Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science
La Trobe University
About
This course recognises the close connections between crime and the human mind and its effects on behaviour.
It will position you to work in the criminal justice sector, in fields such as policing, corrections, juvenile justice, crime prevention and advocacy, intelligence, forensics and customs.
You'll study all of the core content areas of the psychological science, from biological foundations to social influences on affect, behaviour and cognition, in addition to strong training in research methods, and the opportunity for study in greater depth in specific areas where staff have research expertise.
In addition you'll study the complex causes of crime and how to contribute to the development of innovative responses to it.
You'll examine key issues in criminal justice, and topics such as policing, sentencing and corrections, forensics, and victimisation, will enable you to develop a deeper understanding of key areas of practice and employment.
You'll also have the opportunity to hone your skills and build confidence by undertaking a work placement.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 7.
Structure
First year
| Semester | PSY1EFP | PSY1HPM | LCR1CSS | LST1LOJ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Experimental Foundations of Psychological Science | History, Philosophy and Methodology of Psychological Science | Criminology Skills | Law and (Dis)order |
| Semester 2 | Clinical Foundations of Psychological Science | Statistics for Psychology | From Prisons to Detention Centres: Interrogating Containment | Understanding Crime |
Second year
| Semester | PSY2COG | PSY2PRM | LST2VIC | LST2SCR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Cognition | Psychological Research Methods | Victimology: Victims, Justice and the Law | Sentencing and Corrections |
| Semester 2 | Abnormal Clinical and Health Psychology | Developmental Psychology | Introduction to the Australian Legal System | Criminal Law for Criminal Justice Professionals |
Third year
| Semester | PSY3PAS | LCR2PSY | LST3SLR | OPTION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Psychological Assessment | Introduction to Forensic Psychology and the Law | Crime and Socio-Legal Research | Level 3 LAW/LCR coded Elective |
| Semester 2 | Psychological Interventions | Social Psychology | Law & Practice of Customs and Border Protection | Police, Society and Democracy |
Fourth year
| Semester | PSY3RPA | LCR3ICR | LST3BIG | OPTION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Research Project in Psychology A | International Criminal Justice | Big Issues in Criminology | Level 3 Psychological Science Elective |
| Semester 2 | Research Project in Psychology B | Criminal Law, Ethics and Accountability | Introduction to Forensic Science and The Law | Level 3 Psychological Science Elective |
Electives
Entry requirements
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.
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/Bachelor of Psychological Science [196.0 KB].
Selection rank adjustments
Subject adjustments
VCE: A study score of 25 in Health And Human Development, any Humanities, any Information Technology, Legal Studies, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or any Science 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.
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:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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 Health And Human Development, any Humanities, any Information Technology, Legal Studies, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or any Science 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.
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
Institution
