Bachelor of Criminology

Behind every crime is a human story.

Some of Australia's most important social problems are waiting to be solved.

Learn how to create innovative solutions to social issues and build a safer community in our Bachelor of Criminology.

Explore crime in its broader social context.

Understand how both crime and our response to it are shaped by gender, race, power and money.

You will learn how to solve real problems in your community and gain a deeper understanding of various specialised areas including forensic science, victimology, family violence, international crime, youth justice, prisons and deaths in custody.

With more than 45 years' experience teaching law and criminology, La Trobe is committed to the highest levels of excellence in teaching, practice and ethics.

Gain invaluable experience with internships and work placements.

In your third year, you can choose to take on an industry placement at organisations like the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Corrections, Victoria Police or the Victims of Crime Tribunal.

You can build a career that makes a positive impact on your community.

You'll learn:

Criminal justice Explore how deviance and crime are understood by different parts of society.

Explore the role of courts, police and prisons.

Causes of crime Explore the complex causes of crime, including how social factors intersect with the criminal justice system.

International crime Understand how crimes transcend borders.

Analyse responses from the international community.

Forensic science Learn about the role of forensic sciences in the criminal justice process.

Practical skills Enhance your graduate job potential by undertaking electives in case management or industry internships.

The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 7.

Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last two years)

Prerequisite

VCE: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.

HSC: One of English Standard, English Advanced (Band 3), English as an Additional Language or Dialect (Band 4).

Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.

Admission criteria

ATAR (Compulsory)

This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.

*N/A: Students not accepted in this category, NC: New course, N/P: Not published (includes categories with less than five students). Learn more about our processes View the 2020 ATAR distribution report for the Bachelor of Criminology [196.0 KB].

Selection rank adjustments

Subject adjustments

VCE: A study score of 25 in any Humanities or Legal Studies equals 4 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in any LOTE equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.

HSC: Applicants who successfully complete one of the following HSC or equivalent Year 12 subjects will have their selection rank increased by one point per study: Performance Band 3 in any humanities, legal studies; or any language other than English (Band 2). Overall, selection ranks can be increased by a maximum of five points.

Special Access Schemes

For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special access schemes

Applicants with higher education study

Prerequisite

Subject proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency equivalent to stated Year 12 prerequisites.

Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.

Admission criteria

Entire Academic Record (Compulsory)

This course uses the entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

Personal Statement

Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work or community experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

It is recommended that the STAT Multiple Choice test be completed by applicants who have either:

1. not completed Year 12 (or equivalent), VET or University studies, or work experience that can be considered for entry; or do not meet the minimum entry requirements for the program.

Refer to the STAT webpage for further information.

Work Recognition

Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course.

English Language Test Selection

Applicants who have undertaken studies in a language other than English must demonstrate that they have achieved the required minimum scores in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic) or equivalent. Refer to Language requirements for further information.

Selection rank adjustments

Special Access Schemes

For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special access schemes

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Prerequisite

Subject proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency equivalent to stated Year 12 prerequisites.

Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.

Admission criteria

Entire Academic Record (Compulsory)

This course uses the entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

Personal Statement

Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work or community experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

It is recommended that the STAT Multiple Choice test be completed by applicants who have either:

1. not completed Year 12 (or equivalent), VET or University studies, or work experience that can be considered for entry; or do not meet the minimum entry requirements for the program.

Refer to the STAT webpage for further information.

Work Recognition

Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course.

English Language Test Selection

Applicants who have undertaken studies in a language other than English must demonstrate that they have achieved the required minimum scores in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic) or equivalent. Refer to Language requirements for further information.

Selection rank adjustments

Special Access Schemes

For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special access schemes

Applicants with work and life experience

Prerequisite

Subject proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency equivalent to stated Year 12 prerequisites.

Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.

Admission criteria

Entire Academic Record (Compulsory)

This course uses the entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

Personal Statement

Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work or community experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

It is recommended that the STAT Multiple Choice test be completed by applicants who have either:

1. not completed Year 12 (or equivalent), VET or University studies, or work experience that can be considered for entry; or do not meet the minimum entry requirements for the program.

Refer to the STAT webpage for further information.

Work Recognition

Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course.

English Language Test Selection

Applicants who have undertaken studies in a language other than English must demonstrate that they have achieved the required minimum scores in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic) or equivalent. Refer to Language requirements for further information.

Selection rank adjustments

Subject adjustments

VCE: A study score of 25 in any Humanities or Legal Studies equals 4 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in any LOTE equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.

HSC: Applicants who successfully complete one of the following HSC or equivalent Year 12 subjects will have their selection rank increased by one point per study: Performance Band 3 in any humanities, legal studies; or any language other than English (Band 2). Overall, selection ranks can be increased by a maximum of five points.

Special Access Schemes

For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special access schemes