Bachelor of Criminology

Victoria University

About

You'll learn to understand the motivations behind criminal acts and gain the knowledge and skills needed to help police, legal, and social-welfare organisations address the causes and results of criminal behaviour.

You'll study areas including:

policing and offending law crime forensic investigations.

Your strong foundation in law subjects will help you work effectively within the legal system.

A research project will teach you to apply your learning to cases and scenarios, preparing you for your career.

Structure

To attain the Bachelor of Criminology students will be required to complete 288 credit points consisting of:

  • 96 credit points of First Year Core Studies
  • 96 credit points of Professional Core Studies
  • 96 credit points of Minor Studies

Course structure and units

First Year

  • Australian Legal System in Context Unit code BLB1101 Credits12
  • Legal Research Methods Unit code BLB1114 Credits12
  • Introduction to Criminology Unit code LCR1001 Credits12
  • Policing and Offending Unit code LCR1002 Credits12
  • Crime and Inequality Unit code LCR1003 Credits12
  • Criminal Law Unit code LLW1001 Credits12
  • Criminal Investigation, Procedure and Sentencing Unit code LLW1002 Credits12
  • Legal Interpretation Unit code LLW1004 Credits12

Year 2

  • Corporate Crime Unit code LCR2001 Credits12
  • History of Criminal Law and Trials Unit code LCR2002 Credits12
  • Criminological Theory Unit code LCR2003 Credits12
  • Digital Criminology Unit code LCR2004 Credits12
  • Contemporary Issues in Criminology Unit code LCR3001 Credits12

12 credit points Minor 1 Unit 1

12 credit points Minor 1 Unit 2

12 credit points Minor 2 Unit 1

Year 3

  • Victims, Justice and the Law Unit code LCR3004 Credits12
  • Crime Research and Methods Unit code LCR3901 Credits12
  • Research Project Unit code LCR3902 Credits12

12 credit points Minor 1 Unit 3

12 credit points Minor 1 Unit 4

12 credit points Minor 2 Unit 2

12 credit points Minor 2 Unit 3

12 credit points Minor 2 Unit 4

Minors

  • Interpersonal Skills and Conflict Resolution Unit code LMIINT
  • International Security Unit code LMISEC
  • Psychology Unit code LMIPSY
  • Human Rights Unit code LMIHUM

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.

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. Integrate conceptual understanding of criminology research, theory and practice with advanced specialist bodies of knowledge such as law and criminology;  
  2. Exhibit expertise and professional judgement in the application of criminological concepts to issues of law, security and justice in contemporary society;  
  3. Adapt theoretical knowledge applicable to the discipline by critically analysing and applying information with initiative and judgement in order to both anticipate and creatively solve problems and promote justice in authentic/contemporary professional, community settings; (including those that require cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills)  
  4. Communicate effectively to present clear and coherent independent expositions of knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences;  
  5. Demonstrate personal and interpersonal competencies including organisational and collaborative skills necessary to operate within successfully in a team;  
  6. Exemplify professional ethics and accountabilities in their practice and a commit to ongoing professional development;  

Institution