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Criminal psychology courses

Study what makes people think about, plan and commit crimes

Help me choose a course

Introduction to Criminal psychology

Criminal psychology is the study of understanding what makes people act in antisocial ways. Studying criminal psychology online will give you the skills and knowledge to apply key psychological principles to criminals and their actions.

As well as giving insight into offenders and how they think, criminal psychology courses explore the impacts of criminal behaviour. You’ll get to learn about the theory and key principles of criminology, criminal justice studies and related law, and the sociological impacts on victims, offenders and their communities.

Explore online criminal psychology courses offered by leading universities to see the range of options available to you, whether you want to extend your existing knowledge by taking individual subjects, or work towards a full qualification. Our helpful team of student advisors can offer their advice on course entry requirements, flexible study arrangements and more.

Explore criminal psychology courses
criminology-and-criminal-justice-student-carmen-wells
Carmen studied a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice with Griffith University, through Open Universities Australia

Discover criminal psychology courses

Online criminal psychology subjects and short courses

Curtin University

Understanding Victims and Offenders

PostgraduateCUR-PSB560

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 25 Nov 2024

Next enrolment closes 17 Nov

University of South Australia
Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 13 Jan 2025
Curtin University

Psychology and Policing

PostgraduateCUR-PSB540

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
View all subjects

Online criminal psychology degrees

Edith Cowan University

Prepare for a fascinating career in the criminal justice system

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
University of South Australia

Choose a career with a human touch

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Griffith University

Become a recognised forensic mental health specialist

Study method
100% online
Duration
6 months full time or part time equivalent
View all bachelor degrees

Study criminal psychology with leading Australian universities.

Explore criminal psychology courses

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Criminal psychology study FAQs

What is a criminal psychology course?

A criminal psychology course is the study of criminals and behaviour, to understand what makes people think about, plan and commit crimes. It can also extend to studying the broader systems and individuals that impact or are impacted by crime. This includes looking at the legal and justice systems, sociological drivers and impacts of crime, and the experiences of victims as well as criminals.

Through Open Universities Australia, you can either upskill by enrolling in standalone criminal psychology subjects, or complete a full qualification.

What is the difference between criminal psychology vs forensic psychology?

You can apply your knowledge of criminal psychology in a variety of legal and justice roles, whereas forensic psychology is a formal field of psychology that requires a significant amount of study. To become a registered forensic psychologist, you first need to become a certified psychologist and then seek endorsement in the field of forensic psychology from the Psychology Board of Australia.

Through Open Universities Australia, you can access courses offered across criminal psychology, forensic mental health and psychology.

What do you learn in a criminal psychology course?

What you learn in a criminal psychology course depends on the specific course, but will generally cover one or more aspects of criminology—what makes people commit antisocial acts, the psychological drivers and impacts of criminal acts, and the broader systems that interact with crime in society.

Individual criminal psychology subjects will generally focus on one aspect of this wide and complex field, while a degree offers a more generalist and holistic skill set.

How long is a criminal psychology course?

It depends on the course and whether you choose something short or long-term. Here’s a general guide: 

CourseDuration
Single subject10-18 weeks
Short course10-18 weeks
Undergraduate certificate6 months (if full time)
Diploma1 year (if full time) 
Associate degree2 years (if full time) 
Bachelor degree3 years (if full time)
Graduate certificate6 months (if full time)
Graduate diploma1 year (if full time)
Masters degree2 years (if full time)

If you study a degree in criminal psychology through Open Universities Australia, you have the flexibility to choose how many subjects you take per term. This means you can complete your qualification at a faster or slower pace than you would on campus.   

Why should I study criminal psychology?

You should study criminal psychology if you’re interested in a career in criminology, forensic mental health or the criminal justice system, or if you’re looking to increase your skills in the area to support your existing work.

Why should I study criminal psychology online?

You should study criminal psychology online if you are looking for a flexible and accessible way to gain your qualification. Studying online also gives you access to a wide range of criminal and forensic psychology subjects from different universities, which you can undertake individually without having to commit to a degree.

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.
What jobs can you get with a criminal psychology degree?

There are a variety of jobs you can get with a criminal psychology degree, across numerous industries. Your degree will equip you to work in criminology and forensics; as a social worker or victim advocate; within prison systems as a behavioural therapist or correctional counsellor; in criminal justice and the courts; or in research, to name just a few.

You can speak to our student advisors to understand more about the job prospects available to graduates of criminal psychology degrees.

How do I know which course is right for me?

Enrol in a single subject to get a taste of the content for any qualification you’re interested in. The subjects available through us are covered by HELP funding, which means eligible students aren’t obligated to pay for their studies upfront.

Or book a free phone consultation with a student advisor to discuss your available study options. We’ll help you find the course that suits you best.

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 may be able to help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study.

Chat with us to find out more.

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.

Please note that enquiries and applications for some courses are handled directly by the university. If this is the case, it will be indicated on the course listing page.  

For more information about enrolment, read our online self-service enrolling instructions. If you get stuck at any time, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.

Student stories and study advice

Criminal psychology vs forensic psychology

Want to combine your passion for psychology with your interest in crime? Discover which of these career options is right for you.   

4 criminology careers that let you fight crime

Want a career in criminology, but not sure where to start? Here are four very different ways you can catch criminals and stop crime.

Delve into criminology with Griffith University

If you can't tear your eyes away from true crime shows, channel your passion for criminology into a degree, and make it your career.

Carmen’s Story – From a low ATAR to high-flyer in law enforcement

Like many high-schoolers, Carmen felt the pressure, but didn't perform like she'd expected. Her success today is because she refused to let a number define her.

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