the legal system uses to respond to criminal offences.

This undergraduate certificate is composed of four units, typically requiring six months full-time study to complete.

Students who complete this undergraduate certificate and meet the minimum grade requirement will gain entry into the Bachelor of Laws. Completed units will be credited to the Bachelor of Laws or an alternate degree if preferred.

Recommended study pattern

The Undergraduate Certificate of Criminal Justice and Criminology consists of 4 units. All students are required to complete the two core units and the option of two of four elective units to complete the course requirements. 

Core units

• Learning and Communicating for Innovative Business Practice (COM10011)
• Introduction to Law (LAW10021).

Elective units

You must complete two of the following units:

• Fundamentals of Criminology (CRI10002)
• Fundamentals of Psychology (PSY10008)
• Law and Social Science (LAW10022)
• Criminal Law and Process (LAW10024).

Award requirements

To qualify for the award of Undergraduate Certificate of Criminal Justice and Criminology, students must complete 50 credit points comprising of:

• 2 Core units (25 credit points)
• 2 units of other studies (25 credit points) from the four available electives of your choice.

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

Indicative total fee $8,496

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.

Swinburne University of Technology leads the way with innovative and new ways of teaching, learning and thinking. It offers a wide range of study options, from pre-apprenticeships, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhDs, including online degrees with Open Universities Australia. Swinburne is known for career-oriented education and encouraging lifelong learning.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

19

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

17

Students must meet any of the below criteria in order to enter this course:

• Hold a Year 12 certificate of completion (Minimum ATAR requirements may apply.); or
• Completion of a Cert IV or partial completion of a Diploma or above in any field; or
• Can demonstrate relevant work experience and meet the language, literacy and numeracy requirements to study at the diploma level

*This course is not available to international students.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for RPL.