New criminology course uniquely varied

March 13, 2008

More than 120 students have embarked on a new Bachelor of Criminology degree course at the University of New England that is unique in its interdisciplinary structure and rural focus.

The students have a wide range of interests and ambitions, and the course accommodates them all. It covers crime control and prevention, criminal law, forensic science, forensic anthropology, social policy, and the sociology of crime. The students are aiming at careers ranging from specialist roles in the Police Force to crime-related work in community services.

One of them – Candice Chapman (pictured here) from Sydney – said she had had a long-term ambition to join the Police Force, and was "particularly interested in criminal psychology". "But I wanted a rounded education to start with – something to fall back on," she said.

"UNE's Bachelor of Criminology degree program is unique in its range of interdisciplinary offerings, drawing from the sciences, the humanities, law and sociology," said the program's coordinator, Dr John Scott. "We consider that this diversity accurately reflects the broad range of perspectives that have contributed to contemporary criminological thought."

"What is especially exciting about the program is the way in which students will have an introduction to diverse aspects of criminology, ranging from the applied to the theoretical – from criminal profiling to crime policy," Dr Scott continued. "In first year they undertake a foundation program in sociology, criminology and forensic science, before starting a specialist program of upper-level criminology units. And, taking into consideration the fact that students want flexibility in designing their own pathway, the program allows them to include up to eight electives of their own choice from anywhere within the University."

"The program has a rural and regional focus," Dr Scott said, "and an emphasis on issues affecting Aboriginal communities. It is thus ideally suited to professionals in human services wanting to update or upgrade their qualifications.

"It also covers contemporary issues such as the emergence of new crimes in cyberspace and the global economy, and crime detection through forensic science. Traditionally, graduates in criminology have found employment in a range of correctional, government and policy agencies such as prisons, parole, juvenile justice, community organisations, human services, and crime prevention agencies in local and State government. And, as the nature of crime becomes more complex in a globalised world, they are finding employment in new sectors such as border control, integrity testing, environmental and business regulation, and national security."

Ms Chapman, who is living in UNE's Duval College, said reports of UNE from friends – as well as the new course itself – had influenced her decision to come to Armidale to study. "I'd heard a lot about UNE from people who said they had enjoyed their time here," she said, and added that she was now able to confirm their reports of UNE's "friendly environment" and "lecturers who are easy to approach".

THE PHOTOGRAPH of Candice Chapman displayed here expands to include fellow-student Matthew Nairn, also from Sydney, who is also aiming at a career in the Police Force.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at March 13, 2008 05:38 PM