Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Psychological Studies

Victoria University

About

You'll gain a strong understanding of the factors that contribute to criminal behaviour.

You'll also learn about the legal, political and community responses to social dislocation and disorder.

Our expert lecturers deliver a clear overview of:

criminal justice systems ethics crime investigation law and governance.

Your psychology studies will give you insight into the factors that underpin human behaviour and development.

You'll graduate equipped with analytical and problem-solving skills needed for roles in criminal justice, police and welfare systems.

Structure

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

  • 264 credit points of Core studies units including 24 credit points of Capstone Studies.
  • 24 credit points of Psychology Elective studies as required by APAC accreditation.

Course structure and units

First Year Core

  • Young People in a Global Community Unit code AEB1804 Credits12
  • Psychology 1A Unit code APP1012 Credits12
  • Psychology 1B Unit code APP1013 Credits12
  • Foundations of Psychological Research Unit code APP1016 Credits12
  • Applied Human Rights Unit code ASA1024 Credits12
  • Criminal Justice Systems Unit code ASL1003 Credits12
  • Working in Human Services Organisations Unit code ASW1000 Credits12
  • Foundations of Social Science Research Unit code ASX1003 Credits12

Year 2

  • Psychology 2A Unit code APP2013 Credits12
  • Psychology 2B Unit code APP2014 Credits12
  • Project Design and Implementation Unit code ASA2034 Credits12
  • Criminal Justice Systems 2 Unit code ASL2002 Credits12
  • Ethics Unit code ASL2003 Credits12
  • Working with Young People with Complex Issues Unit code ECY3001 Credits12
  • Developmental Psychology Unit code HPP2001 Credits12

Plus

12 credit points of Psychology Electives from the list below

Year 3

  • History, Theories and Practice of Psychology Unit code APP3034 Credits12
  • Research Methods in Psychology Unit code APP3035 Credits12
  • Clinical Aspects of Psychology Unit code APP3037 Credits12
  • Criminal Justice 3 Unit code ASL3001 Credits12
  • Sociology of Law Unit code ASS3009 Credits12
  • Youth and Community Industry Preparation Unit code ECY3003 Credits12
  • Youth and Community Industry Placement Unit code ECY3004 Credits12

Or

  • Psychological Issues in the Workplace Unit code APP3023 Credits12
  • Fieldwork Unit code APP3028 Credits12

Plus

12 credit points of Psychology Electives from the list below

Psychology Electives

  • Counselling Theory and Practice Unit code APP3015 Credits12
  • Group Behaviour Unit code APP3016 Credits12
  • Organisations and Work Unit code APP3018 Credits12
  • Psychobiology Unit code APP3019 Credits12
  • Psychoanalysis Unit code APP3020 Credits12
  • Relationship and Family Wellbeing Unit code APP3027 Credits12

Entry requirements

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, Human Services 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.

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.

Learning outcomes

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

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  1. Articulate and apply the principles of responsible, accountable and ethical practice required to work in a range of criminal justice and psychological professions;  
  2. Demonstrate a critical analysis and application of key theoretical areas in psychology and criminal justice;  
  3. Generate, organise and undertake research into relevant aspects of criminal justice and psychology;  
  4. Apply skills in independent research, theoretical analysis and critical evaluation in criminal justice and psychology;  
  5. Advocate, dispute and negotiate with professional competence using a range of well developed communication and interpersonal skills; and  
  6. Communicate clearly and effectively and in a socially and culturally responsible manner.  

Institution