Diploma of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Higher Education)
Course essentials
ATAR
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any English.
Minimum ATAR of 50
Entry requirements
Credit
Study mode
Online
Duration
Start dates
01 March 2027
19 July 2027
Locations
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Course overview
The course will prepare you for work in state and federal police, in courts and corrections, government departments and for work in community based agencies delivering criminal justice courses.
Through this course, you will learn to understand crime data, why crime rates and types vary in different countries and across remote, regional and urban settings. You’ll also learn to evaluate the effectiveness of different crime prevention strategies and policies, as well as develop a knowledge of criminal justice processes.
You will engage with debates about the interaction between the criminal justice system and groups in society who are overrepresented as victims, offenders or both. You will also consider the influence of factors such as disadvantage, ethnicity, aboriginality, disability, age and gender and the effect of these factors on access to justice.
Students in this course will develop the practical skills and knowledge to prepare them for work or further study. Assessments are informed by practical examples of the requirements of industry, practical experience in the field and presentations by those already in the field.
Nested qualifications
In addition to the 1-year Diploma of Criminology and Criminal Justice, there is also the option of completing a 2-year Associate Degree of Criminology and Criminal Justice or a 3-year Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, providing flexibility with your studies and career pathways. The Diploma and Associate Degree qualifications also enable you to recommence studies at a later date to complete your full Bachelor level degree. It’s a great way to develop your knowledge and qualifications as you develop your career.
These courses were developed in consultation from students, justice and community based agencies.
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Humanities and Social Sciences
Course co-ordinator
Mt Helen (on campus) - Cassie Pedersen
Career paths
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
Commonwealth Supported Places are subsidised by the Australian Government. The tuition fee is called the student contribution amount. The indicative fee above is based on a typical first-year enrolment for this course and should be used as a guide only. For 0.5 EFTSL (60 credit point) courses the certificate fee is displayed. Your fee will depend on the units you chose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.
How it's calculated
The government sets the fee each year. The amount depends on the discipline area and band of each unit. 2026 annual student contribution amounts for 1 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) range from $4,738 (Band 1) to $17,399 (Band 4). The sample course structure below link to the EFTSL, Band and fee for each unit or you can use our unit search to find these details.
Other fees
You will also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Fee assistance
If you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan, you can defer the payment of all or part of your student contribution fee. If you’re also eligible for a SA-HELP loan, you can defer your SSAF payment too. You won’t have to start paying either loan back until your income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Semester 2, 2026
20 July 2026
Locations
Berwick (on campus)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Semester 1, 2027
1 March 2027
Locations
Berwick (on campus)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Semester 2, 2027
19 July 2027
Locations
Berwick (on campus)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Information
- Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat. Testing.
- Online learning is only an option if you’re not studying on an international student visa. Testing
Contact hours
You’d be looking at about 25-30 hours per week (if you’re full time), but this includes on-campus classes and self-directed study (i.e. homework).
Sample course structure
Here’s what the course structure could look like. It’s just an example (so don’t use it for enrolment). Interested in the details? You can find current course structure or select a single unit name below to find out what it’s about and how much it costs.
- Understanding University Learning15 credit pointsATSGC1369
- Crime to Punishment: Processes and Institutions15 credit pointsCRJUS1285
- Crime in Contemporary Contexts15 credit pointsCRJUS1286
Electives
- Explanations of Crime15 credit pointsCRJUS1287
- Crime Prevention, Reduction and Control15 credit pointsCRJUS2475
Electives
Entry requirements
Entry requirements (year 12)
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any English.
Minimum ATAR of 50
Entry requirements (non year 12)
Admission criteria for applicants with a Higher Education Study
Compulsory: Previous higher education studies with results at a pass level, including any 'single subjects of study', or successful completion of a tertiary preparatory course such as the Federation Access Studies (FAST).
Admission criteria for applications with a Vocational Education and Training study
Compulsory: Successful completion of a relevant VET qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
Admission criteria for applications with work and life experience
Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience in a justice- or community and human services-related field, completed within the last 10 years. Applicants must also successfully achieve a score of at least 70% on a literacy test provided by the University. Applicants who do not meet these criteria should consider a pathway course such as the Federation Access Studies (FAST).
How you apply will depend on your current situation – school leaver, tertiary background or life experience – and whether you’re also applying for courses at other institutions. Visit our how to apply page to find out more.
Ready to fill out your application? You might need these codes:
- VTAC application
- Yes
- VTAC code
- 3701812051 - Berwick (on campus)
3700712051 - Gippsland (on campus)
3700512051 - Mt Helen (on campus)
3700812051 - Online - Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- HK1
The Diploma of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Higher Education) is nested within the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice. The Diploma is a direct pathway to either the Associate Degree of Criminology and Criminal Justice or the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice.