Develop the skills to ensure a lifelong career in the justice system

Criminal justice is constantly evolving as new technology is designed to detect crimes and new laws and policies emerge to meet society’s changing expectations. Professionals who can adapt to challenges and changes in the legal and social landscape are needed.

UNE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and specialisations in criminal justice designed to provide you with the expertise required to help you stay informed about legal and procedural changes and their implications for policy and practice. Because UNE has a long history of helping adults ready themselves for changes in the workplace, our criminal justice courses explore the roles of law enforcement, the courts and correctional institutions in maintaining public safety, and the ethical and legal issues that arise in the field to ensure you are future-fit for your career.

Most of our students choose to study online, where they become part of a community of adult learners who pool their life and work experiences to build networks for the future. On-campus learners can take advantage of housing, sports and support services. You can choose to study full-time or part-time over three trimesters, whether online or on-campus.

With UNE, you’ll graduate feeling prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in a criminal justice career, whether you choose to pursue law, law enforcement, corrections or social work. Our commitment to creating future-fit criminal justice graduates is reflected in our lengthy history of preparing adults for constantly evolving workplaces. By choosing UNE, you’ll be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.

Explore the criminal justice courses and specialisations on offer at UNE. 

Courses by study level

Add an area of expertise to your CV and gain an undergraduate qualification — without committing to a full bachelor's degree. You will develop research, critical thinking, and writing skills in the core units. With the minor and elective units,…

Duration
  • 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Accounting and law have more in common than you may think – both centre on critical thinking, problem-solving and the application of principles to the task at hand. UNE’s combined Bachelor of Accounting/Bachelor of Laws is a dual qualification that…

Duration
  • 5 years full-time
  • Up to 12 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online
Bachelor of Arts

One of our longest-standing degrees, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) is still relevant in today’s world. It equips you with the creative, critical and analytical skills in demand by employers, and is transferable across a range of workplaces. When you…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Workplaces value employees who have a broad range of real-world skills, and this combined degree will equip you to excel in today’s dynamic working environment. In our Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business, you’ll gain business knowledge and learn…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

The UNE Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws provides you with the opportunity to combine your study of law with an area of interest drawn from a wide variety of the arts, humanities and social sciences. As a double degree for the future, it has been…

Duration
  • 5 years full-time
  • Up to 12 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Do you dream of a career where you’re helping to address the big issues facing humanity? Or perhaps you crave the excitement of being at the forefront of scientific discovery? Maybe you wish to instil your passion for the environment into future…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

At the heart of community services is a desire to help people – to promote social justice and inclusion, and enable people to flourish. UNE's flexibly delivered Bachelor of Community Services will enable you to develop the skills to empower…

Duration
  • 2 or 2.5 or 3 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

Criminology is the study of crime and our responses to crime. UNE's Bachelor of Criminology investigates factors that cause criminal behaviour and how crime can be prevented within wider society. The course offers a variety of key topics and…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

By studying law and criminology at UNE, you will gain a broad portfolio of knowledge and skills to future proof your career in a wide variety of professions. In this comprehensive program of study, you will develop contemporary skills in how to…

Duration
  • 5 years full-time
  • Up to 12 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Our Bachelor of Laws three-year degree is for you if you have a bachelor degree in any field and wish to study law. Develop the knowledge and practical skills you need to take advantage of a wide variety of legal careers. With the support of…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Develop the advanced knowledge and practical skills you need to take advantage of a wide variety of legal careers with the UNE Bachelor of Laws (4 years). With the support of UNE’s School of Law and academic leaders delivering a well-rounded program …

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Do you want to understand more about what drives human behaviour? Gain in-depth knowledge of the scientific study of human behaviour, as well as research and analytical experience, with UNE's innovative Bachelor of Psychological Science.…

Duration
  • 1.5 or 3 years full-time
  • Up to 5 or up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

By studying UNE’s Bachelor of Social Science degree you will develop a comprehensive and valuable understanding of human societies and social thought, behaviour and relationships in their varied social, psychological and political manifestations,…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Did your arts degree prompt a burning question or a passion for independent research? If so, consider applying for an honours year. A 'capstone' to your formal education, honours is an opportunity to drill deeper into a specialised area, to…

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Would you like to help contribute to making the world a safer place? When you study UNE's Bachelor of Criminology with Honours you will complete a major research project in an area of criminology that you choose, for example organised crime,…

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Adapt to an evolving workplace and open the door to new career opportunities with UNE's Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice. Whether you want to create more career choices, hone your specialist skills, or take a new…

Duration
  • 0.5 years full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

Design a bespoke course and prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace with the UNE Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice. Whether you want to advance your career, hone your skills or embark on a new career direction, we'll work …

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
Master of Laws

The UNE Master of Laws enables you to broaden your legal knowledge and enhance your independent, critical thinking and research skills. You will achieve a high standard of professional writing and research relevant to current issues in law and…

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 or 2 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • 8 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

The UNE Master of Laws (Research) provides a program of flexible learning and independent research for high-calibre graduates in Law to make a substantial and original contribution to an academic field of legal knowledge. You will develop advanced…

Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

High quality research and analysis allows us to better understand the complex issues we face in industry and society. With UNE's Master of Philosophy by research, your original findings and insights will add to the body of knowledge and inform…

Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

If you are enrolled at another university, you can choose to study subjects at UNE that will count towards your course. Apply as a cross institutional student directly and complete one or several individual subjects (units) from the full scope of…

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
Non-Award

The world is full of possibilities, with so much to discover and learn. There are endless opportunities to enrich your knowledge to prepare for the future, but what if you don’t want to undertake a full degree? And how can you zero-in on the…

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
  • Bespoke Graduate Certificate: design your own  4 unit postgraduate course and have your work experience recognised in the process.
  • ‘Fundamental’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four  fundamental units from a traditional degree. If you are planning a new direction, or adding a new set of skills to your portfolio, you may want to start with this option. These units provide a foundation, or a ‘base camp’, to return to if you want to later progress to a full degree.
  • ‘Advanced’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four  advanced units from a full degree. This is a great strategy for staying current in your field, or advancing your knowledge.
  • ‘Critical Content’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four units any of the available units in a degree to create a  Critical Content Bespoke Course. This option lets you get the knowledge you need without the time and cost of a full degree.
  • ‘Mix and Match’ Bespoke Course: combine two, three or four units from different degrees and disciplines to design your  mix and match Bespoke Course. This option lets you diversify your knowledge.

Why study with us?

Smiling Bachelor of Agriculture student Greg Kemmett stands on wooden stairwell at UNE Armidale

The most enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.

Greg Kemmett

Find the right major or specialisation for your studies in Criminal Justice

As community expectations continue to shift, forensic technology advances and law reforms continue, UNE’s experts will help you remain adaptable, innovative and at the forefront of developments in criminal justice. Explore one of our specialist criminal justice courses now.

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Showing 110 of 10 results
Children and Young People
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's expertise in community services and develop the analytical, planning and evaluation skills to work in the field of community care. Prepare practically for your career and develop strategies for working with children and young…

Benefit from UNE's expertise in community services and develop the analytical, planning and evaluation skills to work in the field of community care. Prepare practically for your career and develop strategies for working with children and young people in a caring profession.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Community Services Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Social Work Specialist Course Undergraduate
Undergraduate Certificate in Youth and Community Work Specialist Course Undergraduate
Crime and Society
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE’s highly regarded educators and develop the analytical skills to think critically about the complex nature of crime. Secure your role in the rapidly changing world of law enforcement and social justice, using modern data analytics…

Benefit from UNE’s highly regarded educators and develop the analytical skills to think critically about the complex nature of crime. Secure your role in the rapidly changing world of law enforcement and social justice, using modern data analytics and tech to explain crime patterns and trends.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Social Science Major Undergraduate
Crime, Justice and Society
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
With UNE's criminology experts, you’ll explore the interplay between social factors and criminal behaviour while fine-tuning your communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Secure your role in a society that will increasingly…

With UNE's criminology experts, you’ll explore the interplay between social factors and criminal behaviour while fine-tuning your communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Secure your role in a society that will increasingly focus on restorative and transformative justice.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Criminology Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Criminal Corrections
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's experienced educators will help you learn about human behaviour and develop the interpersonal skills you need to protect your role in the criminal justice system. Prepare for a rewarding future in a field that is ever-evolving as new…

UNE's experienced educators will help you learn about human behaviour and develop the interpersonal skills you need to protect your role in the criminal justice system. Prepare for a rewarding future in a field that is ever-evolving as new initiatives in rehabilitation are researched.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Community Services Minor Undergraduate
Criminal Justice
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's criminology experts and develop the skills to think critically about the policing, legal and prison institutions involved in the rural, remote and metropolitan criminal justice system and their impact on society. Be future-fit …

Benefit from UNE's criminology experts and develop the skills to think critically about the policing, legal and prison institutions involved in the rural, remote and metropolitan criminal justice system and their impact on society. Be future-fit to work in law, politics or community service.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Social Science Major Undergraduate
Criminal Justice Processes and Forensics
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's criminology and forensics experts and develop the skills to think critically about the justice process and forensic investigating. Future proof your career in law enforcement, the legal process or rehabilitation, and develop…

Benefit from UNE's criminology and forensics experts and develop the skills to think critically about the justice process and forensic investigating. Future proof your career in law enforcement, the legal process or rehabilitation, and develop an understanding of crime and society’s response to it.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Criminology Minor Undergraduate
Criminology
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from our leading researchers at UNE who are pioneers in the field of rural crime. Develop the skills to think critically about why people break the law and the impact this has on society. Learn using up-to-date and emerging tech and stay…

Benefit from our leading researchers at UNE who are pioneers in the field of rural crime. Develop the skills to think critically about why people break the law and the impact this has on society. Learn using up-to-date and emerging tech and stay abreast of changes in this dynamic field.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Criminology Specialist Course Undergraduate
Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws Specialist Course Undergraduate
Bachelor of Psychological Science Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Bachelor of Criminology with Honours Specialist Course Bachelor Honours
Bachelor of Social Science with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Advanced Diploma in Arts Minor Undergraduate
International Law
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's well-established law faculty and develop your technical research skills and practical courtroom abilities to protect your role in a rapidly changing global environment with a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Become …

Benefit from UNE's well-established law faculty and develop your technical research skills and practical courtroom abilities to protect your role in a rapidly changing global environment with a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Become future-fit for a career in international law.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of International and Language Studies Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of International Studies Major Undergraduate
Justice and Indigenous Peoples
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course

Learn from UNE's experts in legal and Indigenous studies and develop your research, communication and analytical skills. Be future-fit for a society which will increasingly focus on restorative and transformative justice for diverse populations.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Criminology Minor Undergraduate
Psychology
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Develop your understanding of psychology including observing and studying human behaviour. Build skills in modern psychology and the technology related to psychological assessment and testing, as well as approaches to diagnosing and treating mental…

Develop your understanding of psychology including observing and studying human behaviour. Build skills in modern psychology and the technology related to psychological assessment and testing, as well as approaches to diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in a rapidly changing world.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Criminology Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Psychological Science Specialist Course Undergraduate
Bachelor of Social Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Psychology with Honours Specialist Course Bachelor Honours
Master of Professional Psychology Specialist Course Postgraduate
Master of Psychology (Clinical) Specialist Course Postgraduate
Graduate Diploma in Psychology Specialist Course Postgraduate
Undergraduate Certificate in Psychological Science Specialist Course Undergraduate
Advanced Diploma in Arts Minor Undergraduate
  • 1

Why study with us?

5 stars
For Overall Experience and Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Australian Universities
No. 1
For Undergraduate Student Support
Good Universities Guide 2024
Public NSW Universities
No. 1
For Postgraduate Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
NSW Universities

Careers in Criminal Justice

By studying criminal justice with UNE, you will have the future-proof skillset to secure positions in a wide range of careers pertaining to the justice system. People with the knowledge and soft skills to confidently and expertly navigate the different areas of the justice system are always in demand, and professionals with qualifications in criminal justice can find work in a variety of settings.

  • Police officer
    Enforce laws, investigate crimes, and maintain public safety within communities.
  • Correctional officer
    Oversee and manage inmates in correctional facilities, ensuring safety and rehabilitation.
  • Probation officer
    Monitor and support individuals on probation or parole to help them reintegrate into society.
  • Paralegal
    Assist lawyers in preparing legal documents, conducting research, and managing cases.
  • Criminal lawyer
    Represent clients in criminal cases, both prosecuting and defending, in court.
  • Forensic scientist
    Analyse physical evidence from crime scenes to assist in solving crimes.
  • Security consultant
    Advise businesses and organisations on security measures and strategies to protect against criminal threats.
  • Customs officer
    Work at border crossings and airports, inspecting goods and passengers to prevent illegal activities such as smuggling.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024

Browse other disciplines within Law and Criminology

What happens next?

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1. Decide on your course

Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.

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2. Apply

2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

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3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.