Bachelor of Criminal Justice

In our Bachelor of Criminal Justice you’ll gain in-depth knowledge of our justice systems as well as a holistic approach to community justice.

You will study the law and restorative justice models and learn the contributing factors to why people interact with the legal system (including mental health, drug use and childhood trauma).

Be a part of criminal and community justice systems that aim to meet community standards and change rates of offending.

You’ll graduate work-ready in areas that keep people safe and support the legal system, including:

prisons police corrections the courts youth justice.

You will learn in a dynamic classroom environment that tests your ideas, builds your practical skills and strengthens your foundational knowledge.

In your final year you will undertake a key industry placement to ensure you're confident and work-ready upon graduation.

You’ll gain an excellent understanding of the connected systems that contribute to criminal justice.

To attain the Bachelor of Criminal Justice students will be required to complete 288 credit points in total consisting of:

• 96 credit points First Year Core units;
• 192 credit points Professional Core studies including 24 credit points Capstone studies;

Course structure and units

First Year Core

• Young People in a Global Community Unit code AEB1804 Credits12
• Aboriginal Traditions and Policy Unit code AEK1105 Credits12
• Applied Human Rights Unit code ASA1024 Credits12
• Criminal Justice Systems Unit code ASL1003 Credits12
• Working in Human Services Organisations Unit code ASW1000 Credits12
• Youth and Community Contexts Unit code AYW1002 Credits12
• Australian Legal System in Context Unit code BLB1101 Credits12
• Policing and Offending Unit code LCR1002 Credits12

Year 2

• Gender in Public Life Unit code ACW2024 Credits12
• Holistic Practice With Young People Unit code AEB2803 Credits12
• Project Design and Implementation Unit code ASA2034 Credits12
• Change and Community Justice Unit code ASC2005 Credits12
• Criminal Justice Systems 2 Unit code ASL2002 Credits12
• Ethics Unit code ASL2003 Credits12
• Young People with All Abilities Unit code AYW2001 Credits12
• Young People and Substance Use Unit code ECY2001 Credits12

Year 3

• Research in the Community Unit code ASC3007 Credits12
• Criminal Justice 3 Unit code ASL3001 Credits12
• Sociology of Law Unit code ASS3009 Credits12
• Supporting Young People in Dual Diagnosis Settings Unit code ECY3000 Credits12
• Working with Young People with Complex Issues Unit code ECY3001 Credits12
• Youth and Community Industry Preparation Unit code ECY3003 Credits12
• Youth and Community Industry Placement Unit code ECY3004 Credits12
• Rights, Advocacy and Discrimination Unit code EDI3001 Credits12

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.

Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Admission criteria

The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.

Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)

• Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
• an Australian or overseas equivalent or
• an International Baccalaureate (IB).

Importance of ATAR for this course

ATAR+

We consider both ATAR and other criteria

NA

ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.

Why is ATAR not applicable?

You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

• Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
• Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study

This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).OR:Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

• Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
• Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with higher education study

This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.

Admission criteria

Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent). OR:Completion of a single unit of Higher Education studies. OR:Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

• Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
• Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with work & life experience

This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.

Admission criteria

Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Justice or Police Administration, Corrections, Legal support or similar.OR:Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.PLUS:Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

• Special Entry Access Scheme (external link) (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
• Special consideration for direct applicants.

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Pathways from VU courses

If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.

You will be guaranteed entry only.

You will be guaranteed entry only.

You will be guaranteed entry only.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Credit for skills and past study

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course coordinator or academic adviser.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to: