Secure your future in the diverse and dynamic field of criminology

Criminology is the study of crime, criminal behaviour, and the justice system. It is a rapidly evolving discipline that responds to the changing nature of our societies. With the emergence of new technologies, globalisation, and social complexities, professionals in criminology who stay updated with advancements in crime prevention strategies and understand the socio-cultural factors influencing criminal behaviour will position themselves for success.

Learn how to navigate the evolving landscape of the criminal justice system by undertaking one of UNE’s range of undergraduate and postgraduate offerings. With a strong commitment to preparing adults for workplace transformations, our programs provide you with the tools to protect yourself in the long-term in this dynamic field. UNE's criminology courses focus on key concepts such as criminal behavior analysis, investigative techniques, forensic science, and policy development to ensure that you are ready to adapt to emerging trends and advancements throughout your career.

Most of our students choose to study online, connecting with other experienced adults who merge their life and work backgrounds to establish valuable real-world networks. Meanwhile, on-campus learners benefit from convenient campus accommodation, sports facilities, and support services. Whether online or on-campus, you have the flexibility to pursue your studies on a full-time or part-time basis across three trimesters each year.

With UNE, you'll graduate ready to tackle challenges and seize opportunities in your career, whether your ambitions lead you to academia, industry, or criminal justice. 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.

Discover the criminology 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

Are you a graduate looking to add new skills to your CV to reinforce or redirect your career? Perhaps you are keen to pursue a personal interest in the arts or humanities. Or maybe you are interested in completing a master's but aren't sure…

Duration
  • 0.5 or 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
  • 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 Arts

UNE’s Master of Arts is designed to equip you with specialised knowledge as well as a wide range of transferrable skills that employers highly value, such as communication and critical thinking. This course is also a focused pathway to higher degree …

Duration
  • 1 or 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
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.

What our students say

Close up of Honours Criminology, Bachelor of Psychological Science student Sarah-Jane Bowers

The course material is interesting and relevant, lecturers are engaging and passionate, and specialisation is promoted through assessments that allow you to focus on interest topics of your choice!

Sarah-Jane Bowers, Bachelor of Criminology with Hons, Bachelor of Psychological Science student

Find the right major or specialisation for your studies in Criminology

Secure your future in criminology, a field that offers immense rewards and opportunities to shape the future of criminal justice. With a rising demand for professionals in law enforcement, policy-making, and social advocacy, you can future-proof your career by choosing criminology at UNE.

Filter by:
Showing 19 of 9 results
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
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 Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Minor 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
Sociology
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Develop skills in analysis and communication with UNE's well-established sociology dept. Learn about human behaviour in society and gain an academic understanding of people’s cultures and motivations to secure your future in a range of vocations …

Develop skills in analysis and communication with UNE's well-established sociology dept. Learn about human behaviour in society and gain an academic understanding of people’s cultures and motivations to secure your future in a range of vocations like law, business, the arts, and education.

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
Bachelor of Arts with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Bachelor of Social Science with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Master of Arts Major Postgraduate
Graduate Certificate in Arts Major Postgraduate
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 Criminology

Studying criminology with UNE will prepare you for a thriving career in this dynamic field. Building a strong foundation in criminological theory, research, and analytical skills, UNE equips you with the tools necessary to address complex societal issues and collaborate with law enforcement agencies, policy-makers, and community organisations. As a criminology graduate, you can explore diverse professional paths.

  • Probation services officer
    Assist individuals serving probation or parole sentences, ensuring court order compliance and supporting rehabilitation.
  • Social worker
    Provide support and intervention services to individuals and communities affected by crime.
  • Intelligence analyst
    Collect, analyse, and interpret data to produce intelligence reports used by law enforcement to identify and prevent criminal activities.
  • Victim support worker
    Provide support, guidance, and resources to victims of crime, ensuring their rights are protected throughout the legal process.
  • Community corrections officer
    Oversee offenders in the community, monitor compliance with court orders, and facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration.
  • Crime prevention specialist
    Develop and implement strategies to prevent crime, working with community organisations, law enforcement and local governments.
  • Youth justice worker
    Work with young offenders, providing guidance and supervision to help them reintegrate into society and avoid reoffending.
  • Paralegal
    Conduct legal research and assist lawyers in preparing cases related to criminal law.

A career in Criminology

President, UNE Law Students' Society
Morgan Robins

My most rewarding experience has been as President of the Law Students’ Society. All the law staff have been more than willing to include me in discussions and given me guidance when needed.

Dispute resolutions, ATO
Emily Sherwood

I’ve always been really interested in criminology and forensic science so I chose to combine my criminology degree with a law degree.

Program Coordinator, UNE Discovery Voyager
Andrea Jaggi

Choosing to continue into postgraduate study at UNE was an easy decision. My study experience throughout my undergrad was supportive, engaging and prepared me to further my education.

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.