Bachelor of Criminology and Psychology

The Bachelor of Criminology and Psychology has been designed as a first degree for people seeking a qualification which integrates the disciplines of Criminology and Psychology into a single cohesive degree.This interdisciplinary approach will provide you with opportunities to develop theoretical understanding, content knowledge and practical skills that go beyond the scope of more conventional psychology or criminal justice courses.

This degree prepares you to become a practitioner who has a strong understanding of psychological theories, paradigms and practices which will greatly assist you in dealing with complex and high needs of clients in the justice and human services sectors.

Graduates of the program will be equipped to enter a career in fields including policing, corrections, child protection, youth justice, victim advocacy and welfare services.For those wishing to pursue postgraduate education, the degree also provides a sound academic foundation for specialist studies in clinical, educational, organisational, developmental or forensic psychology, as well as postgraduate studies in criminology, criminal justice and legal studies.Program design emphasises fieldwork, collaborative work, and applied research and development.

Program design also ensures you will develop the skills and knowledge required to prepare you for professional practice.Course design ensures you will work independently and collaboratively, including in cross disciplinary teams as you develop the professional knowledge and skills required to work effectively with a range of stakeholders.

You will apply your knowledge of relevant theory and practices working within an enhanced ethical framework.A capstone experience is provided through the SOCU2253 Criminal Behaviour Analysis course through which you will integrate and synthesise your knowledge across both criminology and psychology, connect theory to practice, and demonstrate your holistic achievement of the program learning outcomes.Successful completion of this program provides a pathway into honours and postgraduate study in either psychology or criminology.

Upon successful completion of this program you may also be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University.

Year One of Program

Complete the following Seven (7) Courses:

Select and Complete One (1) Program Option Course or an alternative negotiated with the Program Manager. Please refer to the list of Program Option Courses at the end of this program structure:

AND

Year Two of Program

Complete the following Seven (6) Courses:

Select and Complete One (1) Course from any:

Select and Complete One (1) Program Option Course or an alternative negotiated with the Program Manager. Please refer to the list of Program of Option Courses at the end of this program structure:

AND

Year Three of Program

Complete the following Seven (7) Courses:

Select and Complete One (1) Course from:

AND

List of Program Option Courses:

Program Option Courses:

Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent.

For equivalents to Australian academic entry requirements, see the Country equivalents web page

Prerequisites

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in any other English.

International English language requirement

A minimum IELTS (Academic module) overall score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0, or equivalent.

For equivalents to English entry requirements, see the English equivalents web page

As a graduate of this program you will develop the following program learning outcomes:

Criminology

• Discover practical skills in interviewing, risk assessment and case management suited to a variety of criminal justice and criminological settings.
• Identify and examine contemporary Criminological issues of local and global significance.
• Recognise the social and environmental causes and impacts of crime and justice, both independently and in collaboration with others.
• Create effective communications on criminological topics in a range of formats, and demonstrate awareness of social and cultural diversity relevant to communicating in criminal justice settings.
• Apply the theory and principles of Criminology to active and outcomes-focused learning.
• Demonstrate logical, critical and creative thinking to propose solutions to a range of Criminological and criminal justice problems.

Psychology

• Understand appropriate and relevant fundamental and applied evidence based knowledge and undertake life long learning to improve personal and professional practice
• Demonstrate a capacity to employ a variety of approaches and procedures to research to permit judgements and decisions to be supported by appropriate evidence that places practice within a global and local context.
• Applies knowledge to diagnose and solve problems in a wide range of diverse situations, with an ability to work independently or with others and incorporate the analysis of evidence based scientific literature to solve psychological problems.
• Engage in dialogue with a diverse range of people and communicate in a broad range of forms (written, electronic, graphic, oral) to meet the circumstances of the situation and the capabilities of the audience.
• Maintain tolerance and respect for individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds, holding diverse values, adhering to professional expectations and demonstrating ethical behaviour.Develop collaborative partnerships with colleagues, other professionals and the community that build on the capacity of others and develop open and flexible relationships that adapt to evolving needs and aspirations.
• Develop collaborative partnerships with colleagues, other professionals and the community that build on the capacity of others and develop open and flexible relationships that adapt to evolving needs and aspirations.

The Psychology program learning outcomes are derived from guidelines set by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and consultation with key stakeholders.